MISSIONS: January - June 2017

MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION LIFESAVING AWARD - RMRU’S MATT JORDON RMRU NEWSLETTER

VERSID RI E

Thank You!

E To all that volunteer their time and financial assistance.... O U U C Countless people owe their lives N S T A I N R E OUR SUSTAINING MEMBERS January - August 15, 2017 BENEFACTOR CLUB $1,000.00 + Diana Smith | The Webb Foundation | Florian Boyd Lynda Meacham | Ronald Dye | Riverside Elks

SUMMIT CLUB $500.00+ Jane and David Allard | Idyllwild Rotary Anns

SUPPORTING < $100.00 David Stewart | Thomas Kaczmarek | Marydoris Powers Benjamin Croweell and Gretchen Angelo | Henry and Karen Sawicki

ACTIVE TEAM MEMBERS

MRA LIFESAVING AWARD - Matt Jordon Page 3 MISSION REVIEWS - January - June 2017 Page 4 Life Saving Award TESTIMONIALS Presented to - Letters Page 29 On the Cover - RMRU’s Matt Jordon Lone Pine Peak Summit 12,949’ High Sierras. For this mission, CHP aviation pilot Jennifer Earle & John Muir Wilderness RMRU team member Matt Jordon were dually awarded the - View to the northwest with Life Saving Award Mt. Irvine 13,786’ (left) at MRA’s 2017 Spring Conference in Boise, Idaho. Mt. Whitney 14,505’ (right) This is the highest honor in the photo by: Gary Farris (August 2017) Mountain Rescue Association. days you do, my day was to be a Lost Hiker South Ridge Saturday. I heard this guy named November 11, 2016 Clive was missing, somewhere South Ridge Trail to near South Ridge Trail above Astro- Tahquitz Peak Camp in Idyllwild. He’d been out Reflections by Matt Jordon six nights in mid-fall weather lead- (Visit RMRU.org for mission write-up by ing into what would prove to be a Glenn Henderson) record setting winter. The mountain had been hit hard that week; It’s now summer solstice in Port freezing cold windstorms and lack Angeles, Washington [2017] over of food & water could break even seven months after the Clive the best of them in the best of mission in Idyllwild last year. I’m gear. It would be surprising to find sitting on the bed of room 104 of this guy alive. First thing Saturday the Flagstone Motel thinking of morning, Glenn and Dep. James ways I can explain that mission and broke down the current events at how things went down. It’s been a Matt with his award and Jennifer’s the trailhead, explaining that two long week here looking for proper- received at the MRA 2017 Spring teams were currently in the field ty, the cool coastal weather will be Conference in Boise, Idaho including members of DSAR and a welcome break from yet another out on a Friday night which I sim- RMRU. brutal summer in Palm Springs. ply had no energy left to respond; it had been another extremely These guys (and gal) had been out After rereading Glenn’s write-up, I stressful week dealing with Snow all night long and were pretty beat. don’t think I can match his amount Creek drama so I decided to At this point, Gary and I were sent of technical detail so many months rollout first thing in the morning. down to McCall Park to continue later, but I can recall a few other Some days spent on SAR, you just the tracking he and Cameron did details. I remember getting a call have nothing left to give and some throughout the night. Clive’s cell Continued on Page 8 RMRU NEWSLETTER

Mission Reviews January - June 2017

The following pages contain a selection of first hand accounts of RMRU missions written by the team members involved.

RMRU volunteers are on call 24/7, to search for and rescue hikers, skiers, rock climbers, and outdoorsmen whenever and wherever needed.

Missing Alzheimer’s Two Hikers Stranded The team was called out to do January 22, 2017 an evidence search in the East Person Hemet area. We met at 09:00 at January 06, 2017 La Cresta, Santa Rosa Plateau Written by Pete Carlson the Hemet Sheriff’s substation in Wildomar Area Written by Glenn Henderson Hemet and drove to the search RMRU was called to help get two site. hikers who were stuck on the San- First mission of 2017 is a call out ta Rosa Plateau. As team members for a missing 71-year-old male were responding to the basecamp with Alzheimer’s in the Wildomar an Orange County Fire Authori- area at 9:30am. We rolled out to ty helicopter conducted a hoist basecamp and started dividing up rescue. Members returned home the area and assigning teams to before reaching the scene. different areas. This is an area of rolling hills, lots of brush and nu- RMRU Members Involved: Kevin rescuing Eric merous houses and outbuildings. Cameron Dickinson, Michael It had rained the night before, but There was a lot of quicksand that George, Eric Holden, Kevin Kearn it had not been too cold. A sense had to be negotiated. We searched and Raymond Weden. of urgency was felt for anyone out until 4:30 in the afternoon when it all night. We had been on scene was called off. about two hours when we got Evidence Search RMRU Members Involved: the call that he had been found January 25, 2017 Cameron Dickinson, in a hospital emergency waiting Hemet Area Glenn Henderson, Eric Holden, room. Someone had picked him up Written by Glenn Henderson during the storm and drove him to and Kevin Kearn. the hospital where he was waiting. We packed up our gear and headed home at 1:30pm in the early afternoon.

RMRU Members Involved: Cameron Dickinson, Donny Goetz, Figure 8 on a bite Glenn Henderson, Eric Holden, Cameron and Glenn Searching Standard “Tie In” Knot Tony Hughes, and Matt Jordon. 4 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Three Hikers and Dog feet of webbing. If the subjects make the top and the other two February 4, 2017 couldn’t be airlifted out, we would retreated from the icy conditions Tramway Skyline Trail rig up static lines from above the to head back down the mountain. Written by Eric Holden subjects all the way down to them. On their way back down they met We would then be able to clip into up with State Park’s Volunteer and Six hours after the team had just the ropes using ascenders and they showed him the location of fnished our annual winter skills safely hike up the last 800 feet. Justin. The four of them made a training at Grubb’s Notch, we were makeshift camp and bedded down called back out to Grubb’s Notch. for the night. The night started We were asked to assist with carry- very cold as they had limited gear ing supplies down to a State Park but RSO Aviation where able to Ranger who was about 800ft down drop two large duffel bags of gear Skyline trail with 3 subjects and flled with food, water, and warm a dog. We had a great turn out of clothing. After that they were all almost all the people that were at quite comfortable. training earlier that morning. Eric in Communication with other agencies Thankfully the expert crew of Star-9 was could to hoist out all 3 subjects, the dog, and the State Parks Volunteer. We gathered all our gear and headed back down the mountain. Members waiting at Upper Tramway Station in case needed Sunrise from Upper Tram Station We would later fnd out the entire story. Turns out one male Once on scene we were told the subject, Justin, had decided to RMRU would like to give big subjects and the State Park’s hike in shorts, t-shirt, and tennis thanks to Tony and Alex who gave Volunteer were all warm and shoes with his dog up skyline trail. up their Sunday plans to assist comfy and that they didn’t need in this rescue. Also thanks to the our assistance. The plan was to Palm Springs Arial Tramway who hoist them out via Helicopter the “ Thankfully the expert crew of let us spend the night with all the next morning. Skyline right now is free coffee we could drink. Star-9 was could to hoist out basically one big ice chute. Almost all 3 subjects, the dog, and the impossible to travel on without RMRU Members Involved: gear, and very difficult even with State Parks Volunteer.” Gary Farris, Michael George, Eric gear. When asked, what the plan RMRU RESCUER - Holden, Tony Hughes, Matt Jor- was if RSO aviation couldn’t do ERIC HOLDEN don, Kevin Kearn, and Raymond a hoist, the response was to get Weden. another Helicopter. No other mountaineering gear. A group of three mountaineers Other Agencies Involved: Due to the steep terrain, the Sky- found him sitting in the snow, California State Parks, Riverside line can sometimes be a very tricky very cold. They gave him food, Sheriff Aviation Unit, and Palm place to perform a hoist so RMRU water, warm clothing and called Springs Arial Tramway. quickly came up with a backup emergency services. They decided plan. We would be staged at the to keep continuing up Skyline as upper tram with ~2,000 feet of it was getting dark. As they were rope, not to mention about 1,000f going up only one of them could

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Lost Couple Super Bowl was approaching; they turned conserve the battery. We would back and contacted RSO to alert find them. He talked her through Storm using her iPhone “Compass App” February 5, 2017 Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit. to obtain her longitude and lat- San Jacinto Peak Area Written by An alert went out at about 8:00 itude. Her GPS position showed Wayne Smith and Kevin Kearn pm - just as the New England that she and her husband were Patriots tied up the Super Bowl. over a mile away from the cell On the morning of 5 February, RMRU members left the most ping that had been driving mis- 2017, Super Bowl Sunday, visit- historic game in history not to sion planning to this point. More ing Canadians, Ben Lindemulder waste a minute more with the importantly, we realized that and his wife Leanne Monsma, big storm fast approaching. By this new GPS position was on the rode the Palm Springs tram to 10pm, four team members had other (south) side of the moun- 8,500’ and decided to hike to assembled and were getting tain. the summit of San Jacinto Peak ready to head up the tram. (10,800’). Although they were At the top of the tram, Dana experienced hikers, they had Potts established the initial com- only sneakers and the minimal mand post. We plotted all points “The couple had actually won- running clothes they had trav- on the maps and decided that dered off the south side of the elled with, and carried only a the field rescue team, consisting small day pack with a little bit of mountain when they decided of Kevin, Cameron and I, would water. The couple were excep- that they were lost.“ first clear the cellphone ping area tionally fit and had done several RMRU RESCUER - on the south side at 10,000 feet, 14,000’ peaks before. Buoyed by KEVIN KEARN then cross over the mountain at confidence in their fitness and 10,600’ and descend to 10,000 on experience, along with the high- Deputy Todd Garvin from River- the north side to clear Leanne’s er daytime temperatures that side Sheriff’s Office passed infor- new GPS reported position in had softened the icy snow to mation to the team which includ- vicinity of the Little Round Val- compensate for their footgear, ed the subjects’ description and ley area. Kevin and Dana made them managed to make it to a cellphone “ping” – a coordinate tentative plans that anticipated the summit. However, they got obtained from the cellphone loss of communications when we disoriented and missed the tram company through triangulation went over the ridge – and with trail turn off trying to come down of cell tower signals. The ping the storm hitting soon, made a - as so many do. put the subjects on the Tram side contingency plan to not attempt (north) side of the mountain. to bring the subjects up over the The couple had actually won- mountain and have them at- dered off the south side of the When RMRU team member, tempt to descend the icy north mountain when they decided Kevin Kearn, learned that they slopes. We would descend the that they were lost and needed may still have cell phone ser- Marion Mt trail. Kevin, Cameron, assistance. They Googled the vice, he attempted to contact and I cross-levelled equipment State Parks Ranger’s phone the subjects and managed to which also included two pairs number and called them directly get through to Leanne. Kevin of snow shoes for the subjects. for help. Park Rangers attempt- reassured her, told them we We headed off into the darkness ed a rescue, however they de- would be some hours but to get with a renewed sense of urgen- termined that the terrain and out of the wind and to stay put. cy as chilly winds were already weather were now too severe. He told them to keep moving registering gusts over 45mph at Colder temperatures had made to stay warm and not lay down, the Tram. conditions icy as a Pacific storm and to not use their cellphone to

