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December 19, 2006
A Real-Life Lassie
This story simultaneously breaks and warms my heart, I think because I identify so well with it, since I run alone on trails with my dog a lot. I hope Danelle recovers as quickly as she can.
For the rest of us:
It's impossible to expect that we will always be able to run/hike/backpack in the company of others. Further, there is a certain unreplaceable joy obtained from moving through the backcountry independently. However, we must remember that, in the event that an accident occurs and we are alone, we are truly alone (Unless you have an incredible real-life Lassie.). Bring things that will help you survive should you have an accident like a rain jacket, a warm piece of clothing, some extra calories, extra water, and/or matches. Tell people where you are going and when you will return every time you go out alone. If you can't tell anyone, leave a note at your house. It's a wonderful thing to be self-reliant and independent when you are "out there." But you never quite know when your self-relianace and independence will be tested to an extreme.
Posted by Meghan at December 19, 2006 6:39 PM
Comments
yikes! That is a real eye-opener-- a good reminder for us all. Thanks for the link!
Posted by: anne at December 19, 2006 8:57 PM
Meghan, Thanks for the tip and article. A friend of mine fell on the trails two years ago when we were meeting each other at a half way point during one of our runs. He broke his femur as well. Luckily he received immediate help but you never know when you can get caught on the trails/roads alone. Take care!
Posted by: Mary at December 19, 2006 9:58 PM