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Subscribe to RSSRain and snow at Mount Rainier in Washington state on Friday were preventing a helicopter from recovering the body of a national park ranger who fell 3,700 feet to his death during the rescue of four climbers. The National Park Service identified the ranger as Nick Hall.
Hall was on Rainier's northeast side at about 13,700 feet when he fell around 5 p.m. local time Thursday as he was helping the climbers aboard a helicopter, the service said.
"As the first of the climbers were being evacuated by helicopter, Mount Rainier climbing ranger Nick Hall fell, sliding more than 3,000 feet down the side of the mountain," the service said in a statement.
"He did not respond to attempts to contact him and was not moving. High winds and a rapidly lowering cloud ceiling made rescue efforts extremely difficult," the service added. "Climbers reached Ranger Hall several hours after the incident began and found him to be deceased."
Three of the climbers were able to be airlifted by 9 p.m. but the fourth had to spend the night on the mountain "in a safe location, with Mount Rainier National Park climbing rangers," the service stated Thursday night.
National Park Service
Nick Hall, far left, poses with other Mount Rainier Climbing Rangers during a training session on May 4.
On Friday morning, the climber and two rangers started to walk down and made it to a camp at 9,500 feet by early afternoon.
Visibility was poor Friday, with rain showers at lower elevation and snow above 10,000 feet. As a result, the helicopter was grounded and rangers hoping to get to where Hall perished were also making little progress.
The climbers, two men and two women from Waco, Texas, had been walking on the Emmons Glacier Route on their way down from the summit when two of them slipped and fell into a crevasse, said Kevin Bacher, a park spokesman.
One of the climbers had a working cell phone and was able to notify park rangers. Rescue crews on foot located the climbers and lifted the two out of the crevasse, then began the process of transferring the climbers to a helicopter.
"The two women on the end went into the crevasse," Bacher said, "but the two men were able to stop the group, and that prevented anyone from falling to the bottom of the crevasse."
All four had bruises, and possibly some broken bones, but none of the injuries seemed life-threatening, Bacher said.
The climber still on the mountain is Stacy Wren, 22. The three hospitalized are Noelle Smith, Stuart Smith and Ross Vandyke, the park said.
The Waco Tribune-Herald reported that Smith is a Waco attorney who has climbed the highest mountains on all seven continents and has been to both poles.
Hall, a four-year veteran of Mount Rainier's climbing program and a native of Patten, Maine, was a former Marine sergeant and had also worked as an avalanche forecaster at Yellowstone National Park, according to his Facebook page.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar praised Hall as a ranger "who heroically gave his life to save others".
Hall's age was initially reported as 34 but later corrected to 33.
Hall's is the second death of a Mount Rainier ranger this year. Margaret Anderson was shot dead on New Year's Day at a roadblock when she stopped a man suspected in a Seattle shooting.
Moreover, four Rainier visitors, two climbers and two campers, are presumed dead after failing to return from the mountain in January.
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How very sad that Ranger Hall lost his life trying to save the lives of others. Condolences to his family, friends and fellow park rangers.
If you seek adventure, succeed or die trying. The ranger should not have died trying to save morons that couldn't handle the task they chose. It's like someone being attacked by a shark, and then saying, "I don't blame the shark," and then going back into the water. If you have a death wish, do it alone. Stop taking innocent people with you. RIP Ranger Hall.
Lets see if there is a fund raising for this brave mans family who will need help now. Why not they have fund raising for others in a criminal case or a bully situation or some other sad story in life.
climbers are suck jerks!!!! its by far the most dangerous and idiotic hobby (next to russian roulette) and nobody should have to die because of someone elses poor choice in sport.
These asses should have to pay for every dollar this cost. Too bad they can't bring back the poor ranger. EVery year, these idiots put themselves into these stupid situations because they want adventure, and to brag about how they put their lives in danger and look how gutsy we are. Arrogant jerks who think their 15 minutes of fame is more important than thinking about the consequences if they screw up. I'm from the NW and all of my life this has gone on. Usually it is people from other parts of the country who come and get themselves into situations they don't think about before they start. Climbing in the snow, cold temps etc, let them dig themselves out.
Yeah, I think the lesson is that you're a disgusting person, making light of the ranger's death. Did the 9/11 firefighters take their jobs a bit too seriously. You are one vile, and mean-spirited individual, and I sincerely doubt you have any true friends, because nobody with any sense would subject themselves to the idiocy that you spew out.
This kind of stuff irritates me to no end , a man had to lose his life, so a$$holes could have a hobby.People who jump out of planes for fun,dive with sharks,run with the bulls,jump motorcycles over buses, all need to seek help or a real life,get a job, give some money away, something besides endangering others, and yourselves for $hits and giggles.
Usually if someone endangers anothers life, they go to jail for it. So what makes this any different? These people know that if they get their a$$es in a sling, somebody has got to come bail them out. So they know beforehand, they could possibly place others in danger, so they can get their jolly's. Not only is that selfish as hell , I think it should be banned . There's absolutely no purpose in it, other than what I have stated.
The amount of rescue operations on Mt Rainier and other mountains like it in the US and across the world are insane.
The old "Proceed at your own risk" should apply, and if a bunch of rich 50 somethings decide they want to tackle a mountain so they can boast about it at the next wine tasting they go to, let them. If they get stuck, it's their problem.
I am a big fan of National Parks and the men and women who work there. These are one of the most professional and dedicated people and help us experience the park so much better.
My heart goes out to Ranger Hall's family. While yes there are stupid people doing stupid things, I think it would be more tragic if as a result of this, more restrictions are put on park visitors.
should be forced to attend the Ranger's funeral and ask for forgiveness due to their stupid untrained butts putting others in harms way. I'm with UncleBen on this one.
RIP Nick.
Hope these four climbers are proud of themselves.
To : Patsycamoure3
This guy took his job a bit too seriously. Either that or these rangers don't have the right type of equipment with them.
The US is cutting back on everything except for the freaking armed forces and useless wars. Maybe there's a lesson in all of this.
Yes, Patsycamoure3, there is a lesson in all of this. The lesson is that a_holes like you should be left on the mountain to dig your own rear end out of trouble. A sick liberal with an agenda that brings forth your personal, misguided ideas, and considers no one else. Excuse me, the "freaking armed forces" ? ... you need a serious a— beating. It is because of the "freaking armed forces" that turds like you can even sit at a computer terminal and write your political vomit ... go to North Korea, please. You'd just fit right in there.