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At 2300 hours, we were on course couple had covered the snow Everyone was in good spirits to hit the cell ping triangulation with pine boughs to protect their though now soaked to the bone. point which was close to the uninsulated running shoes from Very grateful, and with only summit of San Jacinto peak. the cold snow covered ground. minor hypothermia and tired The weather conditions were They had also maintained body muscles, the subjects were driv- gusty with light snow though the heat by walking in place and do- en back to the base of the tram larger storm was forecast to hit ing calisthenics. where their adventure began at about dawn. The team affixed some 28 hours prior. their crampons and with ice axes The team gave them warm cloth- in hand and helmets on, set out ing, waterproof pants and jack- RMRU’s rescue team, having just for the first point. Several miles ets, fed them sugary foods, and come off a mission the previous and nearly two thousand feet of Cameron gave them hot liquids. morning, covered 14.5 miles in elevation gain later, we searched Within minutes of our arrival, a crampons and snow shoes in a the first point and found no one. steady freezing rain began to fall storm to accomplish this mis- as the main storm hit – coating sion. trees, our packs, gear, and every- “ The team gave them warm thing with ice. With a choice of clothing, waterproof pants either hunkering down or at- and jackets, fed them sugary tempting to descend, we decide foods, and Cameron gave to descend. Our subjects were motivated and recharged after them hot liquids.“ getting fed and warmed up. We RMRU RESCUER - began the long process of hiking WAYNE SMITH them out as the full weight of the storm hit at dawn. We gave the Our three headlamps barely subjects snow shoes and both glowed in blowing snow in the proved to be very capable hikers/ cloud layer now and winds in- snow shoe hikers. It was still slow Tramway Base (L-R) (Dana, Kevin, creased as we crested the ridge. going as Kevin and Cameron nav- Subjects center, Wayne, and Confidence was high that the igated our 6-hour trek down the Cameron) subjects phone GPS coordinates mountain to the Marion Moun- were accurate so the team wast- tain campground where Dana RMRU Members Involved: ed no time in continuing to that would pick us up. Freezing rain Cameron Dickinson, Kevin Kearn, point as fast as we could. With eventually turned to cold rain Dana Potts, and Wayne Smith. the cold, windy current condi- for the remainder of the descent tions and the impending storm, down. the team pushed hard to find the subjects before they succumbed At noon, the group finally to the extreme conditions. reached the campground and were greeted by Dana and an At 04:15 AM, just before dawn, RSO deputy. When asked why we made audible contact with they set out into the snow-cov- Water Knot the subjects. The coordinates ered mountains with only jog- Primary Purpose joing 1 inch flat the subjects had given us, led ging gear, they replied that they webbing. Uses include slings, run- us directly to them. They were had expected to be out only a ners, Swiss Seat harness, and “Swami“ Belt freezing cold but elated and in couple of hours - a mistake which surprisingly good condition. The nearly cost them their lives. Continued on Page 10 7 RMRU NEWSLETTER from Page 3 MRA LIFESAVING AWARD - MATT JORDON phone signal still was pinging or Garner Valley and Lake Hemet, ‘triangulating’ in that area so we the RP and a buddy of his walked had to continue looking. Nobody The Mountains Don’t right by me. I asked them what knew if we were searching for a they were up to because they body, but it was starting to look Care, But We Do! appeared out of nowhere through that way. Folks don’t abandon the forest — from the opposite their friends and hiking partners Mountain Rescue Association direction of the parking lot. They for six days before alerting the Motto 1959 literally walked around a hillside officials, something seemed fishy and right by me so we sparked here and we were hot on the some dialogue. We quickly walked trail. After another hour or so of than anyone had searched so far. over to Dep. James and Glenn at tracking through McCall park, the van and blurted out that this there were only a few possibilities. I begged (insisted) Dep. James was the RP! The RP said they had Some fresh tracks polluted my contact the reporting party (RP) to extremely limited time to show us mind and hopeful leads quickly see if we could get a face to face what happened so we immediate- started feeling like dead ends. breakdown of the exact events ly had them retrace their footsteps that transpired the day Clive went which led through the trees, down Gary was beat and I was getting missing, but from the sounds of it, the hill off-trail and back onto frustrated so we parted ways and the RP was sketchy at best. All of an old connector trail that led I headed back up to base at South what happened and how it hap- between South Ridge and some- Ridge where Glen was still having pened made me think that even if where down near Garner Valley. no luck searching near the fire we got this dudes opinion, it may lookout. Things were looking grim be basically worthless but you nev- We walked downhill for 10 minutes for Clive, we all knew the chances er know in SAR. Its good to ask or so and finally stopped at a large of finding him alive were slim to questions and trust your gut. rock on our left. It looked like a none. We poured over maps while good place to look up and back to- handling other things like stuck wards Red Tahquitz. This is where day hikers and curious passers by. the RP stated was the place he When Glenn told me that Lee Arn- last heard Clive. Well, from there son had heard that Clive’s group — about a mile or more away to went RIGHT at the parking area the North. It was now or never when facing uphill, this sparked that we’d find Clive. Yes, it seemed my mind and made me think that like a long shot to do something ol’ Clive wasn’t up South Ridge stupid like calling out in a place Trail or down in McCall Park at all. that had supposedly been scoured There were a couple noticeable Matt recieving his award and at the by the RP over the past five or six trees just outside the parking lot MRA 2017 Spring days. Remember, we also had two Conference in Boise, Idaho to the right and we heard through SAR teams doing just that above the grapevine that those were the After several hours of waiting for this area. Nothing was expected last trees Clive and company ven- any updates, I decided to just go but everything was riding on this tured through on their way to hunt call Kim and check in with her. We last callout. One, two, three… for Indian treasure. They were had plans to meet up in Idyllwild “CLIVE!!!!!” we yelled. And — there staring at me in the face like that night for dinner and I didn’t nothing happened. I could see by pillars — a gateway that I couldn’t want to be late. We were starting the look on the RP’s face as well shake out of my mind. It almost to think Clive may be buried three as Glenn and Jame’s face that this seemed like a doorway that these counties away by now. Ever been was a huge waste of time. The RP guys walked through and it let to a on a wild goose chase? This was was clamoring to get out of there completely different direction that. As I sat there looking over and kept saying he had to go, he 8 RMRU NEWSLETTER MRA LIFESAVING AWARD - MATT JORDON had to go. I couldn’t imagine a that was almost unsearchable by more important time to be here. foot so we had to spot him by air. This guy was a trip. ONE MORE Courage This was his last chance and after TIME, I insisted. Just one more Committment an earnest silent prayer, I directed time guys — just one more time! CHP aviation to the best lineup I One… two… three… “CLIVE!!!!!” — Compassion could fathom. The next counter we all shouted with all we had. clockwise circle I told the pilot to Mountain Rescue Association bank right to line themselves up And we got a response. Help!!! Current Motto with a slightly different part of the A faint distant yell — we knew mountain — a bit higher up than it was him! At that point, Glenn searching by air, there was no luck before and it was that final pass and James high tailed it back to at all. This guy was the proverbial that I said: aaaaannndd “he’s right base to make a desperate plea for needle in the haystack. We didn’t below you —NOW!” aviation to scramble immediately. know where to look for him — The RP and his buddy took off hik- just a general direction. My best That same pass, aviation looked ing into the hills to look for Clive estimation that I could muster was down and immediately spotted and we called back the rest of the that he was somewhere on a hill- Clive waving a white piece of teams to return to base. I stayed side about a mile away between clothing! This was a one in a mil- on that rock to audibly communi- me and Red Tahquitz. Overtime, lion chance and it worked! Clive cate and track Clive. This is a skill the plane passed and flew away was meant to be found. It wasn’t we don’t always train with but it from me in a circular pattern. I me and it wasn’t the pilot, there was one that I was learning ‘on the yelled was another force at work here. It job’ so to speak. I did my best to was like that dramatic 1977 scene yell for Clive, each time listening again for Clive, trying my best to of Luke firing the torpedo at the carefully for his reply. At first they estimate his position by ear be- Death Star on his last chance. This grew stronger, but after thirty tween passes. This was not easy was a “hail Mary” shot of epic pro- minutes or so they got weaker and and it took quite a while to narrow portions and it worked on the first fainter until I couldn’t hear him down what I thought would be his try! WOW! But I had no time — any longer. Because of the dis- position. we’d found him and it was time to tance between us, I couldn’t tell if run back uphill to the base to prep Clive was moving or not. I radioed CHP aviation: “Bank left!”, “Straighten out!”, “Bank right!”, Now straighten!” — it was an immediate response by aviation. The pilot was paying close attention and it was like I was controlling an RC airplane with my voice or something… this was cool but we were all feeling the pressure. This guy had to be located before dark and it was Matt and Glenn waiting were the Brushy Location Subject was Found creeping in fast. What seemed Subject was Found like dozens of passes went by be- for the helicopter evacuation from By this time RSO aviation was in fore I finally decided to give it my Keenwild several miles away. the air and so was CHP fixed wing. best shot. Clive was no longer re- In the meantime, CHP aviation We were racing to find Clive before sponding and we had to get him. kept an eagle’s eye on Clive in a the sunset on day 7. After literally He was in a spot of the mountain circular pattern until Glenn and I 30 or more minutes of Continued on Page 30 9 RMRU NEWSLETTER from page 7 MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Hiker Mount Baldy by his wife, was on the Skyline was windy above the ridge lines, as February 9, 2017 Trail and was last seen quite a few I saw the aircraft getting buffeted. Manker Flats Trail Head hours earlier. It’s a marvelous trail It took them a long time to fnally Written by Donny Goetz of almost 10 miles, rising from the get down and start searching. By desert foor to 8400 feet in eleva- this time the clouds had disap- Wednesday morning, RMRU team tion. It’s one of the steepest trails peared and the snow softened. members Donny and Michael in North America for its length and This caused us to posthole more responded to an Office of Emer- one of the most dangerous in the frequently, often falling thru up to gency Services (OES) call to assist wintertime. We were facing decent our thighs. In addition, there were West Valley SAR team with an ac- conditions of semi-hard snow and thousands of ice crystals having tive search for a missing solo hiker ice, behind a cloud cover. had fallen from the trees creating on Mt. Baldy. The subject had gone a slippery surface. As we were hik- to hike the peak on Feb 5th. He ing, the wind kept blowing more had not returned and no one had “Star 9 informed us of a crystals down, in front of us. After reported him missing until Tuesday recent avalanche debris field numerous falls into postholes, with February 8. both legs, Star 9 informed us of a 500 feet below us, and over recent avalanche debris feld 500 Teams were formed and given one canyon.” feet below us, and over one can- search assignments by West Valley RMRU RESCURER - yon. Command Post (CP) and teams MICHAEL GEORGE began to be inserted by Helicopter around 7:30 am. The subject was Cameron and I arrived at the tram located soon after as the helicop- the next morning. After loading ter was carrying a team to the the tram car with lots of gear, we summit. He had taken a fatal fall quickly reached the top, where we off the north side of the Devil’s started to divide up the gear. We Backbone ridge. were so grateful to fnd Sharon, from Desert SAR, already running RMRU Members Involved: radio relay for us. Soon we were Michael George and Donny Goetz. briefed by the deputy on-scene in regards to our subject, David. He was noted to be an experienced Skyline Broken Leg hiker, carrying a daypack, addi- February 12, 2017 tional clothing, snowshoes, and Skyline Trail below Tramway hiking poles. We headed over to Written by Michael George the launching pad at the top of the trail. After a short search, we My evening started out just like found tracks leading down that in- any other night. I had just fnished dicated the snow-covered trail. We grilling a mouthwatering steak to were faced with a 50-degree slope, Cameron Heading Down the Skyline Trail my typical ‘burnt to a crisp’ fare. and an endless feld of trees. Suddenly my phone buzzed with a My frst thought was that it was text from Glenda. The text said to We skillfully descended almost triggered by David. We had re- report to the tram in the morning 700 feet. of snow and ice, when cently been informed of a man for a search for a missing hiker. we were informed that, Star 9, caused slide two weeks prior up by the Sheriff’s airship, was fnally in the peak. I asked Star 9 to care- The overdue hiker, as reported route to assist with the search. It fully study the run-out area for

