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  1. #2461
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    How sad but good to know. She sounds a LOT like me. My Trail Name is Wrong Way....

  2. #2462
    Serial Hiker
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    The smile on Inchworm's face gets me all emotional. It's one we all know well.
    R.I.P. Inchworm.

    http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/05/26...l?intcmp=hpbt4
    perrito

    684.4 down, 1507.6 to go.

    "If a man speaks in the woods, and there is no woman there to hear, is he still wrong?"

  3. #2463

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    Quote Originally Posted by Starfly View Post
    ...My basic skills (and I took a basic map and compass class not long ago) will tell you that if you are truly lost, a map and a compass doesn't do you very much good. Yes they're important read on! Being able to triangulate your position, set your point of reference or a point of reference to, declination, etc etc etc doesn't help if you can't identify a point of reference (a distance mountain, hill, river, man made structure). If you're willing to walk a potentially long way in a straight line after becoming really lost then these skills might help you...or they may not. If you're lost from (in this case the AT) and have no idea whats around you and are not sure what direction to travel to for salvation, having a map and compass on hand is arguably irrelevant...
    That's so true, not just in orienteering, but in all of life experiences we need reference points, we're totally lost without them; it's kind of scary if you think about it.


    I can NOT relate to how this happened, when you answer the call of nature, your major reference point is the AT, all you need to do is simply walk back in the direction you came, sometimes you do need other reference points, if you walk far enough off trail, but still, just walk back in the direction you came and while you may totally miss the point you left the trail, you will make it to the trail.

    I always carry a map and compass, but as Starfly stated, they are useless in finding the AT unless you have a reference point, but if you don't know what side of the AT you're on, then that sucks.

    If all else fails my biggest reference point was the Atlantic Ocean, but of all the times I've been lost (I'm a day dreamer) I've never had to resort to that.

  4. #2464
    Registered User Majortrauma's Avatar
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    Multiple conspiracy theories finally meet their death.

  5. #2465

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    We'll never know some of the answers. While not widely reported at first it's been said from those that hiked with her, she was abysmal at directions, always heading back the wrong way from shelters, etc. unfortunately this instance that was a fatal mistake. I was up there on my own some may recall August 11th but searching north near Lone Mt and Mt Abraham, it hurts my heart deeply to realize now she was still alive just miles from me. What a horrible way to go. I'm very saddened to read and hear of her last days. She had no idea the scale of the search and how widely known she became as she implored the person finding the journal to send it to her family after she was recovered.
    AT02, LT 03-04, BMT05, NPT06, Haute Route07, Abol Ridgerunner 07/08, EBC Nepal trek 10

  6. #2466
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    Compass.....and know how to use it.

  7. #2467

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pedaling Fool View Post
    ....If all else fails my biggest reference point was the Atlantic Ocean, but of all the times I've been lost (I'm a day dreamer) I've never had to resort to that.
    I should clarify, that I never expected to walk to the Atlantic Ocean, but just the thought was all I had to do to calm my nerves when I was lost. You do get a little anxious when you are lost and it is a good way to calm yourself down, but in reality, you will hit some other landmark well before making it to the Atlantic.

  8. #2468
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    How terribly terribly sad.
    " Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "

  9. #2469

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    Gut wrenching. SAR superfail

  10. #2470

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    Quote Originally Posted by chknfngrs View Post
    apparently suffered certain type of anxiety which under the circumstances would definitely have impaired her ability to think clearly. Add in a sore back, the ability to get frustrated and it's the perfect storm. Still perplexes me she wasn't located sooner
    Maine woods can be very Difficult.

    Many wooded areas are much more difficult than others: underbrush, saplings, deadfall, wet soft mud.

    Anxiety? I don't know that would be decisive, as much as the woods there itself.

    Lost for a long time, the weakness of lack of food and water can be decisive.. muscles become painful and not as flexible, stomach adhesions, possibly fading eyesight may be near the end.

    I hope her family doesn't read this.

    I hope others do.

