Adventure Travel is Dangerous, Use the Buddy System and Leave a Travel Plan

I’ve done some hiking in my time. Many of you know I’ve been to several mountains around the world including Kilimanjaro in Africa, the Alps in France and Switzerland, Elbrus in Russia, Colorado of course, Aconcagua in Argentina and Everest in Nepal. I love the mountains, it’s a place where you can get away from all the things in life that hassle you and lead to an early death. But going hiking without the right equipment can cause injury or even your death. Here is a story about a guy hiking here locally who was injured and couldn’t rescue himself, except for using his cell phone.

On September 24th, 2009 Robin Morandi was injured after falling off a cliff at Dolliver Memorial State Park. Apparently he was hiking when he slipped on some moss-covered rocks and fell roughly 20 feet onto a ledge. At that point Mr. Morandi used his cell phone to call a relative who called for help. The Fire Chief, Marty Smith, said that while crews couldn’t see him they instead found him by listening for this moans. Mr. Morandi was taken to a Fort Dodge hospital with head and shoulder injuries.

Adventure travel is dangerous and if you aren’t wearing the right equipment it’s even more dangerous. Bring a buddy along, if at all possible. This guy was lucky he’s alive. Many aren’t so lucky. You need the right clothes and equipment and that takes anticipating the worse that can happen. From rain, snow, sleet, whiteouts and having to sleep overnight; the challenges can be enormous. You need to anticipate if all and carry the gear to match the challenges Mother Nature slams you with.

Here is a video of myself, attempting to record the events in July 2008 while on Mt. Elbrus in Russia. You could say it was a bit cold that day. Mountain climbing teaches you about preparation. A worthwhile thing to learn for any occupation.