10 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 sign of personal belongings. With much from the excruciating pain cable starts to achieve tension. the wind turbulence, it took the as from the cold snow. He was ex- aircraft about 15-20 minutes to hausted and could not move any- I am watching the almost faw- carefully descend through the up- more. Star 9 informed us of fnding less hoisting. The helicopter then drafts and downdrafts to really see the subject and directed us toward slides away to the side, and heads the run out area. After struggling him. He was two small canyons down the mountain to the waiting with crampons for the last time, over, to the south, in which we ambulance. While they are gone, Cam elected to put on snowshoes, needed to pass through the debris we hurry to clean up the site and and made considerably better feld from the slide. collect all of David’s gear as well time traversing over to the slide. as ours. We move quickly knowing At this point the helicopter had Cameron was ahead of me, and that with this calm wind the pilots been buzzing around like a hum- achieved voice contact with the would want to get us out as quickly ming bird looking under trees and subject quickly. Soon after that as possible. around rocks. They utilized their Cameron arrived at David’s side, new speaker system directing Da- and quickly assessed his injuries. vid to come out into the open and He had a compound break with try to signal them. severe lacerations just above the right ankle. After taking vitals, Cameron established our patient to be stable with high level of pain and somewhat subdued. He immediately began stabilizing the right ankle in anticipation of Star 9 wanting a quick pick up, as the winds had temporarily subsided. The helicopter came in and started lowering the ‘Screamer’ suit, a vest-like jacket with safety strap.

Cameron, with his usual efficiency, had the patient wrapped up and the screamer suit on in no time. The TFO Eric had the hook low- Cameron with Subject in Scremer- ered again for the hook up. Cam- Suit Ready to Hoist eron quickly connected the hook Unfortunately, we didn’t have to the screamer suit, with about enough time to fnd his phone that 4 feet of slack in the cable. Just was dropped during his fall, before Michael Heading Down as soon as the signal was given Star 9 returned. I promised to go the Skyline Trail to start hoisting, the subject, in back up after the snow thawed to Having heard them, David dragged the blink of an eye, grabbed the look for it. Cameron is up frst, his himself, with considerable pain hook, opening the gate (not an pack dangling in front of him. He from a broken leg, off his insulated easy hook to open) and discon- starts off nice but he starts spin- bed of leaves and branches, and necting himself from the cable. ning. Not only does he look like he out into the open snow where Star Cam, knowing that the hook will is trying to swim in the sky, he also 9 saw him. He was laying on his be up and out of sight in a matter tries to keep up with the rotation stomach using his pack to keep off of seconds, quickly moved in and of the main rotor blades. I look up, the cold snow. He was shivering as reattaches our subject just as the and soon the pack is fying out, al-

11 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017

most 90 degrees to him. Thankful- wake and then asked him ques- to reach him by phone him, all he ly, he slows down enough to grab tions about how he was feeling could do was helplessly listen to it the skids and straightens up for a and how he got to be where he ring, and ring, and … ring. He had perfect entrance to the cabin. was. David told me he came upon the presence of mind to bed down the icy portion of the trail and for the night under this tree and decided to cut to the south and amongst some brush. He pulled “He had a compound break go up and around the dangerous down and gathered up some with severe lacerations just section. He traversed over two nearby tree branches and made an insulated bed that kept him off the above the right ankle. ” gullies, passing over the previous avalanche, at the 7600-foot eleva- snow. With the limited clothing he tion. This debris feld was partic- brought, he was thankfully only RMRU RESCUER - ularly interesting to me, because moderately hypothermic when MICHAEL GEORGE it really sent home the solidity of the sun broke in the morning. He the snow after the avalanche stops spent the entire night shivering. I am struggling to put David’s and moving. It’s one thing to read Thankfully he had several things my packs on for a quick hook up. about the snow becoming almost going for him that morning. 1) He This is going on while I am con- as hard as concrete, and another was situated near the slide area, stantly fnding new postholes to to experience the hardness of it which is what caught the aircrew’s fall into. At last I see the hook while traversing over it. Our little attention in the frst place, 2) He coming down to eye level. I attach plastic snow shovels all the sudden could discern the looped message the hook to myself and my pack, look woefully inadequate. that the helicopter was playing and without even taking a new breath nor indicating I am ready, After traversing a bit, he started Eric wisps me off my feet and I am climbing up the 55-degree slope. “With the limited clothing heading toward the cabin. I spin a He was following what appeared he brought, he was thank- little, but within 30 seconds I was to be previous steps, stomped fully only moderately hypo- sitting in the doorway with my into the snowpack by someone pack resting on the skids between before him. He was climbing over thermic” my legs. We started moving im- a rock, carrying his snowshoes on RMRU RESCUER - mediately, but it seemed forever his pack. He estimates he climbed MICHAEL GEORGE before we broke free of the moun- about 200 feet in elevation before tain drafts and hit stable air over he lost his footing, and fell about over the speakers. 3) He was con- downtown Palm Springs. Cameron 10 feet breaking his leg at this scious, and had enough strength and I were fown back to the depu- point. He then started tumbling to pull himself out into the open ty coordinating the mission, where back down the slope, stopping just where Star 9 saw him. Otherwise, we were given a ride back to the before hitting a tree. After frac- we may have completely missed tram to collect the rest of our gear. turing his leg, and in much pain, him. he climbed down and around the After Cameron departed to head tree, and took stock of his inju- As we were fnishing up our con- to work, I decided to head to the ries. He then realized that he was versation, the nurses came in to hospital where David was taken. I spending the night. prep David for surgery. Wishing wanted to check on his condition, him well, I left before the nurses return some gear, and interview Unfortunately, he dropped his decided I needed Evaluating also. I him. When I arrived at the hospi- phone at the tree, about 20 feet went over to the gift shop where I tal, he was sedated and waiting above him, and was unable to purchased a couple Get Well cards for the operating room to open. reach it and call for help. It also on behalf of the team and myself. I I stayed long enough for him to explains why we were never able ran into his wife, Jane, who at that

12 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 moment looked more composed Hoist Ortega Highway dangerous to hike down and called than David. I learned that David February 22, 2017 for help - this was the right call. was experienced in backcountry Cleveland National Forest snow travel and normally carried Written by Raymond Weden The mother was shivering un- enough gear to spend the night. controllably when I arrived and The day we found him was the RMRU was called to help a fami- was showing signs of mild hypo- third day of their 6-day vacation, ly of four who were stuck on the thermia. I requested Emergency and coincidently Jane’s birthday. side of the hill just below The Medical Services (EMS) to be on They were out from the Minne- Lookout restaurant on the Ortega standby and determined she need apolis area visiting friends. Jane Highway. It was approximately to go frst as the rest of the family latter told me that soon after I 5:45pm when I received the call where in good health. I placed the left the emergency room Dave to head to Hemet Ryan Airport as screamer suit on her with a helmet was wheeled back in having been the family had been located and and sent her on her way. While bumped from the operation room we were going hoist them out. Star 9 was dropping her off at the lineup. He would be delayed an- Upon arrival, the crew of Star 9 feld below where an ambulance other two hours. informed me this might be a “no from American Medical Response go” as the overcast clouds were (AMR) was standing by, I suited already pushing in from Orange the rest of the family up. County. I made a call to have a page go out to the rest of RMRU With the juveniles at the ages to be ready for potential technical they were, I decided I was going to rescue attempt from the ground hoist with them. We did a tandem if the weather held us back from hoist with the 8 y/o male frst and hoisting. Cameron arrived at the myself. We were taken to the CP Subjects ankle after surgery open feld on the corner of Grand and then I returned and did anoth- and the Ortega Highway as this er tandem hoist with the 11 y/o fe- After his successful surgery, David is where the Command Post (CP) male. Finally, I was back and sent and Jane sent me a picture of Da- was setup with Riverside Sheriff’s the father up and then they sent vid’s foot in an external rod brace. Office (RSO) and where we would the hook back down for me. Once I A few days ago, they sent me an initiate a ground rescue if needed. was up with Father in the Helicop- x-ray of his latest and hopefully ter we few to the CP. We landed in last surgery. He now has a plate, As we few over the hoist area the feld to drop off the father and and wants to go hiking again, in the Pilot, Deputy Calhoun, let do a quick debrief. A quick fight the snow. His wife is planning on me know we need to make quick back to Hemet Ryan and this one buying him an Ice Axe for his birth- work as the weather was closing was in the books. day, before he goes off gallivant- in, but not here yet. I was dropped ing again! After they have a real in to our missing family’s location RMRU Members Involved: vacation. with 4 “screamer suits”. When I Cameron Dickinson and arrived, there was an 8-year-old Raymond Weden. RMRU Members Involved: male, an 11-year-old female, and Cameron Dickinson and their parents. They went on a day RSO Aviation: Pilot Michael George. hike hoping to hike to The Look- Mike Calhoun and out Restaurant from the bottom TFO (The Other Guy) Eric Bashta. Desert Search and Rescue Team of the hill. They were close as we (DSSAR) Members Involved: could hear cars from the Ortega Sharon Ollenburger above but clearly ledge up. With it now dark, they decided it was too

