Solo (the rescued hiker) finished his thru hike today.

[moldy]

I noticed from Trail Journals that Solo finished his thru hike today. You can read his side of the rescue story from his TJ posts. The story should give us all cause to think about what we would do in his situation. It's easy to second guess his decisions while sitting here on my couch. His decision to climb up into the park from Davenport Gap in the face of a bad weather report must have haunted him that first night as the snow stacked up in Tri-corner gap shelter. The decision not to head back down the way he came the next day must have troubled him on his second night in the shelter as even more snow accumulates. Day 3, out of water, almost out of fuel, the light bulb of "I'm in deep poop" comes on. He decides to leave the shelter and go North in 3 to 5 feet of snow. This decision will result in a near death experience. He makes it a mile to the top of the mountain. He is cold, wet and exhausted. He manages to get a cell signal and dials 911. Of course after you call 911 you give up decision making at that point and they start calling the shots. This is probably a good thing because his decisions seem to be getting worse. He sets up his tent and gets into his sleeping bag and waits a very long cold miserable night until the helo gets to him. He is lucky to be alive and still have all his fingers and toes. We all should read his story.

[Wise Old Owl]

Moldy do you have a link?

[1azarus]

I know how hard it is to travel in deep snow... and look forward to this thread discussing how better the situation could have been managed so we all benefit from the experience. More reserve fuel or a wood burner might be one thing, although i've never had to look for wood in that much snow... more reserve food... if surprised by snow, how long should you be able to hole up for? could a water source be dug down to? If the snow wasn't likely to melt for a while, should he have planned to travel even shorter distances daily toward a trail head? It wasn't actually that cold, apparently...

[Rasty]

I just read the section. He got very lucky. It's a good lesson for any of us as we go into the Mountains during the winter. Have extra food, fuel, clothing and the ability to keep dry and hunker down when needed. Not many escape routes from Tri-Corner knob Shelter.

[Rasty]

Moldy do you have a link?

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=395675

[rhjanes]

Solo's Trail Journal (<<< click that)

[max patch]

It's easy to second guess his decisions while sitting here on my couch. His decision to climb up into the park from Davenport Gap in the face of a bad weather report must have haunted him that first night as the snow stacked up in Tri-corner gap shelter.

Can't fault that one; IIRC the weather report called for 6-7 inches of snow over a couple days.

If he had finished a couple days earlier the last mile to Springer would have been closed due to forest fire. Given his earlier experience, I wonder if he would have ignored the closure and finished.

[MuddyWaters]

I recall the weather report predicting up to 2' of snow in high elevations north of there. I would have thought discretion might have been called for, regardless of local forecasts.

[moldy]

I think he had a bad case of "get homeitis". Here he is late October, he hiked all the way from Maine, 230 miles to go. He wants it to be over. He is not fitted out for snow camping, he is fitted out for big miles. Even after 3 days in the snow he is thinking about thru hike progress. The thought of heading backwards down into Davenport Gap is not there.

[Rasty]

I think every one of us has made a crap decision while hiking. I know I've made a few which usually involved going too fast to soon.

[Lone Wolf]

I think he had a bad case of "get homeitis". Here he is late October, he hiked all the way from Maine, 230 miles to go. He wants it to be over. He is not fitted out for snow camping, he is fitted out for big miles. Even after 3 days in the snow he is thinking about thru hike progress. The thought of heading backwards down into Davenport Gap is not there.

typical of most thru-hikers. all about the destination

[RCBear]

this would be only one example of why section hiking is more appealing to me, besides the fact that i don't have 4 or 5 months to dedicate. I prefer to carry heavier for a week or so without worrying about re-supplying and having those few extra pounds of "when the unexpected crap hits the fan and i need to hunker down" in my Gregory pack.

[prain4u]

On several threads lately, the constant WhiteBlaze debate has been going on regarding "pack weight" and what gear you REALLY need--and what things you can do without. We frequently read comments such as: Why carry 4-5 days of food if you are only 3 days away from resupply? Why carry a 20 degree bag when temps are expected to be in the 40s? Why carry a cellphone? (You don't need that extra weight). Why carry extra fuel--it is just more unnecessary weight. Etc. Etc. Etc.

For me, this story is a good illustration of why one should perhaps think twice before "pushing the limits" in regard to how little one carries in a pack. (I think this is especially true for new and inexperienced hikers and campers who perhaps go too light too early in their hiking "career"). Anyone of us can find ourselves in a situation like the one this hiker encountered--no matter how good, gifted and experienced we might be. Stuff happens! Carrying the absolute minimums in food, fuel, water, clothing and other gear can sometimes make a situation like this one even worse.

Am I advocating that people carry lots of excess gear and food? No! However, on more than one occasion---when conditions or situations have changed unexpectedly--my life has been saved (or at least my level of safety and comfort has been greatly increased) by that little bit "extra" that I carry in my pack "just in case". (I have even more frequently tapped into my "extra" stuff--in order to assist a fellow hiker who came to the woods "less than fully prepared").

