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View Full Version : 362-pound Oregon hiker rescued on Appalachian Trail - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com



WhiteBlaze
04-29-2008, 13:30
<table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7><tr><td valign=top class=j><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><br><div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1"></div><div class=lh><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D8243707&cid=0&ei=HlsXSMuSKpG2lgSgx5CVDg&usg=AFrqEzd3zbrNJSgm7j-dUTmDBaZEpBr8Ww">362-pound Oregon hiker rescued on <b>Appalachian Trail</b></a><br><font size=-1><font color=#6f6f6f>WREG,&nbsp;TN&nbsp;-</font> <nobr>26 minutes ago</nobr></font><br><font size=-1>(AP) - A 362-pound hiker from Oregon became ill while hiking the <b>Appalachian Trail</b> and had to be rescued. Greeneville Emergency and Rescue Squad member <b>...</b></font></div></font></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D8243707&cid=0&ei=HlsXSMuSKpG2lgSgx5CVDg&usg=AFrqEzd3zbrNJSgm7j-dUTmDBaZEpBr8Ww)

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-29-2008, 13:33
More detailed story (http://greenevillesun.com/story/294759)

Dances with Mice
04-29-2008, 13:34
Ayers says they had a mule standing by in case the terrain proved too rough for all-terrain vehicles.

Sieja told rescuers he was "just tired" and did not want to go to the hospital. Instead, they took him to Hot Springs, N.C., which was hosting its annual "Trailfest" celebration.
You know that was one grateful mule.

It just sounds like a rather elaborate way to hitch a ride to Trailfest.

bulldog49
04-29-2008, 13:38
In the words of Dean Wormer "Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son!" :-?

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 14:18
This situation re: the hiker from Oregon is extreme, but if you know of someone who would like to truly enjoy hiking, but needs to do a little prep work first, feel free to share this link (http://www.shaklee.net/trailblazers/product/CinchStarterKits) with them. Or just explore the other pages at this site, and we will do our best to find the right way to get the products to you, even if you are already on the trail. For more information, and to recommend some really great people along the A. T. corridor that you want to reward for their investment in our lives, please send me your ideas. I want to grow the network so fast that folks that have already reached NC on their way to ME can have what they need before they reach VA. Please help spread the word, so we can help others avoid this sad occurence.

wilconow
04-29-2008, 14:24
Vanilla shake mix products would've helped this guy?

Creek Dancer
04-29-2008, 14:26
sniff...Is that spam I smell???

jesse
04-29-2008, 14:31
What was this guy thinking? Did he come right off the couch onto the trail.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 14:43
Vanilla shake mix products would've helped this guy?

Reasonable question. No, not by themselves. This guy needed more. Lot's more. Or less, in actuality. The key here is the nutrition behind the product. The goal is to create health, and figurately speaking, some hikers just need to do a section hike a couple of times a month to reach their goal, while others are as far from true health as the length of the entire A. T. That may seem confusing, but I think you get my point.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 14:47
sniff...Is that spam I smell???

It may just appear to be a sales pitch, but my goal is to provide for hikers like myself, and to create a network that rewards those who show kindness to them along the way to Springer or Katahdin, or along any section along the way. Sorry for any thing that causes a conflict, but I hope you don't nip it in the bud, before all the facts are presented.

wilconow
04-29-2008, 14:50
Well, a couple google searches reveals that Shaklee is similiar to Amway. It's Multilevel marketing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaklee_Corporation
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-14896030.html

Let's hope that's more AT related articles are not polluted with this spam

Mags
04-29-2008, 14:51
Hmmm... :-?


Lots of fruit, veggies, whole grains and lean meat coupled with regular exercise would be the ticket. Not sports shakes.

I suggest he read this link (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=184425#post184425)instead. More useful.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 14:52
What was this guy thinking? Did he come right off the couch onto the trail.

Maybe, but maybe not. Some people have thyroid issues, but still want to enjoy the things we all enjoy. Bear in mind that some high stress types can be very thin, but have very high negative cholesterol and high blood pressure, and actually be much more unhealthy than some overweight people who handle stress properly. Weight is just one part of the total picture of health.

ChinMusic
04-29-2008, 14:54
How close was he to the Walnut Mountain Shelter.........:-?