13 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Massacre Canyon Lost set up base and manage radio of the Deer Springs Trail, close Hiker relay, while Michael and myself to the upper stretch of the North would hike in to reach our missing Fork of the San Jacinto River. February 24, 2017 subjects. The downslope was steep and Soboba Hills, San Jacinto City treacherous, so we would slowly Written by Pete Carlson and cautiously hike down to our RMRU was called to help a female subjects. Soon we would arrive to lost and stuck in Massacre Canyon our subjects, and found them all and while members were leaving safe and sound. Our subjects had their homes the mission was called created shelter and a campfre to off. She had somehow got herself keep warm for the night, and had unstuck and walked out. enough cold weather clothing, Cameron Hiking up in Storm water, and food to sustain them RMRU Members Involved: through the night. We were re- Cameron Dickinson and Mike and I would start our hike on lieved to fnd the group in good Tony Hughes Marion Mountain Trail, but due shape and spirit. to the heavy snows the mountain received this season down to the Marion Trail Search lower elevations, it was necessary for us to switch to crampons with- February 25, 2017 in one quarter of a mile from the Marion Mt Trail, San Jacinto trailhead. We had real concerns Mountains Written by Cameron Dickinson on the condition of our missing subjects as the temps were below Cameron (Left) Hiking Subjects At 7:30pm the team received freezing with even lower temps notifcation of four male hikers in towards the San Jacinto Peak. A As they were packing their gear their mid-20’s reporting being lost new storm system was moving in in preparation for the hike out, somewhere south of Little Round which added to the concerns. The they shared their story on how Valley. One of the subjects could GPS coordinates that we received they became lost. Their plan was receive a cell signal and called 911 place our subjects near the Deer to hike to San Jacinto Peak from for rescue assistance. Springs Trail southwest of Little the Marion Mountain Trail, and Round Valley. Mike and I would would hike back down in reverse. Myself along with Michael and work our way to this location. It Since there was no defned trail as Eric responded to the call, and was slow going for us as the con- it was covered in snow, they ended were driving to meet with the ditions became more difficult as up losing direction and ended up Sheriff’s Deputy at the fre station the incoming storm would pro- down slope approx. 500 feet from in Pine Cove for a quick briefng vide lower visibility, higher winds, the trail next to the river. Their of our missing party. The Deputy followed by snow. Our crampons mistake? Not having maps or GPS could obtain and provide GPS were soon replaced with snow- unit that would provide them a coordinates on the location of our shoes. sense of direction and location. subjects, and information as to They did have a compass, but no the location of their vehicle where In the early morning, we arrived at maps. they had initiated their hike. This coordinates location. We did a call- would lead us to Marion Mountain out, and heard a faint response. Mike and I would lead them back trailhead where our base com- We did another call-out to confrm out, down the Marion Mountain mand would be set up. Once we direction of our subjects, which Trail, and arrived at the Marion arrived at the trailhead, Eric would placed them on the downslope Trailhead/Campground

14 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017

The two men in their twenties had left the upper tram station late in the morning following foot prints “Upon reaching the ridge left by pervious hikers and reached line directly below the the summit. As they began their summit, winds reached late afternoon decent, following about 40 MPH.” their ascent route proved difficult so their retreated to the emer- RMRU RESCUER Subjects and Rescurers at Base gency shelter. With nighttime GARY FARRIS mid-morning. They arrived a little temperatures dropping below 20 hungry and tired, but relieved their degrees without factoring in wind From the emergency shelter back situation was now over. chill and their lack of crampons to to the upper tram station in the handle icy snow conditions this morning. While Ray took charge RMRU Members Involved: was probably the best decision. of the operation from the upper Cameron Dickinson, Michael tram station, Tony and I set out for George, and Eric Holden. the summit with our full overnight packs and extra gear for the subjects at about 10 am. We stopped by the Long Valley Ranger Station Tramway Hike to Peak to check in with them and learned February 26, 2017 that they were about to send out Tramway – San Jacinto Peak one ranger, Sam to assist with the Written by Gary Farris rescue. We thought it best to com- On Saturday evening a 911 call bine into a single team and the 3 was received form two hikers of us headed to the summit. taking refuge in the emergency shelter near the summit of Mt San Considering the heavy snow con- Jacinto elevation 10,833 feet. After ditions which posed a potential a series of snow storms during avalanche danger following the this winter season, snow several normal trail, we elected to ascent feet deep completely covered adjoining and wooded Miller Peak the established fve miles, 2,400- to minimize the avalanche risk. foot elevation gain trail from the The down side of this route was Tramway station to the summit. Tony Heading up to Summit the steep icy slopes, 45 degrees in By the time RMRU was notifed places which meant crampons and the Tramway was shutting down Fortunately, they had one sleeping ice axes were critical tools for safe for the night, so the team met up bag to share which at least make travel. While the day was beautiful the next morning. a very cool night tolerable. Fortu- and clear, we had a real concern nate as well, their cell phone had of an approaching storm. In fact, service from the summit and they Sam’s barometer dropped 100 points in only a matter of a few “While the day was beauti- were able communicate with the 911 operation; something that is hours. Upon reaching the ridge ful and clear, we had a real spotty at best. line directly below the summit, concern of an approaching winds reached about 40 MPH. storm.” Riverside County Sheriff’s Depart- ment requested that RMRU send a The subjects were reached and RMRU RESCUER team up to escort the 2 subjects f found that between the 2 of them GARY FARRIS 15 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 they had only a single set of snow Nine Hoisted from when they arrived. Matt and I shoes. This shoe show set’s design would team up with Star 9 and was ill-suited for descending steep Skyline Trail Cameron and Mike would be with icy slopes which became apparent March 4, 2017 H60. as we returned the same route we Tramway Skyline Trail Written by Eric Holden ascended on Miller Peak. Fortu- nately, Ranger Sam had brought Every year RMRU must pass a an extra set of good snow shoes re-accreditation with the Califor- and I provided the other gentle- nia Region of the Mountain Rescue man my snow shoes as I was using Association. This test takes the crampons. team away from our area and almost inevitably we have a callout. Matt and Subject waiting for Hoist This year did not disappoint. We I was frst to be lowered to the had just fnished the main part of subjects. No one was injured but our search/tracking test when we one of the subjects was suffering got a call out that there were 9 from mild hypothermia. As I was missing people on the Skyline Trail getting her and another subject around the 7,500ft level. Luckily into screamer suits Cameron was Cameron, Michael, and myself all lowered in with more scream had our winter gear packed and suits by H60. By the time Star 9 we made the 2-hour drive to the returned and lowered Matt to the Palm Springs Arial Tramway where scene, with more screamer suits, we met Matt. we were ready to start hosting them out.

Over the next hour Star 9 and H60 would be running laps between the lower tram station and our location on the mountain. De- pending on fuel loads we either Subjects and Tony in back sent one or two subjects at a time. Hiking Out I was extremely happy to have We returned safely to the Long 4 rescuers on scene, as trying to Valley ranger station with head- Cameron and Michael with both hoist, dress, and prep them Several Subjects lamps arriving in the dark. Great would have been very difficult if Turns out Riverside Aviation Star 9 teamwork with the State Park only two of us were there. Before I had fown the area and located the Rangers and we enjoyed working knew it, we were sending our last subjects. They had all regrouped with them and look forward to subject up. The aviation teams re- and now all 9 of them were stuck doing so again in the future. turned to pick us all up and we met right at the start of the Skyline Tra- back at the lower tram station and verse. Hoisting even one person RMRU Members Involved: debriefed a job well done. off Skyline can be difficult let alone Gary Farris, Tony Hughes, and 9 people. RSO had already made Raymond Weden. The Subject’s Story: They started plans and asked for the assistance hiking the skyline trail at midnight of CHP’s H60 aviation. With both State Park Ranger: Sam. that morning. They made it to the dusk settling in and weather on traverse around 10am but then the way, we were very happy

16 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 couldn’t go any further due to the RMRU would like to send out big way we came and provided the snow and ice conditions. They time thanks to both the Riverside subject with a helmet and safe- didn’t have (ice axes, crampons, Sheriff’s Aviation Team and the ty line. We also had two teams snow shoes, ropes, or helmets) California Highway Patrol’s H60 behind us with more equipment all necessary gear to make the for their expert fight skills. With- in case the situation called for it. last 800 feet of elevation gain. A out them this rescue would have Thankfully, we could walk the couple of them tried to ascend but been 20 times longer and harder. subject out without incidence. We would only slide back down due to got back to base with the subject the conditions. At this time they RMRU Members Involved: by 7pm. started getting cold and knew Cameron Dickinson, Michael they wouldn’t be able to make George, Eric Holden, Matt Jordon. RMRU Members Involved: it back down, especially since Cameron Dickinson, Glenn weather was due to hit later that Other Agencies Involved: Henderson, Eric Holden, Tony night or the next morning, so they RSO Aviation Star-9 and CHP Avia- Hughes, Lew Kingman, Shani called for a rescue. tion H60. Pynn, Tyler Shumway, Raymond Weden, and Gwenda Yates.

