Letter Re: Unprepared Sheeple in the Wilderness

Good Morning Mr. Rawles!
 I had to share this link with you: Maryland Hiker Uses iPhone App For New Year’s Eve Rescue. In brief: a man out hiking on New Year’s Eve Day got lost in the wilderness.  He used his cell phone to call rescuers, and then used his “flashlight” app on the cell phone to shine a light so that the rescuers could be lowered down to him on the trail and lead him out.
 
My sons, who are both experienced scouters and back country hikers who teach wilderness survival watched this news story in disbelief  last night.  (They were honestly chastising the television so much, I had to turn it off.  They were upset beyond words by the man’s thoughtlessness that could have endangered people out searching for him.)
 
“He didn’t have food and water with him?”
“No jacket?”
“NO MAP!!!!???”
“No flashlight?”
“He didn’t tell anyone where he was going?”
 
He was fortunate to be rescued quickly and not to have suffered any permanent damage. 
 
But, the article is a reminder that we should ALWAYS be prepared: with a map, a flashlight, extra food and water, and a jacket….
…. just in case…..
 
Happy New Year to you and your family! – B.L.W.