thank GOD for PFDs

[Raven]

glad your ok.... buddy up
post this to other yak forums
cool beans pontoon idea comes to mind...

[Jenn]

I cant say I have been in your shoes but I can somewhat relate. My husband and I have a friend that enjoys the outdoors as we do and we often have the "acceptable risk" conversation. If you don't understand what I mean by "acceptable risk" I will summarize it. Basically if you partake in any activity that has potential to be risky or dangerous and understand this is a reality but still partake, this is "acceptable risk". You choose to accept the fact that it could be dangerous because the reward is worth the risk to you. You can certainly avoid much of the risk by being conscious of the risks and act accordingly. You may avoid 90% of the risk by proceeding in a proactive way but the fact remains that accidents happen and S*&T can happen. The biggest risk I take in my life is when I get on my snowmobile. I ride everytime as if there could be some crazy corner coming up or some A$$hat coming around the next corner. I try to enjoy myself but also be aware, and as ready to react should I need to. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Tis past winter I broke down in zero degrees, 30 miles from the nearest road or home (yeah, try hiking 30 miles in snow, not happening) It was late in the day and even though I had my hubby for a tow or to double up on his sled to get out of there I worried about his sled not making it. Would I have to spend the night in the wilderness & cold? Yes, It was a possibility. Was I prepared? Yes. It would not have been a Hilton experience by any means but We had just enough survival gear and know how to survive the night in sub zero if we had to. Luckily it did not come to that but it was a grave reminder to never slack on being prepared for what could happen, whether it be a PFD or a bivy bag. Technology has brought us many great lightweight yet dependable items to allow us to enjoy what we love with a peace of mind. You can keep your load minimal and still easily take enough "gear" to save your life, so why not pack one more pound that could save your life to enjoy another day of riding, fishing, friends, family, etc.?

This is a great post and a great reminder of things we tend to slack on or take for granted.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Jenn

I cant say I have been in your shoes but I can somewhat relate. My husband and I have a friend that enjoys the outdoors as we do and we often have the "acceptable risk" conversation. If you don't understand what I mean by "acceptable risk" I will summarize it. Basically if you partake in any activity that has potential to be risky or dangerous and understand this is a reality but still partake, this is "acceptable risk". You choose to accept the fact that it could be dangerous because the reward is worth the risk to you. You can certainly avoid much of the risk by being conscious of the risks and act accordingly. You may avoid 90% of the risk by proceeding in a proactive way but the fact remains that accidents happen and S*&T can happen. The biggest risk I take in my life is when I get on my snowmobile. I ride everytime as if there could be some crazy corner coming up or some A$$hat coming around the next corner. I try to enjoy myself but also be aware, and as ready to react should I need to. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Tis past winter I broke down in zero degrees, 30 miles from the nearest road or home (yeah, try hiking 30 miles in snow, not happening) It was late in the day and even though I had my hubby for a tow or to double up on his sled to get out of there I worried about his sled not making it. Would I have to spend the night in the wilderness & cold? Yes, It was a possibility. Was I prepared? Yes. It would not have been a Hilton experience by any means but We had just enough survival gear and know how to survive the night in sub zero if we had to. Luckily it did not come to that but it was a grave reminder to never slack on being prepared for what could happen, whether it be a PFD or a bivy bag. Technology has brought us many great lightweight yet dependable items to allow us to enjoy what we love with a peace of mind. You can keep your load minimal and still easily take enough "gear" to save your life, so why not pack one more pound that could save your life to enjoy another day of riding, fishing, friends, family, etc.?

This is a great post and a great reminder of things we tend to slack on or take for granted.

Great post Jenn.