YB-thought about the rapid thing-did it some 15 years ago and blew my knee then...and wanted to get it done and I thought that adding more more paddle time with the winds that where with us that day the process would be slowed.

DB-They were going for help-one of the first things that I did after I got the backround info was to look at my watch and do the math...my believe was that she would probably be there over night if we had done it that way...been there and done that and the outcome was not good...it was bad bad out come! I was concerned about shock B4 I even saw her. The group would have been in better shape with Hefty bags! I did not have cell phone coverage at trails end...but that gets us into the query-What is wilderness? Totally get the numbers gig-we are trully the variable in life....The improv thing is a blessing and I know it is there for me...that is why I am glad I was there for them...some got panic I got clarity but the thing of it is I still dropped the ball on the back side of the evac. Our group got split coming across Seagull-I should have insisted on pulling the forest service folks and myself in the sterns and them in the bows-I was fool for that! I should have also done a better job with D and maintained the level of care until that was taken over by folks at the GM hospital! My bad! She was shocky and quiet-at least that was my take...I was exhausted which is a poor excuse.

Solo-If I cant cure stupid...why should a outfitter be held accountable too...I have over heard folks-outfitters included-with there thoughs about my travels in the wilderness with my boy...he started at 2.In fact we were told to stay of the "big water"...sound advice for a "novice"...sound advice in bad weather...sound advice for weak paddlers...Heck it is a good piece of advice and the choice is up to me and my judgment...right. Mick shared the info with the rangers when the daughter began to cry! In this case I would start with the trip leader for sure-I am commited to not passing judgment in this situation...boy it is really tough not to say more in this case!

So wilderness-what is it to you folks?