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In the end, replacing bridge would save hikers, money

Friday, September 14 at 12:01 AM

It was an unfortunate story that unfolded with the disorientated hikers along the Poudre River’s Big South Trail (“Couple's signal fire brings happy ending to trip that went awry,” Sept. 7). All of this could have been avoided if the bridge that washed out near Peterson Lake in the 1970s had been rebuilt. The hikers would have had an easy time following the path — as I did in 1975 — if this bridge had been replaced.
To hike the entire trail’s length now requires one to wade across the often fast-moving and dangerous water.
Improvements are made in wilderness areas to protect its resources. In this case, a safer infrastructure that was once in place would have kept hikers from wandering off-trail, helicopters from flying overhead and search parties from combing the woods.
The Forest Service should consider replacement of this historic bridge. It could be built with minimal impact, save thousands of dollars in search-and-rescue missions and create a safer trek on one of the most beautiful rivers on the Front Range.

Dennis Sovick, Fort Collins

READER COMMENTS

or the idiots could have purchased a map to become familiar with the area. If you dont know where you are going in the wilderness it is not the fault of anyone but you and by no means a bridge that was washed away over 30 years ago. no they didnt have to wade in the water that was theri choice.
an now for the insult to the rest of us we get to pay for their resuce. I say send them the bill.

Posted by on September 14, 2007 05:14 AM

The bridge plea is typical of the leftists now prolific in this country - their solution is always to beg "government" to take care of them. We motorized trail riders take the initiative, secure grants and volunteers to build bridges on trails to preserve the trails for all to use. We work hand in hand with the forest service and BLM. The plethora of silly laws banning machinery and development in the national parks assures the "purist crowd" will get just what they disserve. I find it incredible that it's always the 'on foot folks' who go into the wild unprepared and need to be hauled out.

Posted by curt becker on September 14, 2007 07:46 AM

Weren't those 'disoriented' hikers eating mushrooms? It would be easy to be lost for days by eating the right type of mushrooms.

Posted by RP McMurphy on September 14, 2007 08:34 AM

I was just glad to hear they were found safe and alive. Seems like there were too many stories this summer where the ending was the opposite.

Accidents happen, and sometimes, even a very tiny mistake in the wilderness can get even experienced hikers - as this couple were - disoriented and lost. It appears they kept their heads and didn't panic.

Some of you posters could really use a dose of empathy.

Posted by mytwosense on September 14, 2007 09:53 AM

And to Curt Becker who incorrectly states "I find it incredible that it's always the 'on foot folks' who go into the wild unprepared and need to be hauled out"...

...please check out the Park County Search & Rescue website. Of the rescues they performed this year, it appears a good portion were snowmobilers and ATV'ers, as well as hikers: http://www.pcsar.org/missions/2007.php

Again, accidents happen. Sometimes through plain foolish decisions, sometimes not. Of course, if you've never made a mistake in your life, please disregard my message. You're perfect and none of this applies to you.

-rolls eyes-

Posted by mytwosense on September 14, 2007 09:59 AM

While I do have some sympathy for these folks its pretty well known around here that that bridge has been out for a long time. In fact, I believe there is a sign posted at or near the trail head where they parked their Suburban stating such. Either way a quick check with the rangers or even someone experienced with the trail would have saved them a lot of trouble and embarassment.

Posted by flimflam on September 14, 2007 10:47 AM

I have no idea if they are from around there. At any rate, according to the letter writer, the bridge washed out in the seventies. That's decades ago. I would actually be surprised to learn there is a sign up noting a bridge from that long ago no longer exists. If there is, ok, so they made a wrong turn somewhere. This can happen to even experienced hikers. If there isn't a sign, how would someone know to check? Do you usually pull strangers aside on a trail and ask, "Hey, by any chance did a bridge use to exist on this trail that we should know about?"

I just think this thread is a perfect example of how so many RMN forum posters will jump at any chance to feel superior and smug.

Posted by mytwosense on September 14, 2007 11:12 AM

mytwosense,

I just replied to your post on this thread: http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/letters/2007/09/health_savings_accounts.html

Posted by John II on September 14, 2007 11:16 AM

lol, John II...got it!

Posted by mytwosense on September 14, 2007 12:18 PM

Shouldn't a "wilderness," by definition, be a place where you take responsibility for yourself? That might include researching your trip before you go and actually knowing how to use your map and compass to backtrack to your trailhead. It's normal for trails to fade out and creek crossings to be unmarked. The whole point of wilderness is to provide a place where manmade conveniences, including provisions for safety, are at a minimum. The possibility of having to survive by your wits if something goes wrong is essential to the experience. I see no reason why a bridge should be built at the location in question after thirty years of not having one. A sign at the trailhead regarding lack of a bridge is more than enough warning.

Posted by karen on September 14, 2007 12:20 PM

the were prepared, they could start a fire. This little bit of "wilderness" wasn`t in the wilds of Alaska, it was close enough for the smoke to be seen.

I hate it when people go out without any means of making a signal fire. People keep getting lost and dying on Grand Mesa because they forget this simple way of letting searchers know where they are.

Posted by Sharon B. on September 14, 2007 01:52 PM