Buzz Out Loud Lounge: James Kim a true hero....

James Kim a true hero....

I read alot of posts about how heroic James was, but then I would read alot of posts saying he was just lost and confused. After reading this article, it appears he was just as resourceful and heroic as we all assumed. He just made the unfortunate error of going back where he came from, rather than pressing on into the unknown.
This is for all those who said he was stupid to leave the car etc.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/07/MNGH6MR3191.DTL
STRANDED FATHER'S HEROIC LAST HOURS / He crawled, climbed through 5-mile canyon seeking help for family


Highlights from the article:
1. He traveled about 10 miles through thick, wild, uneven terrain that even rescue workers had trouble with.
2. He left bits of clothing and his map as a trail. ( either to find his way back, or to allow possible rescuers to find him )
3. He followed the creek ( a commonly used survival skill, but unfortunately also attributed to his hypothermia )
4.He was attempting to find help for his family. He probably assumed the search was either unsuccessful or had stopped, and was determined to set out on foot and find help himself.
5. Conditions on the "trail" ( it had never been hiked ) were treacherous. He had to go through ice, snow, and climb down through rocks, logs, etc. It was not an easy walk.
6. Keep in mind he was probably starving by now, and it is unknown whether he ever made a fire.
7. He was also wet, as the only way to cross sometimes involved wading through the river.
8. He climbed down a ravine and was attempting to climb back up it when he became exhausted or hypothermic.

Clearly he did all he could and gave 110% to continue going despite overwhelming circumstances and odds.
I can only hope that he knew his family was rescued.


I don't know about you, but knowing how much James went through to save his family makes me feel somewhat better.