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Thinning the herd

NOTHING says winter has finally descended on the North Shore like the icy blast of weather that arrived last week and some foolish decisions in the North Shore mountains.

NOTHING says winter has finally descended on the North Shore like the icy blast of weather that arrived last week and some foolish decisions in the North Shore mountains.

On Thursday, four snowboarders decided to take a risk by thrill-seeking out of bounds.

For many who head off the official map, it's no accidental meander. In search of off-the-grid excitement, they disdainfully ignore the warning signs clearly meant for more mortal individuals. Some brainiacs even actively encourage others to try it out.

Of course when it doesn't work out, it's not nearly so "dope."

Admitting you've been an idiot is never easy. On Thursday, that bravado meant a refusal to acknowledge the situation and call for help until daylight was almost gone.

Those snowboarders easily owe their lives to the quick response of ski patrollers, a helicopter pilot and North Shore Rescue.

When you're young and therefore know everything, it's hard to accept that you're subject to human limitations - such as what hypothermia will do to your ability to make decisions.

But North Shore Rescue crews have hauled out enough bodies to know what's "sick" and what isn't.

Those rescued this week were all old enough to know better.

We hope they are rewarded with a cancellation of all skiing privileges at local mountains.

This week they were lucky that volunteers are still prepared to risk their lives saving those intent on proving Darwin's laws of natural selection.