gallantwarrior
Gold Member
I'm not sure how many of you Outside and visiting this forum have ever heard of, or read the book "Into the Wild"? Or maybe you've seen Sean Penn's (go figure) film interpretation. Apparently, way too many who have seen the move decide to make the site of the young protagonist's death the goal of some demented pilgrimage. Over the years, many of those pilgrims have required rescue from that mecca of the stupid and unprepared.
The latest chapter features three Germans who thought they could make the 40-mile round trip hike to the abandoned bus McCandless used for shelter. Of course, the same river that defeated McCandless in 1992 has foiled many a "mountain men's" attempts to prove their wilderness savvy. Once again, the taxpayer has to foot the bill to rescue these three foolish morons.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska: German hikers airlifted from bus made famous by 'Into the Wild' | State News | ADN.com
The good news is, the National Park Service has already started at least one program to help offset the costs of rescuing those who overestimate their abilities or are just plain unlucky. The program is directed specifically at those participating in high-risk mountaineering activities and is similar to programs already in use in other places with other high-risk attractive nuisances, like Nepal and Pakistan.
Business | Climbers Will Be Billed For Rescue Expenses -- Park Service To Begin New Liability Policy At Rainier, Denali | Seattle Times Newspaper
A word to the wise, those who are planning an "adventure" in some unfamiliar place, do your homework and be prepared. We don't call Alaska "The Last Great Wilderness" for nothing. Maybe most visitors should restrict their "wilderness" activities to those provided by the tour companies that keep wheels under their asses...
The latest chapter features three Germans who thought they could make the 40-mile round trip hike to the abandoned bus McCandless used for shelter. Of course, the same river that defeated McCandless in 1992 has foiled many a "mountain men's" attempts to prove their wilderness savvy. Once again, the taxpayer has to foot the bill to rescue these three foolish morons.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska: German hikers airlifted from bus made famous by 'Into the Wild' | State News | ADN.com
The good news is, the National Park Service has already started at least one program to help offset the costs of rescuing those who overestimate their abilities or are just plain unlucky. The program is directed specifically at those participating in high-risk mountaineering activities and is similar to programs already in use in other places with other high-risk attractive nuisances, like Nepal and Pakistan.
Business | Climbers Will Be Billed For Rescue Expenses -- Park Service To Begin New Liability Policy At Rainier, Denali | Seattle Times Newspaper
A word to the wise, those who are planning an "adventure" in some unfamiliar place, do your homework and be prepared. We don't call Alaska "The Last Great Wilderness" for nothing. Maybe most visitors should restrict their "wilderness" activities to those provided by the tour companies that keep wheels under their asses...