Tabasco
04-29-2008, 14:58
That makes about 10 pitches for shaklee products in various threads.

Enough with the spam.

musicwoman
04-29-2008, 14:59
Trailblazer, I believe WhiteBlaze has certain criteria regarding individuals advertising products here, perhaps you should contact the admin before you continue plugging your website.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 15:04
"I suggest he read this link (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=184425#post184425)instead. More useful."

Perhaps useful, however, it is not my intent to debate what many athletes have already concluded, with much more validity than my own experience. No one reasonable would doubt the value of the article you recommended, and the things it encourages. Neither would I. Perhaps digital communication is not the best way to dialogue, since it is largely based on presuppositions that may or may or not be true. What is it about discussions regarding a product that lead to a mistrust of a person? Is that the heart and soul of this trailblazing communty? Perhaps those most vocal about some of this speak for the majority, but maybe not.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-29-2008, 15:05
Spamming the board is not allowed and can result in being placed on moderated post status or banning per the TOS #12 (http://whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=agreement)

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 15:10
AT Troll closed an email to me with the following:
www.whiteblaze.net (http://www.whiteblaze.net/) - An internet site to share ideas, experiences and trail
knowledge. Come visit a growing community of AT enthusiasts.

If these ideas are a cause of conflict, then I digress. That is not my goal, and the products are not the main feature of the goal I had to make the A. T. corridor a key part of Operation HOPE - a tool to Help Other People Endure and Enjoy life.

'Nuf said.

Hana_Hanger
04-29-2008, 15:12
You all should be ashamed...give the guy credit for hiking and getting out there.

Tabasco
04-29-2008, 15:13
well, I for one HOPE you quit spamming us with your MLM postings.

Also, 'nuf said.....

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 15:17
"Spamming the board is not allowed and can result in being placed on moderated post status or banning per the TOS #12 (http://whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=agreement)."

<!-- / message -->Thank you for pointing me in the direction of this document. I had not been directed to that set of rules prior to posting, and I accept responsibility for my lack of research regarding this. The offense was not intentional, and I apologize.

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 15:19
"Spamming the board is not allowed and can result in being placed on moderated post status or banning per the TOS #12 (http://whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=agreement)."

<!-- / message -->Thank you for pointing me in the direction of this document. I had not been directed to that set of rules prior to posting, and I accept responsibility for my lack of research regarding this. The offense was not intentional, and I apologize.

Now you know and it's all good. Welcome to WB. :welcome

jesse
04-29-2008, 15:24
You all should be ashamed...give the guy credit for hiking and getting out there.


He was out of shape, and should have known better. His friends should have known better. Foolish if you ask me.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 15:26
"well, I for one HOPE you quit spamming us with your MLM postings. Also, 'nuf said....."

Mocking doesn't accomplish anything, digitally, or in person. But you can see my response to Frolicking Dinosaurs, since I need to provide an answer to your remark. I will not justify my actions any further.

"You all should be ashamed...give the guy credit for hiking and getting out there."
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Thank you for being a peacemaker, Hana. I am sure you are a true blessing to those who have the privilege of knowing you. But I accept my responsibility for my part in this conflict, and am not afraid to say that I did not set the best example for others who may join afterwards who may distract WhiteBlaze.net from its priority.

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 15:31
Hey, Tabasco, let's find a different line of conversation, since the other is already closed. Nice shot on Blood Mountain. I've been up their once a few years ago. Was it part of the a section hike, or what?

Lone Wolf
04-29-2008, 15:34
Amway stuff is much better

Hana_Hanger
04-29-2008, 15:35
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=598

All I am saying is there have been many overweight hikers who get out there...me including...as well as Big Red!
In the photos some of those who were there for the rescue looked as big as he did.
Just that we should not make fun of someone who is trying to better them self...and no one here knows what or how much he did to prepare himself in advance.
That's all :)

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-29-2008, 15:42
Another overweight hiker here who also has some health problems and a bit of age on her. However, it does sound like this fellow didn't properly prepare for the hike - meaning he didn't do any shorter test hikes to see what he could reasonably plan to do.

