I just happened to come across this video while doing my homework for the AT, Doug I am so sorry for the loss of your son, I can't imagine what you and your family went through, I thought about my son as a police officer praying everyday for God to keep him safe, but seeing and hearing your story just broke my heart, just a few weeks ago I got every name of every person that is hiking the AT in 2022 on a prayer wall that I'm praying everyday, and I want you to know you and your family is added to my prayer wall and I will be praying for you and your family everyday, God Bless you and your family.
I came across this because of Trevor. Doug I am so sorry, I am heading out to a part of the PCT soon, (today if the wind just stops). I will think of Trevor and make a small memorial out of rocks for him out there, Bless him.
Great discussion. I would like to add that if hikers wore very bright clothing that stands out in the terrain, much like hunters wear, it would be helpful in locating lost hikers. It may not work in every case, but if it saves even one, it is worth it.
I began getting interested in watching thru hikers vlogging in 2019 it began with Homemade Wanderlust and noticed most of them had black outer jackets and dark clothing while hiking. That kinda alarmed me and I though the same thing.
@@ms6071 I watched her too. One of my all time favorites! I started watching in 2016, the year that Kris Fowler disappeared (from the PCT) near where I live. I have been following the search for Kris ever since.
I hope you can tell Mr Lahar that my husband and I are experienced trail angels in the San Diego area and would be honored to host and transport him should he decide to trace his son’s hike.
@@douglaslaher2955 Dearest Doug I was on the mountain 4 days after your sons passing. It is one of the most dangerous places in the whole PCT and it is not talked about much. I am going this spring again and I will be praying for your family. May I say this with love. If you wish to connect with your son and who he was and his passion I invite you to come to the trail and hike for a day or days and meet us. There is so much love and acceptance with the trail family. Some come to heal after returning from war,etc. Some come to become something and find out something they did not know about themselves. I would also invite you to watch the movie”The way”. When a father picked up his sons journey. His son passed on his journey. That inspired me to hike and listen to the sounds of silence and feel gods love on the journey. Much love to you and family. Bernadette
I'm so sorry Doug, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I see the pain in your eyes and I can feel it too. Hang in there, you'll be reunited someday. The day will come, hang on to that knowledge. Thank you for sharing with us and I hope you can feel our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. You are surrounded by lots of love. Peace be with you.
in 1976, I did the Mount Everest trek mid-winter by myself. I spent a year preparing for it climbing parts of the PCT. Thanks for this excellent video. Joe Kempkes in Berkeley, CA
Really happy that this is on replay. I missed it live due to work. My heart goes out to Doug and his family and I’m thankful he came on to talk about this to educate us. Can’t wait to watch and share also for others to learn.
Doug, Stay close to Trevor, as I truly believe you will be together again. Life is short here, but beyond this life is eternity. Stay close to the hiking community. You will always be welcomed as Trevor has and will continue to save lives, as I believe he may have even saved mine. And to all hikers, whether PCT, or otherwise, when on trail, especially the sketchiest; be prepared, know your mental and physical condition and limitations. Have the gear you need and stop or skip, if need be. Trevor did not pass in vain. Peace to you, Trevor, you are loved and missed by many. 🙌🏽
Thanks for putting this together and posting for all to see. We are planning our own thru hikes and this type of post is very thought provoking and educational. Thanks to all involved taking the time to share such an emotional and personal experience!
2018 I section hiked over Mt. San Jacinto in March. There’s an PCT alternate that goes up Black Canyon. That’s what I took. I slid off the trail near Steven’s pass in Washington state. Thank the Lord I was able to get out. I was not prepared for the conditions. My condolences to Treavor’s loved ones.
I would like to share my condolences for Trevor’s death. I would also like to point out that I have been witnessing a lot more seniors hitting the trail and doing these long distance thru hikes. Many may not have the physical capabilities to tackle some of the more severe sections of any cross country hike especially wild river crossing and early spring summit passes. Great caution should be emphasized for that age group.
