Here in Montana, people hike for the fresh air, the wide-open views, and the peace and quiet. But for one hiker over in Washington’s North Cascades, breaking that silence was the very thing that saved his life.
An article in WideOpenSpaces stated that Ryan Polkinghorn was climbing the remote Chickamin Glacier near Sinister Peak when he lost his footing and fell nearly 200 feet down a steep slope. Alone, injured, and unable to move, he had one option left–he screamed.
And that scream made all the difference.
Though no one was nearby on his side of the mountain, hikers across the canyon heard him and called for help. By the time rescuers reached him, Polkinghorn had suffered serious injuries and was showing signs of hypothermia. If he hadn’t kept yelling, he likely wouldn’t have made it.
That’s a lesson for anyone who spends time in Montana’s backcountry…if you’re lost or hurt, make noise…even if you think you’re completely alone. Your voice might carry farther than you expect, and every shout gives you a better chance of being found.
So yes, we all love the quiet of a good Montana hike. But if things go sideways, don’t be afraid to get loud. It could save your life.