HugeHill
04-29-2008, 15:44
Yeah I give him credit for trying to turn his life around. But the guy has to think a bit. He put a lot of people through a lot of trouble (and even some danger) because he got into a situation for which he was woefully unprepared. And it should've been evident to him from the getgo that he was out of his element. It's one thing to slip and fall breaking your leg on the trail, it's another thing to swing a rock around on a rope until it inevitably breaks your leg and expect rescue.

mudhead
04-29-2008, 15:51
Seems like he should have been deposited at the hospital or billed.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 16:34
How close was he to the Walnut Mountain Shelter.........:-?
Miles away. He would have had to go through Hot Springs to get there.

I notice that he didn't need to go to the hospital - he was just tired.

Grumpy5280
04-29-2008, 16:35
Stupid is as stupid does...

Why should we congratulate anyone for "getting out there," when he put others in danger?!

No, he should be shamed for his foolishness and lack of judgment.:mad:

I would heap hosannas and props to him had he instead dropped a hundred pounds by walking 2 miles around a track everyday for 6 months. Or, deciding to binge on walking, made an attempt to walk 1000 times around a track without quitting (within gurney distance from an ambulance in a parking lot).

I'm not saying the guy shouldn't have set a stiff goal for himself, but the fact that he didn't feel he needed to go to a hospital proves the point of his foolishness. He wasn't hurt, just tired.

And so he made use of the charity, experience, and skill of the volunteer rescue squads to get him out of his pickle.

Like the boy crying wolf, will the next hiker that needs REAL help from the volunteers be so well served, or might they be just a bit skeptical..."yeah, that guy's probly just tuckered out and wants a ride down the mountain, just like that lardass from Oregon."

The craziness! Those rescue guys should have given him a taxi bill!!! I'd say about $500 would do it.....

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 16:44
Some WhiteBlazers should be going through that area this week. Maybe some of them ran into this guy.

orangebug
04-29-2008, 16:47
... Maybe some of them ran into this guy.I hope they went around him. :rolleyes:

At least no one has made any disparaging comments about the use of a cell phone to summon assistance. My suspicion is that there was a bit more going on than fatigue and a bit less going on cognitively for this guy, who they were nicely careful to avoid photographing in a visibly identifying way.

woodsy
04-29-2008, 16:48
Good rescue training, but I would have called in Air National Guard for someone that size and just pluck him outta there.:rolleyes::D
Oh,and send him the bill.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 16:56
I just looked on my map - it is only like 1.7 miles from the road at Hurricane Gap to the shelter. He also didn't need a hospital.

This is less of a "rescue" and more of a bail-out.

woodsy
04-29-2008, 17:03
I just looked on my map - it is only like 1.7 miles from the road at Hurricane Gap to the shelter. He also didn't need a hospital.

This is less of a "rescue" and more of a bail-out.
I see;)

MOWGLI
04-29-2008, 17:05
I've heard of Monday Morning Quarterbacks. But it's Tuesday Afternoon. Is this a case of the Moody Blues?

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 17:09
More like unemployment.

envirodiver
04-29-2008, 17:10
I've heard of Monday Morning Quarterbacks. But it's Tuesday Afternoon. Is this a case of the Moody Blues?

Saw them Friday before last at the Ryman Auditorium. Excellent show.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-29-2008, 17:22
More like unemployment.More like retirement :D

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 17:31
Omniscience is still lacking in those who know the most among us. Let's give the guy a break, and take a neutral approach, since neither we, nor he, had all of the facts, and be glad the guy is OK. The situation could have been much worse, for all involved. Compassion is a good approach, in any situation.

Hooch
04-29-2008, 17:52
Did anyone stop to think, if only for a second, that might have been Wild Cowboy? :rolleyes::eek::D

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 17:54
Did anyone stop to think, if only for a second, that might have been Wild Cowboy? :rolleyes::eek::D

That would explain why he was tired.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 17:55
naw, we saw pictures of him. Definitely not a 62 year old 362 pound man.

Hooch
04-29-2008, 18:05
naw, we saw pictures of him. Definitely not a 62 year old 362 pound man.Oh well, I tried. It was funny, if only for a couple minutes. :banana

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 18:09
I expected you to say:

With his re-supply plan, maybe he bulked up.

