I have been away from the computer for a while and have just learned of Dr. Michael von Gortler and his daughter Makana who were backpacking near Boulder CO and went missing. After extensive searching they were located and both father 53 and daughter 20 were found dead. Both were experienced and well-prepared hikers, who apparently took a fall and did not survive. I also found a well-written article on water selection and purification on this site by Dr. Gortler.

I did not know him but this accident hit quite close to home as I am his age and also have a 20 year old daughter. Let's all be careful out there.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family. Hal Potts.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2010811/Bodies-missing-doctor-daughter-wilderness.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sipping_water_drinking_untreated_backcountry_water.html

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=50069&skip_to_post=424416#424416