Oregon, it seems, has been making some people lost, stranded, and dead lately. There are some climbers lost (is that really the right word?) right now up on Mount Hood. The weather is not cooperating with rescue efforts--avalanche danger, winds gusting to 90mph, and a litany of storms on deck. My heart aches for the families of these climbers awaiting a break in the weather so their loved ones can descend. If they are hunkered down in snow caves, the VBM says they will be fine, but really, really hungry. These climbers did not do anything stupid. They just ended up where they did, up too high during a storm....or four.
There is much chatter these days around such events about legislating beacons for climbers, about making certain safety measures "mandatory" when people go on outdoor adventures. Or just go outdoors. We can't keep legislating safety. Seatbelts--ok. Stoplights, yes. Turn signals, yay! (oh yeah, except nobody uses those.) When people go into the outdoors to recreate, to adventure, to walk, for the love of corn, there is a certain risk inherent. That risk is called living on the Earth. It's dangerous. You could die. Climbers, hikers, river rats, everybody has to take certain precautions, make themselves smart and safe as they can. But things happen. Weather happens. Floods--they happen. Nature is not your friend. You can't be betrayed by it, or loved by it, or smiled down upon by it. You have to pay attention to it, take your cues from it, and go bravely or haphazardly or however you go right on into it. You take responsibility for yourself and your companions and you make wise decisions about what you do out there. After that, what good does legislation do?
14 comments:
I beg to differ about whether these hikers didn't do anything stupid. They elected to climb a snow-covered mountain in winter, an activity with known and very real risks. That seems ill-advised and, to me, stupid. It's not unlike electing to swim in an area where sharks are prevalent (another dangerous aspect of nature). Just because you can tempt nature (and fate) doesn't mean you should.
Old Anonymous up there is beggin' for me to pull the tab on a can of cyber-whoopass. But, I shall refrain. Zetta, your point is valid, well-said, and ought to be heeded by anyone whoes proclivities toward recreation involve the out-of-doors. The point put forward by Anonymous is also valid, though stunted and narrow. Not to mention that it seems they missed the point entirely. If we all heed the above, then we should all certainly just sit in front of our TVs and languish into oblivion so that we don't get stuck on a mountain. Is what those climbers did stupid? No. A calculated risk that is taken by thousands of climbers in all ranges of experience and ability every year with varying consequences? Yes. If one chooses to view the choices these climbers made as "stupid", then I would urge one to stand at the trailhead and greet every climber that comes down safely with a harty "Gee, you're stupid".
That is all.
One of the worst winter storms in record. This storm was going on for a few weeks before these climbers (from other states) decided to climb up Mt. Hood. A smart climber knows to check the weather forecast. I fully agree with taking risks. I also think that the climbers' families should foot the bill for the rescue attempts (be they successful or not).
This storm was certainly not going on for a few weeks before these climbers chose to climb. I know, because I live up there. Storms do not last for weeks, by the way. Also, this post isn't about whether or not the climbers were negligent--and I don't think they were. This post is about the things people say about making rules when things like this happen.
I vote for no new rules because of such incidents. Let the herd be thinned!!!!
. . .some more about this. But, he didn't want to clog Zetta's space with it. So, it's here - brainlumber.blogspot.com
That is all. . .for reals.
You know what? Never mind. I could have spent the last 11 minutes daydreaming about good things like summer, making out, and chocolate. Instead I wasted that time getting all worked up about the willful ignorance of someone I may not even know. Pah! Serves me right.
And, Zetta, I apologize for antangonizing.
>>Storms do not last for weeks, by the way.>>
There's a storm on Jupiter that's been goin' on for centuries. That's scientific fact.
Sigh.
Earthly storms, JimmySam.
Legistlators legislate when they want the masses to feel like something is being done. But being a lazy lot, I doubt anything will come to pass. How would they enforce such legislature anyway - except for a good ol' "told ya so" when something bad happens.
Comparative perspective:
http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/4156-Heartless-Enter-at-your-own-risk.html
Stupid or experienced?
You decide:
<< Evidently, the subject did not have overnight survival gear and was not carrying any communications devices, such as a cell phone or a Mountain Locator Unit (MLU) transmitter. A MLU is a device that, when activated, sends a signal that rescuers can use to help find the subject on Mount Hood. It is available for a $5 rental fee at Portland-area outdoor shops and the Mount Hood Inn.>>
source: http://www.pmru.org/pressroom/headlines/hoodsnowshoe030303.html
$5 ?!!
utoledo, get a better news source. Kelly James had a cell phone. Grind your axe elsewhere.
Also, utoledo, for the record, a beacon wouldn't do anyone an iota of good throughout this drama, because IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO THE SUMMIT due to weather conditions. And, since you are so good at googling everything Mount Hood, you should know that those climbers were on the other side of the mountain from where you get the 5$ beacons which would have done no good anyway.
Get a clue.
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