Tragic Month- 3 Hikers Die in White Mts, NH

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 21. 08. 2024

Komentáře • 335

  • @DougShoeBushcraft
    @DougShoeBushcraft  Před rokem +30

    Guopeng "Tony" Li, 28, was found on Mt Lincoln on Christmas Day. We've lost 3 people in the span of a month. I'll tell you the latest story. My purpose for these videos is so it doesn't happen to anyone else. I've been trying to warn people. Everybody hiking and camping and hunting - please be careful. Everyone be careful... and particularly the beginners. If you are just starting out- Bring the proper gear and clothing. First you have to learn what that is! And then don't go alone. Don't go too far into the wilderness, and get into trouble. And (in the winter) don't go above the tree line!
    Press Release by NH Fish and Game
    facebook.com/NewHampshireOperationGameThief/
    Boston Globe
    www.bostonglobe.com/2022/12/26/metro/man-who-died-hiking-white-mountains-christmas-loved-outdoors-was-inexperienced-winter-conditions-officials-say/?s_campaign=bostonglobe%3Asocialflow%3Afacebook
    WMUR Channel 9
    www.wmur.com/article/man-found-dead-in-franconia-nh-sunday-after-not-returning-from-saturday-hike/42335679
    AMC NH Chapter, Winter School
    amcnh.org/excursions-workshops-courses/winter-spring-school/winter-school/

    • @vajhwmhawj7961
      @vajhwmhawj7961 Před rokem

      U give

    • @stephenkiefer137
      @stephenkiefer137 Před rokem +2

      These mountains sre not yo be messed with ANY ,time of the year. People have died there from exposure in the SUMMER, let slone winter!!!!!!

    • @speterlewis
      @speterlewis Před rokem +3

      I've made well over 100 trips above timberline in the Whites in winter over the decades. Be fit, aware of the forecast, properly equipped, smart, wary, and ready to turn back and you will be just fine. Many of my best days were up above the trees, and while caution is always advised, a blanket admonition to never venture up above timberline is simply not warranted.

    • @donaleigh2352
      @donaleigh2352 Před rokem

      Surely the State can put out solar lights to guide people.. emergency fire starters etc. They are making billions off these parks

    • @katwmnbureau4932
      @katwmnbureau4932 Před rokem

      Noone listens to others advice. Never ever go alone.

  • @4potslite169
    @4potslite169 Před rokem +118

    Good advice here…I’ve hiked the Ridge many times, once doing the same loop that Mr Lee attempted. Every time I’m up there I run across inexperienced and poorly outfitted “hikers.” One instance I remember very well was passing two young teenage girls hiking up Bridal Veil, late afternoon, in canvas tennis shoes, cotton shorts and tees w Hello Kitty book bags. They asked how far the ridgeline was, and I started in w the questions…Do you have a map? No. Do you have a jacket? No. Do you have rain gear? No. Do you have a head lamp? No. Does your family know you’re up here? Sort of. I told them “I’m gonna pretend to be your mom here…it’s too far to the top, there’s rain and wind coming in, you’re not prepared for the weather and certainly not to come back down wet and cold, on a trail you don’t know and unable to find your way in the dark. My advice is turn around right now and get back to the trailhead where your family is. They’re worried sick and want you back alive.” I stayed just behind them all the way down, to make sure they were OK. I lost a day hiking, but I couldn’t just let them go off.

    • @vcman9505
      @vcman9505 Před rokem +8

      U r a good man, just that people will get upset sometime if you worry too much about them lol.

    • @pinetree2473
      @pinetree2473 Před rokem +6

      I've experienced almost the same years ago. I think some people look up from their car on the road and get the idea to hike up to the peak. They think it might take an hour or so to get up there and no clue that it may take 3-4 hrs. (or more) with drastic changes in weather. I kept on with my hike that day but was happy to see the couple I talked to turn around about 10 minutes later.

    • @brianrobbins3499
      @brianrobbins3499 Před rokem +1

      I’ve had those days hunting in western Montana

    • @Peenurpool
      @Peenurpool Před rokem +8

      @4 Pots Lite: You’re a good person for making sure those kids that didn’t know any better got back safe... I cannot even begin to tell you the number of times I have done something like that, or altered my plans, or changed my plans, or have had to lend/ give the extra gear I had packed to keep unprepared people warm and safe, and feed them because they’re so hungry... This happens way more than people think, and I really appreciate you bringing attention to this, because as beautiful as the mountains in NH are, they are also unforgiving and can be deadly... Things can go very wrong very fast... It can be very challenging even when you have all the proper gear, and do everything correctly...This is all good advice you’ve given here, and I really do hope people pay attention and learn something from it... it’s all fun and games until the temperature drops, the sun goes down and it’s pitch black, and you have no clue where you are or where your heading.... we all love nature, and feel the need to get close to it... First and foremost, nature must be respected and not taken lightly or as a joke...Be well prepared and do not take any risk or chance that you absolutely don’t have to... Always go with at least one other person, minimum, that has experience if you do not... learn and live... I Love the great state of NH, especially the White Mountains.... I want to live there but unfortunately it comes down to money... which makes me feel like a total loser... I was doing ok financially at one point, making enough to get by, but I developed lung cancer(not from
      Smoking, but through genetics and environment) and I can’t work... That wiped me out of money between paying medical expenses, and regular bills... Now I’m left with only one lung, and the damage that radiation and chemo have done.... At least I’m alive!!!... Many people have it worse than I do, and many have not made it out alive like I have... life takes on a new meaning when you survive something like that...

    • @EveningShadeLori
      @EveningShadeLori Před rokem +3

      That’s a sad story. With good ending. Would have been a tragedy had you not been there.

  • @pinetree2473
    @pinetree2473 Před rokem +19

    One additional piece of advice: Don't beat yourself up for deciding to turn back. In fact, it's probably good practice to do every once in a while, just to remind yourself that the joy is in the journey and not just in the goal.

  • @chickenmomma9239
    @chickenmomma9239 Před rokem +6

    The mountain didn't take them, ignorance did.

