The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans

Re:The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans by cameldrv on Tuesday February 07, 2023 @05:56PM (#34701085)

I don't think that would have been survivable. It's about a 20 mile hike down to the valley, and that day they had a high temp of 124 degrees F in the valley. Walking 20 miles at 124 degrees with no shade with a four year old and an eleven year old does not seem survivable to me. They don't call it Death Valley for nothing.

The Geologist's cabin is about 4500 feet higher than the valley, so you'd expect the high temp to be about 100, but in the shade with adequate water (which there is at the Geologist's cabin), it's probably not life threatening.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans by ghaff on Tuesday February 07, 2023 @06:10PM (#34701267)

I don't disagree. They were in a bad situation. Just not sure there was a better plan at that point than trying to get back to the road.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans by cameldrv on Tuesday February 07, 2023 @08:49PM (#34703021)

Again, with the huge benefit of hindsight, it looks to me like there was unlimited water and at least a few days of food in the cabin, but I really have no idea how often people come by there. Some have suggested starting a smoky fire, maybe with a car tire. Another option would be to leave the family up at the cabin, and have the dad head down to the valley alone at night or very early in the morning to get help. He'd be able to move a lot faster without a four year old in tow.

[ Parent | on HN ]