California Tourists become Stranded and Lost while hiking from Fern Forest Vac Estates to P'Uu O'o (buy)

[mangodog]

A couple of tourists hiking to the vent which I hear is illegal on Big Island had to call in the Fire Rescue for assistance. At least bring a compass next time and a little extra drinking water. (know how to use the compass)

[KaraBenNemsi]

Happens all the time. Too many guide books and websites advertise the hike to Mordor. Then people go in early and never look back to prepare them how different the path will look on the way back, especially when the sun direction has changed.

Leaving no markings, one or two in their party being exhausted, no cell reception and no print outs of maps, no compass. At least they are starting to get billed for the rescues now, I heard.

[hotzcatz]

A lot of it is just that one blue guidebook. Folks end up in all sorts of places they shouldn't be because of bad advice. At least they got rescued, sometimes they never get heard from again.

[HonaunauLove]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

A lot of it is just that one blue guidebook. Folks end up in all sorts of places they shouldn't be because of bad advice. At least they got rescued, sometimes they never get heard from again.

Ya, I wonder how many of those missing tourists end up that way because of that book.
I'll admit, i've used it to find some new things to do and see. I am however experienced and always prepared though. A LOT of the places that book takes you should not be done by anyone inexperienced or in the physical shape to do so. I've seen many people crashed out from heat just on that hike down to Cook and thats a pretty easy one. At least for myself.

[Mr. In-Between]

I've always been surprised at the number of books and websites that tell you, "oh, you can't drive down into Waipi'o Valley, so just walk it." Like, "oh, when you get thirsty, walk down to the corner store and buy a Coke."

I've done it when I lived there, and I'm an experienced hiker so it wasn't that big of a deal, but the average person? few of the tourist sites warn people of what a grueling, exhausting climb out it is. A hiker in average shape can handle it OK, but will sure as heck remember it for the rest of their lives. Someone in poor shape is literally putting their life at risk. I was a hiker in very good shape, and believe me, I felt it for days every time I did it. But you would never know that from reading the books and websites. I wonder how many people's vacations have been spoiled because they literally couldn't walk for a couple of days afterward.

And don't even get me started on the time I hiked 4 miles in to where the lava was flowing into the sea. somehow it must have been about 12 miles back out, or at least it sure felt that way. Damned well worth it, though.

[HonaunauLove]

Yeah, when I see people hiking down to Cook with rented gear wearing slippas I can't help but shake my head.
Once they get out of the canopy and hit that rubble its pure hell especially coming back up. I've given people water on several occasions climbing up that one.