  • @amodernalchemist432
    @amodernalchemist432 Před rokem +5

    It's actually amazing that at this day in age people *still* go hiking unprepared, unskilled and all alone.
    *A hike in the mountains and/or woods is not a walk in the park or around your neighborhood block!*
    Great advice! If people don't wanna pay for training at least go with experienced hikers and learn the ins/outs and most of all how to stay safe in all seasons.

    • @philsmith2444
      @philsmith2444 Před rokem +1

      Exactly, never before has the sum of human knowledge been so close at hand 24/7 but used so little. Maybe check the weather before opening Facebook, Instagram, and CZcams.

  • @deekelley891
    @deekelley891 Před rokem +68

    Even before sunset, when the sun goes behind the mountain, it’s like sunset in the shade of that mountain. And the temperature drops. People unfamiliar with mountains can easily miscalculate actual time with actual sun. Thanks again, Doug. And may God comfort the rescuers as well-they have had a hard few months.

    • @tjmmcd1
      @tjmmcd1 Před rokem

      Right and people didn't know any better? Check the county coroners office and you'll discover this is fabricated nonsense.

  • @RTFLDGR
    @RTFLDGR Před rokem +4

    thank you for these lessons. I am a beginning & inexperienced hiker. I am learning. These lessons are humbling.

  • @robertscheinost179
    @robertscheinost179 Před rokem +6

    About 40 years ago, I knew a couple that went hiking in the White Mountains on Memorial day. They were inexperienced but, they thought it would be OK to do a short hike for a few hours. They left in the early morning when the temp was over 70F. They got lost and barely made it out alive. They both got soaked when they fell off a log across a stream. After that happened they started to panic. Even their dog was acting strange. For some reason, they thought their dog would lead them out. They made it back to their car just before dark. They said if they didn't get back to their car before dark, they would have died. They brought no extra clothes ,no flashlights or any supplies, not even water. That was the last time they ever went on a hike in the mountains. When they told me this story shortly after this happened, I thought to myself " What were they thinking? That is how people die in the outdoors".

    • @istvanpraha
      @istvanpraha Před rokem +1

      Not even food and water? Jeez? This sort of gave me a flashback to 30+ years ago before everyone was carrying around water bottles everywhere and people would be dehydrated and not even know it. Now we've gone too far in the opposite direction!

    • @robertscheinost179
      @robertscheinost179 Před rokem +2

      @@istvanpraha They were college administrators trying to climb a part of MT. Washington. Go figure! Just themselves with no map, no supplies and no brains. They planned to hike for a few hours. What could go wrong?........

  • @EveningShadeLori
    @EveningShadeLori Před rokem +12

    I’ve never gone on a legit hike. But went off on a trail through the woods at the lake once. Got lost for about 30 min. I was shocked that I could so easily get turned all around. I wasn’t properly dressed and started getting bug bites and scraped up from bushes-I finally heard voices from campers and found my way out. I was so embarrassed. I was probably never in any danger being so close to civilization but it taught me a real good lesson on how easy it is to get lost on a hike.

    • @DougShoeBushcraft
      @DougShoeBushcraft  Před rokem +2

      Thanks for that. It's a really good example, I think. A lot of times a person goes off the trail for a very short distance. They might want privacy to relieve themselves. Or they saw something interesting a little ways off the trail (like a bird or flowers, etc). They don't go far at all, but then can't find the way back to the trail. They're lost. It happens all the time, and people have died that way.

    • @billyarsenault1970
      @billyarsenault1970 Před rokem +1

      I’ve been hiking for for decades and even when I only go 20 yards off trail to take a leak sometimes I still return in the wrong direction.
      Dis-orientation is never completely out of the question under some circumstances-
      Even for the experienced so if you have minimal you gotta take it easy for sure.

    • @philsmith2444
      @philsmith2444 Před rokem

      2 words: Gerry Largay.

    • @GetUpTheMountains
      @GetUpTheMountains Před 11 měsíci

      @@DougShoeBushcraft Geraldine Largay died that way.

  • @zanaevans7403
    @zanaevans7403 Před rokem +9

    Sad to say this is nothing new. When I was up at the Madison springs hut back in late August 1988, a hiker died the week before our visit. The hiker was found 200 yards away from the hut in the end stages of extreme hypothermia. It was a group of three and somebody got hurt up on Mt Adams , one person in the group made the shelter he was an exchange student of some kind. When rescue from the hut was made one of the hikers had died. This was in Augest not the winter. There's way to many peek baggers these days. Far to many people don't get how unforgiving this environment is. It can also be done with fore thought and planning. My uncle got his winter 4000 ft badge back in the mid 80s. Before GPS and gortex, he told me it took him 6 attempts to hike Mt Washington in the winter. I was lucky to have him as a mentor, what he said is you set a hard turn around time no matter where you are. You can't do some happy go lucky Franconia ridge hike during a super cold short winter day.

  • @maxoblivion
    @maxoblivion Před rokem +5

    Years ago I read a good book about the White Mountains called "Not Without Peril". Stories about over a century of death in those mountains. Worth the time.

    • @stevedriscoll2539
      @stevedriscoll2539 Před rokem +1

      If I have time, I might check that out, thanks. I read "Into thin Air" by Jon Krakauer...great book about two mountain climbers.

    • @maxoblivion
      @maxoblivion Před rokem +2

      @@stevedriscoll2539 It's amazing how the gear and technology changes over the decades but human nature doesn't. 100 years ago people were making the same life threatening mistakes as now. Sad.

  • @oldcrackadated
    @oldcrackadated Před rokem +26

    For a day hike , three days worth of food , shelter & gear ,if you can’t carry that much don’t hike , I feel for the family and pray that they be comforted by God , life is precious and I hope that others can learn from this event and be safe in the outdoors

    • @thomasmusso1147
      @thomasmusso1147 Před rokem +2

      👍 good advice .. and to be planned beforehand, depending on when, where and how far out.
      Far better to be over-prepared than under.
      I use the 'Rule of Three' as a guide before going out. Air 3 min .. Shelter 3 hours .. Water 3 days and Food 3 weeks and plan WELL WITHIN those Parameters. Why be unnecessarily uncomfortable if you don't have to .. even if it's only for one day? 😏.

