These women like many of us, cherished those adrenaline filled moments that mother nature provides for us. It is always a tragic loss and a time for reflection for each one of us when a life is lost doing something we love to do. It is a personal choice to head out into the "wilderness" and you have to make decisions based upon the current conditions. There is no textbook or instructor that can teach you everything you need to know to survive. It is the "uncertainty of the unknown" that keeps me outdoors. Rules and regulations cannot fix the problems. We do not need TVs to act as passifiers for the time between working and sleeping.  Age (generally) is not an accurate measurement of ability. I am 28 and have participated in several endurance races. I am in good shape, but am always been humbled when someone twice my age passes me during a leg of an event. Those people are some of the most inspirational people i have seen. I hope i can continue doing it at their pace when i get there!