David Dinwiddie, a man known for loving the Smokies and helping others on the AT, took a backpack trip last year that nearly ended his life. On December 19, 2005 he was trekking near Pack's Corner when strong winds blew him over and tangled his backpack in tree limbs. For four days and four nights Dinwiddie laid where he fell, in two feet of snow, feeding on anything in reach. Unfortunately the only edible objects were snow, mud, and balsam needles. Eventually he was rescued after other hikers came across him and informed park rangers of his location.
Almost a year to the date later he went back out to the Mountains he loved. Determined not to let this incident deter him from hiking, he went out to show he could overcome what he went through.
This happening shows that an experienced hiker can run into trouble while hiking on the AT. No matter what your knowledge and familiarity is of the woods, danger can occur. Always be sure that someone knows where you are going when you head out into the wild. This can help prevent serious injury or death if an accident like this is to occur.
David Dinwiddie suffered serious frostbite from his time on the Mountain that day. Because of the conditions he was in, he lost two of his toes. One thing he didn't lose was his love for the outdoors and determination to get out and hike the AT.
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