[pct-l] I'm Fine--Lost PCT Thru Hiker is FOUND

[Mark Liechty]

On Nov 19, 2012, at 2:06 PM, Reinhold Metzger wrote:
> Statements like..."Ooohhh,.... the trail is so safe"...."You have  nothing to fear" only causes inexperienced hikers to lower their guard  and be less prepared.

> That is probably the main reason for the dramatic increase in SAR rescue  missions and I would not at all be surprised if an expert SAR member  like Ned would agree with that.
> ######

Was trying to come up with words to this effect but my standing in this group does not quite let me say it with as much authority.

Almost every environment can be made safe ... or more dangerous .... depending on the preparation of the participant.  Both mental and physical barriers can impact people at all skill levels and change from trip to trip.

I often wonder how many of those who get off the train in the first couple hundred miles would have ended up dead, or worse, if the start of the trail was in the snow isolated mountains.   Or if the first part of the trail was started in June as opposed to march\April.  

My life consists of a LOT of time with people who have less than 20 nights of camping (Scouts).   We set them up for success and sometimes that success = semi-planned fails when they do not have right gear.   Often times the solutions to those failures are comforting words about what was done "wrong" and how to fix for the next time.

As we enter the winter we must remember that the Cold has no friends.  It does not care about us in the slightest and while we can wave our magic fire sticks it can blow them out or douse our hopes with the next storefront.

Thanks again to all of the on-going lessons.  You have helped others who may never see Mexico and Canada in the same year.

Now, where is that Jack London book.  I need to learn about how "To Build a Fire"



Mark "Blankie" Liechty