Hooch
04-29-2008, 18:15
I expected you to say:

With his re-supply plan, maybe he bulked up.With no time to eat in his 72 mile days, maybe that's what happens when you have an olive oil IV going.

CaseyB
04-29-2008, 18:17
Miles away. He would have had to go through Hot Springs to get there.

I notice that he didn't need to go to the hospital - he was just tired.

Chin Music's comment was a reference to the Walnut Mtn. 'bad bear' thread.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 18:21
Chin Music's comment was a reference to the Walnut Mtn. 'bad bear' thread.
I know - I got it too.

CaseyB
04-29-2008, 18:24
I know - I got it too.

Oh. I was operating under the assumption that most folks had been more productive than me today, and hadn't read that thread yet.:D This place did liven up after 5.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 19:10
Not directly related to either of the previous rescues, but here is another: http://www.theonion.com/content/video/plight_of_missing_hikers_will

Dang, things are getting dangerous.

rcli4
04-29-2008, 19:24
One of the things folks should think about, when they are having fun at this guys expense, what if he were having a heart attack? Do you know what it feels like? If you feel the fatigue this guy felt, will you keep walking into a deadly heart attack because you don't want to have the folks on whiteblaze laughing at ya? Something to think about.

Clyde

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 19:28
I don't think he had a heart attack. According to the article he did not need a hospital, just a hotel in Hot Springs.

Frosty
04-29-2008, 19:29
Shaklee is similiar to Amway. It's Multilevel marketingSo I can get some moisturizer with my shake?

rcli4
04-29-2008, 19:33
Rock, I know he didn't. My concern was for the next guy. The guy reading this thread that is in real trouble sometime in the future. Most folks would rather have an ass whippin rather than have rescue come and get them. Put public ridicule on top of that and someone could be in trouble. Just a thought

Clyde

Frosty
04-29-2008, 19:34
One of the things folks should think about, when they are having fun at this guys expense, what if he were having a heart attack?I don 't think people are having fun at his expense, just that a guy that heavy and out of shape would try hiking is amazing to a lot of us, and that some Amway guy is trying to see us smoothies as a result.

He said he wasn't hurt, and they didn't take him to the hospital. They took him to a hotel.

If he had had a heart attack, it would have been sad, but it would not been surprising.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 19:35
Rock, I know he didn't. My concern was for the next guy. The guy reading this thread that is in real trouble sometime in the future. Most folks would rather have an ass whippin rather than have rescue come and get them. Put public ridicule on top of that and someone could be in trouble. Just a thought

Clyde
Wow, I think you are way over thinking this. Someone with sever chest pain probably doesn't have "that thread on the internet" on his or her mind.

rcli4
04-29-2008, 19:36
If he had a heart attack all he needed was a Shakalee Shake.:D:D:D]

Clyde

mudhead
04-29-2008, 19:38
All the more reason he should have been examined at the H. The SAR guys don't deserve having to deal with some people. You ride out, you get checked out.



Course, they may have had fun.

sasquatch2014
04-29-2008, 19:39
Having been involved in search and rescue while living in Sheridan Wyoming there were times it was just fun to pull out all the toys and have some thing the practice on. This sounds to some degree what occurred in this case.

Yes you would assume that common sense would have kept the hiker from getting in this situation but alas common sense is often the least common thing possessed. He at least listened to his body saying stay put. At 62 he still has time to make the Darwin awards final round in the future.

Hooch
04-29-2008, 19:39
If he had a heart attack all he needed was a Shakalee Shake.:D:D:D]

ClydeGreat idea! Throw out MONA (morphine, oxygen, nitroglycerine, aspirin) and give folks having an MI Shaklee shakes. The cure for all ills.

rcli4
04-29-2008, 19:43
Wow, I think you are way over thinking this. Someone with sever chest pain probably doesn't have "that thread on the internet" on his or her mind.

I am not trying to stir the pot here. But your reply is exactly what I was talking about. Severe chest pain is only one possible symptom of heart attack. Severe fatigue is much more common. Chest pain just looks good on TV. Your left arm losing feeling or hurting is probably most common. A lot of folks get cramps in there fingers or toes.

Clyde
I am not a Doctor, just a heart attack survivor.

mudhead
04-29-2008, 19:44
Or jaw pain.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 19:45
Did you think of the internet?

taildragger
04-29-2008, 19:47
Did you think of the internet?

