Lost In The Woods

[sandyRoe]

There was an item on Radio 4 yesterday about two hikers, a woman on the Appalachian Trail and a man in Canada, who went off the path, became disoriented, and eventually perished.
If they'd carried a spool of lightweight fishing line , paid It out when they'd felt a call of nature, they might be alive today.
Do published guides to forest walking not suggest that?

[Svejk]

Carry a gun would be better advice, sandy. You're far more likely to be a attacked by animals. (especially human ones)

[Tilly2]

A gun isn't going to help you find the path, Svejk, but it might keep you a bit safer overall.

[Svejk]

Have you read 'A Walk in the Woods'? by Bill Bryson, tilly?

[Tilly2]

I have, Svejk.

[Svejk]

^That's why I'd carry a gun & shoot anyone who came near my campfire. ;-)

[Old_Geezer]

I don't believe they found a public convenience before the line ran out.

[Tilly2]

I can't remember the details, Svejk. I read it many books ago. I just remember that he also walked the Appalachian Trail, as did the poor woman who died of starvation and exposure.

I think the Blue Ridge Mountains were featured also.

[Svejk]

Yes, OG, only people who shouldn't be in the gene pool could get lost going to the toilet.

[Tilly2]

I could never go on a trail hike. That dueling banjos film has put me off doing anything like that.

[Peter Pedant]

and dont forget - Fenrir Greyback from Harry Potter tried to walk across Death Valley or just a bit of it - not in his cozzy I hasten add for the more imaginative or empathic AB readers - and that was the end of Dave Legeno

[Peter Pedant]

// I could never go on a trail hike. That dueling banjos film has put me off doing anything like that.//

I think you are OK - tillz they were all men

o you mean you arent prepared to practise that much on the banjo ?
good point ....

[Tilly2]

......and the women had no teeth...!

[Chipchopper]

I find it amazing that, how easy it is to become lost and disorientated in the wilderness.
I remember, one time deviating from the trail, around a lake, after hearing a rattle snake and ending up miles from the trail!

[RATTER15]

Thats where your smart phone comes in useful, just use the Sat Nav.

[RATTER15]

I should have said use the Sat Nav App!

[Old_Geezer]

They did but apparently they had reached their destination.

[RATTER15]

Lol OG, I meant to get out of the woods, not to get in!

[viv41]

The 'Appalachian Trail' sounds a wonderful thing to do, but I'd NEVER attempt to do it alone. Poor woman.

[sandyRoe]

A major European walk, the 500+ miles of the Camino across Northern Spain, presents other problems. There are long stretches wih little or no cover. Walkers can't discreetly go about their business so need to hope others passing avert their eyes.