This 9 mile hike is perhaps the longest hike I've done in one day. The area is north of Helena, with a group doing a "key exchange," half the group starts at each end and drives the other half's vehicles, then returns the owner's key at the half-way lunch stop. A lively group of speedsters, moderates, and slow poke photographers, the group was spread apart over several miles. A perfect cooler, slightly overcast day presented perfect hiking conditions. A narrow rocky cliff trail challenged those of us with slight height issues. I never did look at the no doubt spectacular view, but rather kept my eyes on my next step ahead of me. Steady breathing kept me at an even keel. One false move would induce an unhappy ending for the unlucky hiker. I did not want to fill that role, and safely made it to the end of the offending trail. Several pooh-poohed those of us who stated a more dicey stretch would certainly have proved problematic.
Bizarre shit happens, and it is wise to take these circumstances seriously. Look at those three young bible hikers who launched over the falls at Yosemite a few years back. Just wading out for a photo op in shallow waters at the edge led to their untimely demise, one after another trying to save each other. Not the smartest folks, they breached the "do not pass barricade" signs and climbed over the guardrail. The many onlookers witnessed a disturbing event, their young kids in tow, as they saw the scared eyes of the three realize they were about to meet their end. 
