We have had tons of discussion on this though, to your point. The way he was dressed (or not dressed) when he went on this hike, seems to some of us to indicate a lack of experience. At least in the desert. JMO
This video has been shared on this thread before. The renewed interest in Paul's choice of hiking attire reminded me about it.
My intention is NOT to reinvigorate a discussion about a hiker's chosen attire, or defend any particular theory/speculation. I feel that he will eventually be found near the trail, IMO.
All along, the boulders near the spot where he parked his car have always interested me. It's just my feeling that he may have explored that area on his way back to the car.
Maybe it's just me, but I had the impression that the 49 Palms trail was a death trap, that you are risking life and limb to even attempt it
anytime during the summer, and even in the winter, it can be treacherous and life threatening. And, to attempt it with exposed skin and wearing dark attire was inviting a quick descent into heat stroke and/or death.
The video was posted to YouTube in April 2018, and I'm assuming it was shot in winter or spring. They arrive in the afternoon (hottest part of the day) and there's a thermometer reading about 80 degrees F. Of course, Paul disappeared in the summer, during morning hours, when temps can already be in the 90s. So, that may chip away at the relevance (if any) of my observations.
A couple of things in this video that, IMO, have me questioning my perceptions about how dangerous this trail is:
The YouTuber has a channel dedicated to traveling and hiking.
- The female hiker is wearing black leggings and a black tank top. At one point, she mentions that the hike is so easy, she's wearing her sneakers. The male is wearing a dark maroon T shirt and dark shorts.
- On the approach to the Oasis, they pass a family enjoying themselves, maybe having a picnic? There are young children present, some with exposed skin.
- Although there are parts of the trail with steep elevation, I would categorize a major portion of this as a "walk" on a well-marked, easy to navigate path.
- Maybe they have an extra supply in their backpacks, but neither seems to have copious amounts of water at hand.
- The Oasis is visible from about a mile out.
I'm sure my observations/new way of thinking about the trail mean little in the whole scheme of things, and won't help find Paul, but I'm sharing these thoughts because this video gave me an entirely new perspective. Anyone else?
IMO MOO
