Five cavers in West Virginia must have brought luck with them. Good thing since they didn't pack their common sense. A wrong turn got them lost for 48 hours before rescuers found them cold and dehydrated but otherwise fine. While the cavers credit prayer for saving them, they would have saved themselves a two-day wait had they filed an itinerary with family, friends or park authorities. Luckily, someone noticed their car had been parked over the weekend.

Sports like caving and spelunking are fun, they should be taken as seriously as any other outdoor adventure. Before you head outdoors this spring, brush up on outdoor safety so you make memories, not headlines.

Charmian Christie,
Outdoor Adventure Expert