Colorado Elk Epdate

[firediver]

I just listened to a message from "Adam" on my phone. They arrived at Fort Collins where they were going to stay for the evening since there wasn't enough time to get to their final destination and set up camp.

He said it is cold with snow at the higher elevations...and the elk are everywhere. He said the elk running wild, bugling like crazy, and they even saw a bull breeding a cow right along the road......and they haven't even made it to camp yet!!!

I'll keep you posted as I get updates.......

[Monie]

AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[firediver]

Trouble for Adam and gang. They packed in about 5 miles yesterday and set up camp. About an hour after going to bed, Adam's father experienced serious breathing difficulties and minor chest pain.

They walked him down the mountain and got him to the ER ASAP where he was diagnosed with Acute Mountain Sickness.

He is much better but the doctor told him that his hunt was over. In fact, they have to take a different route home to avoid a high mountain pass. He is getting released from the hospital as I type this.

Adam's father will stay off the mountain...at his other son's home while the boys head back up to spill some blood. They were ready to break camp and head back to PA but dad insists they hunt.

[bullmoose38]

Glad to hear Adam's dad is alright! That must have been one heck of a scare.

[Monie]

That really stinks, but I'm glad Dad is ok!

[Colorado Rick]

Holy smokes!

I just saw this post! Tell Adam that if they need anything he can call me. Feel free to give him my number please. No joke. We're fairly close (45 minutes) but I have an Aunt and Uncle in Fort Collins I can call on to hold things down til I get up there. I meant to give it to him before he left but I got tied up with other stuff.

[Va Hunter]

That's a scary thing to happen that far from home. Glad to hear it was altitude sickness and not something worse.

Hope they get a big'un for him!

[YorkArcher]

Sorry to hear about the problems but at least he is OK!!!!

[timba]

thats really crappy,I never heard of Acute Mountain Sickness before

timba

[firediver]

Acute mountain sickness occurs from the combination of reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, and can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.

In most cases the symptoms are mild. In severe cases fluid collects in the lungs (pulmonary edema) causing extreme shortness of breath, which further reduces how much oxygen a person gets. Brain swelling may also occur (cerebral edema). This can cause confusion, coma, and, if untreated, death.

The chance of getting acute mountain sickness increases the faster a person climbs to a high altitude. The severity of the symptoms also depend on this factor, as well as how hard the person pushes (exerts) himself or herself. People who normally live at or near sea level are more prone to acute mountain sickness.

Approximately 20% of people will develop mild symptoms at altitudes between 6,300 to 9,700 feet, but pulmonary and cerebral edema are extremely rare at these heights. However, above 14,000 feet, a majority of people will experience at least mild symptoms. Some people who stay at this height can develop pulmonary or cerebral edema.