Len Wilcox

Len Wilcox (the one on the left) is the Managing Editor of the 4x4Wire's Trails & Travels section and the Author of: "Desert Dancing: The California Journal".

June, 2000

All of us who head out to the wild country should be aware of the dangers posed by the trip. From flat tires to medical emergencies, many risks must be assessed and preparations made to deal with them. A terrible story out of New Mexico emphasizes the need for proper knowledge and preparation.

Two New England men went touring the deserts, and took off hiking in the back-country of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. They were experienced with the northeast woods, but the desert country was new to them. Apparently they were not acclimated to the heat nor educated to the ways intense sunshine and dry air can affect the body and mind. Nor had they familiarized themselves with the land they were visiting or, according to news reports, how to use a topographical map.

They brought one gallon of water with them, for a 2-day hike. This is a quarter of the amount suggested, especially for two men who were being physically active and were not acclimated to the heat. The second day they were in serious trouble. One thing they did right did not save them: They had obtained an overnight camping permit. But the rangers did not come to find them.

On the fourth day, one of the men was in terrible pain and suffering from severe dehydration. He begged his friend to put him out of his misery. Eventually, his friend did.

The friend was found a day later, still alive. He immediately confessed to the mercy killing of his best friend. He was tried for murder, and due to the circumstances, sentenced to 2 years in prison. The man said that he is sentenced to a lifetime of remorse and sorrow for his lost friend.

The most disheartening aspect of this ordeal was the fact that they were within a mile and a half of a road. At night they could see the headlights of vehicles. But their sense of direction, their lack of understanding of the topographical map, the lack of water - all these things transpired to wreck their lives. They could not save themselves from their actions.

This incident is all too real to me. I've been in situations where, if something happened, I might or my companion might die. I can't condemn the one who killed in this case. All I can do is say a prayer for David Coughlin, and for Raffi Kodikian who must live with the consequences of his actions. And I can be certain I'm as prepared as possible to deal with a similar emergency.

I urge you to do the same.

Len Wilcox is the Managing Editor of the 4x4Wire's Trails & Travels section and the Author of "Desert Dancing".

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