Perhaps this belongs in a separate thread but I'm interested in the idea of the education of a new generation of hikers. I too, cringe, rant and swear up and down as I read each week's edition of the young, unprepared hiker from southern new england who get themselves into a near miss or rescue situation. I too, find myself hoping irresponsible hikers are billed for their negligence. But I'm not so sure as to where to draw the line between common sense and lack of understanding in the new generation of hikers.
My intent is not to self-promote, but to raise a few points. I consider myself to be a new generation of hiker. I'm in my mid 20's, live in Massachusetts...I went on my first hike 4 years ago. Before my uncle took me on a first hike, he gave me a copy of "Not Without Peril" and "The White Mountain Guide" and said to call him when I'd finished reading. We hiked and I was hooked. I went on to take a outdoor ed. backpacking course at UNH, multiple wilderness first aid trainings, AMC training, and was lucky enough over the years to connect with experienced, veteran hikers, including multiple members on this forum who are significantly older than myself, who have been kind enough to continue to invite me on winter hikes and give me experience that I could not have on my own - like winter presi hikes. So I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunities and mentors that I've had. I have gained valuable experience because people were willing to bring a newbie along. Sure, reading, preparation, equipment, and training helps. But nothing can replace experience with a safety net and teaching of a mentor.
My first point is that the new generation of hikers needs mentors like all of you. Sure, there are AMC groups and meetups. But I wonder if there are enough of those opportunities for the new generation of hikers? Sure, it is not your responsibility to help new hikers but ultimately I think that's what new hikers need - experienced mentors. Not just reading, proper equipment, or expensive trainings.
Second, to return to the point about common sense. I don't know what to think about the whether the inherent risks of hiking always fall under the realm of common sense. Sure, an individual is ultimately responsible for their own survival. But I think we are sometimes too quick to point to lack of common sense or machismo as to why hikers get into trouble. The mountain environment, and the risks and factors involved there, is unique and does not match the reality that most live in. The internet, media, and gear stores can make hiking look like quite a common endeavor. A lack of understanding of trail conditions, estimated hike time, rapidly changing weather...etc to me, is a lack of experience / education/ understanding, not a lack of common sense. Yes, it is common sense to the seasoned, experienced hiker but maybe not to the new hiker and maybe not for sole fault of their own?