If there were no mountain climbers, ranger hall and his buddies would not have a job. Before you spit your vitriol, realise, these folks chose their job and like it.
If on the other hand, you are griping about the waste of taxpayer's money, hey, that's what "governments do best", to paraphrase tigger.
The death is tragic. The question is that with his experience, why was he not tethered during the operation, especially in the fall zone? They were aware of the difficulties, the terrain, and the potential. Where was his safety line?
Lots of human activities are dangerous and others have to put their lives at risk in a rescue. Shall we ban NASCAR because of the flaming crashes? Boating because of storms? Caving? People make mistakes and other people try to help them. It would be a shame to limit our potential in the name of safety. Presumably only those who stay home and watch TV are worthy of rescue.
You know this how? Are you frilling psychic? Oh young padawan, please advise us lowly humans?
Read any headlines lately? Watch any news? The military is downsizing!
Really? And that's all Park Rangers have to do is rescue arrogant dumbasses off mountains? Spent 4 years as a paramedic who's turf covered Mt. Hood. Participated in numerous rescues and 9 times out of 10 they were dumbasses who had absolutely no business on a mountain side risking the lives of others.
Involuntary manslaughter would be the right charge for those mountain-ass-climbers. They brought this on to themselves by being idiots.
Make those morons pay every penny of the rescue operation and a monthly support payment for the family of the victim for the rest of their life!
My heart felt condolences to the family of this brave Park Ranger.
aaaaahhhhhyyyeeeeee!
I would like to know where these people honed their climbing skills while living in Waco, Tx. Eventually I hope the parks get to the point where they put hobby "mountain climbers" through a knowledge and skills test before they are allowed to attempt to climb.
I hope the 4 climbers are happy with themselves.
The dollar cost to save these people is on the tax payers dime.
If people fear the cost of a rescue, they may not call for help in the first place. This goes beyond people at the top of a mountain, but also those driving in remote areas?
At what point does it go from bad to worse because someone doesn't call in any emergency. What if you call for a minor issue, and they send out EVERYONE then you get stuck with a bill that was way above and beyond the effort that would have been required?
Should we no longer send the Coast Guard to rescue ships in distress?
Should we no longer send the National Guard into hurricane struck areas (people don't have to live there).
I think fines are appropriate if you can show negligence, and perhaps there should be a fee schedule, but at the end of the day it just depends on a case by case basis.
Perhaps there should be insurance policies required with the permit.
If all these adventure seekers were obligated to purchase an insurance policy to cover all costs of a possible search and rescue, they might give it more thought before they set out. If they do proceed and meet with inevitable disaster, the monetary costs, at least, would be covered and not assigned to the already overburdened taxpayer. Failure to purchase such a policy should leave the climbers strictly to their own resourced for a safe return.
UncleBen must lead an exciting life all bottled up in a protective cocoon dictating how other people should live their lives. People are involved in car crashes every day and sometimes police and rescue personnel are injured or killed helping those do you suppose they need to stop helping those in need?
If all you big tough roped together individualists want to climb mountains, row oceans, and race in a circle, have at it. Either post bond up front or leave your beacons, whistles, and cell phones on the table.
My condolences go to Mr. Halls family. What a horrific way to die.
But all those passing judgement on the climbers should remember a few things: Did not Mr. Hall also have a choice of employment? Rangers are not forced to do this duty.
The fact that he's there and the climbers need help seems to me that they are providing employment for a section of the population who just love to be in the mountains.
This was a terrible accident that everyone is trying to assign the blame to the climbers. Does anyone even know if they were qualified to climb it or not? It's possible they had no business being there at all, but to blame them for this mans death is going way overboard. You could say they share some responsibility for not being qualified, but it's not like they pushed the guy off the mountain.
All this is is sad and tragic and an accident, but the blood lust I see in this forum is kinda scary.
No, it really isn't...
Mt Rainier kills people every year. This year is no different. Knowing that, people should CLIMB AT THEIR OWN RISK. Period. These four climbers are goddam idiots. If they think they are SO BRAVE, let's see how brave they REALLY are. The four of them should sell their homes and all their assets, come up with $500K each, and together, give Two Million Dollars to the Ranger's family. But will they? I doubt it -- they're goddam cowards who probably only donate to their cults so the jesus -myth can have more money. NONE of them will truly accept responsibility for this and give the Ranger's family the bare minimum what that family should get.
BlackKnight2 - Ah, yes. The know-it-all a**holes who think that they know better than the trained personnel who were participating in the rescue. You weren't there, Knight. You have no idea whatsoever of the conditions or situation. There is nothing like the armchair quarterback who is sitting there on his enormous butt criticizing other who are out doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Ol_Doc,
"And that's all Park Rangers have to do is rescue arrogant dumbasses off mountains?"
Right! I would not want to be one of those hikers and have to live the rest of my life knowing that a man had to die in an attempt to save my sorry ass. I think that would be a little to much for my conscience to bear.
the climbers are from Waco Texas -- I'm not betting on much conscience there.
But -- whoa! Let's assume they do have a conscience. Do they have the courage to belly-up $500K each and pay the Ranger's family for their grief and to help them continue thier lives?
Care to make a wager that these Texas cowards will turn tail and run out, and not give the family much of anything?
These "climbers" are ridiculous. I guess their next adventure is to go hiking along the Iranian border followed up by a hike through Syria.
dIf the climbers were unqualified I would completely agree then that they would have had no business being on the Mountain and thus endangering the lives of the resuers, but where in the aritcle does it say whether the climbers from TX were unqualified - I looked specifically because that was my concern. WHat I did weeis that 1) they were on their way down which means they made it further up the mountain; 2) at least one of them had extensive high mountain climbing experience; 3) they were on the glacier and two fell in a crevass, and while it does not say if they were roped together I bet they were.
We are all so quick to blame folks for things in this fay and age, we are quick to call them names (Texas Cowards, Jack Ass etc) none of us know them, so how can we judge.
One comment/suggestion made does make sense - if folks go into the public parks for extreme recreation - white water rafting, mountain climbing, skiing, swimming, hunting, fishing, any activity that might entail ones getting into trouble and need rescuing, than they should have to purchase an insurance policy that would 1) pay for their rescue; 2) pay for the lives of RESUERS lost saving them; 3) pay for any enviornmental damage done by their having to be rescued. The problem with the idea is who decides what is an extreme sport - to me going in the woods with guns to hunt and shoot is extreme to the NRA it might not be. But of course I am a liberal and belive in regulating everything, not like libertarians who dont want any regulations until such time as their sensibilities are bothered.