    • @NADA-ok2ce
      @NADA-ok2ce Před rokem +2

      We went for wilderness cpr and the instructor was adamant like you that food and water were the biggest priority.

    • @williambrandondavis6897
      @williambrandondavis6897 Před rokem +2

      Lol, if you need all that you shouldn’t be hiking in the wilderness.

    • @philsmith2444
      @philsmith2444 Před rokem +1

      @@williambrandondavis6897 Spoken like someone who’s never been cold & wet before. Hopefully you never find out just how wrong you are.

  • @stevechandler3097
    @stevechandler3097 Před rokem +25

    Thanks for covering these tragedies. Must keep people aware.

    • @saty580
      @saty580 Před rokem +1

      Yes, I'm grateful for being warned. I hiked the 3 trails mentioned, but in the summer. I was considering hikes this winter but realized I was just not ready. So I've done walks and shorter hikes in southern MA instead.
      This video (and the prior one) made it so clear that there is a minimum level of equipment required that I did not have and taking a hike without it is far beyond reckless.
      Huge thanks from me.

  • @Lue_Jonin
    @Lue_Jonin Před rokem +4

    Outstanding job expressing the potentially critical nature of cold climate hiking.... I personally spent several years teaching and conditioning myself for cold climate wilderness survival as it pertains to long distance hiking.
    After seven straight years of it, I've finally had enough of the constant struggles and hardships that come with meeting one's own measures every single day for survival.
    I've countless glorious epic memories from those years in Nature.... My wisdom allowed me to finally walk away from that way of existence. .... Stay calm minded and focused at all times in Nature...as "Nature" is morally blind...it doesn't have a need or desire to care weather anyone or anything lives or dies.... It doesn't need us. ❤ ✌ 👣

  • @gmaneis
    @gmaneis Před rokem +20

    This is just so tragic. Thank you, Doug. Let's hope a lot of inexperienced people will see this, and that these three people met their fate with as little suffering as possible. The last time I was in those mountains was on a family vacation trip in 1952 to Franconia Notch. I remember thinking, even at 5 years of age, that the mountains were scary and treacherous looking. I am so sorry this happened. Bless you for making this sad video.

  • @rodc4334
    @rodc4334 Před rokem +1

    Doug, great material. One day last winter I found two young men, brothers, on Little Haystack, their first winter hike. Borrowed equipment. Wind blowing. Fairly tough conditions. They thanked me on the other end for leading them across and down to Greenleaf Hut. They really should not have been up there.
    Absolutely true, crawl, walk, run. Learn, practice, little by little. It won't take too many years, but don't just jump in the deep end. AMC is a great place to find hikes or classes. I have co-taught a few alpine and above tree line courses for them - the students learn a lot and have a ton of fun (I really enjoy them too!). But videos like yours are super helpful too, and as long as one builds experience over time you really don't need a class, but they are helpful. But make your mistakes not too far from the car!
    Out and back to start, set a turn around time - classic and important advice. Modern headlamps are cheap and light. Yep, carry two. I was coming down off Mt Washington one winter evening, cold, windy, with my son. I pulled out my headlamp and the catch holding it together broke and it fell apart into the snow. Man I was glad I could just pull out the spare, throw the broken parts into my pack and keep on going. Carry a compass and paper map. Make sure you know how to use them! Proper clothing. An extra warm down jacket, or even a light down sleeping bag (my 20F bag weighs less than 2 pounds) in case you have to wait for a rescue, or help someone injured or suffering hypothermia - you never know when you will blow out a knee or something or come across someone in trouble.
    Keep up the good work!

    • @DougShoeBushcraft
      @DougShoeBushcraft  Před rokem +1

      God bless you for helping them. Thank you for the tips. I'm amazed by the amount of valuable info in the comments

  • @DirtyYankee911
    @DirtyYankee911 Před rokem +21

    Thank you Doug, and prayers to the families. I've been running around the mountains here in NH for a decade now. I remember being inexperienced in the whites. Many mistakes were made at first, but fellow friends and hikers got me squared aware. Now when I see hikers on trails I return the favors and offer points of advise if I see dangerous situations. I just started a channel here on youtubez this month. Hopefully to share some experience and gain some in the process.

    • @hofahome
      @hofahome Před rokem +1

      I wish you all the luck in giving people good advice on your channel

    • @sunnyskye213
      @sunnyskye213 Před rokem

      where?!

  • @johntomik4632
    @johntomik4632 Před rokem +15

    Stopped my thru hike in the Whites in 2021. I hated to stop but I was hiking alone with little cold weather experience.
    I'm from Alabama so this was not a hard decision.
    So sad to hear about the people that didn't make it through the cold.
    Exposure is no way to go. R.I.P.

    • @TRIChuckles
      @TRIChuckles Před rokem +4

      It just means you make good decisions. Good luck on all your future hikes!

    • @Emiliapocalypse
      @Emiliapocalypse Před rokem +2

      Live to try another day. RIP to all the adventurers who didn’t make it home

    • @GetUpTheMountains
      @GetUpTheMountains Před rokem +1

      Good news, the mountains are still there and waiting for ya. 😉

    • @johntomik4632
      @johntomik4632 Před rokem

      @@GetUpTheMountains I'm really hoping for another thru hike attempt in 2024.
      Come on with me:)!

    • @johntomik4632
      @johntomik4632 Před rokem

      @@GetUpTheMountains I love the comment!!!!

  • @notquiteultralight1701
    @notquiteultralight1701 Před rokem +3

    The pack of a winter dayhiker heading above tree line has at least a 20deg sleeping bag, stove and fuel, first aid kit, rain javket or poncho, big ziploc bag o trail mix, paper map and compass, some way to make a fire, regular food and lots o water for the day, iodine tablets, headlamp and last but not least…. A 6 am start time!
    God be with the families of the victims.

