[pct-l] Two thru hikers rescued from San Jacintos?

[Ernie Castillo]

Ned promotes awareness, survival skills, knowing your limits, and being prepared. I don't think it's fair to even suggest his advice even remotely contributed to this situation.
I read the article and it doesn't appear that the start date was the issue.
On my 1980 thru-hike, there were times I was "slightly off trail" and even once when I was without water.
But I never panicked. I didn't have a cell phone, of course, 31 years ago but even if I had I would not have hit the panic button.
 
I'll say it again: Be careful out there. 
 
I'm not going to judge these 2 hikers but the area they were in, even with "rugged terrain and steep drop-offs" is mild compared to what lies ahead, in my humble opinion.
 
Oh, by the way, GMC trio hiked up the Devil's Slide Trail from Idylwild, got caught in a blizzard, and simply pitched tents and rode out the storm. We got good at this, starting from the first time we had to ride out a storm around Mount Laguna.

Ernie Castillo

PCT Class of 1980 and a March starter

 
> Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:56:58 -0700
> From: pctlist at gmail.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Two thru hikers rescued from San Jacintos?
> 
> This different article says they were rescued at the 2,500' level on
> the Snow Canyon side. If they were low on food, it suggests they
> bailed north off trail before they could get to Idyllwild to resupply.
> Which also suggests lots of snow up their still.
> 
> Many assumptions there.
> 
> The promoting of early season departures, whether it's the "Artificial
> Day Zero" or Ned at Mtn Education promoting March start dates is
> asking for trouble. It's dangerous for most, not all, hikers and it
> shines a very negative light on us, the PCT community.
> 
> Someone is gonna get hurt.
> 
> Heres the article:
> http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/apr/27/lost-hikers-who-started-in-tijuana-rescued/
> 
> -postholer
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