The only ones among us how have never been lost and concerned about making it home, are those of us who don't engage in big adventures. Cut them some slack. Hopefully they'll emerge unscathed and will have learned some lessons to better prepare them for future adventures.
Sounds like I was being a &%^ but I was really thinking about how many people frequent HJ and Trabuco areas. Its kind of hard to get lost when you never really feel alone on HJ. Besides the amount of other hikers and bikers out, its also hard to get lost on HJ, Trabuco, HT or any of those trails as all you need to do is walk back downhill. They must be off trail, without lights, and any knowledge of the area. Then again, it is April fools.
It can happen... Last week I was in Laguna Coast "wilderness park" when two people stopped me for directions to Laguna Canyon Road. How long have you been walking? I asked. Since early morning apparently. It was now about 3:30pm. At the bottom of my camelbak I had an old frankos map which I gave them. We're here. You need to turn round, and go back that way, and pointed. They thanked me, and then continued heading the wrong way. True story.
yeah this is perplexing. The trail is CLEARLY marked. It's not like you're even remotely weedwhacking out there. Course I haven't been to HJ falls, but I have to imagine it's just as well marked as the rest of Holy Jim. Even if you go off trail, as long as you head downhill you're going to hit the road at somepoint. Strange....
They showed pictures of the two missing "hikers", and I hate to say it, but they don't look like they have ever hiked before. I am sure, they went out there for whatever reason...kind of like the kids at BS. They don't dress appropriately, don't know the area and are just not prepared to be out there. Just my opinion. Hope they will find them soon.
I rode HJ today, felt like I had air and ground support with all the personnel up there. Talked to a few of the SAR guys, no luck as of 2pm.i The most excitement I had was almost hitting Tinker head on while he was descending HJ.
You would think they would ask all the bike/running/hiking shops for a huge night out in the wilderness to go look for them.
Though I don't understand it, I do believe it. I have come across plenty of people on the trails that have absolutely no sense of direction and are completely lost. Heck, I know a few of you out there that have no sense of direction (you know who you are). The thing is though, if your hiking it's going to take you longer to realize that you are going the wrong way and then correct yourself since it takes more time and energy to travel the same distance as it does on a bicycle. I do hope they find them safe and sound.
I can understand getting lost in the mall...but good gawd, how does one get lost in HJ for 24 hours? wow
Having (or lacking) a spirit of adventure has nothing to do with it. Lots of people (myself included) have engaged in adventures way bigger than hiking Holy Jim and have not gotten lost.....its called "common sense", "preparation" , "respect for the wilderness".... Although I do hope they are found unharmed....there are probably dozens of people out there risking themselves searching for these two. Yesterday some first-responders got killed after searching for a stranded snowmobile driver in Alaska.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/alaska-troopers-helicopter-crashes_n_2990906.html
ABC Video (parents on camera) http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=9048384
It's easier to get lost than one might think, just as it's easier to get in trouble in the ocean than one might think, even a few yards out. Best of luck to the two young adults - I hope they are OK and will emerge with stories to tell their families. And I pray that there is no foul play involved. The guy looks like he's posed for a mug shot before. I hope not.
Not sure about foul play, but he does look like he can over power anything. They did find the car with a day pass. Reports show they both were calling 911. However, Not sure about wild life in that area ! one more thing - Calling for help pass 8oclock is kinda late. What if they are still missing till weeks end, will they force a postpone for CC ? (just saying)