Stranded Hiker March 5, 2017 Two Lost Hikers Soboba Hills, San Jacinto City March 19, 2017 Written by Tyler Shumway Tenaja Falls Trail, Cleveland National Forest I received a text that we had a Written by Shani Pynn RMRU, RSO Aviation, and mission at 4pm while at home. CHP Crew This was my frst call out as a new At roughly 10:30 PM on Sunday (The 9 Rescuers that Saved 9) member of RMRU. A hiker was the team was called out to help What to learn from this, Skyline is stuck and unable to move from two missing hikers lost in the rated as one of the hardest hikes his current location in the Soboba Tenaja Falls trail area in the Cleve- in America. We have had dozens Hills above the city of San Jacinto. land National Forest and we were of fatalities over the years on this He was stuck on a cliff band after directed to meet at the Tenaja trail due to slipping on ice in the he had hiked an unnamed canyon trailhead. As I was driving to the winter or heat in the summer. approximately one quarter miles trailhead I realized the directions I Right now Skyline is one big ice SE of Massacre Canyon. Glenn and had initially picked would lead me chute and even accomplished I arrived on scene at the corner of to an access point to Tenaja Falls mountaineers have issues ascend- Soboba Road and State Street and Trail off of Ortega Highway which ing it. Know your abilities!!!! I had loaded up our packs and headed was not specifcally the Tenaja told them about a rescue two up the ridge line around 4:30pm. trailhead. I adjusted my rout to go weeks ago, were a hiker broke his to the Tenaja trailhead and arrived leg from a fall, almost in the exact After 800 feet of steep hiking and at roughly 12:05 AM. When I ar- spot they were at. They mentioned lose rock we could contact the rived Eric and Kevin were already that they had heard about this but subject. there, along with the Deputy and fgured they had the skills to make the subjects’ families. I learned it. This is what we hear all too He was very relieved to have us that more team members were frequently and luckily these hikers there and he seemed to be in good on their way and that some had called it quits and could walk away spirits. He was uninjured and had initially headed toward the Ortega from their ordeal. provisions for the day. We decided side of the trail as well. Eric in- it was safe to traverse back the formed me that the young couple

17 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017

had been located by helicopter team members were standing by. them at about 9PM and told them and were waiting at their location Eric and I continued on the trail to stay at that location, which for us to come and guide them and lost communications again they did. Later, as their phone back to the trailhead. He also said after another bend so we made a was running out of power, they the subjects were cold and in need note of the location so we would called dispatch and were told that of warm clothing and some family know where we could talk to Kevin ground units were being sent in for members provided us with addi- on the radio. them. tional clothing to bring to them. Kevin, Eric, and I looked at a map While the subjects ate and of the area and with the subjects’ warmed up Eric broke a trail of location and it was decided that roughly 80 feet back to the main Eric and I would drive to Fisher- trail to make hiking out easier. man’s Camp and then follow the After a few minutes the subjects trail on foot to get to their loca- were ready to hike out and we tion. were able to get back to the trail Subjects and Shani and hike back to the vehicles In order to get warm clothing to (right, background) Hiking Out without incident. When we arrived the subjects as soon as possible, When we reached the portion of at the vehicles, Kevin had his car Eric and I headed to Fisherman’s the trail closest to the subjects’ running and warm and took the Camp to begin hiking to the last known location we called out subjects back to the trailhead subjects. Kevin stayed behind to to them and were able to make while Eric and I followed in Eric’s establish base and wait for addi- verbal contact. The only light car. By shortly before 3:00 AM tional team members to arrive. source the subjects had was a everyone was back at the trailhead Eric and I were to radio in when lighter which we could not see and the subjects were reunited we set off on foot. When we left from the trail so we headed uphill, with their families. the vehicle to begin hiking Eric off trail, toward the sound of their attempted to contact base and we voices. When we reached them RMRU Members Involved: discovered we didn’t have clear the subjects were cold and we Cameron Dickinson, Corey Ellison, communication at that location. gave them warm clothes. As they Eric Holden, Kevin Kearn, Shani Since base knew our intended put the clothes on they relaxed Pynn, and Tyler Shumway. route we continued hiking in and and their shivering slowed. They attempted radio contact every few said they had not eaten since minutes. According to Eric’s GPS the morning and we gave them PCT Hiker Lost unit we were roughly 2 miles from some snacks and water to give March 30, 2017 the subjects location as the crow them more energy to keep warm. Fuller Ridge Trail fies so we set off at a brisk pace. Eric was able to contact base and Written by Corey Ellison In case the subjects had moved reported that the subjects were we stopped to call out to them located and we were providing Thursday morning around roughly every 0.25 miles and when food, water, and warmth, and we 10:30am law enforcement re- we rounded the edges of major would be hiking out with them ceived an emergency call for slopes. When we were roughly shortly. The subjects reported that a stuck Pacifc Crest Trail) PCT 0.29 miles from the subjects’ loca- they had been hiking and gotten through hiker near Black Mountain tion our radio communication was lost and tried to follow the water Campground. Subject stated he reestablished as Kevin had moved to fnd their way out. Eventually had fallen down the mountain and his vehicle to near Fisherman’s they hiked to higher ground to get could not self-extricate and need- Camp. Eric gave an update of our a cell signal and called for help. ed assistance. Riverside Sheriff’s location and Kevin said the other They said the helicopter had found Helicopter Star 9 and CHP aviation

18 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 were both able to locate subject, the remaining members worked to but were unable to land due to free the stuck vehicle and shuttle Subject stated he was ready to adverse weather conditions (High rest of the arriving team members walk out with assistance. Subjects Winds and Clouds). RMRU was to that point in case team one main problem was lack of traction activated at approximately noon needed additional man power. devices for his feet, was only wear- to hike into the subject. ing trail-runners which were inade- Team one took the road to trail quate for icy conditions. Subject head and arrived at trail-head ap- also thirsty and cold after losing proximately 5:30pm. Subjects last water and attempting to melt know coordinates were believed snow in clear zip-lock bad with his to be 1.5-2 miles East on the North body heat. Subject was provid- slope along the trail. Progress be- ed water, insulating layers, and gan to slow about .75 miles down micro-spikes by RMRU personnel. the trail due to post-holing and Team one began to return to base Gary Hiking up in Wind and steep icy slopes. on foot with subject. Subject able Clouds, Fuller Ridge Trail to move under his own power. RMRU personnel arrived at in- Team members stopped to put Base was notifed that we were tersection of State Highway 243 on crampons and helmets before heading back to the rescue truck and Black Mountain Road and continuing. At 6:30pm new infor- met with a Riverside County mation from base informed team Sheriff’s Deputy at 2pm. Weather one that subject had made his way reports showed clear skies with up the slope to trail and would be high winds. Information from inside of a blue tent. At approxi- the Sheriff informed RMRU that mately 7pm Team one contacted subject was suffering from chest the subject on the trail about half pain/shortness of breath. Due to a mile closer than subjects last the assumed location of subject known coordinates. (Tony, Gary, Subject, and (North facing mountain side), Corey-Orange Helmet) Hiking Out mountaineering axes/crampons/ Subject was a 33-year-old male It got dark on the way back to base helmets were taken along with the who was hiking PCT when he and everyone put on a headlamp other basic rescue gear. found himself inadequately pre- due to decreased visibility. We pared for conditions. Subject reached base at 8:30pm. Subject From highway 243 we took vehi- stated he had lost all his water and was driven down to highway 243 cles with 4WD and enough ground stove when falling down slopes in the RMRU vehicle. The Sheriff’s clearance began the approximate- and had exhausted himself climb- deputy obtained a report from ly 8 mile drive up a non-main- ing back to the trail repeatedly. subject. The subject was able to tained dirt road to the Fuller Ridge Primary and secondary medical obtain a ride to Cabazon from trail head closest to the provided assessments were preformed and base at highway 243. RMRU then GPS coordinates from aviation. found the subject to be medical- debriefed the mission and all team ly sound. Subject stated the call members started home at 9:30pm. Approximately 3 miles from the operator had misinterpreted his trail head adverse weather and statements, he was out of breath RMRU Members Involved: poor road conditions prevent- from climbing up slopes after Cameron Dickinson, Corey Ellison, ed any further use of motorized falling down them, not for any Gary Farris, Michael George, Glenn vehicles. Team one (Tony, Gary, medical reason. Subject denied Henderson, Tony Hughes, Matt Tyler, and Corey) were assigned to difficulty breathing and chest pain Jordon, Shani Pynn, and \Tyler continue by foot to subject while upon RMRU arrival. Shumway

19 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Lost Hiker near Saddle to know if we could assist with a April 4, 2017 technical rescue, of course we said Saddle Junction above yes! Humber Park Written by Eric Holden Tyler, Corey, Tony, Gary and myself geared backup and headed out. Another callout, this time to Hum- When we arrived on scene there ber Park. Word was that a PCT was an adult male laying on the Hiker was lost on the trail. I boogie ground of the parking lot with on out and 70 minutes later I meet his leg up on a fence. He was the up with Tyler at Humber. We fnd father of the stuck family. They out that the hiker is not a PCT hik- had been scrambling when they er, but just a guy on a day hike. He got into a dicey area. The father was spotted by the helicopter and kept going and took a fall injuring his Lat/Long put him very close to his ankle. I did a quick medical and Saddle Junction. As we were gear- wrapped his ankle. I highly sug- ing up Wayne pulled up in his own gested he go see a doctor after we personal mobile command post. get his family off the rock face. We tested radios and with Wayne running base, Tyler and I quickly After about 30 minutes we had Subject and Tyler above headed up Devil’s Slide. If the pud- Saddle Junction 4 members of JOSAR and 5 of ding hits the fan and something keep from slipping on the trail. He RMRU ready to deploy into the goes wrong, Wayne is our life line. also had no map, compass, GPS, feld. We did some route fnding Within 1 hour we had voice contact or knowledge of the area. and quickly got to the top of the with the subject. He was up some gully were the family was stuck. icy sections so we donned cram- Always remember your 10 essen- Dave from JOSAR would be the pons, ice axe, and helmets. Within tials! 10 Essentials man over the side and I would be 10 minutes we found David. running operations at the top of RMRU Members Involved: the rock. Our two teams worked David is a musician from the L.A. Cameron Dickinson, Eric Holden, extremely well together as we area staying in Idyllwild to get Tyler Shumway, and Wayne Smith. both use the same lower/raise de- some more inspiration and decid- vices. Dave scrambled down to the ed to go on a hike up to Tahquitz frst subject and while he was get- and lost the trail after the Saddle. ting her harnessed/helmeted up, He was cold, but had food and wa- Stranded Family we setup anchors and prepared a ter. We quickly started back down April 8, 2017 rope to lower the subjects. the trail and made it back to base Joshua Tree National Park Written by Eric Holden about 45 minutes after dark. And of course, 5 minutes later Cameron We had just fnished our Technical shows up with our RMRU com- Rock training at Joshua Tree. Most mand post only to have to turn of the group went home for the around and head back home. night but a few of us decided to camp out. It was about an hour What went wrong: The subject before dark when someone from went on a hike, into the snow, JOSAR (Joshua Tree Search and Subject and Tyler above without the proper gear. He lacked Rescue) drove up and said all their Saddle Junction warm clothing and anything to members went home and wanted