Good points. I also fear that some seniors fall for the bad advice put out by self-proclaimed experts who exhibit the Kruger-Dunning effect, and there are many. It's much better to heed old-timey boyscout wisdom. Be prepared. My own tip is don't trust your life to flimsy footwear on snowy mountains. You wouldn't go driving your car in the snow off road with street racing tires, so why put similar things on your feet in the snow. A human life is worth more than a car afterall.
Bless Trevor…so sorry this happened….as far as prevention goes: The only way that this could have been prevented (aside from micro spikes) would be to have a fixed cable at this spot, that hikers could clip into. Of course, that would entail hikers carrying harness, carabiners and webbing, and knowing how to use it….or perhaps setting up a horizontal traverse rope….just so tragic
There is danger any time you are in the wilderness.. I've seen some videos of very scary sections like the Knife's Edge in Washington and crossings of very swift rivers.
The San Jacinto mountains shouldn't be taken lightly, they pose a huge risk, equal or greater than the high Sierra. Hiking early in the season on the San Jacinto mountains is risky. Stay safe everyone.
When I hiked in 2019 I was amazed at how many hikers had the false notion that SoCal is simply hot all year-round. The guidebooks don't help much to dispel the myth either. San Jacinto btw is even higher in elevation I'm pretty sure than any part of the trail in Oregon or Washington, although early Fall weather in WA is also nothing to trifle with.
Born and raised in Washington state. Do not attempt these trails or our forests without knowledge, training and being prepared. If you're new grab a location device and a sat phone. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
Six inches of fresh snow on top of twelve inches of ice on a steep slope is a man trap. Very dangerous conditions. A person can not see the ice under the new snow. The condition were stacked against him
21:12 Great question How to prevent trajedy. Simple answer: Be prepared, which means extra stuff, but that runs completely counter to the (bad) advice being put out by so many self-proclaimed experts to cut weight (safety gear) cut weight, cut weight.
IMO the #1 thing that kills hikers is one word: SCHEDULE. Many hikers hike according to some kind of schedule in order to "accomplish" some arbitrary goal rather than just experiencing life in wild regions one unique day at a time. Mountains don't care about schedules. Snow doesn't care about human schedules. Foul weather doesn't care about schedules. A wise hiker does not prioritize a schedule, but to put such wisdom in practice means taking plenty of Extra Food always, carrying extra water always and having cold weather gear which can handle conditions that are worse that what might be expected. Those old style ways allows a hiker the latitude to slow down, take a detour if needed or even just hunker down for a couple days until conditions improve.
Having read the infamous Ray Jardin book back in 2011 I caution against that mindset. However as both a lifelong trail and trekking enthusiast and student of missing hiker stories it seems like the number one reason adventurers don’t bring gear is: backpackers: weight day hikers: low/no mental preparation or underestimating the terrain & weather
@@behindthespotlight7983 Very insightful observation. I have have seen many "hikers" unpack useful things and replace them with tons of ego. I reckon I ought to look for an online summary of that book since you got me curious. A book that made an impression on me not long ago was the book Born To Run. I'm no longer a runner, but trail running was my thing especially when I was an active duty US Marine. The book made me realize that these new school "hikers" are really not true hikers at heart (its maybe a distant second). At heart, those who focus on miles, speed and therefore lightweight, aren't hikers, but runners. They are seeking precisely the same kind of experience which long distance runners seek which is very different to that which hiking provides. The fact that both activities happen on the same trails among people who seem by appearance to be doing the same thing is a large cause of the confusion. To be more critical, these lightweight knapsackers aren't doing improved hiking as they like to think, but instead are doing a dumbed down version of competitive running. Now it's perfectly fine for people to go do that when conditions are ideal. Tbh I think it's ok for people to even put themselves at risk if they so choose, but it's not ok to be dishonest or to lead others to hurting themselves.
