Wednesday, September 28, 2011

You Really Thought This Was A Good Idea?


The movie 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who while hiking in Blue John Canyon, Utah, became trapped by an 800 pound rock. To survive, he ended up amputating his arm. He had not told anyone where he was going and paid the price. You would think that based on what he went through that no one else would ever try to do that. Of course had that happened, I wouldn't be having this post today.

A 64-year-old North Carolina man recently did the same thing. He took the same path and did not tell anyone where he was going. Fortunately for him, he did not injure himself as badly as Ralston and still has all his limbs. He did manage to dislocated shoulder and broke his leg. He was able to get the shoulder back in the place and was crawling back to his vehicle when he was found by Park Rangers. The Rangers had been looking for him for two days when they had found his abandoned campsite. It took them two days to locate his car, at which time they realized where he was headed.

I realize that some people like the solitude of being out in nature, but should at least let someone know where you are going. Too many things can happen, and by not letting anyone know it could prove fatal. Life is risky enough without doing things like this.

2 comments:

John Simcoe said...

What's funny is the guy stated he had seen the movie and was somewhat inspired by it.
Then he goes and ignores all that one learns from said movie about a disastrous hiking trip!

Al Penwasser said...

Just imagine if he chose to do this in Iran.