Be Prepared

From The LA Times, a testament about how it pays to be prepared:


Missing hiker found alive after 6 days in Joshua Tree National Park

Ed Rosenthal, a prominent real estate broker from Culver City and an experienced hiker, was alert and able to talk and walk when found but was dehydrated and is in fair condition...

Rosenthal set out Friday from Black Rock campground on a day hike...

He told his wife and rescuers that he lost the trail and made a wrong turn. He ended up in East Wide Canyon, which descends to the park's southern border. He was found Thursday morning, about seven or eight miles from where he left the trail, in a ravine near the canyon. He was spotted by a helicopter from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office when he waved a shiny, Mylar-like material...

For someone on a day hike, Rosenthal was very well-equipped. Joe Zarki, a park ranger, noted that he had three or four liters of water, snack food, a space blanket, a whistle and flares.

He hiked for about a day and a half, descending almost 2,000 feet down the canyon, and then he ran out of food and water.

"At that point, he realized he was in some difficulty," Zarki said. "Once he found his spot, he thought he was better off staying there and that's what you're supposed to do."

Rosenthal whistled, but no one heard. He tried to light flares, but they did not work...

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My best wishes to Mr. Rosenthal and his family and I am glad he made it home alive. Still, his story is a stark example of why it's important to be prudent.


It's better to have it and not need it, but only if it works and you know how to use it.