[hikerboy57]

its a valid point. there is nothing wrong with lightening your load, but a lot of newbies come here for advice, and unless you're experienced in winter backpacking, you need to err on the side of caution.that includes watching the weather.

[MuddyWaters]

On several threads lately, the constant WhiteBlaze debate has been going on regarding "pack weight" and what gear you REALLY need--and what things you can do without. We frequently read comments such as: Why carry 4-5 days of food if you are only 3 days away from resupply? Why carry a 20 degree bag when temps are expected to be in the 40s? Why carry a cellphone? (You don't need that extra weight). Why carry extra fuel--it is just more unnecessary weight. Etc. Etc. Etc.

For me, this story is a good illustration of why one should perhaps think twice before "pushing the limits" in regard to how little one carries in a pack. (I think this is especially true for new and inexperienced hikers and campers who perhaps go too light too early in their hiking "career"). Anyone of us can find ourselves in a situation like the one this hiker encountered--no matter how good, gifted and experienced we might be. Stuff happens! Carrying the absolute minimums in food, fuel, water, clothing and other gear can sometimes make a situation like this one even worse.

Am I advocating that people carry lots of excess gear and food? No! However, on more than one occasion---when conditions or situations have changed unexpectedly--my life has been saved (or at least my level of safety and comfort has been greatly increased) by that little bit "extra" that I carry in my pack "just in case". (I have even more frequently tapped into my "extra" stuff--in order to assist a fellow hiker who came to the woods "less than fully prepared").

Nothing this hiker could have taken with him, short of snowshoes and packing like Tipi, would have made him safe to deal with those conditions.

The issue was one of judgement/discretion/paying attention to weather. Not necessarily pack wt..

[prain4u]

Nothing this hiker could have taken with him, short of snowshoes and packing like Tipi, would have made him safe to deal with those conditions.

The issue was one of judgement/discretion/paying attention to weather. Not necessarily pack wt..

I wasn't trying to say (or imply) that this particular hiker could have done anything different or that they did anything wrong. (This hiker had their cellphone--and apparently had more than the absolute bare minimum food, fuel and gear).

My point was that these kinds of situations can happen to ANY of us. AND, if all we carry with us is the absolute bare minimum supplies--and gear that is marginal for the conditions---we can make a bad situation even worse (especially if we are an inexperienced hiker). I stand by that position.

I have NO problem with lightweight or ultralight backpacking--once the person is ready for it. (HOWEVER, "experience" and "know how" are the two most important pieces of "gear" that a lightweight or UL hiker possesses). The problem (IN MY OPINION) is that too many "new" hikers try to go "too minimal" too soon--and they are in deep crap when they encounter situations like this one. They don't have the right gear or enough supplies for the situation nor do they have the experience and skills necessary to compensate for a lack of proper gear and low supplies.

I am usually a lightweight or ultralight hiker. However, I also took my first hike in 1970 or 1971 and I have hiked/camped in a variety of pretty challenging conditions. I have more than enough experience to handle UL hiking safely.

I think we do NEW hikers a disservice by constantly preaching the lightweight "gospel"--without ALSO urging caution about going too light to soon---before they have enough experience and enough skills to do so safely. (IN MY OPINION) It is like handing someone a loaded pistol before they have been properly instructed on how to use it.

[MuddyWaters]

I wasn't trying to say (or imply) that this particular hiker could have done anything different or that they did anything wrong. (This hiker had their cellphone--and apparently had more than the absolute bare minimum food, fuel and gear).

My point was that these kinds of situations can happen to ANY of us. AND, if all we carry with us is the absolute bare minimum supplies--and gear that is marginal for the conditions---we can make a bad situation even worse (especially if we are an inexperienced hiker). I stand by that position.

I have NO problem with lightweight or ultralight backpacking--once the person is ready for it. (HOWEVER, "experience" and "know how" are the two most important pieces of "gear" that a lightweight or UL hiker possesses). The problem (IN MY OPINION) is that too many "new" hikers try to go "too minimal" too soon--and they are in deep crap when they encounter situations like this one. They don't have the right gear or enough supplies for the situation nor do they have the experience and skills necessary to compensate for a lack of proper gear and low supplies.

I am usually a lightweight or ultralight hiker. However, I also took my first hike in 1970 or 1971 and I have hiked/camped in a variety of pretty challenging conditions. I have more than enough experience to handle UL hiking safely.

I think we do NEW hikers a disservice by constantly preaching the lightweight "gospel"--without ALSO urging caution about going too light to soon---before they have enough experience and enough skills to do so safely. (IN MY OPINION) It is like handing someone a loaded pistol before they have been properly instructed on how to use it.

Your most important piece of gear is between your ears.

I grew up fishing 50-75 miles offshore in the gulf, in small boats, when conditions allowed.

I also scuba dive.

I also used to pilot small aircraft.

Discretion is the better part of staying alive.