  11. #2471

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    Good clarification! So gut wrenching

  12. #2472
    Registered User Peaks's Avatar
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    Thanks for the link. Perhaps as a child we were taught that when lost, to stay put. However, if I was that turned around in the woods, I would have worked my way down hill.

    And, when going off trail for a "nature break," why take your pack and gear? Gotta believe she wasn't thinking straight.

  13. #2473

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    I always take my pack with me off the trail, not sure of your point?

  14. #2474
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    This is heartbreaking. I section hiked this area 3-4 weeks after Gerry went missing and spent a lot of time thinking about her and wondering what could have gone wrong. It haunts me to know that she was probably in her last days as I was passing through. May she rest in peace.

  15. #2475

    Default Hiker who went missing on Appalachian trail survived 26 days before dying - The Guard

    <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNGkoVOWRYBvhBltJAQXe xiXLNKAhQ&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/hiker-who-went-missing-on-appalachian-trail-survived-26-days-before-dying"><img src="//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSfeIdcJhrJXaJctxLN-t5Nxt8JRCX359WNwl_MzuTyA1pHzdpKDVHcJ_5uEg45kgNfQA9 95di7" alt="" border="1" width="80" height="80"><br><font size="-2">The Guardian</font></a></font></td><td valign="top" class="j"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><br><div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1"></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNGkoVOWRYBvhBltJAQXe xiXLNKAhQ&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/hiker-who-went-missing-on-appalachian-trail-survived-26-days-before-dying"><b>Hiker who went missing on <b>Appalachian trail</b> survived 26 days before dying</b></a><br><font size="-1"><b><font color="#6f6f6f">The Guardian</font></b></font><br><font size="-1">Largay had committed to a “thru hike” of the 2,168-mile <b>Appalachian trail</b>, and had already traversed more than 1,000 miles. Like many hikers, she took a trail name: hers was “Inchworm”. Her husband met her along the trail for small reunions and resupplies.</font><br><font size="-1"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFyqTnIDN39Z2tPfDS5_ GglkUokAA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/25/hiker-who-died-after-disappearing-from-appalachian-trail-survived-for-weeks/KAcHuKSdYVHNTNu0qQobvK/story.html">&#39;When you find my body, please call my husband,&#39; missing hiker wrote</a><font size="-1" color="#6f6f6f"><nobr>The Boston Globe</nobr></font></font><br><font size="-1"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNEwoalBBWHigPh4HCIOx T3Uq4tcMQ&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.people.com/article/geraldine-largay-appalachian-trail-journal-dead-family">Hiker Who Died After Getting Lost on <b>Appalachian Trail</b> Left Journal for Loved Ones: &#39;When You Find My Body, Please <b>...</b></a><font size="-1" color="#6f6f6f"><nobr>People Magazine</nobr></font></font><br><font size="-1"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNGjhrlmZhAr3EY9PkT9v TVWE4qbbA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.startribune.com/documents-hiker-found-dead-in-15-survived-at-least-26-days/380861101/">Missing <b>Appalachian Trail</b> hiker found dead last year kept journal of her ordeal</a><font size="-1" color="#6f6f6f"><nobr>Minneapolis Star Tribune</nobr></font></font><br><font size="-1" class="p"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNGX3cyMHqPKoik-Cu1NMwUgJA48pg&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b8983 31&cid=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.syracuse.com/us-news/index.ssf/2016/05/missing_hiker_appalachian_trail_survived_26_days_j ournal.html"><nobr>Syracuse.com</nobr></a>&nbsp;-<a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNHHRe7lBdzqZXt8YJ0O-3-Fnn6D6A&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid= 52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3135524/geraldine-largay-appalachian-trail-hiker-found-dead-left-behind-document-of-final-days-spent-lost/"><nobr>The Inquisitr</nobr></a>&nbsp;-<a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFaRKBM3UD7vP52oad9l i_gIwQCLQ&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ci d=52779118718754&ei=jCRHV-jjC6Sg8QG-_JNI&url=http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2016/05/missing_appalachian_trail_hike.html"><nobr>AL.com</nobr></a></font><br><font class="p" size="-1"><a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dYWly96hLmpYhwMqmmXiVMHNiZYQM&authuser=0& ned=us"><nobr><b>all 34 news articles&nbsp;&raquo;</b></nobr></a></font></div></font></td></tr></table>

