Hey! I was the one involved in the other SAR call (not Munra point barefoot guy, but the one Squidvicious is referring to). The nature of the call was specifically due to developing frostnip on the feet with worsening sensory loss. Otherwise was plenty warm enough but having just moved from NH I did not want to risk frostbite having seen similar injury in the winter Whites a few times.
I made a moronic/ironic mistake of switching out my usual pack with gaiters/snowshoes etc. for a new day lite I had just gotten, and figured I’d spare the aforementioned. I’m not sure if they made that clear in the news report but there was nothing close to hypothermia involved, just a decision to not risk foot frostbite due to lack of proper pants/gaiter and having gotten my gtx boots and spare socks drenched with snow. There was no urgent need to be actively moving as I was otherwise in good shape and warm/comfortable at rest. This all occurred on Sunday a bit past noon into the afternoon, so the sun was out and no precipitation. I was an idiot for deciding to break trail in deep snow without gaiters and I fully acknowledge that.
Since I had my inreach I didn’t think it’d be worth it to descend another 2-3 miles of snow and mess up my feet further when I could just wait for dry footwear and gaiters. Was aware of a road that can still be driven >halfway up at this time, and the location was accessible. I believe that was a responsible decision given all factors involved, and the SAR folks were very responsive and provided the help I needed in a timely fashion. Once they arrived and provided dry socks/plastic bags/snowshoes, we hiked back to where they managed to get the vehicles to along the mountain road; Feet had warmed up after a few hours of staying dry enough to get sensation back.
Moreover I did not “press on to Sherrard point”, but stopped at the bathroom hut to assess/dry out feet and determine best course of action at that point. Once I decided I’d just call it I found an open clearing a short walk away to get a signal and posted up on a dry spot to elevate my feet. Again, the only issue was the questionable feet so being out/waiting in the open air was a non-issue.
On a bright note I did bring my usual snow stuff up Defiance and it was phenomenal
Definitely a case of me being a turd with planning on this one, as well as maybe some misinterpretations with regards to media etc.
I will use this message board to get better trip reporting going forward.
Lessons learned, impulsivity decreased. Won’t deny the haphazard thought and decisions that led to the situation but also stand by the decision to call for help when needed and everything that occurred after fully realizing the foot problem at hand.
I do appreciate acknowledgement of the “ifs” associated with reporting and fully agree with the above post if hypothermia was in fact the problem. Thankfully wasn’t remotely the case and actually shed a layer and hat to warm the feet without issue.
More than willing to discuss further!