  • @aaronfogelsanger2550
    @aaronfogelsanger2550 Před rokem +30

    Been living off the grid in the Adk mts for 25 years and I can tell you, dying of exposure is the best way to go...
    I was working on my gravity water line and got covered in water, about 30 degrees but all of the sudden a black cloud came over the mountain and the temperature dropped drastically, I looked down and watched the water on my hands freeze solid,.I knew I was in trouble, by the time I made it home I was loosing my mind and didn't care if I lived or not cause I was out of firewood. I knew I was going to die but then I decided to chop up the coffee table and build a fire. So when my wife gets home, she looks at me huddled around the stove and the remnants of her coffee table and says, You lazy Son of a Bitch you couldn't just go in the woods and get some Damn Firewood!!!, lol classic

    • @shotpusher
      @shotpusher Před rokem +3

      Reminds me of my deceased hubby & the things I used to raise hell with him about. I miss my lazy, SOB.😢

    • @aaronfogelsanger2550
      @aaronfogelsanger2550 Před rokem +5

      @Charles Northwest yup, my closest neighbor is 6 miles away

    • @stevedriscoll2539
      @stevedriscoll2539 Před rokem +2

      🤣🤣🤣👍 enjoyed your story! Hopefully one of your city slicker relatives sent you a cardboard, made in China, Walmart table to replace that real table 🤣

  • @robertmakowski7808
    @robertmakowski7808 Před rokem +3

    The problem with the White Mountains in NE is that they are accessible to everyone... There are so many easily accessed trails and roads that anyone who can walk thinks it is nothing but an uphill walk in the park... I've done many of the mountains and have always been amazed at the people who come flying past me totally unprepared for what lies ahead.
    I have visited the area of Mount Borah in Idaho...it is 12k feet... There is a clearly defined trail all the way to the top. It is FAR more deadly and unforgiving than Washington, yet in the history of the mountain only THREE people have died hiking it...why, because it is straight up... Once one gets out of the parking lot it makes the White Mountains look like rolling hills and you have to be in shape to make the hike....
    The White Mountains are deceptively deadly...

  • @etiennemarchione2207
    @etiennemarchione2207 Před rokem +5

    Two summers ago in a completely flat area with poorly marked trails & old carriage horse & animal trails I went out to the woods to get out of the high heat. I got off track of my trail completely & disoriented. I was lost for three hours. Just figured it out by dark and this was in a somewhat popular nature preserve. My advice is don’t ever ever do anything without anybody with you. Please listen to all the advice that is offered before you ever try hiking.

    • @istvanpraha
      @istvanpraha Před rokem +1

      I can top you! I swear to God I turned around on a one way trail and after walking for 30 minutes more minutes after "turning around" I got an uneasy feeling because nothing looked familiar. Turns out I had actually continued walking straight. I have a strong sense of direction and this was one of the only times I was actually disoriented in my life. It freaked me out since it's so out of character for me. It doesn't really matter if the place is popular. In fact, I often hike the remote areas of the Catskills and NEVER feel disoriented since every bit of the forest looks a bit unique. Where I did get lost was the 4-5 miles of scrub pine and mountain laurel on the Shawangunk ridge in NY between Minnewaska and Sams Point, which are very popular. but the area in between is very wild and only has a few footpaths. And one of these footpaths has areas thousands of feet long that look the same. Scrub pine, mountain laurel, a dip with a small creek every few thousand feet, again and again. Makes it harder to find landmarks and measure how far you've actually gone

  • @brucehartman7605
    @brucehartman7605 Před rokem +1

    Doug, Very important advice. We hike all up and down the east coast. Without a doubt the White Mountains are the toughest to hike. They are fun to hike, but need to be well respected.

  • @MrFrenchy777
    @MrFrenchy777 Před rokem +12

    Learning the Terrain, how to cope with it and avoiding dangers. Safety is all about being prepared and avoiding hazards. Thanks again, very important stuff and great to see New Hampshire folks speaking up.

  • @melodymacken9788
    @melodymacken9788 Před rokem +2

    Thankyou Sir for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.
    From Rotorua, New Zealand 🇳🇿

  • @MichaelWebber1
    @MichaelWebber1 Před rokem +12

    I really appreciate your perspective, compassion, and best practices. I've hiked many of these trails (in the summer), and it's such tragic news. You do such a great job putting these videos together; so authentic and honest.

  • @kathleenbradley6383
    @kathleenbradley6383 Před rokem +5

    I’m very sorry to hear of these tragic losses in the NH mountains. Thank you for making this informative video. Your guidance, warnings, advice and lessons shared here are very valuable. I will remember this video when I head out next time. 😢

  • @paulnandico2370
    @paulnandico2370 Před rokem +6

    Thanks for keeping us updated. I hadn't heard anything about this hiker. Also, thank you for your genuine concern and efforts at educating us.

  • @johncaban4310
    @johncaban4310 Před 8 měsíci

    Great video! Started hiking at age 50( late bloomer) and did around 7 of the 4000 footers, a couple terrible 25's and other hikes through out New England. I wish I would have done this earlier in life but Life happens. Got lost once in Mt Greylock because I went off trail. Scary shit. No light, no gps, etc. Now I download my maps to my phone, garmin epic watch, and bring a 10,000 battery charger, headlamp, extra clothes, water, food, and also just bought a Motorola defy satellite communicator with me even on so called easy hikes. You just never know. Will be trying out some winter hikes around New England this year at age 54 because I hate the Winter and I need to get active. The problem is a lot of people in my age bracket hate doing any activities and I go solo around 90% of the time.Thanks for making this video for all levels of hikers to remind us about what could happen and come prepared!

  • @markchrisinger5166
    @markchrisinger5166 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for this video--so important for people traveling to the Whites to know the dangers. I recommend always checking the Mt. Washington Observatory high summits forecast and expect it to be accurate or worse! Good weather for the valley does not apply to the mountains! Best advice is to only go out on a perfect forecast day--yes, they are few and far between, but its worth it to be extra careful if you aren't experienced.