Every day. Whenever I hike, I always think of what people will write about me in their trailjournals or their blogs. Fortunately, I don't meet many people on the trails I hike that do such things :D

Hooch
04-29-2008, 19:50
I am not trying to stir the pot here. But your reply is exactly what I was talking about. Severe chest pain is only one possible symptom of heart attack. Severe fatigue is much more common. Chest pain just looks good on TV. Your left arm losing feeling or hurting is probably most common. A lot of folks get cramps in there fingers or toes.

Clyde
I am not a Doctor, just a heart attack survivor.Don't forget diaphoresis, feeling of iminent doom, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 19:53
If I have all that I don't think I will think of No Such A Thing As a Warraghiyagey (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=34922)

mudhead
04-29-2008, 19:54
Don't forget diaphoresis, feeling of iminent doom, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.

Glad you spelled that one. Not sure who dreamt up inpharkshion, but it must have been one odd bird.

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 19:57
Don't forget diaphoresis, feeling of iminent doom, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.

No erections lasting for more than four hours?

I get all those pharmaceutical commercials mixed up.

Hooch
04-29-2008, 20:01
Don't forget diaphoresis, feeling of iminent doom, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.Another symptom is the need to get a ride in to Hot Springs. :D


Glad you spelled that one. Not sure who dreamt up inpharkshion, but it must have been one odd bird.You mean infarction. ;)


No erections lasting for more than four hours?
If you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours and are not on a medication to get it that way, do not go to the ER or call your doctor. Put it to good use. :eek::banana

weary
04-29-2008, 20:03
I mostly hike alone and away from other folks these days. I don't want anyone to know how slow I've become. (Though a bit faster than anyone else I know my age.)

But having watched and in some cases been responsible for several people in their final months, there's something to be said for a quick exit.

Weary

rcli4
04-29-2008, 20:04
Did you think of the internet?

No. No I didn't. But are you willing to take the chance that the next guy won't? Have you read Jan Liteshoe's book about the Long Trail. I was her hiking partner. She tells in the book about me falling out on the way up Stratton Mountain. I rested a while (an hour?) and went on to the top. While I was laying there thinking about how stupid I was for pushing to hard I did think about what my friends on the net were going to think. But that was probably because Jan was with me and is one of those internet friends.

Clyde

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 20:09
No. No I didn't. But are you willing to take the chance that the next guy won't? Have you read Jan Liteshoe's book about the Long Trail. I was her hiking partner. She tells in the book about me falling out on the way up Stratton Mountain. I rested a while (an hour?) and went on to the top. While I was laying there thinking about how stupid I was for pushing to hard I did think about what my friends on the net were going to think. But that was probably because Jan was with me and is one of those internet friends.

ClydeActually, if you used that logic, we wouldn't even recommend that someone goes in the woods in case they get hurt. I don't think everyone should be afraid that this thread will suddenly endanger people on the trail because there is this slight chance that some guy that read it will decide not to call for help when he needs it because hooch made an erection joke.

Really, perspective.

I hate to say this, but you are way way over thinking this.

rcli4
04-29-2008, 20:10
If I have all that I don't think I will think of No Such A Thing As a Warraghiyagey (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=34922)

But you know you would be wondering where Mattewski was>:D:D:D:D

Clyde

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 20:13
And I made the erection joke. :D

rcli4
04-29-2008, 20:16
Really, perspective.

I hate to say this, but you are way way over thinking this.[/QUOTE]

Your right. You win. I was not meaning to offend you. A thread started to tell the story about an overweight hiker falling out on the trail just seemed like the right place to make people more aware of health issues. My bad. The fat SOB should have got up off his fat arse and walked out and had a shake and a viagra.:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

SGT Rock
04-29-2008, 20:19
You didn't offend me. Have a good one.

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 20:20
Your right. You win. I was not meaning to offend you. A thread started to tell the story about an overweight hiker falling out on the trail just seemed like the right place to make people more aware of health issues. My bad. The fat SOB should have got up off his fat arse and walked out and had a shake and a viagra.:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

It's all good Clyde. We(men especially)joke about it more than we should. Probably a fear defense.

