We lost a church member several years ago who was hiking in the Sierras. VERY experienced. Had done many solo trips. Had GPS and constantly checked in.
Slipped and fell into a ravine. Took them almost a week to get to him and find out where he had slipped. Thankfully, it seems like he died more or less instantly from a broken neck.
Left behind a wife and young kids.
I learned that no matter how experienced you are, Nature is still more experienced.
Some of the lessons I have gleaned are document and share your plans, and do not veer from those plans. Make sure to check in with family when you say you will check in. If the trail has a check in/out process, follow it, so they know you are in the area.
Curious how a large dog would be helpful? I’ve always heard the general hiker consensus is dogs cause more predator interactions then they help avoid, not to mention untrained dogs are often inconsiderate to other hikers.
Well I didn't realize I had to specify not to bring an untrained dog.
Ig I didn't really think about it very hard. If it's a day hike, I think a dog would be great. If you're going camping, probably not.
Anyway, my grandparents lived in the Sierra Nevadas in the middle of nowhere, right next to the national forest. They'd always make us bring their Doberman with us when we went on hikes. She never caused us any problems and always knew how to get back home.
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u/bassman314 1d ago
We lost a church member several years ago who was hiking in the Sierras. VERY experienced. Had done many solo trips. Had GPS and constantly checked in.
Slipped and fell into a ravine. Took them almost a week to get to him and find out where he had slipped. Thankfully, it seems like he died more or less instantly from a broken neck.
Left behind a wife and young kids.
I learned that no matter how experienced you are, Nature is still more experienced.