@@behindthespotlight7983 I've only examined the Ray Jardin approach briefly so far (more later). It seems that he has a good approach (imo) in many ways but I totally disagree with the mystical tree-hugger world view which seems to be the mindset behind his approach. What I find interesting is how some people can get things so very right in many ways even beginning with utterly false presuppositions. I will look more into it as I stated already, but so far I don't get the impression that he looks at hiking as a way to achieve trophys (my term) or crowns (term used by others). If that observation of mine holds, then he and I are fully in agreement there. While embracing some of the knapsacker trends, he doesn't seem to embody the new trend enough to be fully embraced by those types which indicates that he at least hikes his own hikes which is one of the most important things of all imo. Most long hikers I have encountered in recent years however only paid lip service to the idea.
Did he fall, or jump? Seen many hikers on the Appalachia & Continental trail, that seemed okay, but it also appeared they were lacking something something inside to be on such an adventure. Ya gotta have something more than just wanting to do it.
I was hiking 4 days latter. He got in ice on the mountain and did not have his micro spikes. He slipped and fell quite a distance. Hear it took 4 hours for the rescue and he passed. It was a dangerous time there. Hikers had to be rescued, ice, and people trapped on ice and hypothermia. The day I was up there I was by myself and there was an avalanche but praise God I was not caught in it. But the hikers behind me worried me if I was still alive.
Your story saved me. Because of you, i went around that sacred place.
I just happened to come across this video while doing my homework for the AT, Doug I am so sorry for the loss of your son, I can't imagine what you and your family went through, I thought about my son as a police officer praying everyday for God to keep him safe, but seeing and hearing your story just broke my heart, just a few weeks ago I got every name of every person that is hiking the AT in 2022 on a prayer wall that I'm praying everyday, and I want you to know you and your family is added to my prayer wall and I will be praying for you and your family everyday, God Bless you and your family.
I came across this because of Trevor. Doug I am so sorry, I am heading out to a part of the PCT soon, (today if the wind just stops).
I will think of Trevor and make a small memorial out of rocks for him out there, Bless him.
Great discussion. I would like to add that if hikers wore very bright clothing that stands out in the terrain, much like hunters wear, it would be helpful in locating lost hikers. It may not work in every case, but if it saves even one, it is worth it.
I began getting interested in watching thru hikers vlogging in 2019 it began with Homemade Wanderlust and noticed most of them had black outer jackets and dark clothing while hiking. That kinda alarmed me and I though the same thing.
@@ms6071 I watched her too. One of my all time favorites! I started watching in 2016, the year that Kris Fowler disappeared (from the PCT) near where I live. I have been following the search for Kris ever since.
Or how about always having a partner
@@unropednope4644 that works too.
I hope you can tell Mr Lahar that my husband and I are experienced trail angels in the San Diego area and would be honored to host and transport him should he decide to trace his son’s hike.
Judy...thank you so much. I very well may take you up on the offer. Stay tuned.
@@douglaslaher2955 Dearest Doug I was on the mountain 4 days after your sons passing. It is one of the most dangerous places in the whole PCT and it is not talked about much. I am going this spring again and I will be praying for your family. May I say this with love. If you wish to connect with your son and who he was and his passion I invite you to come to the trail and hike for a day or days and meet us. There is so much love and acceptance with the trail family. Some come to heal after returning from war,etc. Some come to become something and find out something they did not know about themselves. I would also invite you to watch the movie”The way”. When a father picked up his sons journey. His son passed on his journey. That inspired me to hike and listen to the sounds of silence and feel gods love on the journey. Much love to you and family. Bernadette
I'm so sorry Doug, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I see the pain in your eyes and I can feel it too. Hang in there, you'll be reunited someday. The day will come, hang on to that knowledge. Thank you for sharing with us and I hope you can feel our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. You are surrounded by lots of love. Peace be with you.
in 1976, I did the Mount Everest trek mid-winter by myself. I spent a year preparing for it climbing parts of the PCT. Thanks for this excellent video. Joe Kempkes in Berkeley, CA
Really happy that this is on replay. I missed it live due to work. My heart goes out to Doug and his family and I’m thankful he came on to talk about this to educate us. Can’t wait to watch and share also for others to learn.