Didn't mean to contribute to minimizing the dangers and warning signs. Education is good.

general
04-29-2008, 20:53
this happens more than one might think, really pisses search and rescue people off. at least they didn't have to tote him out on a litter. a note to future rescues, when they get you out of the woods, at least take a free ride to the hospital to be checked out. that way the search and rescue folks feel that they have done a good thing, and they can go home without knowing that there was nothing wrong, just tired.

taildragger
04-29-2008, 20:59
It's all good Clyde. We(men especially)joke about it more than we should. Probably a fear defense.

Didn't mean to contribute to minimizing the dangers and warning signs. Education is good.

Is that in regards to hiking or viagra :confused:

orangebug
04-29-2008, 21:05
We had another thread within the past two days of a hiker who suffered sudden fatigue and loss of muscle control while climbing a hill with a partner. That hiker rested and made their way out to the end of their trail.

That hiker asked for opinions and advice on how to procede with this event. A number of minor illnesses were posited (hypoglycemia and others) but with the common thread suggesting real world medical evaluation.

This thread has consisted of a news story and deliberately poor photograph about a morbidly obese hiker who was found by others, would/could not move further, and received evacuation while refusing medical care. Something seems odd that someone who would/could not evacuate himself would be able to ambulate the village of Hot Springs with relative ease. A nice spin on this is to suggest that a nice training exercise has occurred. Another opinion would suggest that this was an underprepared hiker who demanded a bailout at taxpayer's/volunteer's expense.

If another hiker chooses to worry about Internet bloggers second guessing a request for help under different circumstances (not morbidly obese, prepared for hiking, experiencing symptoms suggesting systemic disease, unable to self evacuate, etc.), then consequences will befall to that hiker who is unable to resolve that problem. Probably 98%+ of Whiteblaze readers understand the tacit assumption of self responsibility for choosing to participate in our sport.

We have no way of knowing if this man has that awareness. As he has wisely elected not to be easily identified, I hope he has gotten something out of his 15 minutes of fame. I can't imagine that he has succeeded at avoiding some embarrassment from this event.

woodsy
04-29-2008, 21:38
Occasionally, a heavier than normal(or even real heavy) person needs rescuing out there in the hinterlands. They sometimes go out on their own but usually get there with some coaching from friends or relatives, then can't make it back.
As this short media story shows, the rescue people thought it through well enough to consider having a mule for the job if all else failed.
I posted a rescue story some time ago about a heavy guy(only 250lbs) that broke his leg or ankle on a mountaintop in the Maine wintertime about 2,000 ' up. The rescue personell thought they would carry him out but after trying to litter carry him gave up
due to rugged and steep terrain. They hunkered down for the night with him and built a fire etc..
Next day was cloudy and they waited for clearing which came about noon along with a Air National Guard chopper to pluck him outta there.
Whats that got to do with any of this incident with the 362 lb. guy?
Not much other than s*** happens.

weary
04-29-2008, 21:43
Years ago, rangers in Baxter Park used to tell of the guy they carried off the summit of Katahdin on a stretcher, only to get up at the bottom, get into his car and drive away!

Skidsteer
04-29-2008, 21:45
Years ago, rangers in Baxter Park used to tell of the guy they carried off the summit of Katahdin on a stretcher, only to get up at the bottom, get into his car and drive away!

Well, a little rest does wonders!

Lone Wolf
04-29-2008, 21:48
if you kiss enuf ass at katahdin the director will call in a chopper. just depends who you are

trailblazer30577
04-29-2008, 23:09
Weary stated:


Years ago, rangers in Baxter Park used to tell of the guy they carried off the summit of Katahdin on a stretcher, only to get up at the bottom, get into his car and drive away!

It is possible that this individual suffered from a fear based trauma disorder. Either his experience in getting to the top, or some other real or fantasized emotional trauma could have caused him to freeze. Once the fear was eliminated, the ability to resume life returned.