A tragic event - my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Nick Hall.
As the mother of a 23 year old technical climber, rock climber, back country skier, and mountain biker, I hold my breath every time I hear/read about an event like this and hope it isn't him or his friends. In fact I kind of peeked ahead as I read this story, scanning for the name of one of his pals who is on Rainer this summer (and may have been on this rescue). My son and his friends love the mountains and these adventurous activities that are such an integral part of their relationship to the wilds. They respect the natural world and are not pursuing these activities to conquer a trail or a peak or a world record. I always encourage him to use the best equipment, get the best training, and travel only with trusted friends who share the same view of risk etc. He is so happy when adventuring like this and I am thrilled that he did not choose hockey or football as a sport, where injury is almost guaranteed.
The insurance idea is a great concept! It could work similar to any insurance such as health or travel insurance. One is not required (as of now) to carry it but financial ruin is a possibility if an accident should happen.
Education is a great option also. Last week, in the BWCA, every person who is entering the wilderness area is required to attend the info session and is tested on the info.. Good potential there also.
Or...an interview process?
J2F2F2,
"As the mother of a 23 year old technical climber, rock climber, back country skier, and mountain biker, I hold my breath every time I hear/read about an event like this and hope it isn't him or his friends."
I can just imagine! What really scares me is watching that young man (I forget his name) on 60 Minutes who makes a habit of rock climbing without any ropes for safety. I'm afraid of heights myself and even just watching him on TV climbing so high up there with nothing to even support him if his hands or feet slip off the rock was painful to me. They said he is very lucky to still be alive since so many who have tried that are dead now.
People say that the ranger should not have attempted the rescue; but, if the rules were here is the environment...enter at your own risk we wouldn't NEED rangers and he would not have had a job. I think it would be wonderful if people would remember him with a fund set up for his family...perhaps initiated by climbers?
How did the fund for the woman that was "BULLIED" get started.That money should go to his family.
We scoop roadside wrecks, (and the victims ultimately pay with insurance or out of pocket) but not racetracks - pay for your own service.
Sad story.
The IDIOTS that risked their lives getting into this irresponsible situation are to blame. "Oh, we KNOW that people die climbing the mountain every year, but if WE get in trouble, we can always call the government to help us out! the government will think for us!" Grow some balls and common sense. Don't do stupid things, and then you DON'T endanger yourself or other, good people. Karma. Those who live by the sword, die by the sword. Common sense. I will bet you all anything that the hikers were all liberals.
That's not fair - more people die everyday on the roads, in car accidents and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time - than people doing stupid things. People doing stupid things don't help - But this is no worse than people drinking and driving -
If it is so stupid and dangerous - ban people from climbing? ban people from drinking alcohol? If the Government does that people would be outraged, so they have no choice but to save, and punish, people for their stupidity.
That is a brave soul, who potentially saved the lives of 4 people - he did it not because these 4 are stupid, but because he is a hero.
TruDATman, How does one get politics from this story, I agree the hikers were in over their heads and it cost the life of a good man. It's very sad for the Ranger's family and the four men will need to live with the fact that they caused a death. But are you that obsessed with politics, are you one of those idiots who cruise these pages and throw in a "liberal, or conservative" statement no matter what the story is. By the way I do not belong to any party because they all govern for the good of the party, not whats good for America. The world needs more people like this Ranger, giving so much to help others and less people like you pointing your finger at everyone and rambling.
Tantrumman calm down before your head explodes. People die in accidents every day. Some die while kayaking, some while boating, some while crossing the street. Are they all victims of "karma" as well? This has nothing to do with people expecting the government to save them. Actually in this case that is what the government is there for. Have you every driven over the speed limit or talked on your cell phone while driving? If you had an accident should they just leave you laying on the side of the road because you did something stupid? Maybe you can grow some balls and rush yourself to the E.R.
This has nothing to do with being a dem or gop. This has to do with accidents happen.
You know on second though, don't calm down. Let that soft over-ripped melon you call a brain explode. I sure hope you aren't registered to vote.
Don't look now but I think karma is giving you the eye.
I agree....as for accidents..? thats a bunch of bull..."accidents" are caused by someone's negligence and carelessness...if those jerks weren't careless that ranger would not have had to go to rescue them and lose his life in the process...people like that have absolutely no regard for others...they are selfish self centered idiots...gee fellas,lets all get in a big rubber boat and go whitewater rafting through the jagged rocks...oh damn we just hit a big jagged rock by ACCIDENT...oh well someone will come and die trying to save our sorry a**es...
Sadly, you are probably right!
Oh my heavenly word! What a bunch of bycherz on here this morning! Did the wrong side of the bed come up and slap you all? Jeeeez.
First off....Condolences to those who have suffered this loss!
Secondly, Grind55...haven't you noticed that SOMEONE ALWAYS has to bring politics into every subject these days? It's the only thing they have to live for.
Thirdly, old dog, if ACCIDENTS are caused by "careless jerks".... then it's the IDIOTS that keep REPRODUCING that cause careless jerks! Stop being so careless with your skcid!
Now really bozos....can't you find something better to bych about?
"Grow some balls"
What? You're the one implying people shouldn't do things they enjoy. Lets all just bubble wrap ourselves and not leave our houses. Be afraid of the world, don't have fun! The outdoors is a scary place. Forget telling people they shouldn't have been doing this, just completely shut down all national parks, etc. altogether. That will solve everything!
It's a sad story, but get over it and stop blaming the people. Maybe you prefer to just sit indoors at your keyboard criticizing others. Some prefer to actually get something out of life and enjoy themselves.
This is far different than a car accident or a boating accident. Most rescue attempts involving cars and boats do not risk the lives of the rescuers. If you choose to go mountain climbing it should be understood that you're on your own.
zorloc, a plane would probably fall into your house! "Careless jerks" are in the cockpit! lol And the bubblewrap would melt! ;)
zorloc,
I enjoy juggling dynamite... want to come over and play?
My brother in law died of a heart attack while delivering blood for the Red Cross-I hope when I die I'm helping others-(what a great way to exit this planet) My thoughts & prayers for his loved ones.........
