http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/sevierville-sevier/2013/11/27/rangers-working-to-rescue-hiker-with-broken-leg-in-smokies/3771815/
HooKooDooKu
11-28-2013, 01:05
Good lesson in being prepared.
While the article doesn't detail the man's itinerary, based on the location of the accident, the odds are that he was on a simple day hike. If he and his buddies hit the trail with only the cloths to keep them warm until they got to their destination late in the afternoon, they would have been pretty darn cold by the end of this ordeal.
Based on the details in the article, the accident occurred around 11:30 a.m., yet this guy (and likely some of his buddies) didn't get off the trail until about 10 p.m.
This is why I do not hit the trail without being prepared to spend a night on the trial. I might not have things like a tent and sleeping bag, I make sure I have enough to survive the night without suffering.
Fortunately, it sounds as if these guys were prepared and all ended well (save the injuries the hiker sustained when he slipped).