quite a sad loss.

dont do anything without taking ray mears along with you imo.

That part of the country is usually very temperate. Ive gotten stuck within 100 miles of this tragedy coming down from Olympia on my way to California. Its very tempting to take an alternate to highway 101, as the scenery is amazing. I was very fortunate when I got stuck in a freak blizzard with only half a tank of gas, no winter clothes, and only an accordion in the back seat, that state licensed snow chain dealers intercepted me and I got custom chains on my car to get over Grants pass. Best $100 I ever spent. Northwest weather is extremely deceptive, more so for a family from the rather temperate San Francisco. The weather in Portland Oregon is much like a slightly warmer southern Sweden or northern UK.

I also almost perished when on a solo hike in the Swedish mountains while on a solo hike in 90. There was a freak wind and rain storm that flattened my tent which was on a flat embankment on the side of a mountain. My, thankfully poly filled, bag was soaked and I got to the point where I was resigned to freeze to death. It was actually quite zen. I was on a beautiful mountain, looking death in the face, and basically thought, "take me if you must, as this is a beautiful place to perish." Just as I was starting to feel the false warmth of hypothermia and fall into the "long sleep", a summer volunteer for the Swedish forest service woke me, helped me get dressed, and escorted me to a small ranger station less than a km away. She warmed me, dried my bag, and even guided me the last couple of days out of the back country. Amazing woman.

Anyway, been right where James was, poor man. Its quite the experience to face death in the eye when  youre in the middle of nowhere vs. being in civilization. You certainly discover a lot of things within your soul and spirit that youd never otherwise experience.

Their dilemma was caused by a simple wrong turn. Mine was due to not being able to afford a fully alpine rated tent. sh*t happens, and to be honest, as Im single right now, I wish the mountain had taken me instead of James. I only knew him from TV and the net, but he had such a peaceful and playful spirit, that Id gladly given up my small spot on Earth, so that he could raise his two lovely daughters.

Wow, you are at 0,0,0 for the universe, right?

Your attitude to other people amazes me, especially given how similar it is to your driving attitude. Okay so you dont know them, but its not hard to share a shred of empathy and compassion for his family over the death of a brave soul.

If a member of your family was struck down would you expect posts along that line? I didnt know the guy and didnt post to begin with either, assuming it was just some guy lost in the woods that would be rescued. Reading more about it though, its clear to see condolances are deserved for what he did.

The distance in between your post and maxs truly touching sentiment is staggering, I cant understand why you would be so brazen. Family man?

My point was, theres a difference between being initially disinterested until more light is shed on what had happened and to flat out saying "who gives a f***?" regardless of the outcome.

Soulless if you ask me. And I did fully expect them to get rescued.

Im not being a hypocrite. Youre being disrespectful IMO though...

Anyway, its a sperm beard. What have you got against bukkake parties?

Eggtastico does have a point. Noone here other than Max was interested in this topic until the man died. Yourself included on that one mate.

I still think he did the wrong thing. Theres sensible action, then there is what guilt makes you do.

What the f*ck are you on about?? Ive explained the situation that he arrived in, which was quite a normal accident. Been on the exact freakin road that he was on. He was not camping by choice as you misinterpreted, but staying at oceanside inns.

Have you been to western Oregon like I have many times? No? Then bag it. This was an accident, thats far too common up there due to the lack of resources and the terrain. Would you, after 9 days of starvation, still be all glowy eyed and sure that help was on the way? Hell no. Id probably walked out after less than a week.

If the family hadnt hired the helicopter, the wife and kids would have died as well. This isnt England, you dimwits.

If the family hadnt hired the helicopter, the wife and kids would have died as well. This isnt England, you dimwits.

In which case they should have suitable equipment with them. Obviously a cell phone was inadequate and a radio would have been an option. The rangers should have provided proper guideance as to the possible worst conditions too.

In the end though no matter how well you are prepared there are instances where you are just not going to make it, even if you make the right choices.