Reply #55: I think there are accidents...

[Dastard Stepchild]

for even the most well-planned trips. If these folks are anything like some of my friends (who climb mountains all the time), they probably had their route, their supplies and their plans laid out very well in advance. Some people do such a trip on a whim, but from what I understand, much preparation goes into it. So, when something goes wrong, even if it is in the pursuit of enjoyment or entertainment, I am willing to chip in my tax dollars for their rescue.

But, again, I have a bias because I have friends that climb mountains for sport and should anything happen to them, I would hope that the response would be similar.