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I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 2:04 pm
by tastrax

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 2:24 pm
by dee_legg
A related article by The Mercury...

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/20 ... -news.html

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 2:54 pm
by Miyata610
The lesson being write the details down for your partner so he/she doesn't get it wrong.

It seems he had catered for several more days, so it's likely he wasn't confused about the planned duration.

It would be interesting to hear more about this, but the media would have lost interest by now.

I am certainly guilty of only leaving verbal details of my trips.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:05 pm
by geoskid
Oh Dear! He is being portrayed as the party that forgot when he was due out, I wonder if that is the case. I can relate to losing track of the days when out though.
I wonder how it will go down when he gets home, walks in the door and says "Honey, I'm home". :) How long do you reckon he's grounded for?
Not enough Info in the article to know what the cause of confusion was, and therefore what the lesson might be in this case.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:06 pm
by ILUVSWTAS
Write it down!!! Thats the lesson!!

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:10 pm
by Miyata610
Maybe he did the right thing and she lost the piece of paper.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:11 pm
by Ent
Interesting reading the attached links. Assuming that the media have got it right then a at least one learning, that being briefing people on your plans. But also some side issues. Police concern over solo walkers and the mention of "permanently" lost ones and the issues that search assets when deployed means less rescue assets to be directed elsewhere. A reminder to us all to always consider the impact on others and be constantly seeking ways to reduce it.

Cheers

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:16 pm
by Azza
ILUVSWTAS wrote:Write it down!!! Thats the lesson!!


Like you do? :wink: Recently we seem to be having trouble sticking to our plans anyway...


Miyata610 wrote:
I am certainly guilty of only leaving verbal details of my trips.


Likewise here, perhaps even worse now... after a recent incident I went out and bought a Spot.

I figured in these days of modern technology a satellite device that can send a message home to say I'm Ok - is a good thing especially for a solo walker.

On a recent 10 day off track trip we used these devices to notify home of our progress.
It certainly helped allay fears with our families especially since we're out for 10 days in rugged terrain and its pretty easy to get delayed a couple of days due to weather and other issues. For this trip it wasn't unreasonable that we'd be out for 12-15 days, at what point do you report us missing?
However our families knew we could call the Cavalry if necessary and weren't reliant on them making the call.

Just to be able to say I'm here and I'm OK is a good thing.
I know its never quite that simple, but I'd certainly recommend that anyone doing an extended trip like the SCT consider such a device or at least a PLB.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:18 pm
by geoskid
ILUVSWTAS wrote:Write it down!!! Thats the lesson!!

He may have done.
The lesson may be "stick it on the fridge, not lying around loose on the bench", but your're most likely right. I was just hoping to learn something new. :)

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:18 pm
by ILUVSWTAS
Azza wrote:
ILUVSWTAS wrote:Write it down!!! Thats the lesson!!


Like you do? :wink: Recently we seem to be having trouble sticking to our plans anyway...


Yep, always leave a note for my cat.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:23 pm
by Miyata610
Yeah I carry an iridium phone when I'm solo. Never turn it on though. Lol.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:26 pm
by stepbystep
I email my details to my wife, no lost paper that way :)

Also give details of walking buddies SPOT's and fire a text or call away from high points. I also think the SPOT device is very handy, especially as plans can and do change at short notice.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:39 pm
by matagi
stepbystep wrote:I email my details to my wife, no lost paper that way :)

Also give details of walking buddies SPOT's and fire a text or call away from high points. I also think the SPOT device is very handy, especially as plans can and do change at short notice.

Unfortunately internet connections can fail - so she might not be able to read the email at the critical moment.

I have a question ........ does anyone know if there is a logbook at the trailhead to sign in and out? Don't they have an ETA column in them? And if so, was it checked?

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:42 pm
by ILUVSWTAS
matagi wrote:
stepbystep wrote:I email my details to my wife, no lost paper that way :)

Also give details of walking buddies SPOT's and fire a text or call away from high points. I also think the SPOT device is very handy, especially as plans can and do change at short notice.

Unfortunately internet connections can fail - so she might not be able to read the email at the critical moment.

I have a question ........ does anyone know if there is a logbook at the trailhead to sign in and out? Don't they have an ETA column in them? And if so, was it checked?



good question, there is one... at Melaleuca..... and again at Coxs bight. 2-5 days from where he was found. So even if it was checked and his name was found, wouldnt have done alot of good in this instance.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:47 pm
by stepbystep
matagi wrote:Unfortunately internet connections can fail - so she might not be able to read the email at the critical moment.


I do this before I leave home so I know it's in her inbox, and no she never deletes emails from me 8) There is usually a conversation also, but mt wife rarely listens to my bushwalk blah blah, hence the email...