  • @garywood702
    @garywood702 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for making this video Doug. I hiked this very same area twice in 2022. Once in August and it was gorgeous albeit a bit breezy up there on Little Haystack. I went back on September 19th for a solo hike up Flume, Liberty, Little Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette as I was attempting the Pemi Loop. I dressed in layers and kept them light during periods of physical exertion even though the temps were quite cool. The winds though? My gosh! Gusts were clocking in between 50 and 70mph up on Lafayette. I spent an uncomfortable night up in those mountains as my sleeping insulation was marginal for the conditions, but it was sufficient to keep me from getting too cold. With bad weather in the forecast for my hike I cut it short and ended up doing the semi Pemi so that I would not be trying to navigate ledges, boulders and cliffs in the rain. I was deeply saddened when I heard about Emily's death in November. While it's not fun lugging gear up those peaks, it's important that one does so. The conditions on the ground will not be the conditions when up at 4000+ and 5000+ feet. If one chooses not to carry minimal survival gear, then they should at the very least carry a personal locator beacon that can alert authorities and rescuers of one's trouble and location. I had not heard of the additional deaths and while I hope they will be the last, I suspect they will not be. As exciting as the prospect is of hiking those mountains in the winter, I doubt that I ever will because of the inherent dangers associated with conditions up there. My sincerest condolences to the families and friends that are grieving the loss of their loved ones. 😞

    • @pinetree2473
      @pinetree2473 Před rokem +3

      "If one chooses not to carry minimal survival gear" - then they shouldn't go up there at all. Taking a locator without the gear only endangers a dozen or two rescuers. ////// If you like / love hiking, I'd encourage you to continue with winter hiking WITH the learning sources Doug mentions in the video.
      I spent years doing a lot of hiking summer and winter, in groups and alone, but with the experience of going about it in a reasonable way to learn what I needed to know. Some of the best experiences of my life.

    • @garywood702
      @garywood702 Před rokem +3

      @@pinetree2473 You wouldn't catch me up there even during warm weather without some basic survival items in the event things go sideways and I'm a big advocate for doing so. Heck, I even preach that to folks I encounter on walking paths in the woods around my home when they comment on the pack on my back. I once fell in area woods and caught a toe in a tree root that resulted in a spiral fracture with three breaks in my right leg with foot turned backwards. I did not have anything with me to alert anyone of my predicament, nor did I have my pack with me. I had to self extricate to a location where I could call for help. Fortunately, it wasn't much of a crawl, but crawl I did. That said, some might have a short trip planned as in a day hike and might feel they really don't need a bunch of extra gear. But to go up there without anything to let someone know of where you are and that you're in trouble? If Emily had, at the very least, brought a PLB I'd like to believe she would have had a fighting chance. Her odds would have certainly exponentially increased had she had some basic survival items with her too in a light pack, but she still would have needed something to let someone know that she had gotten off trail and was lost. I'm currently reading the book, "Death on Katahdin" by Randi Minetor and would highly recommend it to anyone that hikes or spends anytime climbing mountains. It is full of stories about people that have perished in the back country. Some could have been avoided and some were just plain bad luck that probably couldn't have been avoided. At my age, you won't catch me up in those mountains during winter conditions. I just don't have the physical abilities that I had more than 40 years ago when I was Emily's age.

    • @philsmith2444
      @philsmith2444 Před rokem +1

      Franconia is the 2nd highest terrain in NH, and being about 20 miles west of Mt Washington and the worst weather in the world, the wind that causes that weather hits Franconia first. Your mindset and your gear both need to be right.

  • @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234

    Thanks Doug, good to bring attention to these tragedies😢Take care and have a good New Year

  • @theresalarson9416
    @theresalarson9416 Před rokem +3

    Thank you for compassionate & sensitive handling of topic, risk & care for those lost as well as those grieving those losses. Super sad. 🙏

  • @theresalarson9416
    @theresalarson9416 Před rokem +13

    God bless the search, rescue & recovery teams. They and their families are heroes. Rough way to spend Christmas. Very sorry it ended so tragically.

  • @johnwalker4642
    @johnwalker4642 Před rokem +6

    Great sadness for these lost lives in our beloved mountains. Experiencing fear in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during winter is not fun. Shaking uncontrollably because of having no core heat in my body terrified me. The good news was I had turned around and had a winter camp set up and a fire to warm up to, well below the peaks of the beloved mountains. Know the mountains, know your equipment, know thyself. God be with you.

  • @guitarhiker4449
    @guitarhiker4449 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for the video sir! Prayers for the friends and families. I'm an avid hiker myself, been hiking/backpacking for years! I hike mainly the Adirondacks mtns in upstate NY. Very similar to what you guys have in the Presidential mtn range in the whites. We have had similar happen in the past few years. Some were rescues and a few were deaths. Sad to see!!! Some were from outta state unfamiliar with the winter hikes up here imo. Which can make for some sticky situations. Gotta be prepared, always plan for the worst. Multiple redundancy! Better to have and not need than to need ad not have. Can't skimp on your gear, you usually get what you pay for. Dress warm this time of year, bring extra food, first aid kit and plenty water and ways to source water. like you said too hike in pairs atleast. Don't go out alone especially in thick snow, long treks and high elevations without knowing your own capabilities and limitations. The ADK's and the whites can be brutal this time of year even on marked trails. Your GPS and phone can fail you at anytime so never just rely on it and never hike off trail unless you know that area like the back of your hand and even then it can be sketchy! Get a Garmin inreach if you can afford one for piece of mind. Love the outdoors and respect it. Stay safe all. God bless!!

  • @adamnichols3506
    @adamnichols3506 Před rokem +6

    Most of these tragedies have one thing in common one bad decision leads to another. It’s sad.

  • @volvoguyV70R
    @volvoguyV70R Před rokem +3

    Great video. I've hiked this area in the summer, and have some military training in cold weather conditions. You have to respect the ruggedness of this terrain not to mention the extreme conditions. Always be ready to bivouac overnight if you have to. Like you comment about ski gear not being the right gear for hiking. Learn about the gear you need and take the right gear. Very tragic.

  • @MichaelR58
    @MichaelR58 Před rokem +5

    Tragic stories Doug , thanks for making people aware of the dangers . Thanks for sharing , God bless brother !

