I would like to add / reiterate: IF we didn't have a bail out option, we could have survived. Dave was warmer with having rapidly changed to dry clothing. We had at least 3 stoves between us, I carry 4 days of food almost always & did this trip. We DID have some dry gear left & I had at least 2 hot packs. I know I had 4 days of fuel with me, water was very handy (it was running off the roof of the shelter
)
MY concern for me, I have difficulty sensing cold, if I'm shivering, I'm in trouble as that is a late sign for me.
Today It occurred to me, & I expected it as we were leaving the Wise: Regret! I know deep in my heart that making a decision to get to help. Help that was a short & easy (plus easy to follow, well known to me) trail was the right thing to do!
What helped me in the past (this is my 3rd bout with the hypo) I had a plan, it wasn't a great plan, but reliable. If not sure I can get warm and STAY WARM, and I can get to help, do so. If I can't get to help EASILY (short hike on easy(ish) terrain, do something to Get and STAY warm!
As pointed out, getting warm was mostly within our grasp, had food, fuel & water. I'm not sure of my insulation at the temp drop we experienced plus I could tell I wasn't thinking clearly. So, the "A" plan was put into effect, at least in my mind, then Scott voiced his thoughts somewhat along the lines "I wonder if we should leave?" Dave felt he was fine, but supported us (Thanks again Dave!!) So we Ran for the barn so to speak.
My take away, & this is the second time it saved me: When you have Hypothermia, you can NOT think, or at least do not have the flexibility to change a preset plan. You Can follow a plan, but if that plan is "I MUST make it to point X!" & point X is many &/or hard miles away, you may die. I nearly did 8 years ago trying to get to point X, some fellow hikers stopped me & got me warm & in shelter. That's when I came up with my plan. I am always thinking of it when hiking. Maybe not consciously, but I'm on the trail, the Hypothermia plan is near by so to speak.
After that time 8 years ago, I hit similar conditions, 4 years later, wasn't nearly hypothermic but put the plan in place anyway: Set up shelter, ate & drank, took a nap. Funny thing about that nap, lasted 14 hours.
Wasn't thinking this trip, but it all worked out! Since 4 years ago, I have hiked for extended periods in hard cold rain, this time I got caught with the proverbial pants down. Still had a great time, don't regret 1 second of it, , , , but would do it different next time.
I would willingly hike anywhere, anytime in any conditions with WV, Bonsaihiker & Chickadee!!
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