Hey trudat...has anyone told you that you're a f...ing f..k? I thjought so. Anyway, If you ever get in a car wreck or have a medical emergency , be sure to thank the responders who came to save you-risking their own lives in the process ya f...ing right wing a...hole:))))
"Four liberals from Waco, Texas" doesn't make any more sense than "four climbers from Waco, Texas." It's highly unlikely that either description would apply.
Yeah, Waco Texas is just crawling with liberals.
Not fair? You're kidding me, right? Do you think I'd have something nice to say about a drunk slamming into a car load of kids? As a former paramedic...been there...done that. The worst part is it's usually the drunk who survives. Then you're stuck keeping his sorryass alive as they pull dead kids out of the other car. Anyone who intentionally places themselves at risk and then gets others killed rescuing his/her sorryass deserves to live with what they've done. That is if they're bright enough and not too arrogant to understand it.
TrueDatMan...
Liberals climb mountains & Liberals rescue other Liberals from Mtns.
Conservatives sit back & whine that the mountains don't treat them fairly & want to level all mountains so that Liberals are forced to live like fatazzed, flat brained & flat land Conservatives .
The outdoors are LIBERAL
smoke filled backrooms & couches are CONSERVATIVE
...remember it is YOU PEOPLE who elect W I D E S T A N C E guys & defend them .
ever see a wide stance guy on a mountain...NO?
because you never been on a mountain unless it was in a car on the road .
My sympathy to those who will most deeply feel the loss of Ranger Hall - family, friends and colleagues.
The nation has also suffered a loss and perhaps it is time to consider legislation that holds adventure seekers responsible for losses suffered because of their adventures. Just as there are monthly deductions taken for utility bills a sportsman should have a monthly payment for the rest of his/her life for the debt owed someone who sacrificed their life to save them. If the sportsman were assessed $250 a month they would pay less than $100,000 to the family, which would be comparable to a low-end insurance policy
Wow, leave it up to right-wing moronic douche-ness to make this issue into a liberal vs conservative issue...
some of these comments are ridiculous. he was a climbing ranger. that job is inherently dangerous. complaining that a climbing ranger died while attempting rescue someone is like complaining about a soldier dying in a war. it sucks and it's tragic, but it's gonna happen. he's a hero and his family should be proud that he gave his life trying to save others.
I would bet that Ranger Hall would oppose any legislation that in any way restricts climbing. As a climbing ranger, he likely spent a lot of his free time climbing too.
Maybe we should stop pretending we know what's best for people engaged in something we know nothing about, and let climbers, including climbing rangers, decide the fate of their sport.
My heart goes out to the family of the people who lost their lives over this incident. Everyone knows that people die on that mountain every year. This tragedy is the -plain and simple- fault of the dumbass people who embarked on the dumbass trek.
"OH! hey! I think that it would be fun if my pals and I sailed around in pirated waters for a week! I know that the government will save us if we get kidnapped! I don't care about the lives that we are potentially putting in danger! Big government will take care of us and solve our problems!" Dumbass liberal mentality. It's already about to ruin our great country.
I think they should be charged with manslaughter,found guilty and sent to prison...how careless and reckless of them to expect another man to give up his life to save theirs...inconsiderate S.O.B's like that should be locked away where the sun never shines...and their parents should be slapped with mop full of tar for raising morons such as that
Get a freakin' grip and relax a little.
Shlt happens.
RUMI?
Hey TruDATman... pull your head out of your sphincter. The four climbers were from WACO, TX! Are there a lot of liberals in Waco, TX? Knuckleheads like you are what's ruining our country.....
Which waters don't have pirates? I'm a sailor and would be happy to sail safely in them. Lakes? Don't think so... remember the guy killed by armed cartel members on his "Doo" in the lake bordering MX? International waters? Don't think so... my friends Scott and Jean Adam were murdered on thier boat while coming home (not sailing around for a week) by pirates who armed themselves and traveled 600 nautical miles to kill them. When the "Big E" showed up to save Scott and Jean it scared the * out of the pirates. (The "Big E" was on ordinary patrol - pirates are just a part of their job. Thanks "Big E" and all who sail aboard.)
When was it that someone traveled 600 natuical miles to push a hiker off a mountain? Apples and oranges.
As far as danger on the high seas goes... there's a greater chance of a mechanical failure/sinking/weather than of pirates and this story is about hiking not international waters. But since you brought it up, what do you think of the sailors who work on large container ships? Are they stupid thrill seekers too? There are over 600 hostages and 100 vessels of ALL sizes being held by Somali pirates at this moment. Does the international community have the right to "sail" in peace and not be attacked by armed thugs on international waters? Unlike hiking, sailing is not always a past time... sometimes it a vocation which benefits a great number of people.
Thanks to all the life savers... from paramedics to fire fighters to rangers to border patrol. Some of them are volunteers, all deserve the community's thanks and respect. It's always a great shame when we lose one. RIP.
Old dog, So should the rangers family have to pay for his recovery as well? He was damn fool enough to go up on that mountain just the same as the climbers... Sounds stupid doesn't it, and so do you.
This ranger is a hero, same as those that recovered his body. This is what they do, what they sign up for, they rescue people. This is a special type of person that will risk their own lives for strangers. I am humbled by them. I'm sure he felt a great deal of pride when he helped those climbers.
truDATman has a lot of spare time on his hands - in his job as Mayor of Smallpenis, Wyoming, he must get Fridays off.
People need to stay off the mountains, because sometimes, being stupid does carry the death penalty. Unfortunately, this time it fell on the wrong guy. And, I agree with a previous poster, that these morons need to pay every cent that this operation cost the park service, and they owe this ranger's family big time, too
I have no compassion for the idiots who so blatantly took his life for the sake of getting a thrill I have no sympathy for people who do stupid things like that...they want to jump out of airplanes and bungy jump and do so many dumb things just to get a rush...if jerks like that choose to climb a mountain or go hiking in the wilderness and get lost or hung up on a rock or cliff...guess what..? ooops...big mistake on your part...you chose to go there now you find your own way out of it...don't depend on tax dollars and someone else's life to get you out of a jamb that you were stupid and careless enough to get yourself into...I could never understand why someone would want to climb a mountain just to say 'I did it"...you can fix a car..you can fix a broken leg...you can fix a broken toy but you just can't fix stupid..!!! I'm sorry the ranger lost his life and I feel for his family
I have no compassion for an egocentric that has a heart attack, stroke, sleep apnea, or diabetes because they are ignorant enough to believe that permanently fastening their A to the couch is the safest way to live...and then arrogant enough to criticize the people who don't follow their example.