Doug, Stay close to Trevor, as I truly believe you will be together again. Life is short here, but beyond this life is eternity. Stay close to the hiking community. You will always be welcomed as Trevor has and will continue to save lives, as I believe he may have even saved mine. And to all hikers, whether PCT, or otherwise, when on trail, especially the sketchiest; be prepared, know your mental and physical condition and limitations. Have the gear you need and stop or skip, if need be. Trevor did not pass in vain. Peace to you, Trevor, you are loved and missed by many. 🙌🏽
Thanks for putting this together and posting for all to see. We are planning our own thru hikes and this type of post is very thought provoking and educational.
Thanks to all involved taking the time to share such an emotional and personal experience!
2018 I section hiked over Mt. San Jacinto in March. There’s an PCT alternate that goes up Black Canyon. That’s what I took. I slid off the trail near Steven’s pass in Washington state. Thank the Lord I was able to get out. I was not prepared for the conditions. My condolences to Treavor’s loved ones.
Thank you. RIP Trevor. Prayers for your family.
My heart goes out to Doug but this interviewer was lousy and interviewing Doug last was wrong.
What a great Dad. ❤️
Amen. Important information. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. I’ll be sharing on FB.
To Trevors Dad,
I pray God gives you strength and peace.
You brave ones do a great service.
Sriracha 2018 and TA Bend 2017 give you all love. Corpsman Up!
I was there on the mountain hiking the PCT 4-5 days after his son passed. I started from Mexico border. Is it possible to contact his father?
thanks
I would like to share my condolences for Trevor’s death. I would also like to point out that I have been witnessing a lot more seniors hitting the trail and doing these long distance thru hikes. Many may not have the physical capabilities to tackle some of the more severe sections of any cross country hike especially wild river crossing and early spring summit passes. Great caution should be emphasized for that age group.
Good points.
I also fear that some seniors fall for the bad advice put out by self-proclaimed experts who exhibit the Kruger-Dunning effect, and there are many.
It's much better to heed old-timey boyscout wisdom. Be prepared. My own tip is don't trust your life to flimsy footwear on snowy mountains. You wouldn't go driving your car in the snow off road with street racing tires, so why put similar things on your feet in the snow. A human life is worth more than a car afterall.
Bless Trevor…so sorry this happened….as far as prevention goes:
The only way that this could have been prevented (aside from micro spikes) would be to have a fixed cable at this spot, that hikers could clip into. Of course, that would entail hikers carrying harness, carabiners and webbing, and knowing how to use it….or perhaps setting up a horizontal traverse rope….just so tragic
There is danger any time you are in the wilderness.. I've seen some videos of very scary sections like the Knife's Edge in Washington and crossings of very swift rivers.
No Way Ray fell to his death at PCT Mile 301 on May 15th, 2006. The Laher family is not alone. Our sympathies.
Isn't that along Deep Creek?
God bless you Doug
very loving people.
The San Jacinto mountains shouldn't be taken lightly, they pose a huge risk, equal or greater than the high Sierra. Hiking early in the season on the San Jacinto mountains is risky. Stay safe everyone.
When I hiked in 2019 I was amazed at how many hikers had the false notion that SoCal is simply hot all year-round. The guidebooks don't help much to dispel the myth either.
San Jacinto btw is even higher in elevation I'm pretty sure than any part of the trail in Oregon or Washington, although early Fall weather in WA is also nothing to trifle with.
@@paulrevere2379 Totally agree 👍
I don’t even know what these women are talking about! They just love to hear themselves talk!! Blah blah bl
Born and raised in Washington state. Do not attempt these trails or our forests without knowledge, training and being prepared. If you're new grab a location device and a sat phone. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
Six inches of fresh snow on top of twelve inches of ice on a steep slope is a man trap. Very dangerous conditions.