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  16. #2476
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pedaling Fool View Post
    I always take my pack with me off the trail, not sure of your point?
    Agree, I can't imagine dropping my pack by the trail. In this case she would have been lost without her gear which would have made the situation even more urgent.
    enemy of unnecessary but innovative trail invention gadgetry

  17. #2477
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigcranky View Post
    My wife (and hiking partner) read the AP story to me last night, and we talked about this for a long time. Man, wow.

    On the one hand, it's really easy to second-guess someone else's decisions from the comfort of my armchair, and I don't want to do that. The Maine woods are difficult to navigate off-trail (and that's an understatement). It would be tempting to hunker down and wait to be found.

    It's easy for me to say, "Just set a compass direction south and walk in a straight line until you cross a road or a trail." That sounds easy, but it's not. I managed to get myself pretty well lost in SW Virginia during the fall season about ten or fifteen years ago. Was following a trail (not the AT, a fairly obscure trail) and kept going for a while until I realized that I hadn't seen blazes in a long time. Miles, probably. This was pre-GPS and pre-iPhone. I had some vague idea where I was, but no idea how to get back to the trail. I took a break, got a snack, checked my map, and figured out that I would hit another trail if I managed to walk in a reasonably straight line -- this turned out to be way harder than it sounds, and this was in relatively open woods, not the thick evergreen forest of Maine. Based on my experience in Vermont, I can't imagine trying to go cross-country in Maine.

    The whole thing just makes me very sad for Inchworm and her family.
    You touched on a few very prescient points, BigCranky:

    You stopped and took a break, got a snack, checked your map, figured out a solution.

    I have been in similar circumstances and the "stop for a break, EAT SOMETHING" part of the equation always left me with a clearer head.

    Mentioned elsewhere in thread: an underlying medical condition (anxiety) could have made doing just that very difficult for Inchworm.

    Tangentially related: I took a "Mental Health First Aid" course recently and would recommend it to anyone. I will make a point of discussing not only physical but mental health issues with any hiking partner.

  18. #2478
    CDT - 2013, PCT - 2009, AT - 1300 miles done burger's Avatar
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    I tried to find a good map of the area where she was lost, and I couldn't find one. Does anyone know of one? I'm wondering what the terrain was like. Was it too steep for her to go downhill and look for civilization or go uphill and try to get a view? Or did she just decide to stay put and hope for the best?

    There was a case on the PCT a few years back of a late NOBO thru-hiker who got caught in a snow storm in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. That's rough terrain, so he just decided to hunker down and wait for rescue. After a week, no one had come, so he walked out. I can understand staying put in snowy, freezing weather where travel is treacherous, but I can't understand staying put for 26 days in Maine in mid-summer unless you were cliffed out or injured and literally couldn't travel.

  19. #2479
    CDT - 2013, PCT - 2009, AT - 1300 miles done burger's Avatar
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    Here's the PCT story I mentioned: http://pcttrailsidereader.com/post/3...y-ice-and-snow

    I got the details wrong. He was basically stuck until the snow melted enough to climb out of the valley he was stuck in.

  20. #2480
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    Default Here is a map link

    http://www.pressherald.com/wp-conten...Y-804x1024.jpg

    If she had walked south- east or east, she would have hit the trail. If you are aware of directions, ie headed west off of trail to find bathroom, then with a compass or sun, you could head east to find trail again.

    I know bushwacking can be very difficult, but she was 3000 yards from trail. (clearly she wandered from bathroom spot...nobody goes 2 miles off trail for bathroom break)

    Searchers came close to her (while she was still alive), too bad she did not have a fire.

    Still seems odd...

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