Planning and precaution are critical for mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is a sport that is aptly called extreme. Far too often we hear of the tragedies that can occur on the mountains, whether in Africa or as close to home as California. Today is another day of caution and remembering that even the most experienced climbers can fall prey to accidents.

Chichiro "Cherry" Enoki was an Emmy-nominated 33 year old TV editor. She was in California to climb Mount Shasta on Friday when she slipped and fell to her death. We give our condolences to her family.

Enoki was no novice hiker lost in the woods, or ill prepared for the Icy mountain face and 100 mph winds. Yet she too lost against the mountain. It is a sobering thought, and one I hope that inspires forethought and preparation. While that is not always enough, it can help.

And preparation can take many forms. Recently in Majorca, Martin Stone realized how it can save your life. He had climbed a peak of only 3,615 feet when we started to descend. The problem was he was alone and he got lost. Rather than panic Stone used his cell phone to send a text to his wife in England.

She alerted authorities that themn went on a search for him. They found his car but not his planned route. But Stone was wearing a bright red scarf, which allowed helicopters to identify him and save him.

In addition to the scarf and cell phone, Stone who is 62, also was wearing a thick heavy coat and mountineering boots, which authorities believe helped to save his life. Prior to the rescue Stone endured a night on the mountain in freezing temperatures and a hail and sleet storm.

Were it not for the precautions he did take, Stone would have likely died.

Can climbers make ascents and have accidents. Of Course. And can a climber fail to take every precaution? We are all human. But the more precaution and planning the better you increase your odds of survival.

At least that is what I take from these 2 recent news stories.