BillB1960
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So last Friday about 1:30 AM 3 intrepid mountain climbers started up Mt Hood in Oregon. They were all in their mid to late 20s, and by all accounts experienced and in excellent health. They had checked in at Timberline Lodge and were due back that same afternoon so when they didn't show up a search was launched. Saturday morning the body of one of the climbers was found on the snow pack at about 10,000 feet. Scattered around him was his equipment as well as some items from the other 2 climbers. Since then despite an extensive air & ground search there has been no sign of the other 2 climbers. This isn't too surprising since the current conditions on the mountain are basically white out not to mention the extreme avalanche danger.
It's not all that uncommon for mountain climbers to lose their lives on Mt Hood, there have been more than a dozen deaths in the past 25 years which is why it is highly recommended but not mandatory that all climbers utilize an MLU (Mountain Locator Unit) when climbing Mt Hood. There have been several lives saved by these units but legislation to mandate their use has died in the Oregon State Senate. These units can be rented for $5 not only on the mountain but at most local Portland sporting goods stores.
So now we have dozens of searchers risking their lives looking for what most likely are bodies by now at huge tax payer expense because a small group of "enthusiasts" thinks that wearing an MLU might spoil their communion with nature. It should be noted that these units only broadcast a signal when they are activated by the person wearing them so it's not like their movements can be tracked on a minute by minute basis.
The real kicker here is that the Portland Mountain Rescue Unit which heads up the rescue efforts on Mt Hood has consistently taken the position that MLUs should not be mandated. Their official position can be seen here: Portland Mountain Rescue | Pressroom | Headline Story
Am I the only one who thinks this is just flat out ridiculous?
It's not all that uncommon for mountain climbers to lose their lives on Mt Hood, there have been more than a dozen deaths in the past 25 years which is why it is highly recommended but not mandatory that all climbers utilize an MLU (Mountain Locator Unit) when climbing Mt Hood. There have been several lives saved by these units but legislation to mandate their use has died in the Oregon State Senate. These units can be rented for $5 not only on the mountain but at most local Portland sporting goods stores.
So now we have dozens of searchers risking their lives looking for what most likely are bodies by now at huge tax payer expense because a small group of "enthusiasts" thinks that wearing an MLU might spoil their communion with nature. It should be noted that these units only broadcast a signal when they are activated by the person wearing them so it's not like their movements can be tracked on a minute by minute basis.
The real kicker here is that the Portland Mountain Rescue Unit which heads up the rescue efforts on Mt Hood has consistently taken the position that MLUs should not be mandated. Their official position can be seen here: Portland Mountain Rescue | Pressroom | Headline Story
Am I the only one who thinks this is just flat out ridiculous?
I'm not sure. One could argue that creating a nanny state runs counter to the process of evolution.
