[pct-l] Mr. Donovan

[David Thibault]

As a solo hiker myself I have to say I always feel this is the biggest
danger and I try to be extra aware of this.  When conditions get iffy I try
to become very aware of the "am I making stupid decisions"  or "if I get a
bit colder will it be too cold - will I lose the ability to physically or
mentally do what I need to."

Hypothermia can rob you of your ability to think and to act - you have to
address the issues before it gets to that condition.

I remember doing a winter hike as a boy scout, years ago, attempting to
start a stove - I was looking at my fingers and commanding them to do stuff
and they just wouldn't do it.  Luckily I was with a big group and it was no
problem but I always think back on that experience when conditions get bad
and I'm alone.  I'm not always sure I will make the right decision, but the
concerns about how the body reacts to Hypothermia are (and should be)
forefront in the mind.  Once you hit that tipping point - it goes downhill
very fast - I bet most people in that situation can watch it happen to
themselves, be aware it is happening, and not do anything about it.

One nice thing about a thru hike is that you get in such good shape you can
walk yourself out of a lot of problems a day hiker could not.  During bad
weather in Washington this past year, I knew if I needed to I could always
hike a 40 mile day if I absolutely had too and get to town.  On my last day
into Stehekin this year I woke up with that exact plan.  But by late
afternoon the sun came out (after about 5 days of rain) and I was able to
start a fire and dry out all my gear and was able to spend a pleasant and
relaxing night on the trail.  If the rain had continued it would have been a
long hard day but I was physically able to do it.  Wish I could say the same
right now (but I've got too much time sitting in a cubical for that to be
currently possible).  And for about the 5th time I am rethinking my gear
choices to better handle the conditions (constantly learning and
adjusting).  Is there a prefect fool proof rain/cold whether gear system? -
each one is better than the one before but I still haven't stumbled across
it yet - maybe someday I'll find it.

Day-Late


------------------------------
>
> From: "dsaufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Mr. Donovan
> To: "'Don Billings'" <dbillings803 at yahoo.com>,  <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <000901ca9ed3$b9163990$2b42acb0$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"
>
> One of the symptoms of hypothermia is making irrational decisions.  Copied
> from the Mayo Clinic website:
>
> "Symtoms of Hypothermia in Adults:
>
>        Shivering
>        Clumsiness or lack of coordination
>        Slurred speech or mumbling
>        Stumbling
>        Confusion or difficulty thinking
>        Poor decision making, such as trying to remove warm clothes
>        Drowsiness or very low energy
>        Apathy, or lack of concern about one's condition
>        Progressive loss of consciousness
>        Weak pulse
>        Shallow breathing
>
> A person with hypothermia usually isn't aware of his or her condition,
> because the symptoms often begin gradually and because the confused
> thinking
> associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness."
>
> L-Rod
>
> -.
>