[moldy]

Day 1 options, To go or stay next to Curtis's wood stove at Standing Bear and see if the weather predictions match weather actuals.(this would put him behind schedule) Another day 1 option, to add equipment that would allow hiking in deep snow.
(this would cost money and possibly take time). I don't know if he reached out for advice to the rangers.
Day 2 options, He awakes at Tri-corner shelter to 2 or more feet of snow. 3 options, keep going, go back or stay put. The option of bailing off the trail and go down hill is not realistic in this area and would have been a diasater. All 3 options are not much fun. To go back would be difficult, it's 15 miles with the first 6 or 7 with climbs before decending to lower altitudes and less snow. To go forward, with greater climbs is to face the reality of hiking in deep snow. Unless you have attempted this you may not really get just what it's like. Knee deep snow with waste deep drifts will slow you, exhaust you and you will get wet. 2 miles without the right clothing and equipment will take all day. To stay put in the shelter is not a bad option.
Day 3 options are the same as day 2. The option to proceede to the next shelter is not realistic and perhaps he is looking for rescue via the cell phone which works better at mountian tops. The option to stay put again will result it yet another very cold night in the shelter and if this snow lasts for an extended period of time his rescue may be a week away when his worried family members alert the rangers. By this day his wife is setting next to the phone waiting for a call from him in Gatlinburg.
I keep reading both here and trail journals about thru hikers starting in January and I wonder what lessons might be had by looking at this event. This is just my 2 cents worth, there are hikers out there way smarter than me, feel free to add to the list. Before entering the Great Smokey Mt National Park when snow is possible you should:
1. Be patient with the weather and trail conditions, be willing to wait it out before ever entering the park.
2. Seek the rangers advice.
3. Be willing to turn back.
4. Have sufficient supplys of food, fuel and water.
5. Have warm clothing and a warm bag.
6. Have a cell phone.
7. In an ememrgency, stay on the Appalachian Trail, never go off trail.
8. Tell someone when you enter the park and when to expect the next phone call.

[Tipi Walter]

I just read the section. He got very lucky. It's a good lesson for any of us as we go into the Mountains during the winter. Have extra food, fuel, clothing and the ability to keep dry and hunker down when needed. Not many escape routes from Tri-Corner knob Shelter.

From what I heard he called 911 from inside his tent. This I find incredible. Any credible winter backpacker would anticipate deep snow and blizzards and get their shelter squared away and sit out the drifts and storm. How long? 7 to 10 days if need be.

I recall the weather report predicting up to 2' of snow in high elevations north of there. I would have thought discretion might have been called for, regardless of local forecasts.

When a backpacker can't move thru that kind of snow, he should set up camp and hunker in for the duration.

this would be only one example of why section hiking is more appealing to me, besides the fact that i don't have 4 or 5 months to dedicate. I prefer to carry heavier for a week or so without worrying about re-supplying and having those few extra pounds of "when the unexpected crap hits the fan and i need to hunker down" in my Gregory pack.

Exactly.

On several threads lately, the constant WhiteBlaze debate has been going on regarding "pack weight" and what gear you REALLY need--and what things you can do without. We frequently read comments such as: Why carry 4-5 days of food if you are only 3 days away from resupply? Why carry a 20 degree bag when temps are expected to be in the 40s? Why carry a cellphone? (You don't need that extra weight). Why carry extra fuel--it is just more unnecessary weight. Etc. Etc. Etc.

For me, this story is a good illustration of why one should perhaps think twice before "pushing the limits" in regard to how little one carries in a pack. (I think this is especially true for new and inexperienced hikers and campers who perhaps go too light too early in their hiking "career"). Anyone of us can find ourselves in a situation like the one this hiker encountered--no matter how good, gifted and experienced we might be. Stuff happens! Carrying the absolute minimums in food, fuel, water, clothing and other gear can sometimes make a situation like this one even worse.

Am I advocating that people carry lots of excess gear and food? No! However, on more than one occasion---when conditions or situations have changed unexpectedly--my life has been saved (or at least my level of safety and comfort has been greatly increased) by that little bit "extra" that I carry in my pack "just in case". (I have even more frequently tapped into my "extra" stuff--in order to assist a fellow hiker who came to the woods "less than fully prepared").

I see backpackers "pushing the limits" all the time during the winter because they not only refuse to carry the necessary amount of food for a sudden high elevation blizzard hunker, but they most often go out with really inadequate clothing layers and beefy in-camp warmth items.

Nothing this hiker could have taken with him, short of snowshoes and packing like Tipi, would have made him safe to deal with those conditions.

The issue was one of judgement/discretion/paying attention to weather. Not necessarily pack wt..

I think it was all about pack weight in that he should of brought extra food and stayed put in his already-setup tent. Why bother the emt's and rescue crews with my pissant desires to bail when I should have enough crap to last me an unexpected 7 more days than I planned?? OR he should of gotten out his detailed trail map and bailed off the ridge and lost 3,000 feet to a valley where the snow will be 2 feet lower.

[moldy]

A daring high mountain helocopter rescue should not be plan B or plan C if things go bad on your hike.