I love stories like this. But, what if the hikers would just rather not be found?
It's just one sentence mentioning it at the end of the article. Doesn't sound like they're launching a massive campaign.
Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
81–90 of 99 posts
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#82Earlier quoted context omitted.
In fairness, Italians have a reputation for driving dangerously when they know the territory, too.
This kind of road is reasonably common in Italy: https://www.google.com/maps/@45.8513921,11.3773108,3a,75y,24... I'm not ashamed to admit that it scared the crap out of me, and my wife (who I completely trust) was driving.
What's wrong with that road? Seems just like your standard mountain pass road to me. :) Those switchbacks are tight, so trucks are probably not allowed on that road.
I lived somewhat close to there, but not close enough to know that exact area. I am now an avid road cyclist that loves to do big climbs. That road is not even that bad https://veloviewer.com/segments/4090708
I do similar climbs here in California.
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#83It surprises me that people can’t bring a PLB along when going to a non-trivial hike.
It’s only $300 and it can transmit SOS both to low orbit satellites and to rescue copters, and it has shelf life of five years (no need to charge).
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#84It surprises me that people can’t bring a PLB along when going to a non-trivial hike. It’s only $300 and it can transmit SOS both to low orbit satellites and to rescue copters, and it has shelf life of five years (no need to charge).
I think the monthly subscription fees are a turnoff to some people (although I think there are a few brands now that don't require that)
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#85Earlier quoted context omitted.
This kind of road is reasonably common in Italy: https://www.google.com/maps/@45.8513921,11.3773108,3a,75y,24... I'm not ashamed to admit that it scared the crap out of me, and my wife (who I completely trust) was driving.
What's wrong with that road? Seems just like your standard mountain pass road to me. :) Those switchbacks are tight, so trucks are probably not allowed on that road. I lived somewhat close to there, but not close enough to know that exact area. I am now an avid road cyclist that loves to do big climbs. That road is not even that bad https://veloviewer.com/segments/4090708 I do similar climbs here in California.
It's super tight and super cliffy, and it would be excellent on a road bike if you don't mind heights. I do, though.
I don't think I've seen anything in California quite that sketchy. Maybe this one because it's really narrow:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.8803894,-120.2966256,3a,90y,...
That would also make for a great ride.
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#86It surprises me that people can’t bring a PLB along when going to a non-trivial hike. It’s only $300 and it can transmit SOS both to low orbit satellites and to rescue copters, and it has shelf life of five years (no need to charge).
I think the monthly subscription fees are a turnoff to some people (although I think there are a few brands now that don't require that)
There is no subscription for PLB, and I have not seen it in the last five years since I noticed those devices.
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#87I love stories like this. But, what if the hikers would just rather not be found?
It's just one sentence mentioning it at the end of the article. Doesn't sound like they're launching a massive campaign.
I really wasn't implying they were. I was just rhetorically asking the question. Just something to think about.
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#88Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is a fascinating story and the persistance of the author in trying to find the family is remarkable but its totally different than this story. The Germans were completely unprepared for their adventure without the correct clothing, not enough water, and apparently little or no knowledge of where they were going or where they were. The family in this story were prepared, knew exactly where they were going and where…
I think there is a difference between knowing where you are going and being prepared. I've read in other articles that the father was expecting a rope to be pre-anchored which makes me dubious of their level of preparedness. > Typically, he said, there's a rope going through climbing carabiners that have been bolted into the rocks. > "This time, the rope was gone," Whitson told CNN. If you know there is a rappel: Bri…
He brought his own rope but the current or something was too strong/high to use it. One thing I didn't understand was, was it impossible to go back the way they came?
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#89Earlier quoted context omitted.
I agree with you on the turning into the reddit part, but I have to say that the way I read the guidelines, this article fits the description for off-topic more so than it meets the description for on-topic.
I would argue that at least 110 people (as of this comment's posting) disagree with you. Yay democracy!
True, but the lack of a downvote button on posts means we'll never know how many agree. This community is far bigger than 110, so the vast majority (as with every post) abstained from the vote, and we'll never know their reasoning.
Re: Two California hikers found a family's message in a bottle and helped save them
#90Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think there is a difference between knowing where you are going and being prepared. I've read in other articles that the father was expecting a rope to be pre-anchored which makes me dubious of their level of preparedness. > Typically, he said, there's a rope going through climbing carabiners that have been bolted into the rocks. > "This time, the rope was gone," Whitson told CNN. If you know there is a rappel: Bri…
He brought his own rope but the current or something was too strong/high to use it. One thing I didn't understand was, was it impossible to go back the way they came?
They floated down the river/stream. It was too strong to head back the way they came from.