[djf]

We're talking some serious remote and rugged territory here. Even trying to use a cell on I5, the Interstate Highway, the phone cuts in and out.

Once you're more than 15 miles from the highway or so, you might as well be on Mars.

I just don't understand why he didn't do everything possible to keep the fire going. Green pine wood thrown on a fire makes one heck of alot of smoke.

It is sad, and my heart goes out to the family, but it proves if you are going to do any kind of distance travelling in the Western US, you need to be prepared.

[PeteB570]

A small, well packed gym bag of basic survival items in the back of the car could have kept the whole family alive for 2 weeks. They might have been uncomfortable, cold and hungry but they all would be alive.

The snow was melting by the time they were found. If they had saved the gas and tires they could have saved themselves by driving out.

My kids were all taught to build a fire with a knife, metal match and material from the surrounding area by the time they were about 9.

It is funny to see a tenderfoot try and build a fire the first few time.