2021-06-20, 02:27 PM
(2021-06-20, 10:58 AM)MojaveGeek Wrote: The comparison to day hiking Whitney seems rather overboard, OTOH scaring away would-be thrill seekers is sensible. That being said, I've never walked in that area. I certainly know places in DV where 6 miles can be killer, but they usually involve a fair amount of steep terrain. Well, anyway, I do hope we see a post on whatever is found. If I hike in that area, there are other places I'd place on higher priority.
Gotta wonder what would have happened had the Germans followed standard advice and stayed with their vehicle. It didn't sound like anyone knew their schedule or had any idea of where they were. Is there any place people travel you could hit with a signal mirror from nearby?
I don't think so. As far as staying with the van, that wouldn't have worked, either. As it were, the van wasn't spotted until 3 months later, when it was accidentally spotted from a helicopter. The remains and bones weren't found until 13 YEARS later. The most logical choice would have been returning to the geologist's cabin, a mind-boggling omission. Lots of food and unlimited cool, fresh water. Apparently they were so naive they thought the "military base" was "just over that hill over there..."
As far as burning tires, it's very possible they didn't have anything to start a fire with.
Nothing would be found, I'm sure. The area has been gone over with a fine toothed comb. My interest is purely personal and subjective.