  • @heatherlennox3695
    @heatherlennox3695 Před rokem +3

    I think your channel is invaluable. My sis lives in the White Mountains. I fret every year even though she is a local for 20 years. I feel so sad about the loss of those people, it's terrible. The terrain is so beautiful but so dangerous.

  • @reality_is_the_key
    @reality_is_the_key Před rokem +5

    This happens every year. I have no idea why it continues. Our Fish and Game as well as our SAR volunteers are certainly having to do more recoveries than they should be exposed to. What bothers me is that the inexperienced "hikers" willingly endanger the lives of our F&G and SARs by making these terrible choices. There has to be something in these hikers telling them that they shouldn't try to hike these hills...that they could die. It's literal madness.

    • @stevedriscoll2539
      @stevedriscoll2539 Před rokem +1

      That won't happen because we live in a culture of "cost-shifting" and subsidizing everything, sorry for my cynicism.

    • @stevedriscoll2539
      @stevedriscoll2539 Před rokem +2

      Hey Stacey, I was reading a biography of George Washington years ago. At one point, in the War for Independance, Henry Knox left the Eastern Seaboard to venture to Fort Ticonderoga (in the middle of winter), to get some cannons to help in fighting the Brittish. It was a journey of 800 some miles over mountains, valleys, across streams and rivers, through deep snows. Now, those people were tough

    • @istvanpraha
      @istvanpraha Před rokem +2

      @@stevedriscoll2539 We also minimize the risk. Having a phone in your pocket can give you a false sense of security. You can always call the cops, you can always look up how to do something. But that only works near cell service in the city

    • @Zorazora1234
      @Zorazora1234 Před rokem +1

      I think in some instances if not many folks want to disappear… end it all

    • @stevedriscoll2539
      @stevedriscoll2539 Před rokem

      @@Zorazora1234 a lot of people, you are right.

  • @danibret-7046
    @danibret-7046 Před 11 měsíci +1

    simple but good advices!I dont understand these hikers : to come back ,its not a shame.Thanks!

  • @eringemini7091
    @eringemini7091 Před rokem +8

    This is very sad to hear of the loss of these 3 people. You give some excellent advice. Even in places where it typically does not get cold, we lose several people for similar reasons every year. Its a very good idea to never go alone. Here on Kauai Island, there's still over 100 missing people (currently) and this island is tiny 552 sq miles, 70,000 residents, but a transient visitor population of 1.37 million yearly 😳(too many). Not all of them are expert swimmers/hikers/ *climbers* climbing not recommended!! You don't need to be expert, but you should have a paper map, stay on the trail, leave early, don't go alone, bring appropriate supplies, etc. I believe one person may have been lost in the Alakai Swamp where there's actual quicksand, & if you don't have someone to pull you out, you will not get out. I think that Gentleman went off-trail, & thats usually what leads to people's demise. Basically talk to the Rangers or Lifeguard for any warnings, or advice before you go!

  • @emersonvicente2780
    @emersonvicente2780 Před rokem +1

    Great video , very educational and a important warning for people to get prepared.

  • @vissitorsteve
    @vissitorsteve Před rokem +3

    This is sad and tragic. Thank you SO much for your warnings and knowledge...

  • @derekjeter2387
    @derekjeter2387 Před rokem +2

    I highly recommend 3 season backpacking and camping because i got the first sign of frostbite when i did cold weather training in the Army in temperatures -10 in Germany. I was dressed right and had extra clothing but was exposed to the temperature for very long periods of time and was not sweating. If you do it please build a fire as we were not allowed to in the Army for strategic reasons. Just beware if you can build a fire or not. A lot of mountainous ares the park service will not allow you to build a fire because pine trees are very flammable. Check with the park service first to see if you can build a fire so you don't get a citation which can be expensive in fines

  • @brandycampbell1981
    @brandycampbell1981 Před rokem +7

    Thanks Doug...always keeping others safety a priority!!! Another great video and always something to consider you leave us with! As someone who would like to get into hiking I would definitely take a course that you had mentioned beforehand! I was not aware that those were offered but now I know so again thank you! Hope you had an awesome Christmas and God bless!

  • @decafmocha211
    @decafmocha211 Před rokem +2

    Hiking has a lot of dangers. Were are 3 people hiking alone ? Rest in Peace and condolences to family and friends. Thanks Doug

  • @williamkiely9523
    @williamkiely9523 Před rokem +1

    My best friend and I hiked Franconia and Crawford Notch extensively. My heart goes out to the families. Even well traveled areas can get you. Sorry to hear.

  • @tomoshow
    @tomoshow Před rokem +4

    The White Mountains are nothing to mess around with especially in the Winter time. You have to go in preparing that anything can happen weather wise no matter what time of the year it is.

    • @houseofsolomon2440
      @houseofsolomon2440 Před rokem +2

      Right. Preparedness is next to godliness & experience is the coin of the realm.

  • @coondogsoutdooradventures2484

    Glad you are doing this. I do the same thing on my channel. People have no clue. Hunters, hikers . Education is the best move .I have done winter mountain climbing in the Adirondacks. We got into trouble after the Blizzard of 87 .,fortunately we had very experienced people in the group and God heard our prayers.

  • @krisaponte3733
    @krisaponte3733 Před rokem +2

    Should also mentioned that a huge help when it comes to saving battery on phone you can turn on airplane mode..even though you won't be able to send or receive messages but the phone won't work as hard trying to find phone signal. and can still use the map downloaded onto phone and find your way...I've done this on my thru hike and my battery lasted about 3 days before I had to recharge it...I could not believe how much it saved my battery!

  • @johnshields6852
    @johnshields6852 Před rokem +1

    It's so easy to get lost or in a weather situation where your not equipped for the cold, once moisture starts to freeze, hypothermia sets in quickly, you gotta think ahead, plan as if you could be lost, how will you shelter, little things can be the difference of life or death.

  • @AnnMitt
    @AnnMitt Před rokem +3

    You're a good-hearted man

  • @humanbeing2420
    @humanbeing2420 Před rokem +1

    This is why it's best to stay indoors watching TV at all times.

  • @pazzo5150
    @pazzo5150 Před rokem

    Great Advice, prayers to the missing hikers and their family s God Bless them all.