20 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017

We frst lowered the female, but ing and he has been missing since at the LZ we would have to wait due to the age of the youngster Friday. another 90 minutes for the heli- Dave performed a “Pick Off” copter to refuel and come back. maneuver in which both he and As I waited for the sun to rise team After waiting a while, we got the youngster were attached to from all over California were show- word that our helicopter had been the rope. We lowered Dave and ing up. We had searchers from Los diverted to an active shooting that the child in a very textbook like Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, happened at a local San Bernardi- manner. With the sun now gone, Kern, Fresno, and more. From no Elementary School. L.A. coun- we donned headlamps, removed RMRU we had myself and Michael ty would eventually assist with all our gear, and headed back to George. Mike would end up on their helicopter to insert all of our camp. a ropes team searching canyons teams to the peak. while I was teamed up with Cave This was a great showing of how Team member, John. Our assign- Originally, we had planned on well two teams can work together ment was to search from the peak being airlifted in at 0800, it wasn’t to get a mission accomplished. to Dawson Peak, and then to Pine until 1300 when we fnally were Our hats off the all the profes- Mt. We would be inserted by Heli- able to start our assignment. We sionals from JOSAR as their game copter to the peak. started searching our area to the was quite top notch and it was our North of Mt. Baldy and found the pleasure to assist them. conditions to be extremely icy.

RMRU Members Involved: We had to don our crampons and Corey Ellison, Gary Farris, Eric ice axes. We quickly found a single Holden, Tony Hughes, and Tyler set of fresh tracks leading towards Shumway. Dawson peak. John and I followed these tracks up Dawson peak and Summit of Pine Mt. JOSAR Members Involved: over to Pine Mt. The sun was set- Dave, and lots more before the While we were waiting for the he- ting and luckily, we could get a ride mission was completed. Wish I licopter to land, another SAR team back to base from the expert flight could remember all their names member started having chest skills of San Bernardino’s Aviation pains and ended up collapsing. team who landed on the snowy Luckily, we had 10 searchers wait- peak of Pine Mt. Mt. Baldy Search ing to be inserted and it turned out April 10, 2017 we had two nurses, a doctor, and Unfortunately, Sam would be found Mt Baldy multiple EMTs. All quickly rushed deceased the following day on the Written by Eric Holden to provide assistance. With the He- North Side of Mt. Baldy. Whoever licopter coming in we put together we were tracking was not Sam. Our Late Sunday night we got an OES a litter and moved him from the thoughts go out to all those that callout. Type I searchers needed LZ to safety behind some vehicles. knew him and were inspired by his for a missing hiker on Mt. Baldy. I presence on the mountain. May his drove to the Command Post nice San Bernardino County Fire’s spirit rest peacefully on the moun- and early and was the frst search- Helicopter landed and their medic tain he loved so dearly. er to arrive. Our subject was Seuk was quickly able to assess that our Kim, better known to all as Sam. fellow SAR brother was having a LA Times Video of Seuk Doo Kim Sam is a Mt. Baldy Legend, all heart attack. We loaded him into “Sam”LA Times Video that hike there know him. He has the helicopter and they quickly summited the mountain over 700 brought him to the Hospital. Last RMRU Members Involved: times. It was now Monday Morn- I heard he was doing well. Back Michael George and Eric Holden.

21 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Injured PCT Hiker pm. It wasn’t long before we hit based emergency locator beacon / April 26, 2017 snow slowing our progress. With tracking unit with text messaging Fuller Ridge Trail the heavy snowfall, this year in capability. Written by Gary Farris our local mountains the snow still covered about two–thirds of our The subject explained that his The team received a mission call 4 plus mile hike to the subject. We injury occurred when he missed a out late Wednesday afternoon for were blessed with an awesome trail switchback. Once he recog- a Pacifc Crest Trail (PCT) “through sunset and the city lights of Hemet nized his error, he was returning hiker” reporting an ankle injury. far below as we crossed a ridge to to the trail when he slipped over Most “through hikers” seeking to the south side of the mountain. some loose rocks and severely complete all 2,659 miles of this sprained his angle. He described Mexico to Canada trail are nor- it as “blowing up to the size of a mally passing through our region grapefruit”. He setup his tent near this time of year. In less than 3 the PCT and fortunately a water weeks, this was our second call out source was nearby. He communi- to rescue an injured PCT hiker in cated via text on his satellite unit the same Black Mountain / Fuller to adult children his situation and Ridge area. his plan to stay put and rest his foot. As the days passed, 5 days in I met up with Glenn and Tyler at total (yes 5 days) the swelling had the HWY 243 and Fuller Ridge diminished but the subject came Road Junction, loaded up my gear to the conclusion that he would in the team truck, then we drove need assistance in hiking out. At up together for a very slow, almost this point he contacted emergency 1 hour, and bumpy 8 mile drive services requesting assistance. up this severely damaged dirt Tyler and Michael with High winds prevented helicopter road. The good news was, unlike Subject and his Tent our Mission about 2 weeks ago, During our ascent, Tyler and I the road was clear of snow all the passed several other through “this extremely well prepared way to the Fuller Ridge / PCT Trail hikers asking them if they saw the PCT hiker who made an error Junction which saved us about an injured man. Most stated they had very common to anyone extra 2.5 mile hike. The bad news and described his condition as “re- walking a trail, missing a was our subject was located at clusive” or “semi-responsive”. Af- switchback ” least 4 miles up the PCT, well past ter about another mile we caught RMRU RESCUER - our last subject’s location from 3 up with Michael and continued GARY FARRIS weeks ago. under headlamps searching for the subject. Within perhaps another ½ hoist evacuation and the weather Michael George had been assist- mile we reached the subject. With forecast in the morning predicted ing our aviation unit personnel these various “through hiker’s” more of the same. We asked the earlier in the day locating poten- descriptions of the subject in mind subject if he wanted to wait until tial helicopter landing zones in we were pleasantly surprised that the morning to hike out but stated the Idyllwild area so was frst on the subject was in excellent spirits, that after 5 days of sitting around the scene and headed up the trail and in very good physical condi- and his ankle much better decid- before our arrival. While Glenn tion apart from his ankle. He was ed he was ready for an evening worked operations from the team more than adequately stocked decent. After packing up this gear truck, Tyler and I up started up the with food, water and gear. He and distributing most of it be- Fuller Ridge Trail at about 6:30 even had a high-quality satellite tween our three team members to

22 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS MAY 2016 - DECEMBER 2016 lighten his load we began a slow Lost Tramway Hiker walkout to the trailhead. May 23, 2017 My best estimation after learning Tramway to San Jacinto the approximate timeframes and Written by Matt Jordon distances, as well as mixing in my basic knowledge of the mountain The usual time of Tram callouts are problem areas (including less than just after the last car arrives back ideal signage) was now pointing at the valley station, right about toward Wellman’s Divide and the time the sun has set and the Strawberry Cienega. Since we only temperatures drop for the eve- had three rescuers respond imme- ning. It should come as no surprise diately for the held over tramcar, then whenever team members are we decided to leave Shani alone Cory, Tyler, Subject, Michael(Back), tired, showered, and batting their Gary, Glenn, and Cameron in the radio room while Cam and About one third of the way back heavy eyelids after a long workday I swept the Round Valley trail up we were joined by Cameron and only to get a text message that to Wellman’s Divide. We left late, Corey who came up once they there is another overdue hiker, lost around midnight and completed got off work. Perfect timing as somewhere on the mountain. This callouts and good communication we were about to traverse to the was just one of those nights. with Shani along the way. After an north side of the mountain and unusually exhausting slog up to back into the snow. Sections in the divide, we again called out and the snow our subject needed a “By 4am, we had made it back made the best estimation of our lot of assistance descending the to the Mountain Station where time limitations and possible back steeper sections. We arrived back we bedded down for the night up plans for a possible morning to the trailhead at about 2:30 am in the ballroom area....” rescue. The time now was 2am. and then drove back to the road junction at HWY 243 to debrief the By 4am, we had made it back to RMRU RESCUER - subject with the Sheriff’s Deputy. MATT JORDON the Mountain Station where we This was wrapped up at about 4 bedded down for the night in the am and we all headed to our re- The heavy winter provided late ballroom area overlooking the spective homes. season snow patches and crisp backcountry. Minding that the last mountain air which awaited word before the lost hiker’s phone In summary, this extremely well Cameron, Shani and myself after died was that he was four miles prepared PCT hiker who made we converged in the quiet valley away from the peak, we agreed an error very common to any- station lobby. The word was that that this guy could literally be one walking a trail, missing a two hikers went up and only one anywhere by now. We had to wait switchback and continued to walk came down. The subject was an until daybreak to give it another straight. After becoming injured ‘experienced hiker’ -- and the goal shot -- possibly from Humber Park he did the correct thing in setting was the peak. Of course: The hik- up the PCT or maybe even some- up a safe camp and then waiting ers separated on the way up and where near Deer Springs. For now, to see if he would be able to get the now lost hiker couldn’t fnd his we had to get some rest. out on his own. Once he knew he way back. The best info we could would need help he called for it. gather was that the lost hiker did One of the best parts about over- make it to the peak, but then he night missions up the tram is the RMRU Members Involved: hiked downhill about four miles unique experience of bivouacking Cameron Dickinson, Cory Ellison, and was last reported to be at a in the ballroom. It may be as close Gary Farris, Michael George, Glenn slight uphill area -- somewhere, as it gets in Southern California Henderson, and Tyler Shumway. anywhere. to being trapped in the flm The

