On road trips - what do you pack?

[andtckrtoo]

I know many of us take long road trips and cross into dangerous areas when we do so. I think we often undertake such trips without really thinking out the possible consequences (yes, I am referring to the tragedy in Oregon). What do you normally take, and is there anything you'll add because of reading about this family?

 

[Armywife]

I don't have anything to share since we always fly but I was just wondering about the family you mentioned. When my TV is on it's always on cartoons so I never know what is going on in the world. Could you enlighten me or point me in the direction of where I can find out about this. Thanks.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Toni - www.cnn.com has full coverage. Basically this was a San Francisco family who was coming back from a Thanksgiving trip to Oregon and took a wrong turn in the Oregon Mountains and got stranded in a snow storm on a rarely traveled road. After waiting nine days for rescue, Mr Kim (the dad), struck out to find help. While he was looking for help, his wife and two daughters were found by Search and Rescue teams. Unfortunately, he was not so lucky. When they found him he had died of exposure. It's a sad story.

 

[Armywife]

Thanks for the link. What a tragic story. It's true, most people don't think of the unknown and it's sad what happened. It's a real eye-opener though. Thanks!

 

[maddiesmum]

We always take full road maps, plus ordinance survey maps of areas in which we will be travelling extensively, i.e. if climbing/hiking mountains in Oregon, detailed maps of all roads in ORegon. With good maps this family's tragedy would not have happened.

Clare

 

[andtckrtoo]

Good point Clare. With good maps, they would not have taken the wrong turn - although my understanding is that the road signs are very difficult to read. But with a good map, then the odds would be less likely.

Toni - It is a tragic story. I'm hoping to raise awareness here so that others don't repeat this tragesdy. Next time our fellow Catheites go on a trip I hope they say, "Oh geez, we haven't packed this, just in case."