Concerned about the Desaparecidos

[Tijuca]

Hello Folks

Newbie here. I've lived in Chicago most of my life, but hope to move to AZ soon to take the airs, the waters, the climate, and the rocky landscapes to re-invigorate my once robust healthy pallor. I've been on more than a few hikes in AZ, all slip-sliding around in my street shoes, loving each one more than the last

One area where I need education: it seems those vast spaces out there sometimes swallow up people. My specific concern is this poor fellow they call "GPSJoe." What is the theory about what has happened to him and the other desaparecidos? Wild animals? kidnapping by narco-terrorists? dehydration? injury? intentional disappearance?

Should I carry a gun on my next hike? I am looking forward to an answer or two to this and many more questions which I would like to put to this forum in the future.

Thanks

Pete

[Suz]

GPSJoe is near and dear to many of us here. We believe that he was doing what he loved and was in a place that he loved. We are beyond saddened by his disappearance and I'd guess that it was most likely a medical issue.

[azbackpackr]

Hey Pete, welcome to AZH! I think if you were to see the territory of the Mazatzals, or any similar very steep, brushy and rugged outback, you'd understand that anyone could disappear back in there. It's not really such a big mystery, once you see the terrain. You will be fine at first, but stay ON the trails when you first get started hiking in AZ. GPSJoe hiked mostly off-trail. Which is fine, since he knew what he was doing. But makes it harder to find him.

Some people carry guns, but most of us do not. Or, like myself, if I have heard of rabies in a specific area, I might carry. Some carry if hiking near the Mexican border, also.