  • @ronaldpellet854
    @ronaldpellet854 Před rokem +2

    This is really good of you Doug to post this.

  • @vall545
    @vall545 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for sharing this info! I can feel that you care a lot about others. May God Bless you and those who we’ve lost.

  • @AndrewSmith-rp6ee
    @AndrewSmith-rp6ee Před rokem +1

    A good flashlight can make so much difference! And spare batteries in case it gets turned on accidentally. So many people go out for a day hike and never think to bring one.

  • @robertafierro5592
    @robertafierro5592 Před rokem

    Doug seems like a REALLY STAND UP GUY!

  • @jinglebell9424
    @jinglebell9424 Před rokem +2

    Thank you for the safety awareness. New Hampshire is beautiful, but no one should take any mountain for granted. Nature does not care. Prayers for the deceased, may they RIP

  • @NortheastHobbyfarmer
    @NortheastHobbyfarmer Před rokem +1

    I nearly lost my dog on ice about 40 years ago on Mt. Willard. Up here in the Great North Woods near the Northeast Kingdom. I've been hiking these mountains going on 60 years. These mountains are not forgiving for inexperience. We lose a few every year and it's almost always due to poor preparation or knowledge.

  • @thinkinoutloud.1
    @thinkinoutloud.1 Před rokem +1

    Your advice on the best time to hike this trail, clothing and classes are very much appreciated. 👍

  • @derekjeter2387
    @derekjeter2387 Před rokem +2

    I just want to make an extra comment to what Doug said about hiking in sub zero weather, he is correct about making shorter hikes below tree level and if you are dressed in the proper clothing and the temperature drops below zero that the farther you hike you will probably sweat and that is another good way to get hypothermia. I understand that it's beautiful that time of year but don't over do your hiking to where it will cause you to sweat. I done some cold weather training in the Army and if you don't have extra clothing with you and you sweat, it's impossible to dry out the clothing you are sweating in unless you build a fire. Anyone who is new to camping and hiking I suggest to take classes on cold weather camping and hiking.

  • @richardbowers3647
    @richardbowers3647 Před rokem +1

    Hat off to you!!! Great presentation!!! Can see the traps in your telling - (1) running out of time. (2) -30 degree temperatures. (3) Darkness, to name a few. And that any one of these will kill a person if they are not aware of!!!!

  • @Vaejovis357
    @Vaejovis357 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for your dedication to safety and education. Mother Nature can be as cruel and unforgiving as she is awe inspiring in her beauty.

  • @orphanannie4521
    @orphanannie4521 Před rokem +5

    Teaching basic survival and bushcraft should be taught in school and even a level skills certificate before the parks issue a permit to backpack back country especially overnight.

    • @thomasmusso1147
      @thomasmusso1147 Před rokem +3

      👍that makes sense .. a good idea.
      'Practical 'Life Skills' that include that mentioned should form part of the school curriculum.
      I 'believe' that the Nordic Countries are geared in this direction.

  • @jeffstahl1318
    @jeffstahl1318 Před rokem +1

    Way too cold for inexperienced hiker without the proper equipment hypothermia is disabling Good Advice I hope it saves others

  • @patkelly5910
    @patkelly5910 Před rokem +1

    Very good video....good advice....thank you for your concern....your passion for the freedom of the hills comes through.....be safe to ski another day.

  • @sakurakos88
    @sakurakos88 Před rokem +2

    I usually hike Mt. Lafayette during winter time alone, gotta have the right gear. 11am is to late to start during winter time, especially being inexperienced.

    • @ppennell1
      @ppennell1 Před rokem +2

      7 am is a more common start time, when hiking with my son it is challenging to get out before 9am, so I do shorter easier hikes.

  • @jrcflaus
    @jrcflaus Před 8 měsíci

    You’re a good man for explaining this information.

  • @The1Ox
    @The1Ox Před rokem +1

    Thank you, Sir Doug for this post.
    Thank you for truly caring.
    Thank you for sharing your sage.
    And thank you for reading the scripture from John 3;16!
    Blessings!

  • @mmsapollo
    @mmsapollo Před rokem +2

    So sad! Winter hiking is only for those with seriously good skills, gear, maps and pals to hike with! Pease travel outdoors in winter (even in a car!) well outfitted.❣️

  • @sammyday3341
    @sammyday3341 Před rokem +3

    Maybe people think of New England as having no hazards that compare to other parts of the U.S. The White Mountains are replete with stories of those who died there.

    • @houseofsolomon2440
      @houseofsolomon2440 Před rokem +2

      There are remote swamps in Maine that basically devour people wandering around. Not quicksand. Just extremely dense and disorienting vegetation & sticky mud doesn't help.

  • @mariechi535
    @mariechi535 Před rokem +1

    It’s very sad every time when I watch your video
    and I hope people who like an outdoor life especially hikers will take all the information from you. Praying that no more accidents out there.
    Thank you Pastor Doug, God Bless you.
    Stay warm and Healthy

  • @SmithMediaOutdoors
    @SmithMediaOutdoors Před rokem +1

    Thanks Doug, informative and serving people to keep them safe. Good work Brother!

  • @craigkirkwood4060
    @craigkirkwood4060 Před rokem +2

    We love hiking the Whites. I would never go by myself and there has been a couple times we had to turn around. You have to be careful out there, and know it’s ok to try again another day. Such a shame to lose people like this.

  • @lisamonalisahikes
    @lisamonalisahikes Před rokem +1

    I’m so sorry to hear. My love and prayers go out to their friends and family

  • @sgriffin8739
    @sgriffin8739 Před rokem +1

    Just stay home when it's that cold!

  • @kaseysewick1691
    @kaseysewick1691 Před rokem +2

    Sad to hear , but a story I’ve heard sadly many times before with family growing up in Randolph ( white mountains , NH). Have a view of the mountains from the back porch and recall always being told in the winters about how there’s bodies up there that can’t come down til temperature change cause the other people trying to recover would sadly just pass as well from the weather. Beautiful but tragic for sure.

