[widgeon13]

None of them had experience on MT Hood and only one was from the area, I can understand wanting to participate in the challenge but these things seem to boil down to putting rescuers in danger when things get off track. I was aware of the helicopter rescue attempt a year or so ago, which had very unfortunate results. I can't understand what motivates these people to take unnecessary risk as well as jeopardize the lives of others in the process. Obviously, it does not start out with that intent but it seems too common these days.

I have some experience in search/rescue in upstate NY and it's always amazing when you find someone how poorly prepared they are, they have no concept of worst case scenario.