At least you won't die trying to rescue a couch potato.
Thrill seekers may endanger others when the thrill gets them in a jam.
If you want to die quietly on your couch from a heart attack or diabetes you die alone.
It was an accident. Nothing wrong with what the climbers were doing, I'll bet the Ranger was an avid climber too. Can't lock yourself up in your bedroom. We don't know all the circumstances, the Ranger died doing what he loved. May he rest in peace.
Maybe yes, maybe no. These folks were from Waco, TX. The article doesn't mention how many were experienced climbers. If the went up without an experienced climber, I really can't agree with you.
The article stated one climber was very experienced and climbed mountains all over the world. He at least was far from unexperienced.
Ol Doc, that's why I said we don't know all the circumstances
Why do whack-jobs always have to state the extreme to make their argument sound reasonable? You're either climbing Mt Rainier, which kills people every year -- or you're locked up in your bedroom?
What rhetorical nonsense. These four Texas whack-job climbers thought they'd be big braggarts, going home to Texass, to tell all their friends they conquered Mt Rainer. What those cowards will actually do is turn tail and run, leaving the Ranger's family behind with nothing, and probably LIE like Dumbya Bush, about what happened, to mitigate what they should actually do and to save face around their lowlife scumbag Texas buddies...
Frog, I like body surfing should I give it up because it's dangerous, these people obviously like climbing an accident happened, someone who chose as his profession because that's what he loved to do died, no one is to blame. Accidents happen. Sorry my description didn't fit your standards how silly of me, loved the name calling good rebuttal
I was being honest.
And I suggesteed nothing about people giving up hobbies they enjoy. But stop being a coward, and expect people to risk THEIR lives to save yours when you do something stupid or unsafe, and get in over your head. I do adventurous and risky things, too, but if i get into trouble, I get myself out or I LOSE MY OWN LIFE trying to get out.
Big difference. Be brave enough to save yourself. (Or, #2 -- let someone else die trying to save you). I'd rather die with the former Code, than to even try to live by the latter Code.
But, I guess that's what having a conscience is all about. For some reason, I bet these people from Waco Texas will have no problem living with the fact that their stupidity killed someone else... And, I'll bet they'll leave very little behind (if anything at all) for the Ranger's family.
Any takers on that wager?
Frog, you don't know that, for all you know these people might never be the same knowing that someone died trying to help them, as far as being a coward, if someone was in trouble and I was able to help them, I would be a coward for not. So lets see I'm now a coward whack job, and all this time I thought I was just someone who was willing to help out another human being
aventureist yes but so not stupid,and yes some people have dangerous jobs,talk about idiots,how about that chris guy that took those three boats to sail offt he flat earth,what a stupid nut he was.
Right, good comparison. Columbus and idiot TX hikers in over their heads - literally. Good point.
Like I always say, it was Armstrong that landed on the moon, that's why I think we should go to Jupiter - so someone else can have the same feeling as Armstrong. Why should he be the only "first" in planetary travel? Everyone else has a right to land on a planet.
Something else I always say - if you have a comment - have a point. The one on your head does not count.
Per the Centers for Disease Control (the agency that would save your A if the United States was ever attacked with biological weapons):
"More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined."
"443,000 deaths annually (including deaths from secondhand smoke)"
"49,400 deaths per year from secondhand smoke exposure."
Some pompous @$$es think they are so important that they feel entitled to kill 50, 000 NON SMOKING Americans a year so they have the "freedom" to suck on their cancer sticks.
I won't die from your post but listening to you sure gives me a pain in the ass.
Thank you for holding your breath while I smoke.
Jimmy
In case you haven't noticed, smokers no longer have the freedom to "suck on their cancer sticks" anywhere in public .
So there isn't much second hand smoke for you to bitch about anymore.
Get off your high horse.
49,400 deaths a year from second-hand smoke? I doubt seriously that you can prove that. Just more of the government's "We pulled it out of our a$$" bogus statistics.
Just wait, there are going to be lawsuits all over the place because all this happened on public land and the federal government will be found negligent for not protecting all these people. If people want to take risks, other people should not have to take on risk to bail them out - thats the diff between people dieing on the road every day, and people who put themselves in dangerous places like at the edge of a crevasse.
If you want to climb a piece of rock almost 3 miles high, fully aware of all the dangers, where at any given moment one slip of the foot could be fatal....fine, that's your prerogative. That's why we live in America. At the same time, when you find yourself stranded on a glacier at the top of this rock, stuck in a crevasse....with the equivalent of a winter hurricane bearing down on you...remember that you had been warned. And good luck, I'll be happy to notify your next of kin.....if you'd like. Burt if you expect me to help pull your butt off that mountain, you're insane.
Then don't sign up to be a Ranger. There you go, it's a free country.
Sounds as if you are one of the idiots I'm referring to....and even if you don't climb, that doesn't change the fact you're still an idiot.
Are there permits to do risky climbing? If so or if not there should be. If a permit does exist, it should state in there that if some thing does happen the people of the party are responsible for any costs in the event of such an emergency. I can see a lifeguard rescue on a public beach. But the thousands of dollars and risks involved for for all these rescues, are they at the expense of the tax payers. Does anyone know? Bless the family of the Ranger.
rick,
Yes there are permits and contingencies.
You cannot even get a permit if you are not a certified climber. If they think or forecast nasty weather, they will not issue a permit and they'll also contact the people who obtained one and revoke it for another day to try and avoid these situations.
Well-
If that is so - They should be billed for cost of rescue and be barred from the Parks until it is paid - This is what happens to peole who file permits for picnic/camping areas and then leave them in a mess or go off on 'trips' leaving a fire going or not 'police' up the area on their departure - Part and particle US National Park Regulations -21 yrs.on Police Dept. there -Outta know - This should be standard procedure in ALL public use places - But of course there is that whino politico faction that 'says' contrary to that - Not realizing the danger, cost, trouble that is precipitated by their 'rightful' stupidity - True, you can fix anything and everything but STUPID~!~!
Rick, since you "can see a lifeguard rescue on a public beach", may we assume that you go to the beach and don't climb mountains? If that is the case, why should someone risk their lives to pull your dumb ass out of the water when you swim out too far, get caught in a riptide, etc? Maybe people should be billed for the lifeguard service, PLUS the added costs of any rescue efforts.
