When I was growing up being trained about how to survive in the wilderness was something that was taught almost every boy I knew growing up. My Grandfather was a hunter from Kansas originally and he hunted Bear, Elk, Deer etc in many of the western STates including Idaho from about 1900 on through maybe 1925 or 1930s but Deer and Elk after this maybe into 1940s when he retired.
So, he trained all his kids how to function in the wilderness which was more normal in the 1920s since my father was born in 1916.
So, when I came along I and my Male cousins were taught this too about how to survive in the wilderness.
Also, many people in California (especially southern california) have never seen snow because it doesn't snow in Southern California except up in the mountains there. So, if the live at the beach for example, and don't travel they might have seen mt. Baldy in the distance but never have driven there. Like the 19 year old who died there recently.
Also, someone who understands mountain climbing and looked at the ridge they were climbing along covered with snow or ice would know they would need Crampons and an ice axe at the very least to survive a ridge trail in the snow with 500 to 1000 feet of exposure on either side of them. But, if they rode up the Ski lift there as hikers they might not know any of this and were just out on a lark on a hike.
But, if you don't understand the environment you are in fully people die all the time from this lack of understanding just like people who live inland come to the oceans where I live and don't understand sneaker waves then go way out on rocks to get a better picture of big waves and then a 10 to 30 foot wave grabs them and pulls them out to sea and this time of year the Sea in Northern California and the temperature today was 56 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit. However, without a wet suit or dry suit you might only survive being beat about in the surf for around 10 to 15 minutes. So, if you cannot get back to shore and get help within 10 to 15 minutes you begin to hallucinate from hypothermia and you are dead within 15 to 30 minutes maximum. This is what happens.
Also, on mt. Baldy its over 10,000 feet at Mt. Baldy (Mount San Antonio) stands at 10,064 feet (3,068 meters)
So, if you aren't used to being at altitude it makes you kind of light headed like you have had a couple of beers usually, especially if you haven't done it before. It's Very awakening and makes you feel amazing but also your mental faculties are usually less at this altitude unless you are staying very very focused on what you are doing and staying alive.
So, dying in the altitude and cold of snow and Ice and gusts of wind often of 100 miles per hour or more likely blew the 19 year old off the ridge and down 500 feet which sliding on the snow very fast likely killed him fairly quickly.
so, being in this environment with out good equipment like Sunglasses for snow blindness, a warm jacket and a hat to keep the heat in on your head like a wool hat or something and crampons which are spikes you wear on your shoes for snow or ice so you don't slide sideways and die and an Ice axe which even without crampons might save your life by using the spike on the bottom of the axe to stop yourself (if you know how to do this) means you could easily die without all these things on a ridge in the snow or ice with 1000 feet or more exposure both directions on a trail like this along a high ridge where you are totally exposed if you are hit with a gust of wind 100 miles per hour or more like I was hit with while climbing San Gorgonio mountain in 1969 in the winter there. If I hadn't had plastic to cover my face then the ice would have continued to cut my face blown at over 100 mile per hour gusts.
People often think they can survive things that they can't when they are inexperienced mountain climbers.
If you are unprepared for what you are facing often you might die in these situations. And even if you are prepared you might still die. There is always a chance of this and not realizing this many people die not understanding fully what they have gotten themselves into on mountains around the world.
- Research the Trail & Conditions: Check park websites, AllTrails for recent reports, and the weather forecast.
- Tell Someone: Leave a detailed plan (route, timeline, who, when back) with a trusted contact.
- Pack the 10 Essentials: Map, compass/GPS, headlamp, sun protection, first-aid, knife, fire starter, shelter, extra food/water, extra clothes.
- Gear Up: Bring layers, water with electrolytes, and a whistle; consider a satellite communicator.
- Stay Found: Stick to marked trails; avoid shortcuts.
- Navigate: Check your map/GPS often; download maps for offline use.
- Stay Aware: Don't wear headphones; pay attention to surroundings, trail markers, and daylight.
- Know Your Limits: Turn back if tired, unsure, or running low on daylight.
- Be Weather-Ready: Pack layers and rain gear for sudden changes.
- STOP: Stay calm, think, observe, plan.
- Stay Put: Stay on the trail if possible; if truly lost, stay put, especially at night.
- Signal: Use a whistle (3 short blasts), bright clothing, or a signal mirror; text 911 with GPS coordinates if service allows.
- Carry a satellite messenger (like a Garmin inReach or SPOT) for areas without cell service, as phones often fail in remote areas.
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