WhiteBlaze
04-30-2008, 01:00
<table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7><tr><td valign=top class=j><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><br><div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1"></div><div class=lh><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf%3F/base/news-24/1209529187220510.xml%26storylist%3Dorlocal&cid=0&ei=2_wXSI7_GYiIyQSPj4DqCw&usg=AFrqEzdgXMfGgbvvDguBssVpuzSgOeo_uQ">362-pound Oregon hiker rescued on <b>Appalachian Trail</b></a><br><font size=-1><font color=#6f6f6f>The Oregonian - OregonLive.com,&nbsp;OR&nbsp;-</font> <nobr>18 minutes ago</nobr></font><br><font size=-1>(AP) — A 362-pound hiker from Oregon became ill while hiking the <b>Appalachian Trail</b> and had to be rescued. Greeneville Emergency and Rescue Squad member <b>...</b></font></div></font></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf%3F/base/news-24/1209529187220510.xml%26storylist%3Dorlocal&cid=0&ei=2_wXSI7_GYiIyQSPj4DqCw&usg=AFrqEzdgXMfGgbvvDguBssVpuzSgOeo_uQ)

Ramble~On
04-30-2008, 03:07
I'm glad to hear that he's okay.
I hope that if I ever need help while out hiking the local news doesn't tell everyone how much I weigh as if my weight is more of a story than the fact I needed to be extracted. I hope that when I'm 62 I am still able to hike.
This guy is 62 years old and heavy but he was out hiking on the AT..not at home lounging on the couch.

NICKTHEGREEK
04-30-2008, 05:38
Bet that donkey was rooting for the ATV to make it in and out with this guy. Shame to kill a perfectly good beast because someone got in over his head and was too "tired".

Hooch
04-30-2008, 07:05
Weary stated:



It is possible that this individual suffered from a fear based trauma disorder. Either his experience in getting to the top, or some other real or fantasized emotional trauma could have caused him to freeze. Once the fear was eliminated, the ability to resume life returned.Hopefully, you're willing to concede that statement is complete speculation and nothing else. :D

orangebug
04-30-2008, 08:40
I suspect that his comment "it is possible" lets us know that it was only a humble opinion.

MOWGLI
04-30-2008, 08:46
Bet that donkey was rooting for the ATV to make it in and out with this guy. Shame to kill a perfectly good beast because someone got in over his head and was too "tired".


I saw some great big fat dude with a badge and a cowboy hat on the JMT riding a horse. I guess he was a sheriff. All the other horses in the group had their heads held high. The poor horse that this fat bastard was riding on looked like it was about to drop. I felt like telling him to get off and walk. That it'd do the horse AND him some good. :sun

mudhead
04-30-2008, 08:54
And I made the erection joke. :D

Good of you to fess up. You seem to be a stand up guy.

earlyriser26
04-30-2008, 10:12
This guy is giving all us very fat hikers a bad name. I'll be out doing a section hike in VA next week and when I do the first 2,000 ft climb it will take awhile, but I won't have to be rescued unless I have to hospitalized. Getting rescued because you are tired? Come on.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-30-2008, 10:21
I've gotten too tired to go on several times, but I wouldn't think of having a rescue team come out for that. I allow extra time on hikes and simply rest / have a snack until I can go on - and I always carry a poncho / tarp and two emergency blankets so I could spend the night - not in comfort, but also not in danger.

The idea of anyone being driven 1.7 miles to a road just because his lard-arse was tired just burns my also lard-arsed buttons. That is not what rescue personnel are in place to do. If I were injured too badly to walk out or having the symptoms of a cardio-vascular event or experiencing other serious illness, then I would call them.

earlyriser26
04-30-2008, 13:53
If you are bad enough to get rescued, you better be headed for medical treatment and not the nearest bar!

SGT Rock
04-30-2008, 13:57
Otherwise it is just a bail-out.

Gray Blazer
04-30-2008, 14:09
Another symptom is the need to get a ride in to Hot Springs. :D

You mean infarction. ;)

If you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours and are not on a medication to get it that way, do not go to the ER or call your doctor. Put it to good use. :eek::banana
I was gonna mention this in the No Such Thing as a Wargy thread. Do they say that about the 4 hour thing so all the guys say yeah now you're talkin' and run out and get some??

taildragger
04-30-2008, 14:38
I was gonna mention this in the No Such Thing as a Wargy thread. Do they say that about the 4 hour thing so all the guys say yeah now you're talkin' and run out and get some??

