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 From:
Bill Orman
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 6:32
PM
Subject: [grandcanyon] Heat Warning
A sad and somber note of reminder and warning to readers of
this group. One of my dear friends, who happened to be one of
our most loved and respected nurses at our little hospital, has
just died at the Flagstaff Medical Center from complications of
heat stroke. She was Hopi and grew up in this area, and knew well
the heat of the desert summer. She was with a group that was doing
their annual Memorial Day weekend hike to Rainbow Bridge. This
was an experienced group of folks who had been doing this same
hike for many years. The heat here has been unrelenting for several
weeks now. I day hiked down the Grandview Trail on Saturday, and
drank 2.5 gallons of water. And this was in spite of hiking in
the early morning and late evening hours. And carrying only a
light day pack. I know that we all love the Canyon, but it and
the desert southwest are dangerous places this time of year. For
those who are from outside the area and are contemplating a southwest
hike this summer, I would urge you to consider something safer
and more enjoyable than a summer trek in the Canyon. The Zion
Narrows, for example, are wonderful, and despite their own set
of dangers, are certainly much >more enjoyable and safer than
the Canyon at this time of year. Please consider my advice.
Bill Orman
Tuba City, AZ
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Bill continues in a subsequent note:
This incident has been a tremendous loss for our whole community
and a lesson for us all, even those of us who have done fairly
extensive desert hiking. Simply, it is just not worth it to risk
everything. I was not on this hike, but had expressed grave reservations
last week about its advisibility, given the recent sweltering
temperatures. I think that we often get caught up in our schedules
when we plan things, and forego common sense to accomodate our
activities to our work and vacation plans. This group, for example,
always hiked on Memorial Day weekend. It is true that, some years,
this is a good time to hike. But not this year. I think this is
also a problem with Grand Canyon hikers. We apply for our permits
months in advance, and plan our vacations and days off around
them, then are reluctant to bag it if conditions are not favorable.
Please print my note if you think it would help to warn others.
This is something that none of us ever thinks would ever happen
to them or someone in their group. All of us are still in a state
of disbelief. But it does happen, and it is avoidable.
Bill Orman
Tuba City, AZ
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Think extra water is too heavy to carry? Read
Patrick's story. I think you'll change your mind.
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