That is such a tragedy, LaughingBear. And so needless. But I have seen so many people over the years, traveling in to the springs unprepared for a day in the wilderness.

It is amazing how different the weather can be there just one day after another. I enjoyed a great day at the Springs with the Wizard and a few others on Friday, last. Nice, warm and sunny, got a bit of a sun burn on my lilly-white Northern Utah winter chilled body. Then you're telling us just a few days later it snowed up there.

On one occasion I met a young couple hiking in from the dam on the PCT. They were hiking in tennis shoes, no back-packs, not much clothing protection from the sun, and little or no water. She was very light complected and quite burned by the time they arrived at the springs. Then, of course, after all that hiking and effort, she was too tired and hot to soak in the hot pools. After a very short rest, they turned around and hiked back down... in the sun... and no water replenishment. What are people thinking? I wonder how sick she may have been from heat stroke after the return trip.

Had a similar experience with another couple hiking out to the Bowen Ranch. The girl was hiking out topless, and her light skin was beat red from the sun and heat. No water. She kept having to rest in the shade and wouldn't even accept the water I offered! (All the while her companion was hiking up a storm... several hundred yards ahead of her.) Go figure...

Well, I am saddened by the needless death yesterday. I sure hope that people can get the message to have a little more sense and to be responsible adults when they go anywhere in the mountains.