Hi Wayne,
My post was just a caution to people about doing some risk management before setting off on long solo hikes to isolated spots.
In another thread, a gentleman described doing such a hike, which involved climbing some rocky terrain, and fording some streams.....all to get some images that weren't exactly worth the effort. He also indicated that he had no companions on that hike, no cell coverage, no sat-phone, and had not told his wife about where he was going. I have been a volunteer with a search & rescue organization for over 30 years, and I could tell you lots of stories about ill-advised things people have done....including a guy who crashed his light airplane and whose wife didn't even suspect he was missing for nearly a week after it happened. In a case just last year, a young lady elected to take a solo day-hike up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire....in the middle of a February blizzard. She was in top physical condition, she had first-class gear, she was a very experienced climber and her professional resume made me look like a village idiot. Only one problem.....neither she nor her Wall Street Vice President husband had a shred of common sense. When brave volunteers from the Appalachian Mountain Club found her (in wind chills beyond -50F), she was stiff as a board.
A couple of things:
- On the altitude: Elevations around the C&TS run from 7,800 MSL to over 10,000 MSL. If you are in good physical condition (exercise regularly), flat terrain hiking is not too bad. Climbing hills on the other hand, will kick your @$$. I'm 58 and I still run 3 miles every other day, and on days when I don't run, I walk for a solid hour. I have no problems getting used to the elevation around the C&TS or hiking to photo spots on charters. Going uphill is another matter. Doing an expedited climb from Cresco Tank back to my car leaves me pretty winded....but, not feeling like I'm going to keel over. On the other hand, if you are overweight, over 50 and don't exercise regularly, even a level terrain hike could leave you pretty exhausted.
- On the critters: Clearly, they are out there. The key ones to be concerned about are bears and cougars (mountain lions). These animals won't usually bother you, unless they happen to be particularly hungry, or you happen to surprise them. The only large animal I have ever seen on the ROW was a big brown bear that I saw on the HTP Charter last fall. Engineer Jeff Stebbins called Alan Loomis on the radio to say there was a bear on the fireman's side...we were somewhere west of Big Horn, I think. Since our train was 35 cars long, I went out on the platform expecting to see nothing, or perhaps the south end of a north-bound bear climbing up the hillside. Nearly a minute later, there he was....10 feet away, right next to the tracks, staring at ME, not intimidated at all by our massive train. At that moment, I was very glad to be on the train! Packing a firearm probably eliminates some of the danger, but not if the critter surprises you. With bears, I am told you should play dead. With the kitties (cats), fight back with everything you have and protect your neck. Experts have told me that cats are looking for food, not a fight. They attack prey they perceive to be defenseless. Most people who fight back apparently survive.....although perhaps with serious injuries. Hiking with friends....preferably more than one, may eliminate a lot of the danger from critters. (They joke that you only have to be faster than the slowest guy you're with.....LOL!)
Honestly, the biggest concerns are getting hurt while climbing rocks or fording a stream, and weather issues (cold, rain, lightning). If you get into trouble, having people with you and/or having some means of communication is really key. A GPS helps too. It also helps to have someone not on the hike know exactly where you are going and when you are expected back.
Search and rescue cannot help you if they do not know where you are or what your problem is.
The key thing is to have a plan. Examine the risks and take steps to mitigate the risks. Also consider whether or not the shot you are going for is really worth the risk. Extreme high-angle shots, partially obstructed shots, bad light shots, etc. are not going to be popular with viewers, nor will publications likely want them. You really have to look at such endeavors as recreational hikes that MIGHT produce a good shot or two.....not hikes to get great shots.
/Kevin Madore
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 09/22/2016 09:54AM by KevinM.
