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Missing hikers in the news.
sevmom
8918 replies64 threads Senior Member
in Parent Cafe
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Replies to: Missing hikers in the news.
One story I heard about recently was about a wife and her dog disappearing while the husband turned around his vehicle. I’m afraid we’re going to find out the husband had something to do with it. I hope they find her.
My click bait newsfeed told me this morning that she & her dog were found & are doing well.
Initial report is she took off when a man with a knife approached her & threatened her with rape. The report I read said she was taking a bathroom break while her husband moved the car from their remote camp site.
When she fled from the man, she was wary of getting on any of the main roads for fear of running into him again, yet wasn’t sure how to get found (by S&R).
If you are concerned about your kid hikers, consider buying them a Spot and subscription service — something most young people could not afford or would not prioritize.
If they run into trouble on the trail, they can send a signal. You can get them at REI. You will worry less! Maybe?
And....bear spray. Not only good for bears, but good for loose dogs when one is walking their own dog, & good against bad humans too.
I subscribe to Facebook groups of hikers in the Sierra. There are a dozen or more reports of missing hikers every hiking season up there. Sadly, most are falls off the cliffs or drownings. In the many years I have been following missing hiker reports I have seen no other cases of violent attacks by other campers or hikers.
Agreed. Not sure her story passes the smell test.
Seems like the authorities who “have seen it all” usually get to the bottom of things.
Definitely raises some questions. Like
- she had a small dog on a leash. Unless that's a perfectly trained dog and it's used to running top speed glued to her side without tripping her or veering slightly and entangling the leash seems unlikely she'd be very effective at running away to escape.
- S&R has been combing that area. She ran so far and hid so well she couldn't hear any of them calling/searching?
Just like the Jussie Smollet thing (he ran how far with a noose around his neck? He didn't even take the noose off once he was safe?), this one just sounds odd. Could be legit, but sounds off at first.
For most of humanity, people have been hiking without connectivity and modern day conveniences and products.
Here is a website with good advice, especially leaving behind a proper hiking plan with someone trustworthy.
"to leave your plan
Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.
Your hike begins before you reach the trail. It's important that you research, write down and distribute your plan before you leave. This plan should include the following details:
Hike start date and time.
Hike return date and time. You should give yourself a cushion so emergency services aren't called if you're a little late.
Location including trailhead names and connectors.
Turn around point(s).
GPS coordinates.
How many people are in your hiking party, their names, ages and any unique factors (medications taken, chronic diseases such as diabetes, or disabilities).
Equipment, gear and the amount of food and water you have with you.
Description of clothing individuals are wearing.
Whether you're hiking with an animals, such as a dog - if so, give the name and description.
A photo of the bottom of your hiking boot.
Emergency plans.
You should discuss the plan and leave a copy of the plan with someone who is reliable, and who knows how, when and why to contact the authorities. If your plan changes, make sure you inform this person."
http://hikesafe.com/the-code/
My kids are risk takers, I'm not. Their hiking doesn't bother me as much as the back country skiing one kid does with avalanche gear.
We knew it might hit us, and everyone was prepared. What struck me about that particular day was how quickly the well-worn trail was covered in snow. We all knew the area, so it was no big deal, but it served as a good reminder to be prepared for getting lost.
It’s so easy to rely on following the trail one can see clearly with one’s eyes, until weather conditions (or darkness) prevent it.
REI & NOLS have a very nice selection of courses to prepare oneself for backcountry first aid & orienteering without electronics.