National Park Video:Water in Yosemite

Great video that should be shown to the public before they enter the park. We happened to have seen the end of the rescue of the two guys. Shockingly, as the rescue was wrapping up a man with two young kids started to cross in the same area but luckily bystanders stopped them. You have to wonder what people are thinking. Probably "It will not happen to me."

) The most common causes of deaths in Yosemite are water related
) As little as a couple of inches of flowing water can sweep you downstream
) Wet rocks can be deceivingly slippery. Assume that any wet rock is NOT a stable footing

The only thing I dislike about this video is it's mantra about "staying on the trail!". They're speaking to the lowest-common-dominator type of person. These people DO need to stay on trail. However once a person has gained some knowledge and skills and knows their limits they should be encouraged to go off trail.

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qumqats

However once a person has gained some knowledge and skills and knows their limits they should be encouraged to go off trail.

I don't think the Park Service should encourage people – even knowledgable hikers and backpackers – to go off trail. But just continue to allow it.

(And make it clear in the park regulations that it is indeed allowed.)

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