Billy? How's that thing with your mom? You still pissed off at her? Still takin out on people here?
Just checkin on ya. Cheers!
In my younger days just out of the military,1963-1967, I did a lot of backpacking to get away from people. I got into some serious trouble on some mountains in New Hampshire, but I never wanted or expected help. In fact I made it a point to tell my parents that if I didn't come home it was my fault, don't send help. Climb a mountain and die, your problem not someone elses.
This has been my contention all my days of USPark service, but of course those politico whinos all say there are 'rights' - etc.
You get yourself into a problem -Get yourself out, if you don't like or contend with that - There's the entrance, don't come back - PERIOD.That's the code of responsible, accountability the Depression taught us, altho it has been long lost in this present society since WWII when those bozos that came home said - "My kids aren't going to have to go thru what me and my folks did in the Depression" Well my answer was " If they did they won't be in the trouble they will be in " Generation later Toad ja BOZO ~!~!~!
Ditto what you said.
No one should have to put their life on the line to rescue someone else who knowingly participates in a dangerous activity.
What a load of crap.
You play, you pay.
My condolences to this ranger's family.
The rangers volunteer for this duty. They are often up there themselves for recreation.
Define for me the line where the danger is severe enough that we should ban an activity. Please be specific. Then we can start by banning cars, since driving is inherently dangerous and statistically the most common cause of "death by misadventure". Or maybe when people crash their car driving 5mph over the limit we should let them burn in the wreckage, eh?
Without risk there is no reward. If we all avoided risks we would still be huddling in a cold cave, naked and hungry.
Never said to ban any activities.
Only to not expect to get rescued if you get into trouble.
Driving a car cannot be compared to climbing a mountain.
Sure it can. Driving a car is statistically far more dangerous than climbing a mountain. We are comparing risks, right?
Cell phones worry me a bunch more than mountian climbers. I don't mess with the mountian's and they don't mess with me. Destracted drivers, every day.
What the hell would those TX hikers have done had this happened back in the days BEFORE we had rangers all over the mountains? Toss out the Chinooks, too. We didn't have airbases everywhere and all sorts of various helicopters at their disposal back just 50 years ago. Those TX swamprats would have lost ALL their lives. There would be no rangers there to help with ropes, food, tents - and THEIR lives.
Oh, sorry, I forgot we are ALL liberals. So OF COURSE those POOR hikers HAVE A RIGHT to do that. Rights? Is that the liberal way of screaming and stomping their feet? It appears to end up at the same place - they get their way. I understand rights. We have the right to a safe community. Does that mean nobody will ever be harmed? No, maybe for some reason. But it is not something that happens every day. Why do rights ONLY get discussed when someone wants to do something? I want to marry as a same sex couple? That right is based EXCLUSIVELY on how that person wants to have sex. Wow, I'm glad the Constitution is "based" on such important matters. But it is my RIGHT!!! Is it? Perhaps it should be MY RIGHT to drink 24/7? But those bars are not allowing my "right" to be a drunk. Most (some) close way too early. I am not in a stupor 24/7. Boohoo.
Go take your demand for rights and start demanding the right to be kind to others, not just to yourself. Start demanding the right to be generous to others (even a few bucks), not just to yourself. There are many "rights" like that that no one seems able to discuss.
It is a term we have lost - it is called altruism. Look it up.
I doubt the losers from Waco TX were liberals! LMFAO! But, they expected the gov't to save them!!
So much for your BS.
Go back to your mormon-butt-licking, worshiping Mittens and his Magic Underwear!
Cheers, punkin!!
What's with all the liberal bashing in a story that has nothing to do with politics? Get a life please.
Eh -- the right-wing is pissed that they are forced to follow a Mormon cultist who wears Magic Underwear and believes the silly story about Golden Plates. And, all the right-wing whacko christians who, yesterday, called Mormonism a whacky, stupid cult, are now forced to vote for one of these cult whack-jobs as their President, because they hate blacks and gays and other people more than they hate Mormons. It leaves most of them very confused and angry, running around with Poopy Pants syndrome. I don't mind letting them blow off steam, sometimes I'll jab back -- just to stir them up a little...and laugh at their rage.
I have always wondered what pocessess people to go on some crazy dangerous expeditions, so it looks cool when u update FaceBook?, if they want to venture into isolated and very risky and dangerous areas then make them sign a waiver, plan for emergencies and dont say oh thats their job,now theres a family who lost a husband and father and son while we are subjected to their phoney grief and waving to the camera, wow, really? And you just know at least 1 will try to profit off of it for the magic "15" minutes ugh!!!!!!!!! Its a neverending vicious circle of stupid totally scripted, make up crews, light crews, cameras set up for rehearsel shoots(hmmm for reality, strange)it insults our intelligence and it just goes to show how lazy Hollywood is getting, why make good programming when we can throw in 3 mos of the newest craptacular ,spectacle of" Im a Z lister stuck in a fake forest so please let me reherase my lines cause I have to really act dumb when we go meet up with a pygmy tribe and show them how to use IPhones, we are such human, no wait, hoome, wait I know this one, h-u-m-a-n atricions, Yay me, wanna buy my new line of junk? Ok got waaaay of topic sorry but I was on a rant, roll!!
Both the national and state park services should get out of the rescue business and place this on their websites and on the national news. Why should anyone risk his life in attempting to rescue someone engaged in a somewhat dangerous endeavor such as mountain climbing. It's one of those sports where someone should take his chances on dying for a sport that he loves. Besides, the taxpayer shouldn't have to pay for those rescues. It should be turned over to private enterprise where each person pays in advance for rescue service. Just because someone has a cellphone and calls for help doesn't mean that it should be heeded. No doubt, I'll get flak for saying this from people who comment on this websites. They're the parasites who want the public to pay for their mistakes.
shark,
Upon obtaining a permit, you have to have proof of insurance which will cover these costs.
Just like any other insurance company, when "they" have to pay out, your premium goes up. If there are too many occurrences, they'll drop you.
Creek Dog
I checked Mt Rainier's website and all one needs is a climbing permit for $43. I read a book written by a NPS Ranger who worked at Denali National Park which contains Mt. McKinley. Both Americans and foreigners are rescued annually at taxpayer expense. Now, anyone who can afford the plane fare to Alaska and $500 for equipment can climb McKinley. Therefore, when they get into trouble, all they have to do is to get on a cell phone and call for help. People with practically no experience attempt McKinley because it's easy to get to. This doesn't happen in the case of Everest which is remote and costly to get to and climb.
shark
You'll get no flak from me.
