A new low at high altitude?

[AlanK]

Walk out? Are you kidding?

[guest]

Holy crap, that's ridiculous.
I feel for the rangers in a way, if they just left her there for some days, who knows what would have happened, maybe she would get too weak & then be unable to walk down.

It kinda smacks of "Only in America" thing, people seem to know that were giving & have lots of resources, and that gov. personnel are under scrutiny so as not to get sued.

Thanks for sharing the absurd Alan.

scott

[bluerail]

so many adjectives for a person like that

[phydeux]

That's a really bad attitude - should have gagged and bound her with duct tape for the flight out! With all the trouble she caused, and skipping out on her bill from the Feds, I wonder if she can be banned from ever entering the USA again?

FWIW: The 14,000 ft camp on Denali's West Buttress route is a big flat area that's used as a intermediate Advanced Base Camp and equipment 'dump' camp, and used by climbing groups to rest up and wait out storms before doing the 2-3 day summit push. During peak climbing season it can become a big tent city. Its also equipped with a season-long tent camp staffed by NPS rangers and medical personnel, and extra supplies for those who are REALLY in trouble!

[zippetydude]

Hey, she's brilliant! Do you think they'll let us all use the tram for free if we just sit around and whine at the top?

z

[cynthia23]

This was hilarious, AlanK, and thanks for posting it. In a sick way I know (sort of) how she felt--there have been more than a few times during the years when I was desperately searching every tree I passed for the imaginary elevator button to get me the hell down from somewhere I no longer wanted to be. But I can't imagine having the nerve to demand a 'rescue' just because I was fed up and scared. Guest is right, it does say something about people's attitudes. I call it the 'sanitized for your protection' attitude, wherein people feel that the wilderness is just a large, bushy Disneyland and that behind the 'scenes', authority figures are lurking, in charge of it all and waiting to help you out the moment your 'experience' becomes less than recreational.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post ....

[Ellen]

Howdy Cynthia

YOU'RE BAACK!!! Woo hoo Woman, I have really missed your articulate posts and rapier wit. I still owe you a meal (well, more like monthly meals) for your wonderful compassion and friendship during my hiking misadventure.

Are you joining us this Saturday for the moonlight hike?

From the heart with miles of smiles,
Ellen

[cynthia23]

Hi Ellen! Thanks for your sweet words! No, I won't be on the moonlight Skyline though it sounds like a great idea---I'm just not fit enough to be sure I can make it, and I don't want to end up calling a helicopter/taxicab like the lady on Denali! don't want to hijack the thread so PM me and we'll chat more?

[Ellen]

Howdy Cynthia

I know this was short notice -- I am just so happy to see you posting again

I'll shoot you a PM.

I will be back in Palm Springs the following weekend (first weekend in June) for a conference -- hope we can get together for a meal or hike.

Miles of smiles my mountain sister,
Ellen

[tinaballina]

@ Alan, interesting indeed.

@ Cynthia, i second ellen's post, good to see you.