23 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 Shining where Jack Torrance is Two Lost Hikers and return to the Tram the same hopelessly isolated in the Overlook May 28, 2017 way they came up. As they were Hotel. This night, I recall hearing Angels Glide Trail heading back down from the peak, knocking from what sounded like Written by Cameron Dickinson they made a wrong turn in the the exit door into Long Valley. This trail intersection and ended up happened twice and Cameron The team received a call-out on further south on the Angels Glide confrmed this the next day. All in a Sunday night at approximate- Trail heading towards Idyllwild. all, big raccoons and wearisome ly 9:30pm regarding two hikers They realized they were lost and imaginations could very well be who became lost sometime after it was getting dark, they were the culprit. reaching San Jacinto Peak. Within out of food, water, had no cold 5 minutes after receiving the call, weather clothing, and a dead cell Thankfully by frst light, Glen, I was out the door and in route phone battery. Luckily, they came Alex, and Kevin were ready and start the search. Five other team across some PCT (Pacifc Crest willing to sweep the trail back up members would also respond to Trail) hikers that were camping out the peak as we just got word that the call. After receiving GPS coor- for night, who offered them some the subject had met up with some dinates of the location of our lost food and water. The PCT hikers PCT hikers and was now at the subjects, it was determined that also called 911 and provided GPS infamous stone survival cabin. We base command would be set up at coordinates of the location our advised him to stay put until we Humber Park Trailhead in Idyllwild. lost hikers. sent a team up to make sure there were no more mistakes that would Shani and I would begin our hike. complicate another day. As Shani, Approximately 15 minutes later, Cameron and myself made the our second team consisting of frst car down, Glen, Alex, and Kev- Tony and Michael, would head up in were getting ready to go get the the trail behind us. Another team subject. An hour later, the mission member Dana Potts had arrived was over as the subject was walk- (Cam, Shani, Subjects, Tony, and would manage base along ing out safely. Michael, Raymond) back at base with Ray. After 2.5 hours of hiking we would reach our subjects. The lessons here to hikers are: Once I arrived, I would be greeted Don’t get separated from your by our Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy hiking partner(s) and always have who would brief the team with “They realized they were lost and a mutual backup plan that includes information on our missing sub- it was getting dark, they were proper gear. The lessons for rescu- jects. Team members Ray and out of food, water, had no cold ers are: Pay close attention to the Shani would soon arrive. Since Ray weather clothing, and a dead cell latest (ever changing) information would manage radio communi- phone battery. .. ” and use your network of team cations, Shani and I would be the members to successfully complete frst team out in the feld to initiate RMRU RESCUER - the mission. the search. Our Deputy provided CAMERON DICKINSON us with key information about our They were in good condition, RMRU Members Involved: lost subjects as well as the GPS however one of the male hikers Alex Rilloraza, Cameron Dickin- coordinates of their location. did have some knee pain which son, Glenn Henderson, Matt Jor- we were able to provide some don, Kevin Kearn, Shani Pynn. We were looking for two male temporary relief by compressing/ subjects in their mid-20’s. Their supporting with elastic bandage initial plan was to hike from the wraps. They did have a large Tramway to San Jacinto Peak, campfre going to stay warm, but

24 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 we had to quickly extinguish as it When I arrived, Glen, Michael, is illegal to have campfres openly Corey, and Kevin were at Marion in our local mountains. Since we Mountain campground with the had already reached our subjects, Deputy. Kevin briefed Michael, Co- our second team would hold their rey, and I that our subject, a man position in Saddle Junction and in his mid-60s, had hiked up on act as radio relay between us and Wednesday and stayed overnight base, as it’s somewhat difficult for to Thursday as part of his planned (Shani, Subject, and Corey) on us to get direct radio communica- trip. He then had taken a wrong trail near where subject found tion to base from our location with turn on the trails somewhere, be- the subjects. come lost, and called his daughter Since we had been informed the who, then, contacted the sheriffs subject was in good health we all We would hike back with our sub- to have us called out. carried only essential minimal gear jects and soon met up with Team to be able to cover more ground 2, where we would all hike back faster. We checked in with glen together down to Humber Park at base every half hour with our Trailhead. Our lost hikers made it location and status. While hiking back safely, however exhausted up, we did call outs to the subject from their ordeal. roughly every 10 to 15 minutes as the calm weather was good for RMRU Members Involved: carrying voices and we hoped to Cameron Dickinson, Michael be able to contact him if he was on George, Tony Hughes, Dana Potts, a nearby trail. Shani Pynn, and Ray Weden. Glenn Running Base in the New Communications Van Lost 66-year-old Hiker At this time, we did not have any June 8, 2017 more information on his location Marion Mountain Trail and Kevin called and left a mes- Written by Shani Pynn sage on the subject’s cell phone asking him to call 911 if he got the At roughly 11:45 PM on Thursday message. We then relocated to night the team was called out to the trailhead and began walking (Michael, Kevin, and Subject) at food break help with a hiker in the Marion up Marion Mountain trail. We set Mountain Trail area who had be- out as a four-person team with Shortly after 8:30 AM, when we come lost. The team was directed the intention to separate into two were about a half mile from Deer to meet at the Marion Mountain teams at Deer Springs and check Springs, we contacted our sub- trailhead. As I was driving to the the Fuller Ridge and Deer Springs ject, who had heard our last two trail I got a call from Glenn, who trails on our way back to base if call outs and been moving toward would be running base for the mis- necessary. us along the trail. Kevin radioed sion and he informed me that the in to base that we had located hiker was equipped to spend the our subject so Glen could let any night at his location and we would other team members and Star 9 be starting our search at frst light. know that we would be able to As I was still close to home I went walk him out with the people we back to get a few hours’ sleep had. The subject was in fairly good and then drove to the trailhead to spirits and had had food and water meet the team at 6 AM Friday. Hiking out earlier in the morning. We gave 25 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017

him some more snacks and some spoke with Tyler and knew he was water and Gatorade and waited also on his way. I met with RSO with him for a few minutes before aviation at the entrance to Vail “Teams from all over hiking out. Lake and we quickly set off to the California descended on scene. San Diego to assist in this He told us he had spent too much time up at the peak of the moun- It turns out that Cal Fire already search ” tain and had taken a wrong turn had the subject loaded into their RMRU RESCUER - on the trails on his way back. He litter and were making their way RAYMOND WEDEN ended up on Fuller Ridge and went by foot over to their bird on the down that trail for a couple of ground. After a few circles above tions (though they are not ideal). hours. At this point he called his them it was determined that we The interesting circumstance here daughter to let her know he was were no longer needed. RSO avi- was the area we were searching lost, but okay. Then he found a ation put me back on the ground was an old bomb range. There sheltered spot to spend the night where I met Tyler, ever eager to were signs of exploded ordnance and tried to fnd his way again assist but with no place to go. everywhere. Unfortunately, there in the morning. We thanked him were no signs of our missing for making sure she knew he was RMRU Members Involved: subject. After a long hot day of okay spending the night as that al- Eric Holden and Tyler Shumway searching no teams reported see- lowed us to begin our search in the ing any positive sign of Mr. Sun. morning when we could be safer and better rested. As of writing this Mr. Sun has not Search Missing Person been found. Our thoughts are with After our short break, we started June 18, 2017 the family and friends of Taiheng back down the trail and were able San Diego County and we still hold out hope for a Written by Raymond Weden to hike back down to the trailhead positive outcome. by roughly 10:15 AM without inci- The evening before Father’s Day, dent. There, we met up with Glen June 17th, RMRU was called to RMRU Members Involved: and the Sherriff, who had relocat- assist with a search for an 85-year- Cameron Dickenson, Eric Holden, ed to the trailhead as well. old man. Mr. Taiheng Sun had Tyler Shumway, and Raymond been reported missing on Thurs- Weden. RMRU Members Involved: day June 15. The local San Diego Corey Ellison, Michael George, SAR team had been searching Glen Henderson, Kevin Kearn, and hard but requested as many hands Shani Pynn. Dehydrated Climbers for a big push on Sunday and were June 24, 2017 asked to report at 7am that morn- Tahquitz Rock Vail Lake Hoist ing. Written by Tyler Shumway June 15, 2017 Vail Lake Riverside County Teams from all over California I was having dinner with family Written by Eric Holden descended on San Diego to assist when I received a call out to Hum- in this search. Over 50 searchers ber Park at 7pm for a possible heat While digging an irrigation trench combed the hills outside of Mr. related illness. Upon arriving at in my backyard I got the call that Sun’s residential community he Mountain Center, I got a call from we needed a person for a helicop- had been known to hike on a reg- Gwenda to report to Keenwild ter rescue out of Vail Lake. I quick- ular basis. The temperature was Heliport for a hoist with Riverside ly put down my pick ax and put about 100 degrees with no shade, County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. on my team shirt. While in-route I but we are used to those condi Star 9 was able to get a location