Nor from myself.........
All Mountains (states) do not always have the same policy.
Have a nice weekend.
CD
Nor from myself.........
All Mountains (states) do not always have the same policy.
Have a nice weekend.
CD
These stupid climbers that know the risk should be charged for the waste of time to rescue them and then also be charged the cost of the burial of this ranger.
Mt Rainier is inside Mt Rainier Nat'l Park -- A FEDERAL park.
Cheers!
His family will never be the same, and will have much difficulty from now on. We can't bring the Ranger back, but if these Texans are unlike Dumbya Bush and so many other Texans, maybe they'll have the courage to OWN the damage they've done to his family and do what they can to make good (some good) on it. Each one should liquidate what they own until they each come up with $500,000, a total of $2M, to give to the Ranger's family.
But they are cowards from the South, so, I doubt we'll see anything like that.
Frogmorton!: The ranger who died volunteered for that rescue duty, and as such one might ask why he chose to put his family through that. But such a statement is just as heartless and idiotic as yours.
Thank god he was overpaid and a benefit package of a CEO so now that he is gone his wife and kids won't have to worry being a government employee
You're an in-compassionate idiot.
The End
Wow, another Texan heard from? No need to sound off anymore, Opp, we get your point...mindless as it is.
No doubt the climbers will write a book and get a movie out their harrowing experience and the ranger's family will be criticized for draping a flag over his coffin.
So how are things in Makestuffupia, sourpuss?
The only people who will criticize a flag over his coffin are the religious -- like the Westboro Baptists who protest funerals. Oh, aren't the BuyBull and its followers wonderful!!
Risk takers often put others at risk too. My heart goes out to the Rangers family. Utter distain for the "climers" who think of only themselves.
As a volunteer, the ranger was a risk taker too. How dare he put his family through this! :rolleyes:
See how silly that is?
Condolences to family, friends and fellow Park Rangers.
I'm curious how, at 13,700 feet, the 4 rescuers weren't hooked up as a rope team?
They were.
They were.
Recently I stated that I felt like it was any idiots' right to enjoy the things they choose to enjoy, but they shouldn't expect rescue when it risks the lives of those who have to rescue them or attempt to recover their bodies. So to all those who will protest that these adrenaline based hobbies don't harm anyone but those who indulge in them- this is the outcome.... Prayers for this Ranger's family.
What good will hand-mumbling do? If your cult god was real, maybe he'd have had enough sense to save the Ranger and let the idiot goddam climbers die!
I don't know why mountain climbing in these treacherous areas has not been made to be illegal. These climbers are so selfish to put others in such a position to have to stage dangerous and life threatening rescues when these idiots hurt themselves because they chose to put themselves in that situation!!! They should have to pay for the costs of the rescue. I hope their big egos got fullfilled at the cost of a human life!! Selfish idiots!!!! They should be left there!
First of all, that we lost a ranger is tragic, my sympathy to his family and his friends.
Secondly, to those who post that the climbers who got in trouble were being stupid for risking their lives and that their actions caused the ranger's death, get a clue! Risk is inherent in living. Were we to adopt your cowardly philosophy, mankind would not exist at all! Imagine, cavemen too afraid to leave the cave to hunt or gather, people too afraid to get near fire, or tame a horse, or investigate anything mysterious at all!
PREPOSTEROUS!
Did the climbers have to climb? No, but their adventurousness is exactly the kind of behavior that has allowed us to advance as a species and it IS natural behavior. Huddling in our hovels and trying to duck rain drops lest we get wet or avoid taking any risk at all is born of a society where comfort reigns supreme and where everything is so easy that we avoid the risks so many in times past or even in other parts of the world today must confront just to survive.
Bless the ranger and mourn his loss but do not condemn the people who would take a risk to visit breathtakingly beautiful areas of our world. They didn't set out to do anything that would cause risk to others. Nor do any of us when we head off to work on our morning commute. Unfortunately things go wrong sometimes. A misstep on a glacier or rocky slope, or a missed traffic light and everything changes in the blink of an eye!
And I love to sail...I just don't sail into a hurricane. Common sense goes a long way.
Srich,
If you love to sail then I assume you don't just sail along the shore, you venture out a bit. You've never been caught off guard by a sudden squall or had some key part of your vessel break? The unexpected is exactly what the term implies and is what happened to those climbers and to the ranger involved in their rescue.
Risk takers demonstrate an important part of human nature and I'm glad we don't live in a world where everyone plays it safe. Besides, what should we do with beautiful areas of our world that require some risk to see? Rope them off I suppose? Arrest people for trying to climb a mountain? Wouldn't want to live in that world either!
I snow ski, last year I hit a tree and bunged myself up. YUP, I took a RISK! HEAVENS TO BETSY! I'll go skiing again this year too, and you know what? I'll be skiing past trees again! Perhaps skiing should be outlawed, racing too, sports in general are just too risky so lets stop letting people play them! Chess, sure, baseball, no way! Unrealistic expectations lead to unrealistic views, lead to unrealistic legislation, OMG, I've gone political! Somebody help me!!!
Ease up- I lived in Colorado for ten years and ski myself, unless you were skiing in the back country in avalanche territory, getting first aid on a slope is no comparison. Yes, venture out, enjoy life...I do these things as well, just be smart about it. I live and travel to places where there is no help for me if I need it... I would never want anyone to risk their own life for me because I ventured beyond my abilities.
Srich,
Sorry if I got carried away. I am quite sure the climbers involved here had no intention of venturing beyond their abilities, something went wrong...Things happen when we challenge ourselves and mother nature plays a role as I know you are aware. I was fortunate enough to be able to ski/limp off the mountain but where I was would have posed serious difficulty for rescuers were they to have been necessary.
I live on property a fair distance from the nearest town. I also own property on a river near the Canadian border that is on a private road and many, many miles from civilization, I know I am at risk when I visit my property but I still go, still run my chainsaw, drop trees, go swimming, camping etc. We don't stop doing the things we enjoy because they put us at risk.
