I have heard the percentage of people who leave their cars more than a few hundred ft is very low. I've been with people who were not comfortable getting very far from comfort. But when alone or with someone who likes to get off the beaten trails, we go places, explore the wild regions that get few visitors. Then there are a few who try to go beyond their ability. I was called on once to join a rescue crew at our closest state park. Some woman who was ill prepared physically and mentally, tried (with company) to do some rough creek rock scrambling in the rough canyon below the waterfalls. They missed the creek they were going to go up to meet a trail, then she broke or seriously strained her ankle. Being kind of overweight it was a heavy bed to carry out. A whole crew was needed because it was too rough to walk with it. Just had to form a double line and pass the stretcher down the line, with the tail people scrambling around to continue the line in front. I was thinking what I would do if caught in such a situation. First I wouldn't have missed the creek. But if I had the broken ankle and had to get out. I'd cut me a strong stick and use my arms instead of the lame foot. Might take some time but I'd get myself out. Reminds me of the account I read of an airplane crash in the rockies. A couple people died, the others seriously injured, one had a broken foot. They waited awhile hoping rescue would find them. But when it went on too long and no sign of anyone looking, they decided they had to find their way out. So the man with the broken foot being the best able to move, headed out. He traveled some miles through canyons and over mountains till he came to a road. waved down a vehicle and got help for the others. It took some sheer determination to travel so far in extreme pain, having to walk on a broken foot. There's still some who will push on no matter how hard the going gets, when life is on the line. But we're talkin naked wilderness wandering. Few people out there, the opportunity for naked rambling is good. Go prepared physically and mentally and it's a wonderful experience.
