Death Valley, California; Disturbing news arrived from Death Valley on August 8th, 2009, the headline reading; “Boy dies while stranded in Death Valley” (from lack of water).
The story went on to say that a young mother and her 11 year old son went to Death Valley for a few days of camping. There seems to have been numerous mistakes made…

1. She was not at the camp ground she said she was going to.

2. Didn’t talk with park Rangers before turning off road.

3. Didn’t consider the temperatures; which were 111-f those days and can reach better that 120.

4. Had a flat tire, which she changed; then left the old tire & wheel on the side of the trail – along with an empty water bottle!

5. She continued on after the flat without a spare in terrain she did not know.

6. She carried only a flat of 24 bottles of water, 16-oz. and minimal food.

7. It’s likely she wasn’t familiar with driving off-road & vehicle controls.

8. Had a GPS, but had no maps of the area.

9. Finally she got the Jeep Cherokee stuck in deep sand! They went no further.

It is not our intention to use the death of this young man as a marketing tool. Our hearts go out to him and his mother. It is our hope that maybe, just maybe some good can come from it, that of preventing this from happening again.

Livermore, California; It wasn’t that long ago that the average person would even consider going to such places as Death Valley, even more so in mid- summer. We all knew the tails of emigrant wagon trains (of 1844 onwards) and their terrible stories of hardship and loss in these deserts and mountains, as well as the graves that were left in their path.

Only in recent years has the general public jumped on the Recreation bandwagon, heading out into what is still regarded as Wilderness country. Sadly all too often we read about people who have been stranded, lost or perished in these areas, sometimes very close to civilization. Whether you’re walking, driving or flying private aircraft, you must be prepared for any and all possible problems.

With that said Off-Road Experience is pleased to announce a Bay Area based “Off Road Adventure Preparation Class” for 2009. This isn’t a new idea, as we often discuss such during our Level-1 classes in Nevada, what is new is this is now a stand-alone class for Bay Area residents (this same class will be offered in Reno very soon).

This class is suitable for Hikers/back-packers, Adventurers, Off-Road drivers, Motorcyclists and even Private Pilots. ORE will give you the knowledge and tools you may need to get you out of most situations… thus avoiding what happen to the young man and his mommy mentioned above.

What would we have done on that Death Valley trip or any other?

1. Notify others via email before you go of you exact locations you plan to visit and camp (or hotel) at.

2. In State or National Parks always stop and visit the Ranger Station; Ask about conditions of the area(s) you plan to visit and get helpful info.

3. Take weather and temperatures into account while planning your trip. Have clothing for all conditions.

4. Flat tires: Always check tires before departing, Check & adjust pressures (Do not fill to the maximum listed on the tire, but what the car maker suggests in the Owners manual, including spare. An over inflated tire will run hot). And… Don’t leave your flat tire on the side of the road or trail… Tread Lightly! You brought it in – You pack it out!

5. We always carry two spare tires when out in rough country. Suggest a repair plug-kit and pump as well.

6. Water & Food; Some is good-More is Better-Too much is just right!

7. Take an Off-Road Experience class – don’t be too proud not to. It could save you life, or that of a family member.

8. Talk with Rangers or Local Sheriff and get local info. Buy local map(s) that have Longitude & Latitude markings on the boards of each page; Learn to use you GPS. ORE offers a GPS & Geocache class too!

9. When stuck… Think, don’t panic. The more you spin the tires the deeper it will dig and the harder it’ll be to get it out.

This is a one-day class/seminar, advising on what to do, what to take with you, and how to use it. We’ll also discuss what Spares (parts) to take, tools, recovery gear, food, water, and of course survival gear and its use.

Off-Road Experience vehicles are often over equipped rather than under equipped. Equipe your vehicle and mind with OffRoadExperience.com

News story info from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32340356/ns/us_news-life/