In the span of three days, the group pushed the panic button three times, mobilizing helicopters for dangerous, lifesaving rescues inside the steep canyon walls.What was that emergency? The water they had found to quench their thirst ''tasted salty.''
If they had not been toting the device that works like Onstar for hikers, ''we would have never attempted this hike,'' one of them said after the third rescue crew forced them to board their chopper. It's a growing problem facing the men and women who risk their lives when they believe others are in danger of losing theirs.
Technology has made calling for help instantaneous even in the most remote places. Because would-be adventurers can send GPS coordinates to rescuers with the touch of a button, some are exploring terrain they do not have the experience, knowledge or endurance to tackle.Rescue officials are deciding whether to start keeping statistics on the problem, but the incidents have become so frequent that the head of California's Search and Rescue operation has a name for the devices: Yuppie 911.
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21 comments:
Really no difference between these idiots, with their thumbless grasp of the facts, coupled with their lackadaisical attitude toward taking on a challenge they´re clearly too uneducated too even grasp the dangers of, and those who gleefully ushered in the Obama administration with its promises of instant gratification.
I had an experience on Pikes Peak, where an inexperienced hiker decided to go with me to climb the mountain just over ten years ago. I should have quized her a little harder to find out what kind of outdoor experience she had. At about 11,000 feet she went into hypothermia (in August) and I spent the next three hours warming her up (not as fun as it sounds when the tell you how to do it) and carrying her to the Cog Railroad to get her off the mountain. You learn quickly, the mountains and canyons demand respect and experience. To have piece of mind because you have a beacon is a totally foolish way to approach a grueling feat.
Having been a semi-pro cyclist who used to train on long mountain climbs on the road, you realize even an ashphalt graded road poses challenges beyond the comprehension of a less experienced rider. Just the way the wind races aroung the mountains creates some interesting drags on the bike which challenge even good riders to control the bike as speeds of over 60 mph coming down the mountain. This doesn't include the hour or hour and half long climb often to reach a summit. You come prepared or you risk personal injury.
Mike, I agree. Hiking? That's just like Wii hiking, isn't it. If I start to tumble I'll just hit the Pause button.
Bill, respect for nature, the power of nature, and one's diminutive role within nature baffles the modern metrosexual or New Ager.
Upon being overwhelmed by a steep hill or whipping wind, the average Californian (or Obama voter) will scan the skies, horizon and landscape for someone or something to sue.
Yet another noble victim of nature.
Was the call for help, "Oye?"
I'm happy they all have clothes on.
Close, DC. The cries were "Ahoy!!"
Kid, they are clothed but there mouths were all salty. Ahoy!
Nickie, I'll take my chances with the Skipper, Mary Anne, Ginger, the Professor, and Gilligan. The rich ones won't get in the way so I' not worried about them.
And yes, I do think the Democrats think the young are too stupid and the old are too old to fight. They have Another Thing Comin! ;-)
I used to do a lot of hiking in my younger years in the mountains of British Columbia. An ordinance map and a compass was as high tech as we got. I suppose these folks had their netbook computers with them so they could check their emails?
I'd like to believe that this ignorance, stupidity, and over reliance on technology is an American phenomenon. But I can't:0(
I knew it ... Mountain Sailors.
Scunny, I'm afraid it's pretty much that way throughout western societies. I recently talked to an Egyptian from Port Said who complained about the quality of his car's GPS. Moses would have been disappointed.
Well said, kid. And well timed!
As opposed to Mountain Marines!
We get stories like this in Britain too; mountain rescue teams called out by inexpeienced hill walkers who have got a bit damp, using their mobile ( cell phone ) to demand a ride to their holiday cottage.
I've not yet read of anyone getting lost in the hills or on the moors for trying to navigate with Satnav but it would not surprise me.
banned... This makes me recall more rugged days on Dartmoor. I'd drag down a couple of wild ponies, spit-roast one and ride the other to the pub. The good old days when men were men and a woman was Prime Minister.
Fuckwittery in the hills is alive and well in NZ.
In my day, it was 'March or die' when you turned your ankle after falling down a crevasse.
Now they phone up a rescue chopper for a blister-AND DON'T GET BILLED FOR IT!
Technology is no substitute for good preparation and resourcefulness. What happens when the technology fails? - you'd soon work out how to get by then! (Personally I'd take Ray Mears or Bear Grylls with me - ha ha)
Wow, and people wonder why I say shit like "the rescue team should be allowed to say... strike three, you're out, either that your we let you die next time." We need to start allowing natural selection to do it's thing again
I say "bill them". Pay for the service. You'll then notice a decrease in this behavior.
Screw the choppers and search parties for these yuppy posers. Just drop Maalox for the bears and bobcats as they belch up the Birkenstocks.
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