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 3:50 pm
by Miyata610
stepbystep wrote:
matagi wrote:Unfortunately internet connections can fail - so she might not be able to read the email at the critical moment.


I do this before I leave home so I know it's in her inbox, and no she never deletes emails from me 8) There is usually a conversation also, but mt wife rarely listens to my bushwalk blah blah, hence the email...


Except my spouse uses web based email, and the home Internet connection regularly fails, so it wouldn't work for me.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 4:03 pm
by doogs
Write it on your Bushwalk.com calendar which is hanging on your wall :) (I have one of Scottish mountains beside my fridge so the wife can't avoid it ;)

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 4:12 pm
by flatfoot
I suggest providing at least information as detailed as that on the NZ trip intentions form.

http://www.adventuresmart.org.nz/files/Outdoors-Intentions-Form.pdf

It is better be very specific. Short notes can often be ambiguous or misinterpreted.

Maybe an Australian equivalent could be provided on bushwalk.com in a prominent position. Is there any officially endorsed form available in Australia?

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 4:16 pm
by Miyata610
Cute form... I like firearm in the list of emergency equipment, but not sat phone.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 4:25 pm
by Strider
Miyata610 wrote:Cute form... I like firearm in the list of emergency equipment, but not sat phone.

A lot more likely in NZ, as the majority of those in the bush are hunters.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 4:40 pm
by Marwood
Maybe an Australian equivalent could be provided on bushwalk.com in a prominent position. Is there any officially endorsed form available in Australia?


There's this one: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/142684/trip_intention_form.pdf

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 5:16 pm
by Nuts
*Don't tell anyone where or for how long yer going?
*Don't tell anyone that doesn't understand what your doing as you write then read though your plans with them?
*Don't go?

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 5:55 pm
by ignavus davus
I wouldn't mind a free helicopter ride back from Cockle Creek :lol:

On a more serious note, I have only ever verbally told my wife where I'm going. Might be time to start writing it down. It's also worth mentioning how many days worth of emergency food you are carrying.

Also, if you set off an EPIRB does search and rescue contact somebody first or just go the the point of the beacon? I use an EPIRB that belongs to work - maybe I need to leave some details with another contact person?

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 5:57 pm
by ILUVSWTAS
Depends on the age of the PLB. The newer ones have a system where if set off the SAS contacts the home number first to make sure it's not a false alarm....

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 6:54 pm
by rogo
For a PLB go to https://www.beacons.amsa.gov.au/ and log into the rego page and leave details with your dates, travel plans and emergency contacts.

I just lent mine to friends walking in Tasmania and made a note of who is using my PLB.

But this probably would not have helped the guy from this article as he didn't set off a devise.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 7:34 pm
by matagi
Strider wrote:
Miyata610 wrote:Cute form... I like firearm in the list of emergency equipment, but not sat phone.

A lot more likely in NZ, as the majority of those in the bush are hunters.

But if you're a hunter, is your firearm really emergency equipment per se? You would be carrying it (and ammo) regardless of what else you're carrying.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 7:45 pm
by Miyata610
matagi wrote:
Strider wrote:
Miyata610 wrote:Cute form... I like firearm in the list of emergency equipment, but not sat phone.

A lot more likely in NZ, as the majority of those in the bush are hunters.

But if you're a hunter, is your firearm really emergency equipment per se? You would be carrying it (and ammo) regardless of what else you're carrying.


It should be able to give you a supply of protein so I guess it becomes a survival tool.

Maybe it's reasonable for a non hunter to carry a firearm for this reason alone.

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Sun 08 Jan, 2012 8:41 pm
by Genesis
I always draft up a detailed Itinery for all my multi day walks and give a copy to my wife, this avoids any of this confusion.

Genesis

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Mon 09 Jan, 2012 8:17 am
by Liamy77
Miyata610 wrote:Cute form... I like firearm in the list of emergency equipment, but not sat phone.

Well....no - they do have sat phone number listed just next to the fire-arm bit! :wink:

Re: I hope there is a lesson learnt from this incident.

PostPosted: Mon 09 Jan, 2012 8:34 am
by forest
I always send out a email to everyone on my SPOT list to minimise confusion.
Details on how long I think the trip will be, who to call if something goes wrong and not to all run off in different directions if it does hit the fan.

All the contacts thought it was a joke until I pushed the custom button one day when we were later out than planned. (Message said we will be late but are fine and healthy) No issues but there were a few panic phone calls to my wife that quickly calmed them down. Main issue was they werejust used to seeing the OK emails and texts. This one was different.

It's not until something "unusual" occurs that the non outdoorsy people hit panic. They shouldn't do but sometimes this just happens when people worry and they forget things.

Modern comms and beacon devices are a great thing but they can overwhelm people without the correct information on what exactly is happening out there.

I bet the poor walker and his wife felt very silly in the end but luckly all was well.