[Boundless]

> Still doesn't relieve the responsibility of
> going out on mountain roads in the winter
> without basic survival supplies.

Plus assuming what you read on the internet is true:

"Technology killed Technology hack"
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36241

"CNET EDITOR James Kim died trying to save his
family after an online mapping service gave
him a bum steer. ... unaware that no one in
their right mind would attempt that route in winter."

Assuming the Inq report is true, of course :-)

[Inyo-Mono]

"... unaware that no one in
their right mind would attempt that route in winter."

A common problem in my area. Auto clubs and travel agents from out of the area mark rugged back roads and trails as though they were highways and tourists often run into trouble.

[tubebender]

Kati Kim said they were using a hard copy of a Oregon Map. I believe it was a Rand McNally

[Tarpon]

Nothing absolves the person from the responsibility to protect their family and themselves. If you do not think you are competent to go out in the mountains, don't go. If you do not have a proper vehicle, don't go. If you do not have the proper equipment, don't go. It is far better to be safe than dead.

There is a lot to be learned from this tragic situation. I would advise people to take it seriously, study what happened and prepare so it doesn't happen to you. The less experienced you are, the more food, clothing and equipment you should take. California is one of those areas where we lived for quite a while that lure you into thinking nature isn't there. When in fact, it is within 2 hours drive, a Sunday picnic to the Serra's, and you are in another world.

I have done off road wilderness travel for many years, maps are wrong, cell phones don't work, roads get washed out, locked gates get opened, anything that can will go wrong. Even on paved roads it can be hazardous, especially in winter.

I had both engine mounts fail on my 4x4 truck once while at 12,000 feet on a mountain in Colorado. The engine went through the radiator. We were climbing hard on a trail on the side of the mountain, scary stuff when the engine came loose -- Instant no power steering, no power brakes. Luckily I had a creeper low range manual trans truck. It was July, started to snow, which is what happens at that altitude in the rockies. We were well prepared and everything worked out fine.

Be safe not sorry.