Outdoor Adventure USA

Was supposed to meet up with some Jeepers this morning but for some reason they got either lost or did not show. So headed out on my own since I was at the start of 2N01 any way. Ran a good part of Heartbreak Ridge till the snow was to deep and did not want to blaze to much of a trail by myself. After that I found me a couple of other spot s to entertain, then proceeded to get my self lost for awhile, so did a bit of hiking to get my bearings and found my way back to rattlesnake canyon and from there back to civilization. All in all a great day on the trail. Some of those fire roads are in prime shape.

Great pics, beautiful trail, but, IMO, bad example for others...

Aside from going out on your own, did you have a map, or GPS, or any method of contacting help ? If your Jeep had become disabled, or or you got injured, a fun day could have turned out differently...

I know you are a skilled off-roader, and I'm not trying to make a personal criticism here...but many who'll read this thread are not, and we do try to stress safety and preparation on the trail at OAUSA...

Glad you found your way back, and had a good time...

Larry, I have done a lot of hiking etc and feel at home in the wilderness. Walking 30 or 40 miles does not bother me if that is what it comes too. Unfortunately, I had given my maps to the folks I was supposed to meet a few days before. This Jeep has been very reliable and I am pretty confident taking it on all kinds of trails. Truth be told I really like exploring on my own or with my best wheeling bud. Also I have run these trails numerous times, just got my self confused coming out of the last one, so climbed a hill side when I got frustrated got my orientation back and drove out. Now is this recommended practice for people that start exploring, heck no. You have to know your limits both physically as well as the limits of your vehicle. Then carry water food warm clothing, ya know the works

Fun stuff for sure!

I've been out alone myself quite a few times. Aside from making sure you've got a plan in case something happens, I think sometimes you just gotta get out there by yourself.

Great pictures!

I really enjoy running Heartbreak Ridge and Pontiac Loop. Really neat area. Thanks for the pics.

I never thought I would say this in a million years, but I actually agree with Larry. What you did was a recipe for disaster, but I am glad you made it out with no mishaps.

BorregoWrangler wrote:...making sure you've got a plan in case something happens.

That was my main point. While the buddy system is always recommended, some folks like to explore alone. That's great, as long as a plan is in place to prevent an unexpected mishap from become a news headline.

sdnative wrote:I never thought I would say this in a million years, but I actually agree with Larry.

Don't worry, Eric - It happens with everyone sooner or later...

A plan is good, staying within one day hike of a main road or highway does not hurt either.
I have driven on Highways in Nevada with stretches of 200 miles without any civilization that bothers me more than half a day hike back to the road in Big Bear.
as far as electronic do thats I prefer to to go old school, survival skills do not use batteries or break. Modern man relies to much on electronics and such to survive, not good when the battery runs out or the marvel breaks, besides I like to travel light, used to backpack a lot got me all across the States with less than 20 lbs of baggage in my backpack

aw12345 wrote:A plan is good, staying within one day hike of a main road or highway does not hurt either.
I have driven on Highways in Nevada with stretches of 200 miles without any civilization that bothers me more than half a day hike back to the road in Big Bear.
as far as electronic do thats I prefer to to go old school, survival skills do not use batteries or break. Modern man relies to much on electronics and such to survive, not good when the battery runs out or the marvel breaks, besides I like to travel light, used to backpack a lot got me all across the States with less than 20 lbs of baggage in my backpack

Old school is good, preparation is better. There is a difference between relying on electronics, and having them available in case of an emergency. I agree that electronic devices can be subject to failure, but so is the human body - and making sure you can communicate, if help is required, could be the difference between life and death in the wild. It is something we try to stress on OAUSA. Even if you go it alone, letting someone know your itinerary and tentative time schedule is very helpful. We've discussed several tragic incidents on this forum, all by people who didn't feel they were in any danger for survival when they left. Survival skills only work if you are physically able, and many folks have gone out for a casual trek into the wilderness, only to be completely stranded due to unforeseen injury.

Depending on survival skills is great, but having an alternative method to get help is better, IMO....