At 09:49 PM 8/24/2005, you wrote:

>I wonder if they were trying to get that letterbox there.

While there is a box at Taughannock Falls (I'm the maintainer, though not
the planter), it's not near the area where she was killed, and there's no
threat from falling rocks where the box is planted. There are numerous
signs warning of danger from falling rocks along the gorge trail, and her
family had to pass - and ignore - multiple posted warnings not to go
off-trail in order to get to the area where they were hit by rocks. While
the pool beneath the falls they were exploring is a popular place for
illegal swimming, rock slides are fairly common and the park rangers often
patrol and ticket to keep people out. Amanda from Seattle, Ryan and I
witnessed a small one in June while we were down at the base of the falls
(but still on trail), and it happened quickly with absolutely no warning.

It's a sad fact that people die or are seriously injured while hiking or
otherwise exploring the gorges in and around Ithaca on a far too frequent
basis. In almost every case, though, those involved were either off-trail
or in an area clearly marked as dangerous or off-limits. I've included
warnings about gorge safety in all of my boxes that require one, and I've
added a note about this death to the Taughannock Falls clues as well. I'm
considering pulling this box completely because it does ask finders to go
off-trail by entering the stream bed, although the danger of injury in this
particular area is very, very slight. I'm sure the original planters never
intended to put future finders at risk. They no longer live in the area,
though, so I'll make the decision to pull it or not myself.

Please, if you choose to letterbox in the Finger Lakes of New York or any
place with signs warning to stay on trail, don't ignore them. They're there
for your safety, as well as the safety of those who will have to come
rescue you if you get into trouble. The rescue team in this case put their
own lives in jeopardy as the rocks continued to fall during the rescue.

I always welcome questions from anyone interested in seeking any of the
gorge boxes in our local area. Please don't hesitate to ask if you want an
honest assessment of the risk involved. Our gorges are absolutely stunning
and well worth the hike, and most are very safe if you stay on trail. There
are a few I wouldn't recommend for children or less experienced hikers,
however, and I note that in my clues.

Those interested in learning more about what went wrong here can read the
coverage in the Ithaca Journal. My heart goes out to Ms. Rowen's family and
her community and I sincerely hope that this is the type of story I never
have to read again.

TurtleMcQ
Ithaca, NY

initial coverage
http://www.ithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050823/NEWS01/508230332/1002/NEWS17

article on gorge safety tips from our local fire chief
http://www.ithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050823/NEWS01/50823001/1002/NEWS17

other recent gorge accidents in Ithaca
http://www.ithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050823/NEWS01/508230335/1002/NEWS17

article about Ms. Rowen and her life
http://www.ithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050824/NEWS01/508240322/1002