A person can not see the ice under the new snow. The condition were stacked against him
21:12 Great question
How to prevent trajedy.
Simple answer: Be prepared, which means extra stuff, but that runs completely counter to the (bad) advice being put out by so many self-proclaimed experts to cut weight (safety gear) cut weight, cut weight.
IMO the #1 thing that kills hikers is one word: SCHEDULE.
Many hikers hike according to some kind of schedule in order to "accomplish" some arbitrary goal rather than just experiencing life in wild regions one unique day at a time.
Mountains don't care about schedules.
Snow doesn't care about human schedules.
Foul weather doesn't care about schedules.
A wise hiker does not prioritize a schedule, but to put such wisdom in practice means taking plenty of Extra Food always, carrying extra water always and having cold weather gear which can handle conditions that are worse that what might be expected.
Those old style ways allows a hiker the latitude to slow down, take a detour if needed or even just hunker down for a couple days until conditions improve.
Having read the infamous Ray Jardin book back in 2011 I caution against that mindset. However as both a lifelong trail and trekking enthusiast and student of missing hiker stories it seems like the number one reason adventurers don’t bring gear is:
backpackers: weight
day hikers: low/no mental preparation or underestimating the terrain & weather
@@behindthespotlight7983 Very insightful observation.
I have have seen many "hikers" unpack useful things and replace them with tons of ego.
I reckon I ought to look for an online summary of that book since you got me curious.
A book that made an impression on me not long ago was the book Born To Run. I'm no longer a runner, but trail running was my thing especially when I was an active duty US Marine.
The book made me realize that these new school "hikers" are really not true hikers at heart (its maybe a distant second). At heart, those who focus on miles, speed and therefore lightweight, aren't hikers, but runners. They are seeking precisely the same kind of experience which long distance runners seek which is very different to that which hiking provides.
The fact that both activities happen on the same trails among people who seem by appearance to be doing the same thing is a large cause of the confusion.
To be more critical, these lightweight knapsackers aren't doing improved hiking as they like to think, but instead are doing a dumbed down version of competitive running.
Now it's perfectly fine for people to go do that when conditions are ideal. Tbh I think it's ok for people to even put themselves at risk if they so choose, but it's not ok to be dishonest or to lead others to hurting themselves.
@@behindthespotlight7983 I've only examined the Ray Jardin approach briefly so far (more later). It seems that he has a good approach (imo) in many ways but I totally disagree with the mystical tree-hugger world view which seems to be the mindset behind his approach.
What I find interesting is how some people can get things so very right in many ways even beginning with utterly false presuppositions.
I will look more into it as I stated already, but so far I don't get the impression that he looks at hiking as a way to achieve trophys (my term) or crowns (term used by others). If that observation of mine holds, then he and I are fully in agreement there. While embracing some of the knapsacker trends, he doesn't seem to embody the new trend enough to be fully embraced by those types which indicates that he at least hikes his own hikes which is one of the most important things of all imo. Most long hikers I have encountered in recent years however only paid lip service to the idea.
@@paulrevere2379 Great point, but "schedule" is just a decision that people make. A schedule can be well thought and wise. #1 killer is stupid hikers.
Did he fall, or jump? Seen many hikers on the Appalachia & Continental trail, that seemed okay, but it also appeared they were lacking something something inside to be on such an adventure. Ya gotta have something more than just wanting to do it.
I was hiking 4 days latter. He got in ice on the mountain and did not have his micro spikes. He slipped and fell quite a distance. Hear it took 4 hours for the rescue and he passed. It was a dangerous time there. Hikers had to be rescued, ice, and people trapped on ice and hypothermia. The day I was up there I was by myself and there was an avalanche but praise God I was not caught in it. But the hikers behind me worried me if I was still alive.