Knowing your abilities and being smart are the ideal, but unexpected circumstances can take anyone beyond what they were prepared to deal with and can result in the need for rescue. I have a special insurance policy to cover the cost of medical transport by helicopter. The fact that this is even available proves the inherent risk in living, let alone living away from civilization or venturing into remote areas. Rescue services are everywhere, because people find themselves suddenly in need of it.
Yeah, sighber, risk is inherent in living.
No one is saying these folks were wrong for taking risks.
The point is that when you knowingly do something that could put you at risk, don't expect others to put their lives at risk if you get into trouble.
Pretty selfish, that.
sighber
No one is claiming life does not have risks.
No one is condemning these climbers for doing what they love.
The point is that others should not have to put their lives in danger to rescue someone who knowingly takes a risk like climbimg a mountain.
How selfish can you get?
Tina,
So you're saying I can't drive down the road either?
Guess if I get in an accident and the EMT's are risking their lives in traffic "saving" my life, then I must be "selfish".
Hmmmmm. What the hell am I going to do now? I can't go or do "anything" on this earth without being "selfish". That sucks man!
Have a nice weekend...................CD
Tina,
So your idea of a generous world is one in which people only rely on themselves, where no one reaches out to help another? That's pretty messed up! When you see someone in need of help do you first assess whether they were "knowingly" doing something that put them at risk before you decide to help them or not? I hope we live in a world where people take risks, where people challenge themselves. Challenge IS RISK. RISK will create a need for help sometimes. I hope that I never find myself in need of help but if I do, I hope I am surrounded by people who aren't so callous that they shrug their shoulders and exclaim that I was being foolish/selfish as they shake their heads in disbelief and walk away.
sighber,
Very good post.
Have a nice weekend.
Oh no worries Sigh, I know what you were getting at....living life- it's all good ; )
Sighber. GEt real. Rainier kills people EVERY year. I see it from where I live, a beautiful view. But I respect it from here. It's perfectly enjoyable from here right up to its base. And my view requires no risk...
People who climb it, knowing it kills people every year, should do it at their own risk. There are many other mountains all around Rainier that people climb all year, that I climb all year, virtually risk-free, and these other mountains kill nobody, yet are still enjoyable, outdoors, great exercise, yielding terrific views, and don't mean that those lesser-mountain-climbing people are "locked in their bedrooms" in contrast.
The argument is complete RUBBISH!
Yes, Creek Dog-bizarre analogy unless your driving up a mountain and expect to be rescued from the summit??????? Hell, give a rescuer a level playing field.
Can't compare driving a car to mountain climbing.
Apples and oranges.
I do wonder what the skill level of these climbers was....there is a significant problem with adventure seekers who think they're 'mountain ready' get up there and suddenly realize they're not mountain ready. All of the technology available to climbers is wonderful, but the chaos theory is still very much in play for climbers. Condolences to the family who lost a father, a brother, a loved one in an effort to save those who very likely were in over their heads in the first place.
Didn't read the whole story, did you?
No, I didn't think so.
I don't want to read all the vitriol in the comments, so this may have already been mentioned. Both of the men were VERY experienced climbers. Mr. Smith has done the 7 summits (highest on each continent) and skied to the south pole, north pole and just a month ago skied across Greenland. So, very in-shape and very experienced. So let's lay that to rest. From what I read the 2 men saved the group by stopping them from falling into the crevasse. I promise you that, other than his friends & family, no one feels worse than they do about the death of Nick Hall. We could pick nits about whether it's moral or right for someone to 'have' to put their lives at risk to save someone doing an activity they willingly chose to do. But rangers, like policemen, firemen, emt's and other public servants, choose to do what they do because they want to help others, even if those people have been the cause of their own situation.
This is a horrible tragedy and nothing we can say or do will make anyone involved feel better. So let's try not to make them feel worse by judging them harshly.
Mountains have been determined by the State of California to cause death and birth defects.
Some of you crack me up. Just because you don't do it or you don't agree with it, it's stupid or the people that do it are idiots. People take risk every day. It's who some people are. I'm cofident that someone could sit back and look at some of your life actions as stupid or perceiving some of your actions as idiotic.
People that take the sort of jobs that may put them in danger are usually well aware of the risk that may be involved. Some of them are even attracted to the risk, just like our climbers. All emergency responders I know can't wait for the opportunity to help someone. But to blame an injury or death on the person they're helping is not very respecful to them in my opinion. My guess is, this guy died doing what he loved. I see this as a tragic accident. Nothing more, nothing less.
Thank you, somebody finally stopped bashing adventure. You guys kill me. Why is it that those without an adventurous spirit have no empathy for those that do. The parks were created to explore, and park rangers are there (willingly) to do their job, part of which is responding to calls for help. There is also a thing called Search and Rescue, which is a voluteer organization of other hikers/climbers who come together to help rescue fellow adventurers in need. That is not at taxpayers expense. Slipping and falling is not a sign of negligence. Idiots are those who knowingly charge up a mountain when a storm is in the forecast, but these guys just fell. I happen to be part of the hiking and climbing community, and proud to be. The people I meet there live life first hand instead of sitting home living vicariously through their tv's. They are a lot more interesting for it too. I personally would rather die on a mountain than die a slow death via spoon in front of a tv. That is the saddest kind of death there is.
I have to wonder how many of these "risk bashers" routinely take their own lives and the lives of others into their hands by talking or texting on a cell phone while driving on public roads? Now THAT is stupid. Climbing is an adventure, a serious undertaking, and even with the best of preparation, accidents will happen. A friend is in the process of hiking the AT; he's a section hiker, because he can't take the time off to do the whole thing. I think he has only a couple of hundred miles left. He's had some issues, but nothing disastrous. It's part of life, a joyful part, but there's no guarantee you won't run into trouble. Hopefully, overcoming problems is a positive learning experience, by which you grow. In the worst case, you may need help, and in that you will never be alone - everyone needs help at one point or another - that, too, is part of life, and what separates humanity from the rest of nature.
Sympathies to the family and colleagues of Ranger Hall; all those whom you have helped will remember you.
Nobody is bashing adventure. It's just that -- when I get adventurous, I'm not a goddam coward, and I don't expect someone to come and bail me out, or lose their life trying. If i get in over my head, i get myself out, or I die trying. It's a rule worth living by...know what I mean?
Big difference between that and "bashing adventure"
Cheers!
We are all glad you are so self-sufficient, but there are a number of us who feel compassion when someone is unexpectedly in trouble and we choose to help.
There is nothing cowardly about asking for help. Don't be too proud to do so when needed.