learn

This page is a log of all our mishaps...whether it be losing Carolina's son in LeBarge Canyon, being forced to bushwhack our way to Weaver's Needle, or being ticketed by the Forest Service for being where we shouldn't be. It's also a record of all our hard won lessons and (we hope) will serve to warn others not to do the same doofy stuff. :)

   Lost in LeBarge Canyon:
In less than 15 minutes, John was not only out of sight, but also completely out of earshot. Even using the whistles that we all carry was to no avail...

   After listening to a detailed explanation of the foregoing events, studying our awesome wilderness map, and confirming where John had last been seen, the nice ranger concluded:
   "So... he's lost."
   "Well, maybe not lost... " replied Carolina.
   "But he'd definitely be out by now, though, if he had doubled back... right?" he asked.
   "Well... yeah...."
   "So he's lost."
   "Ok, ya... I guess he's lost."
   "Alright then, we'll deploy a helicopter and get him out."

We were later assured that except for our little flub of getting separated in the first place, everyone had taken all the appropriate actions:   John had tried to return the way he came, sought help from a family who's campfire he spotted, stayed put after he realized he wouldn't make it out, and signalled 'SOS' with his flashlight when he heard the helicopter. Carolina and Anne had set up a communications network, repeatedly checked the trailheads, and called the Sheriff as soon as they knew the situation was beyond their control.

From this we learned how easy it was to get separated - and that it would be good to be prepared, both psychologically as well as supply-wise, to spend a night in the wild...
We don't wanna call SaR again!

            Peralta Fiasco:
   Our first time on the Peralta trail was a huge wake-up call. It was a brutally hot day - and we didn't bring anywhere near enough water. Carolina, who needed water for Jesse too, ran out just as she and the poor dog reached Freemont Saddle.

Never 'outhike' your water supply!!!
If you've consumed half your water, it's time to turn back!

BluffSprings Offtrail Nightmare:
The first time Kelly joined our team, she wore shorts, crappy shoes, and hairspray...

   We ended up on a crude, then non-existent trail and spent most of our time routefinding and forcing our way through brushy washes - which led to a pretty scraped up and exhausted bunch of WanderWomen by days end.

   This adventure taught us that trail pants are a good thing; the trail is probably not the trail if there's no trail to be seen; if you find you're offroute, it might be a good idea to go back and check where you went wrong... lest you find yourself in a war with some manzanita bushes; a good attitude is a lifesaver in a stressful situation; and, lastly, that 'panic' sets in slowly and sneakily - first pulling attention away from hunger, thirst, & discomfort - then common sense.

   We also decided that, even though Kelly pulled the thing off like the trooper that she is, taking less experienced people out on unfamiliar trails is a doggone poor plan...

      Queen Creek "Ooops!"
"Did you ladies have a good time today?" smiled the nice ranger as he took down our license plate number.
   "Didn't you see the sign - the big flashing one - the one that said: 'High fire danger   Forest is closed'?"

   We had seen a sign - but only read the 'high fire danger' part... we were yakking... that's what we do.

   After paying our $50 fine, we determined that it would probably be wise to check current forest and/or destination conditions in the future - just in case there are things we ought to know about... and maybe to pay better attention to big flashing signs. Listening to a weather report might not be a bad idea either...

We also figured out that if there are no other people at a really cool place, there may often be a very good reason why! Duh. ;)

Karinn and Kelly, after having bushwhacked for miles towards the SE face of Weavers Needle.

Tidbits:

Karinn says: Being cold can be a misery in more ways than one. Never worry about 'overpacking' - or losing time putting on that extra layer.

Anne says: Always bring and use sunblock!... and if you're hiking in sandals, remember to put it on your feet as well.

Elizabeth says: Even if you're planning to be back at the car well before sundown, keep a flashlight and some spare batteries with you.

Colleen says: No matter how long or short your trip into the wilderness is, always tell someone where you're going and when you intend to return.

Kelly says: Skip the hairspray, perfume, and any scented lotions!

We all say: Water water water water water water. We cannot say it enough.
And start hydrating the day before your hike!

"To have a great adventure, and survive, requires good judgment. Good judgment comes from experience. Experience, of course, is the result of poor judgement" - Geoff Tabin

club@Wander-Women.com