In one of the articles about the rescue, they talked about the couple reading the journal that the previous casualty had left behind. It seemed that the man knew he was not going to make it out. I don't understand - an experienced hiker, seemingly well equipped, not out of food or water ?????
What would have stopped him from simply hiking up to the peak, where he would have known there would be a trail, or tracks from recent summit attempts in the snow, and following that back to civilization? Does anyone know if he became ill, was injured, or suffered a snakebite that incapacitated him?
I've seen postings elsewhere that the couple involved were "stupid" and such to get lost. Whatever they might have been, this man does not appear to have been a fool. Can anyone shed some light on this?
I really feel for him and find myself wondering what separates him from those of us who also love the wilderness, but are fortunate enough to find ourselves safe and sound and able to post on this nice new forum.
z