Reading Murrays GPS post reminded me of how lack of good information can quickly make things go wrong , but what concerns me more is that so many just don't make sure they have the simplest basics right up front.
Over Xmas we, friends and there friends occupied the entire top section of
Talbotville main
campground and people were constantly ,coming ,going, doing there own thing and one never really knows just whats going on.
A couple took off on there own drive without adequate maps and no knowledge of the area, and because of the loose relationships no one really knew they were "Not Here" for some hours.
Slowly some began to realise they weren't around and began asking questions.
Eventually some of our bike riders began to drive out nearby tracks to no avail , then one of them didn't return.
Conditions were detriorating with night and drizzle approaching.
By now multiple people were making radio calls , each not quite knowing what the situation was.
I seemed to be able to hear most calls and it was clear that there was lots of confusion and no clear direction.
I was just able to make a short radio connection to the would be rescue bike rider who said he was out of fuel on top of the very nasty South Basalt track and getting rained on.
My brother and friend headed up with spare fuel. It was wet and I advised them to walk it but their car was difflocked and had muddies and managed to deliver the fuel ok.
From the mountain top ,they got intermittant radio contact to the lost vehicle , who were near an intersection with a damaged sign post that had only one track name on it.
Despite darkness approaching they were told in no uncertain terms to just stay put !
The entire track was about 30km long and as long as they stayed put they would eventually be found.
It took another 3 hours for them to be found and arrive back at
camp in the dark.
I look at these informal gatherings and try to think how things could be better but really in these senarios a lot is up to those heading off.
You simply have to tell others what your doing, have maps and comms.