Originally Posted by
RedRiverHntr
Upon further review, you probably should stay home. Colorado and the mountains therein are way too dangerous for us mere mortals!!!
Information and education is just good sense. But to suggest that altitude sickness is something so common as to be prevalent is absurd. Statistically I would suggest you have a better chance of being in a car wreck getting there, but I bet you don't raise your level of insurance in advance?
A group of 10 overweight, underconditioned guys (and no tougher than the average fellow) from near sea level go up every fall like they have for the last 7 years. Set up a tent village at 10k feet. Drink way too much alcohol....sleep way too little....and walk more than our lungs allow. Occasional headache and such, but no more than could be expected to have happened back home under these conditions. My grandfather just quit going to the mountains every summer, where he still chopped his own firewood well into his 90's....but only when he died a couple of summers ago.
I have never heard so many Nancy-Boys in my life. I am ashamed for some of you. Should make sure and mention in one these that we should not shoot anything larger than a .264 caliber weapon too. As anything bigger is just for show and too much gun to handle.
Like I said, if you have health issues...are elderly or infirmed...then take the necessary precautions. Otherwise, drink lots of water and have fun. Contrary to the belief of some, you aren't going to Nepal.
Just got back a couple of weeks ago from summer trip to Co. Cabin at 9k feet and did some hiking/fishing up around 13k. Lived to tell about it with no special breathing apparatus or with anyone suffering unduly. My English Bulldog pants a little more at that elevation, but he too survived no worse for wear.
Here's hoping you make it back alive from this most dangerous of endeavors my friend. I will keep you in my prayers!!!
If you are referring to HAPE (high altitude Pulmonay edema) or HACE (high altitude Cerebral edema), then you are correct, they are extremely rare. But some of the milder forms of this disease occur with some frequency. Headaches, insomnia, pounding heart even at rest, etc. I certainly ain't no Nancy Boy, but when I go to the mountains, I want to enjoy every minute. Since I go a couple of times a year, and sometimes for just 3-4 days, that means if I didn't treat my condition, I would not feel good for most of the trip. With what I do, I have no symtoms.
I am glad you have minimal/no symtoms. You probably don't get sea sick either, but if you did, would you just put up with it or take some dramamine?
Perhaps we just take our hunting more seriously than you? I will be packing in to a wilderness this year, not drinking, and hiking many, many miles per day, hoping to get the chance to pack an animal out on my back. With that plan I want to hit the ground running, and there is no more wrong with doing what it takes to prevent altitude problems than trying to get it shape for the trip. If that makes me a Nancy boy, then feel free to come sit in my lap.