I will admit it. I hate most rescued hiker stories, whether they’re in Oregon or the Inland region.
Don't get me wrong. I’m glad those three hikers on Mount Hood were found alive, and especially the dog that was credited with saving their lives.
But, it just galls me that people hiking in the winter were “surprised” by the conditions on the mountain. Yes, they felt they were well-equipped, cell phones, a GPS and locater beacons. I applaud them for that.
But I don’t feel bad for them and I don’t understand why we romanticize the plight of people who engage in optional activities when their lives become threatened. And I say all this as an experienced hiker who has climbed to the top o' many peaks here and in Colorado.
I do feel bad for the rescuers who put their life at risk in the bad weather, and for the taxpayers who have to foot the bill. The last rescue effort on Mount Hood, for the three hikers who died, cost between $5,000 and $6,000 a day not including the $2,800 an hour for the helicopter.
In the past 25 years, more than 35 climbers have died on the 11,239-foot Mount Hood.
And now lawmakers in Oregon are talking about pushing a bill requiring climbers to wear electronic locaters above the mountain's 10,000-foot level.
And of course, some are resisting the idea because it takes away from the adventure.
Here's what one of the rescued hikers said about why he likes to climb in the winter.
“It’s kind of a point of pride you might say for a lot of climbers -- that you can take care of yourself out there.”
Pride? I call it stupidity.
What do you think?

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