  • @benbbuxton
    @benbbuxton Před rokem +3

    The Christmas hiker left at 11am? That's not enough time to hike the mountain in good conditions with no ice when the sun sets early

  • @Animalstyle69
    @Animalstyle69 Před rokem +1

    Going about the tree line is where the fun happens though

  • @philipcobbin3172
    @philipcobbin3172 Před rokem +1

    At the temperatures he was in you can literally feel the heat go out your feet if you're ice climbing with crampons. Been there, done that in the White Mountains years ago. You don't respect the exposure you'll become a dead icicle.

  • @robstimson4234
    @robstimson4234 Před rokem +1

    As a kid l grew up hiking in the White and Green Mtns. l remember bright yellow warning signs, esp. on Mt Washington, warning about the perilousness of the weather etc. etc. ahead. l just don't understand people who walk by signs such as this, that warn of possible injury and death, as if if they are exceptional. l think they are exceptionally stupid and/or suicidal. Good overview Doug.

  • @jiangspirit
    @jiangspirit Před rokem

    Bring the proper gear. I just did Lafeyette myself in December. Got to the summit 30 min before sunset, and got back down to parking lot about 7:30. I already did franocia ridge 3 times in the summer and I still got lost in 1 section of old bridle path. Bring gears just in case you are strained. If you are not prepared, don't go or turn back sooner.

  • @1972Celeste
    @1972Celeste Před rokem +1

    Also need to be physically prepared. Start walking daily and join a local gym to do the stair climber, treadmill on incline, weight lifting. Especially the older people wanting to get into hiking.

  • @thuyhongdo1591
    @thuyhongdo1591 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for giving us advice and giving us information to learn so we can be safe. Will be waiting for more information on gear from you

  • @Sheepdog1314
    @Sheepdog1314 Před 11 měsíci +1

    as a former member of a NH rescue crew I can tell you - most of the victims have very little common sense, are not physically and mentally prepared to deal with an uncommon occurrence, and are too proud to just turn back. Most of the people we rescued are city inhabitants from out of state, and have no clue how to build shelter or start a fire.

  • @kevinrice7635
    @kevinrice7635 Před rokem +3

    Always carry a large caliber revolver when you hike. Safety first stay healthy safe travels 👍

    • @pinetree2473
      @pinetree2473 Před rokem +1

      Not necessary in the Whites.

    • @kevinrice7635
      @kevinrice7635 Před rokem

      @@pinetree2473 sounds racist hahaha dry humor 🤣 don't bake a cake!

  • @OleSmokey
    @OleSmokey Před rokem +1

    I feel alone in the woods shattered my body crawled several hours to my truck barley survived. Know your abilities on whatever adventure you take and be prepared for worst case senerio. Be fit be prepared

  • @goodredman
    @goodredman Před rokem +2

    Very tragic. Totally agree with your advice. I had not thought about that, however avoiding a loop is not a bad idea for beginners. The idea of going set trail turning around and going back same trail is a nice idea. Redundancies are so important. extra flashlight extra compass extra socks emergency bivy etc all good considerations. So many of these tragic incidents tend to be due to a combination of mistakes that lead to overwhelming bad results. Prior planning prevents poor performance. Sorry to hear especially the reliance see if that was the case on a cell phone with a battery. During this past year I’ve spoke to several people that help me get around by car. Both individuals were between 20 and 30 years old, and I noticed they always ask me for address so they could plug it into their cell phone GPS. I inquired if they knew how to read a paper map. They did not. I am just in my late 30s, however can remember a time when all gas stations stocked those folding paper maps. Obviously, these were driving type of maps for the highways interstate etc. Due to my having a print disability which keeps me from driving I could be wrong but I don’t think you find these paper maps very many places these days. Interesting as well how many young people I speak to would not know how to use a compass for orienteering. As well knowing from which direction the sun rises and sets and how you can hold your hand up to count approximately how many hours left of daylight. I was in Boy Scouts as a kid prior to all the crazy lawsuits etc. education is so important, and much of this is common sense like map reading and using a compass. Recently I did see a map that popped up earlier today on my iPad it was the track the delivery of an Amazon package that was a few stops away. even that little map was pretty good to see the surrounding streets near where I live. When I was a kid I learned how to draw simple maps. Prior to cell phones with GPS many times we would draw out the directions on a piece of paper. Times have changed, however fundamentals to fall back on when electronic devices run out of juice or a must. Thanks for sharing the information. Condolences to the family and loved ones of those that lost their lives in the wild.

  • @carlaray7614
    @carlaray7614 Před rokem

    Thank you Doug!

  • @albertwoods3921
    @albertwoods3921 Před rokem +1

    Thank you excellent advice keep up the good work looking over the young people or anyone that goes out not knowing🙏

  • @mencken8
    @mencken8 Před rokem +1

    When the vast majority of people are urban dwellers, these events are inevitable. Some people think hiking the Appalachian Trail is no different, except in duration, from a stroll in a city park.

  • @nubbyrose87
    @nubbyrose87 Před rokem +1

    People under estimate the difficulty of hiking in the White Mountains particularly if you are used to hiking in the Rockies.

  • @Emiliapocalypse
    @Emiliapocalypse Před rokem

    As an inexperienced hiker, much gratitude. The only experienced hiker I know is google, and the real people I know have heard of outside but never want to go there.

  • @rodgough4581
    @rodgough4581 Před rokem +1

    Dont go alone, bring the right gear, have a Good plan and dont hesitate to change your plans to stay safe!!

  • @dianaleal5183
    @dianaleal5183 Před rokem +1

    I use to go to the mountains I took sleeping bag and so did my friends I was in the wintertime we would go with groups only stay in one place never hiked . I think you can a bit lost if your not careful. It’s risky. So sorry about the people who lost their lives.💖

  • @thelakeman5207
    @thelakeman5207 Před rokem

    Even tho it can snow even in the summer, the White Mountains are best hiked in the summer. Always bring warm clothes and rain gear.

  • @mbmochinski
    @mbmochinski Před rokem +1

    Yes, it's called WIND CHILL. Anyone that lives in cold climates knows a by wind chill and it not the same as regular temperature. Its The temperature after the wind speed has been factored in.