Missing hiker at tram.

[lilbitmo]

What the news reports and what actually happened in most cases are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. So as the SAR guys have reported in past rescues the information that they print usually helps me learn something, so I'll wait for them to post something in regards to how they went about finding him and the general discussion about what he said to them.

There are some things he did right - regardless of the situation he put himself and the rescuers in

1) Built a shelter to stay warm.

2) Stayed in one place once he realized he was lost

3) Made markings in the snow to help the searchers see the distress signal

4) Used what he had to stay alive and healthy thus reducing the possibility of life threatening problems making the rescue that much harder on the Mountain rescue crews

I'm sure the rescue crews can tell much more about the proper things to do when things go wrong, but every single one of them will tell you that bringing someone out alive is worth all the effort versus the alternative to that - I'm glad he's ok, let's hope this lesson will help all of us to do what we do in a safe manner

[Ellen]

Howdy All

When I was in Desert Trauma Regional Medical Center after my hiking misadventure, I turned down media requests for interviews. While I was ecstatic to be alive, I was also mortified and embarrased.

I wrote up my hiking misadventure to point out what I did wrong and then what I did right as well as to thank everyone (RMRU, this board, my family) for my rescue.

This story had a happy ending. Several RMRU members have told me that they always learn things from missions that help in future rescues.

God Bless SAR -- these folks donate their time and risk injury to help others. Thank you from the heart.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Andy]

@ 93ludegirl:
I understand your frustration, but I do have to say your tone does come across a bit harsh. It could be said that every rescue scenario could have been averted by a gaze into the crystal ball. The fact is, no matter how careful someone is, our thirst for adventure does carry inherent hazards. Simply going out alone is a gamble even in the best weather, though we all continue to do it being that the payoff far out-ways the risk.

Bottom line, I'm sure the guy has learned a lesson, I just hope mine isn't anytime soon.


@ lilbitmo:
All very good points on how the victim handled his predicament.

Here's to all the selfless SAR folks and to hopefully NEVER meeting you (outside a pancake breakfast).

[93ludegirl]

ok, maybe i was a lil harsh..

[bluerail]

I am ALWAYS pissing somebody off.....


hey Patrick, can I have a look at that book when your done ?

[Hikin_Jim]

What the news reports and what actually happened in most cases are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Yeah, news reports about backcountry goings on are notoriously inaccurate. Like reporting that the tram goes straight to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.

He could have just gotten lost. Lost = delayed. Delayed means the storm hits you when normally you would have been long gone off the mountain.

Having said that, it is a good idea to think twice about heading up SJ when a storm is on its way. Assuming that you'll be back home before the storm hits isn't always something you can count on.

HJ

[93ludegirl]

I am ALWAYS pissing somebody off.....

Im always over-reacting, should be entertaining if we ever hike together, ha!

[bluerail]

Moving fast and focusing on breathing is always a safe way to travel.

[KathyW]

What the news reports and what actually happened in most cases are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Yeah, news reports about backcountry goings on are notoriously inaccurate. Like reporting that the tram goes straight to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.

He could have just gotten lost. Lost = delayed. Delayed means the storm hits you when normally you would have been long gone off the mountain.

Having said that, it is a good idea to think twice about heading up SJ when a storm is on its way. Assuming that you'll be back home before the storm hits isn't always something you can count on.

HJ

I have to agree with you Jim - it's not a great idea to head out into the backcountry when a winter storm is rolling in. We are blessed with beautiful weather most of the time in Southern California; so there's really no reason not to wait until the storm passes through to go out and enjoy the snow. It looks like there might be another storm on the way, but it's to early to know if it'll amount to much:


http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.80996124558633&lon=-116.68098449707031&site=sgx&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

[Ranboze]

Hip hip hooray for the China Lake Mountain Rescue Group (actually, my hat's off to ALL people who searched for the rescued man, regardless of rescue unit affiliation or not). Through message boards, social network sites, and blogs, the humanitarian efforts of many people, can be made visible that would otherwise go unnoticed by mainstream media.

Ellen... I can hardly imagine what you must have gone through at Desert Trauma Regional Medical Center... but youput your feelings of embarrassment aside and told your story anyway. By doing so, you told a most powerful story of survival. I, for one, learned a lot by reading your story. I can speak for only myself, and as a person who generally makes very calculated and cautious decisions. Even so, I make mistakes and error in judgment at times. Through your story, I became better tooled to handle "at risk" situations.

I hope that this gentleman tunes in to this forum to tell his story. I think many people, including myself, could learn from the decisions he made that ultimately saved his life. I also think we can be reminded of the danger that does exist when we venture out in less than optimal conditions.