I agree that this topic should be closed as soon as possible. But
first my 2 cents, of course.

I believe the LBNA has no more liability than the AMC does for it's
hiking guides of the white mountains. Disclaimers (which in fact are
linked on many of the clues) do not prevent people from making stupid
mistakes. I discourage biraging the website with tons of disclaimers.
Signing waivers or providing tons of disclaimers still doesn't prevent
people from making stupid decissions.

Even I have been on trips where I underestimated the
challenge. In many other cases I turned around when my mind/body is
telling me something just isn't right. I would say that 10% of the boxes
I find are ones that required a second trip on a nicer and longer day. I
figure the box is not going anywhere so what is the rush.

Mabey it is because I had the fortunate training in scouts akin to Chip's.
But clearly anyone should be able to hear their minds telling them to turn
around. I realize that once you are on the hunt and feel very very close,
it is difficult to turn around. If you suffer from this I suggest reading
"Into thin air" for some insight.

As for the clues: I personally try to include the time and terrain
constrains partially for this reason, but more for those with kids or
constraints etc. I prefer to write with compass headings (North or 135deg)
rather than left or right because this is how I think about my orientation
in my environment. Others prefer left/right directions. In any case I
suggest people read up on the area that they are heading to. Look at a
road map, get an idea of the major roads before you set out. Bring
water/food/boots. In fact, I treat this no different than a day hike in
the foot hills or mountains.

The Wilderness when you are camping/hiking/surviving is still the same
wilderness when you are looking for a little tupperware box. And I don't
go into it without looking at a map...

Jeremy

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Jeremy Disch |Department of Chemistry www.tufts.edu/~jdisch
jdisch@tufts.edu |Tufts University www.tufts.edu/
P-323 ext. 75745 |Rybak-Akimova Research Lab welcome.to/rybaklab
|GCMS/MALDI Instrument TA
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