The Daisy Mountain hiking trail is a 6.4 mile, moderately
difficult trail adjacent to the community of Anthem, Arizona. It enjoys a surprising level of solitude,
given that the trail and some of the surrounding ridges afford a view of the
Anthem outlet stores along I-17. Little did I know that as I embarked on this
hiking trail at about 9 am on October 2, 2013 that about 4 hours later, thoughts
were passing through my head that those outlet stores might be the last vestige
of civilization that I would see.
I do not consider myself any kind of elite athlete at any
level. However, I have ridden a bicycle from 150 to 220 miles on a weekend,
fundraising for various events. I have
climbed Mt. Humphries in Flagstaff and can hold my own at the gym. I know what it is like to “fight through the
wall.” However, at approximately 1 p.m. on that day, after having been without
water for about an hour, and having departed from the trail at least an hour
earlier, I was unable to stand much less continue and finish the hike. No
amount of “willing” myself mattered at that point. While the temperature was
“only” in the mid-80s that day, Arizona residents know (or should know) that
dehydration even in those temperatures can occur and be dangerous or even
fatal. I came precariously close to learning that lesson.
I went off trail about halfway through the hike, due to time
constraints and attempted a “straight line” return. Going off trail resulted in
traversing much more difficult terrain than I had planned for. There were
elevation changes climbing up and down ridges. The footing was less stable and
precarious than on the trail. I had to
avoid obstacles such as a “jumping cholla” cactus field (which I was unsuccessful doing) , rock formations and also
wondering if packs of javelina might be lurking in the brush.
 |
| Imagine going after an errant drive in a cholla field! |
As noted, I depleted my water supply much sooner than
planned. The heat of the day betrayed the seemingly moderate temperature.
Perhaps most dangerous was the consideration that I was lost. When in the
valleys between ridges, it is very easy to lose one’s bearings. I was outside
of cell phone coverage also.
I physically “hit the wall”. Having been out of water now
for an hour, I became increasingly fatigued. I had stopped sweating and was
near to vomiting. I knew I needed to call 911 but I had to get to cell coverage
first. Thankfully, I was able to climb a ridge to a point where I could get
cell contact and for the first time ever, called 911 for help, for myself. I
could barely speak. For the next hour, I was on the phone with emergency
personnel, then attempting to wave down the emergency helicopter sent to find
me (barely able to wave my arms to get the attention of the chopper pilot) and
then guiding in the rescue personnel to my location; partially assisted by the
GPS on my phone.
When help was able to arrive (on foot because my location
was not accessible by vehicle) from the Daisy Mountain Fire Department, I
received 4 litres of intravenous fluid
“in the field” and was eventually helped out and back to civilization; albeit
only 2 miles away.
In retrospect, while “working” with the professional 911
operator to get the rescue personnel to my location, and as I felt I was in
danger of passing out, the full weight of the precarious situation in which I
was in bore down on me, as I felt myself emotionally breaking down after having
reached my physical limitations. I began to understand and feel that it was
possible that I would never see those closest to me again. The clarity of that
realization was able to cut through the fog of my degrading physical awareness.
It is that clarity that I will not soon forget.
This situation did not have to happen. I made just about
every mistake that a hiker could make, in terms of hydration, choice of
clothing and other safety considerations. It is my sincere hope that this
experience may help save a life.
When hiking even in apparently cool desert temperatures,
dehydration can occur and is often unnoticeable. Low levels of humidity, common
in the valley, can mask the stress one’s body is experiencing due to the quick
evaporation of body sweat.
Adhere to the following guidelines when considering a desert
hike:
Research the hike online; noting the relative
difficulty of the hike, whether or not there are markers and just the general
terrain.
Do not ever hike alone. Also, always let someone
know you are out on the hike.
If at all possible, use a “camelback”-like
hydration system in order to take as much water as possible.
Minimize your exposure to the highest
temperatures of the day by hiking early in the morning or after mid-day.
If starting the hike in the morning, REMEMBER that overnight your body dehydrates. You
MUST re-hydrate BEFORE you start the hike, otherwise you will be starting the hike in a fluid deficient state. Note: Sodas are NOT hydration. They do just the opposite, they pull fluids out of your body.
Pack light high-calorie snacks.
Wear light colored clothes. It does make a
difference.
Wear loose fitting long pants. If you are forced
off trail for whatever reason, you will minimize cuts and scrapes and possible
insect and snake bites with long pants. This is especially important if you are
hiking near the occurrence of “jumping cholla” cacti. Even the slightest brush
against this cactus will result in a “spine” of the cactus disengaging, and
attaching itself to whatever brushes against it. The needles are
extraordinarily painful and difficult to remove. I highly recommend wearing workout gloves of
some kind.
Life is meant to be lived and experienced. Living and loving
are meant to be action verbs. Live and love as if today was your last chance.
This experience is not going to slow me down in that regard, but perhaps
instill a bit of smarts in my “living”.
A true life-saving shout out to the 911 operator and the
Daisy Mountain Fire Department and Rescue squad and other support staff that
were involved. Your efforts, skills and professionalism won’t be forgotten.
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