--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "bryan burke"
wrote:
> First, never count on rescue from an external source. While I have a high regard for the
Coast Guard and the Air Force PJs, I can't say the same for the average county SAR team,
unless you happen to crash in Yosemite National Park. Most SAR teams are just like the
people they are going after: fat, out of shape, and none too skilled.
I know members of SAR teams in areas where I hike or ride. They are generally locals who
know every nook and cranny of the area and have been there. They may not be particularly
skilled when it comes to things like first responder medical assistance and such, and
certainly they're not master athletes or anything (most are older people who work for
themselves), but if you're in a reasonable location (i.e. on or near a trail), and they have a
fix on your general area from a PLB, they'll find you and if they can't provide assistance
themselves, will be able to get people to you who can.
> While traveling with a partner or two is nice, the fact is that if you are adventurous, you
can't wait for other people to get the gear, skills, and time to go on trips or you'll never
get them done. So don't be intimidated by solo travel, but respect the risks.
Indeed. I went over Steele Pass (in Death Valley National Park) in my Jeep and met a
caravan coming up-canyon. The leader asked me about conditions (they were fine on that
day, no ice or snow on the road, no new washouts or anything that would present a
problem for his vehicles), and then asked, curious, "are you alone?" I replied "Yes." He said
"That's sort of dangerous." I shrugged. "Not in this vehicle", I said (note that I had a week's
water and food as well as full camping gear), "besides there's someone a couple of hours
behind me who could provide assistance if I had broken down." But the deal is, I did not
stray from the "main" trails (there were side trails I would have liked to investigate, I
avoided the temptation), it was a holiday period when I knew there was a lot of people
traversing the area, I had gotten the current weather conditions and predictions from the
ranger station before setting out on that two-day excursion through Saline Valley, so I
accepted the (relatively minimal) risks. No PLB, btw. Not necessary.
> When I'm riding remote areas I always plan to walk up to 50 miles out and carry
appropriate water and gear. For example, I ride in hiking boots with a steel toe, wearing
With me it's 6 miles. That means I don't ride really remote areas solo. (Shrug). I can live
with that.
> In my own opinion, our culture of safety has gotten a little out of hand. People seem to
think rescue is just the touch of a button away, but it just isn't so. For example, I'm sure
the Reverend could tell you exactly why his helicopter won't launch on a mere cell phone
call.
Indeed. Which is why I was amused at the caravan leader asking me "isn't that dangerous?
". Because I'd taken every precaution to minimize the risk, and accepted the risk
remaining. But not having rescue immediately available (from his caravan-mates) was
something that simply appalled him....
-E