Michigan Radio & TV Buzzboard

There's so many bad things that can happen, but this was apparently an accident.

https://madison.com/news/local/crime-an ... 15e9a.html

The takeaway here is to never go alone. No matter how competent you might be. Cell phones are not enough, either.

You have to live your life. If someone is single, they shouldn't hike at all? I would say to not go to an isolated remote area by yourself. But you should tell someone your travel plans if going far away. But if I want to hike at Stoney Creek, I am going.

Back in my halcyon days of youth I was an avid solo wilderness backpacker. I would never dissuade anyone from such an enriching and often "religious" experience. However, the weight of Mother Nature can easily overwhelm any circumstance residing outside the bounds of common sense. Preparation is essential, both physically and mentally.

This does sound like an unfortunate accident as a result of the young lady wandering off the trail.

Two thoughts,

First, I agree that going with a group is a good idea. There are plenty of hiking clubs out there. I'm a member of the North Country Trail association and there are hikes every week. (Stoney Creek isn't exactly a high risk hiking environment). I have hiked all the way across the state of Michigan with that group.

Second, when I lived in Colorado, my County was 94% National Forest. I could walk out my door then be gone for 6 days without seeing anyone. I had maps I had an understanding of how to keep myself safe, but this type of situation seemingly is a complete accident and I wouldn't have known how to prepare to avoid it. I would go out for 4 days by myself with my dog and it was great and I wouldn't trade that for the world but I knew they were greater risks than sitting in my living room watching cable. My behavior changed once I had kids.

Life has risks choose wisely.