An Interesting Morning on Skyline

[Carl F]

EXACTLY!

I knew that (HAHA!!!). With the recent abandonment of people on top of San J though, the ante has definitely been upped. I've gone there on days that the tram was shut down, or could have been. Not sure if I was really prepared for that possibility. Do I carry a sleeping bag every time I hike up there now? Good question. I do wish that there was a secret key to the tram station and could sleep on the floor - yes. Raiding the bar - priceless!

But really, there needs to be a better emergency policy up there and why humans could not access the tram station is beyond me. Personally I would break in if it were me, and pay the piper later. A shack by the Ranger Station? Not when there's something better.

[zippetydude]

I can't speak for everyone,but I would call for help only in the most extreme circumstances mostly because I would be embarrassed. Broken leg - I'm calling. Rattler bite - I'm calling. Kind of inconvenient to walk all the way back down? No. Maybe when I'm in a hurry to get to Del Taco before they stop selling egg burritos at 11:00 a.m....well, that's a close one...

Interesting how this topic took on a life of its own. Ze's inflammatory title helped, but there's also an interesting balance between the arguments that makes it something of a quandary. While everyone survived just fine, it seems clear that the plan sucked. And while the plan sucked, the sudden fury of the weather was well beyond what would normally be expected, and that poor ranger who volunteered to stay behind probably never thought he would be vilified for showing too little hospitality. The tram workers could easily have made the situation better for all concerned, but they're real human beings who were probably overwhelmed with the sudden prospect that the tram itself could either be damaged or actually fail on their way down, leading them to be just a little preoccupied.

Who knows? Sure has lead to a spicy, very lively topic. I've actually stumbled across some good points that I hadn't thought of on my own, so I find it worthwhile to have my thoughts broadened.

See you all up there soon! Incidentally, I travel lighter than most and would have found myself ill prepared to spend a cold night out there. Maybe I would have been the one who "accidentally" found a way into the building and set everyone up with cozy surroundings. There would have been little to deter me from trying. What, are they gong to arrest me for illegally accessing safety and warmth? And again, I don't think the PSAT was against anyone anyway.

z

[physicslord]

With regard to unnecessary helicopter rescues you may or may not have seen this in the news, but a dog was recently airlifted off the trail to the Bridge to Nowhere.

It happened over the summer and as I recall the dog was suffering from "exhaustion" and aches and pains.

I really think if a dog can't walk you can put together some kind of litter and carry him out.

[cynthia23]

Hilarious story, PhysicsLord! I was so amused I googled and actually found the original story. It was actually more complicated, though: a couple took their 80 pound Labrador named Baxter on a hike. They had previously taken him on local one mile hikes and thought he'd be okay. After five miles, the dog's paws were so torn up by the rocky trail he couldn't walk any more. Plus, he was completely exhausted. They didn't want to abandon the dog, and since he was eighty pounds, couldn't carry him out. They called for help, then spent the night with the dog. The rescue team hiked in to get them, but in the dark rocky terrain suffered some minor injuries. They decided that given their own injuries, they couldn't carry the dog out on a litter for five miles, so they called for the helicopter rescue. Even that was complicated; they tied the dog onto the litter okay, but he didn't want to be pulled up through the air and started trying to break free. They had to clear brush to land the helicopter and (finally) coax the dog aboard.

Moral of the story, or most rescue stories, really: think things through beforehand. You can't suddenly multiply a man, woman, or beast's previous hiking mileage by a factor of five and expect all to turn out well. And: if you're hiking somewhere, you must also plan to get back from the 'where'. If you (or your dog, or kid, or partner) are getting tired now, it's time to stop and turn around. Don't wait until you're exhausted and sick and it's too late.

[physicslord]

I love dogs but I just feel like using a helicopter to rescue a dog with sore paws is like using a steamroller to crack a nut.

I know that's a rough hike an all, but I know people who would have resolved to carry the dog out come hell or high water. I would have.

[cynthia23]

I hear you, physicslord--I'm not a fan of dangerous and unneccesary helicopter rescues--but in this case, I think the 'physics' of the situation forced it. Few people can carry eighty pounds for five miles. (some can. But not many.) I guess the litter solution was rejected because the rescuers themselves had injuries. But don't get me wrong, this couple was quite foolish and caused havoc with their lack of forethought.

[neverwashasbeen]

Why fly the folks off the Skyline? Perhaps once the rescuers make physical contact with the rescuees, they have a obligation to see them to safety and perhaps they have some other things they need to do. Some of us have limited free time.

[bluerail]

....

[Cy Kaicener]

RMRU has just come out with this rescue report

http://rmru.org/missions/2012/2012-003.html

[Lermo]

Interesting debrief article Cy. Kudos to Donny Goetz & the RMRU!

Danny figured out that Ellen and Sally do indeed have Alien DNA which gives them their superhuman hiking powers.