At least the body was Located. Some will never will be found . Always leave a DETAILED note/ record of your itinerary / Trip Path from start to end . Include possible side trips or personal interests . A reminder on LITE WEIGHT PACKING .....Snow and Wicked Hail Rain Storms that come in Quick and on their Own have occurred in the sierra ALL the TIME over the years , Particularly at the 12,000 and 13,000 foot crest for the Main Passs. The storm gets COMPRESSED and DROPS down into the Inyo Valley . We in SAR have RECOVERED many BODIES with minimal gear and no tents , resulting from these precise conditions. Hypothermia and Altitude Sickness can Immediately Follow and Take a Person in Minimal Gear . Add a long trip and some fatigue , a bad trip and fall .....Then NO SHOW . Sometimes we would get to folks JUST in Time, as the Note of their trip was accurate and Given to a RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL . A day late and we would have a FROZEN CORPSE . BE SAFE , and remember to " CHOSE WISELY " as far as trip, Tent, Bag,stove,foul weather gear, cloths,Gloves, warm hat,and Boots / Socks . Carry a personal GPS locator. SPOT is GREAT and economical . Have the Ability to make a Signal Fire and or a MIRROR / DVD to reflect the sun to attract Rescue Personnel . Whistle and air Horn are good as well ,Some bring a small road Flare .A cell phone will light up the nite and be a small beacon . What ever the case , Hike with a partner and Improve your Chances in case of Emergency . Pack and repack your load and MAKE IT RIGHT FOR YOU and YOUR TRIP . Take Care and Be Safe Out There in the WILD . For your Mom and Family's Sake . And make our JOB to find YOU that much BETTER. God Bless All Backcountry Travelers ! gst
