[straydog]

In the thread Do Sites Like this Contribute to Mountain Incidents?, the question of experience came up. It seems like most people on NWHikers.net have solid experience wilderness hiking. But it does lead me to the question of how much experience folks here have.

[wamtngal]

I don't necessarily think experience should be based on how many years you have done something. Edit to clarify: my sentence made sense to me, but obviously not ski. I meant to say that the number of years you have done something does not define expertise in that subject. How do you define "solid experience wilderness hiking" - are you talking about the ability to do day hikes, multi-day treks, solo expeditions across Alaska where there aren't any trails?

[Canuck]

More than 15 years for me, but I am not very adventurous. I'll do all sorts of trails but I don't go off trail or climb big peaks. Just your run of the mill trails. There are enough of those to keep me busy forever.

[Ski]

[straydog]

[ASBrauer]

I didn't get started until I was 17.

[braincloud]

There's a pic at the parents' with me in a baby-pack on my mother's back on some trail in Yosemite. I've been a mountain rat all my life.

[Schroder]

Where's the 'more than 50 years' selection?

[grannyhiker]

My first backpacking experience was 66 years ago. I'm still learning!

[Elvis]

I'm probably right on the edge of 5 years... maybe just slightly over. It's been a great 5 years!

[RichP]

I started as a boy scout in western North Carolina and have been hiking ever since. Approaching 30 years now and I still love it.

[the Zachster]

I didn't start hiking until I moved here 22 years ago. No mountains in Philly or Ohio... Must be something funky in the water out here because I haven't been able to stop...

[the Zachster]

So regarding the initial post, it's interesting to see the years of experience that this group has. With all that experience I would assume there have have been some incidents or accidents. How about a poll regarding incidents (I haven't got a clue how do a poll...). For example, have you ever required SAR? Have you ever been injured (seriously enough for treatment), etc... I am thankful to say that, despite some close calls, I've had a very safe 22 years in the mountains so far.

[magic skagit]

Had SAR called once by my children. I was not in trouble just not on time because I chose to throw my bag down and stay put until dawn rather then stumble around on a climbers trail in the dark. I passed the SAR rig going up the road as I was driving out completely unaware they were there for me. I now tell people to give it a day before worrying.

[straydog]