Goodness
In before the it was their fault and they were stupid and put rescuers at risk and needed to die comments
I was just in Wrightwood yesterday, hiking. I had to call the hike at Blue Ridge after an hour due to HEAVY snow and ice. I took a step and was hip deep in snow after about 2 miles. What a PITA. Prayers up for the victims.
I'd shorten that to...
"it was their fault and they were stupid and put rescuers at risk"
From the article:
"A group of 10 hikers in their 50s and 60s were traversing a path called the Little Jimmy Trail at an elevation of about 7,000 feet when cold, snowy conditions caused half the party to fall down a 70-degree slope,.."
What they heck were they doing hiking in a mountainous or even hilly area in that kind of weather??
They could have waited until June to do this hike.
I hope that these were experienced hikers and not a bunch of old geezers imitating all of those TV commercials that show decrepit old geezers doing stuff more suited to 22 yr olds. A 70 degree slope? Shite!
What gear and techniques do you suppose would be appropriate for the conditions? Any evidence of a qualified Alpine Guide?
11 minutes before your prediction came true.
I’m a hiker and part of the thrill is knowing that you are one misstep away from injury or even death. It forces you to focus on the here and now and all your other worldly troubles no longer seem significant. I especially like winter hiking where there is little margin for error. I like to hike alone however. People think it’s overall safer to hike in groups but I think group hiking has peer pressure and forces some to take risks they would not take alone, so that they don’t slow down the group or otherwise appear weak. When I’m hiking alone, I’m responsible for myself only and I concentrate only on what I am doing.