Priaprism is not a good thing

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-30-2008, 15:09
Priaprism is not a good thingActually, priaprism isn't so bad - it is the treatment for priaprism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism#Treatment) that truly is not a good thing

Skidsteer
04-30-2008, 15:14
Actually, priaprism isn't so bad - it is the treatment for priaprism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism#Treatment) that truly is not a good thing

Couldn't we just try thinking about Rosie O'Donnell first?

max patch
04-30-2008, 15:18
Actually, priaprism isn't so bad - it is the treatment for priaprism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism#Treatment) that truly is not a good thing
Yeah, but it beats the alternative....

"In serious cases, the ischemia may result in gangrene, which could necessitate penis removal."

peanuts
04-30-2008, 15:19
back in my other life....i did see an actual case:o

shall we say..............ouch!!!:banana

taildragger
04-30-2008, 15:49
Couldn't we just try thinking about Rosie O'Donnell first?

That is the usual cure, but if that doesn't put a downer on it, then off to relieve the pressure via needle

jesse
04-30-2008, 15:56
could we please move on. I don't like seeing the words puncture and penis used in the same sentence.

mudhead
04-30-2008, 17:54
Priaprism is not a good thing

Yeah, I didn't care for my freshman year in high school either.

taildragger
04-30-2008, 17:57
Yeah, I didn't care for my freshman year in high school either.

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.xoospace.com/myspace/graphics/19627.gif&usg=AFQjCNECrpzJKxW9Bcn5GnvNMLRwgytFdA

Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-30-2008, 18:37
"In serious cases, the ischemia may result in gangrene, which could necessitate penis removal.":(:(:( Ischemia is what caused my mother's death :(:(:(

::: Dino crawls out on porch for a good, hard cry ::::

orangebug
04-30-2008, 21:47
Ischemia is what happens in a number of bad things, including stroke, myocardial infarction and other events.

Priapism is a bad thing as the lack of fresh blood usually doesn't result in death of the penis, but causes blood clots and scarring that prevent future erection. The procedure to reduce this risk is really not nearly as bad. The procedures to attempt to correct this - are miserable.

So, we've gone from morbid obesity to flaccid protuberances.

Don't you just love thread drift?

taildragger
04-30-2008, 21:59
Ischemia is what happens in a number of bad things, including stroke, myocardial infarction and other events.

Priapism is a bad thing as the lack of fresh blood usually doesn't result in death of the penis, but causes blood clots and scarring that prevent future erection. The procedure to reduce this risk is really not nearly as bad. The procedures to attempt to correct this - are miserable.

So, we've gone from morbid obesity to flaccid protuberances.

Don't you just love thread drift?

well, if you include the heart attack, then they are both problems with the blood system

Saentis18
05-05-2008, 16:17
If someone has hiked sections of the AT for 14 years and is rather active in outdoor sports, is well equipped, and knows their physical comforts and limits ... but is still overweight *not as bad as this guy* Is it a bad idea to start off a thru hiker to get into shape?

sofaking
05-05-2008, 16:22
how overweight is 'not as bad as this guy'?..lbs, baby, i'm talking lbs.
lots of people start off overweight, but starting a thru hike to get into shape doesn't sound smart...

sofaking
05-05-2008, 16:23
kinda like running a marathon so you can take up jogging...

Frosty
05-05-2008, 16:42
No. No I didn't. But are you willing to take the chance that the next guy won't? Have you read Jan Liteshoe's book about the Long Trail. I was her hiking partner. NO WAY!!!!

You were the Mafman? I followed that Trail Journal in 2002. SHe made you sound so cool. My vision of you was standing on that ridge in a thunderstorm holding your poles high after a near lightning strike and yelling, "YEE HA!"

What the hell happened to you?

When you got tired, you rested, then went on. You didn't call for a rescue party to carry you to a motel.

At least in her journal.

Did Jan make all the stuff up about you?

rcli4
05-05-2008, 18:39
I am Mafman. :>)) If you read the journal, it was a little different than the book. Jan didn't lie anywhere in the book or her journal. She left some things out of the journal so my family, who were following our progress in her journal, would not worry. I am from Florida. There is more lightning strikes here than anywhere else in the world I believe. It kinda makes ya feel alive when ya survive. I like to think I am cooler than she makes me sound. I do tend to enjoy myself.

Clyde