Probably not the right decision
Well that sums up it up. This open letter is in response to a current TR here: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... =1&t=11138" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;it was the best trip of life
Don’t want to come across as being harsh, the OP made some poor
decisions, to the point of being reckless. The decision to embark on a trip into
the backcountry on a bum knee is reckless, and then the friend suffering from
a serious foot problem should have had them bail much, much earlier. Sure they
all made it out okay, this time, but the OP fails to mentioned any lessons
learned from this experience, but rather finishes by saying "it was the best
trip of my life".
I hope this trip does not embolden the OP, or anyone else reading this TR, to
make such reckless decisions in the future. When embarking on these trips one
needs to have awareness and make calculated decisions, its not only about
you, your decisions impact your wife, kids, family, and friends, they all suffer if
you don’t. Not to mention the SAR folks who put their lives on the line looking
for you and extracting you from the backcountry.
There are new members on this forum who read these TR’s which was my main
motivation in posting this as an open letter, as opposed to a PM or attaching it to
the existing TR. Going in to the backcountry injured is not okay or cool, the OP
lucked out this time, but no one should count on this kind of outcome every time.
In 2012-13 season several people lost their lives in the Sierra Nevada, all
considered seasoned backcountry hikers/backpackers/climbers, some were
members of different forums like Summitpost and Supertopo. Those of you who
have been members or have been lurking here for less than a year may not be
aware that we here at HST also lost a friend, and long time member Larry Conn
while he was out backpacking in the Taboose Pass region of Kings Canyon:
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... 537#p62198" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Which consequently lead HST members to plan a major search effort for him in
the following year to look for his remains:
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... rch#p65080" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That tragedy has had a long lasting effect on many HST members, it has changed
the ways some folks now approach going into the backcountry, it also made them
reaccess their decision making process when it comes to safety. When it happens
to one of your own, it really make you re-evaluate a lot of things in your life.
So please do not fall prey to the false belief that nothing can or will happen to
you, many folks before us with much more experienced have perished in the
mountains. As a member of HST, and person who not only genuinely cares about
the safety and well being of its members, but also that you all enjoy your Sierra
experience to the fullest, I hope you heed this simple cautioning, and have a
wonderful summer season.
Mother nature doesn’t keep count on how many times you cheat death only the
human ego does.
PS Please use the HST Reconn Form: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... =1&t=10192" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;