26 RMRU NEWSLETTER MISSION REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2017 on the subject which put him right status which was indicative of Recovery Fallen Climber in the middle of the North Gulley Heat Stroke. Upon my arrival Cal July 08, 2017 descent route on Tahquitz Rock. Fire had already given him a liter Tahquitz Rock Climbers use this route for descent of fuids by IV and his condition Written by Pete Carlson after climbing Tahquitz rock. was improving. Subject also stated the they had 3 liters of water t was supposed to be a day of joint and that still was not enough to technical training on Suicide Rock stave off severe dehydration. The with RMRU and DSAR (Desert climbing partner however, was Search and Rescue). We started not experiencing any heat related hiking up the climber’s trail to symptoms. Suicide Rock at 8am with packs full of ropes, technical gear, and Red Circle is where the a litter. We had just reached the hoist took place “ He immediately recognized beginning of the dirt trail when we heard a helicopter circling over After gearing up at the heliport the symptoms as a heat base Star 9 picked me up at 8pm. Tahquitz Rock. When we looked up The Pilot and (Technical Flight problem and was able to get we saw it was the Riverside County Office) TFO pointed out the exact a cell signal and call for help” Sheriff’s Star-9 and we knew it was be a mission. Sure enough when position of the subject and were RMRU RESCUER - we made contact they reported able to safely lower me right to TYLER SHURNWAY them. The subject was already in a body had been found near the good company with Cal Fire and a Light was fading and given the base of the rock and we would be member of State Parks who had subjects symptoms I put him in a needed to help with the recovery. hiked up from Humber Park to the screamer suit and requested star 9 subject. They got to his position for a hoist. The subject was safely 30 minutes prior to my arrival and hoisted and returned to Keenwild had provided medical aid. They for further medical attention. Star were two male climbers in their 9 returned shortly after that to mid to late 20’s and they had just pick up me up while it was decid- fnished White Maidens Walkway ed that Cal Fire and State Parks which is a long and varied route would hike out with the climbing up Tahquitz rock. Temperatures partner. Back at the Heliport I met Wrapping a Tree as Anchor were in the middle 90’s that day up with Cameron and the RMRU We returned to the Suicide Rock in Idyllwild and on the rock face Rescue Truck who were standing Trail head and move our cars up temperatures could very well have by in case I needed help or gear to the Tahquitz Rock Trailhead. reached close to the 100 degrees. from the Rescue Truck. The mis- Within minutes a Sheriff’s Deputy sion was over by at 8:45pm. This arrived on scene and told us that When they started the descent was my frst hoist with Riverside two climbers had called 911 to say route one of the climbers noticed County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and they had found a body at the base his buddy was becoming very I want to thank all parties involved of the Trough. We did not know fatigued and state of mind was al- for the successful mission. what gear we would need so we tered. He immediately recognized took everything that we had been the symptoms as a heat problem RMRU Members Involved: going to take on training. Tony and was able to get a cell signal Cameron Dickinson, was assigned to run the mission and call for help. Per the subject Tyler Shumway, and Shani Pynn and be basecamp. Ray stayed and Cal Fire he was having bouts back to hike the Coroner in once of vomiting and altered mental they arrived at base.

27 RMRU NEWSLETTER from Page 9 MRA LIFESAVING AWARD - MATT JORDON

Then we belayed the Coroner back down to the trail and put the climber into the litter to be lower back to the trail at the base of the rock. Once on the trail the Coroner did detail check of the deceased and found a driver’s license that identity the climber as George Wu. We then added a wheel to the bottom of the litter so we could wheel it back to the parking lot.

It always takes hard work to get the wheeled litter down the climber’s trail, but with 15 rescue members to all take turns we were Lowering subject down Third Class Rock to Trail able to belay it down to the Ernie A slow and steady hike of 35 kit, hat, knife, food, and one shoe) Maxwell Trail it about 1 hour. Once minutes got us up to lunch rock that he had been at least 150-250 back at base we sorted gear and where we meet the two climbers feet above where he was found. put it back into the rescue truck who had found the body. They led We guess that he was up in the and then went to (Lunch-Dinner) us over to the Trough where about ffth class climbing when he fell. at 3pm in Idyllwild before heading 100 feet above the trail was the home. Our thoughts and condo- fallen climber. It was now 10am. lences are with the family and The two climbers that found him friends of George Wu. had been to Suicide Rock for the frst-time last week and this was RMRU Members Involved: there frst time to Tahquitz Rock. Cameron Dickenson, Pete Carlson, They had been going to do the Corey Ellison, Gary Farris, Michael Trough today, but after fnding the George, Donny Goetz, Glenn Hen- body decide they were not feeling Litter always on Belay derson, Eric Holden, Tony Hughes, like climbing today. We told them We set up an anchor on a tree and Tyler Shumway, and Raymond thanks for helping and to come attached a rope and got the litter Weden. back again that Tahquitz is a great up to near the climber. We then place to climb. had to wait for the Coroner and a DSAR Members Involved: Deputy who arrived around noon. John Eddy, Sharon Ollenburger, Once on scene we belayed the Joe McEuen, and Jason Roberson. Coroner up the Third-Class terrain to the climber where she exam- Riverside County Sheriff’s ined the body and all the lose gear Involved: and took lots of photos. The Res- Aviation Unit, Coroner’s Office, cue members then gathered up and several Sheriff’s. all the lose gear into a bag. With Carry out down Climbers Trail the Coroner’s help, we prepare the It appeared that the climber had climber to be loaded into the litter. been free soloing and by the items that we found above him (frst aid

28 RMRU NEWSLETTER Testimonials

Our Reward are the people we help

VERSID RI E

E O U U C N S T A I N R E

Dear Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, Words cannot describe the feelings and thankfulness for saving our brother’s life. How precious each and every one of you are to care enough to risk your own lives to save another’s. Your dedication, professionalism, your tal- ents and skills, your compassion and your willingness are so very appreciated. WOW! ! Katherine

To the Riverside Mountain Rescue Team, Thank you for taking time out of your night on Friday to search for my friend Heidi, and I when we lost the trail on the way back from San Jacinto Peak. While I know it is something you gladly do – and enjoy – I do apologize for taking up your time because I made a very horrible mistake. You guys are awesome! Tom

Dear Sirs, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the search and rescue from Cabazon Moun- tain. Words can never even begin to express the new found appreciation and admiration I have for the jobs that each and every one of you do. I really appreciate the quick response to your Rescue Unit and the coordination with the Sheriff’s department. Because of your quick action I believe that I am here today and with my family and now have a new outlook on life and what is really important, and I thank you for that. Thank you for staying with my family during this time. Your compassions for humanity really shows. Best Regards Always, Won

Dear Friends, I just celebrated my first anniversary of being saved by your dedicated volunteers. My hats off to you especially Sully who went way beyond the call of duty. Keep up the good works. God Bless Al

Dear Sirs, I would like to thank you on behalf of my husband and granddaughter for the assistance you gave and my son’s family last night and this morning. My husband and I are not hikers (although my husband is a retired Ma- rine) so this is something we don’t ordinarily do. When we got stuck up in the forest overnight we knew we would have to fend for ourselves, but we also were pretty certain that our son and daughter-in-law would call for help. They did and you were magnificent. I also want to thank the volunteer search and rescue team, which was following us even though we never saw them. I know that having such a group is your area gives your residents and guests a great sense of security. I know that they are not under your command, but would you please forward our thanks. Kim

29 RMRU NEWSLETTER from Page 9 MRA LIFESAVING AWARD - MATT JORDON

could scramble our gear and haul We were giving each other high ass to the chopper. We flew down fives and thumbs up to Jennifer, the dirt road from South Ridge “...by the tear he managed the eagle-eyed CHP pilot who — my beater truck (a 1970 Chevy Clive could barely believe spotted him. “This was great!” I Luv) was banging around and I was what just happened to him. took a final photo of the spot Clive still bursting a lung from the uphill He was overjoyed to be alive.” was found in — just on the other run back to base. After a quick side of an old dead stub in the launch from the helicopter base, RMRU RESCUER - middle of nowhere San Jacinto. It we doubled down on Clive, taking MATT JORDON was his spot to die and I could tell about 20 minutes to visually spot by the tear he managed that he him in his black and grey outfit in a all right! With the chopper flying could barely believe what just hap- dense 15’ - 100’ tall forest of giant above me and the wind howling, pened to him. He was overjoyed Manzanita and mature Fir and I asked Clive what day it was and to be alive. That was the last time Pine. We were circling tighter and said: “Friday!” — it was Saturday. I saw Clive. tighter; if I wasn’t wearing a seat- Clive had endured seven days belt, I’d have fallen straight down without food, water, appropriate At the end of the day, we rendez- through the helicopter! gear or shelter. It was a bad part voused at Keenwild after Clive was of the mountain and he was lucky taken the hospital. We watched to be alive! I managed to help one of the most beautiful sun- him up just long enough to thread sets just after we landed as we the screamer suit on him before removed our gear from the he- Glen made his way down too. We licopter. All ended well that day were going to get Clive out but my and everyone was very thankful greatest fear now was that he was we pulled it off before dark. One going to have a heart attack on more night in the woods and no- the way out. body thought we’d ever find Clive alive. With divine oversight and TFO Eric Hannum getting Clive collapsed again onto the good help, we did. ready to fly brush, he couldn’t stand but I We were now trying to locate hooked him up properly and got a RMRU Members Present: Clive by air while trying to follow helmet on his head right before his Cameron Dickinson, Gary Farris, moving directions given by air. It haul out by RSO. It was a dramatic Mike George, Glenn Henderson, was complicated and somewhat stroke of luck at just the right mo- Tony Hughes, Matt Jordon, and nauseating — fun though! “WE ment. With personal experience, Ray Weden. GOT HIM!” Eric with RSO Avi- this wasn’t luck at all — this was ation yelled out! I was lowered divine intervention. This was a Desert Search and Rescue right into a huge patch of deadfall miracle that we got him. Clive was (DSAR) Members Present: about 50’ away but this was the meant to be found. We watched Sharon Ollenburger, Mike Smith, only place I could land. I scram- him pulled up and away. Jacob Paull, and Joe McEuen. bled uphill and reached out to Clive who was laying there like a Glen and I sat there in the brush, Riverside County Sheriff Officers dead man. watching the sunset in the dis- Involved: tance. The fall colors and the Deputy James and Star 9 TFO Eric Clive looked dead but he managed dancing light seemed like the Hannum and Pilot Mike Calhoun. to reach out his hand to me, when perfect finish to one hell of a week we grasped hands I told him that that Clive must’ve endured. We CHP Members Involved: Fixed everything was going to be were so happy to have got him. Wing Officer Jennifer Earle.

30 ABOUT RIVERSIDE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT

FOUNDED 1961 MEMBER MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION 1963 GOVERNING BODY: RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

MEMBERS: ORIGINAL: 6 | CURRENT MEMBERS: 32 ANNUAL BUDGET: ORIGINAL $200 | CURRENT $15,000 MISSIONS: TOTAL OVER 2,000 | AVERAGE PER MONTH: 3.33

TRAINING CALENDAR RMRU BOARD MEMBERS Team Training 2016 - Technical Rock: July 04 Gwenda Yates - President

- Lone Pine Peak - Eric Holden - 1st Vice-President High Sierras Aug 04 -06 Cameron Dickinson - 2nd Vice-President

- GPS / Map / Compass Sept 09 Ray Weden - Secretary Kevin Kearn - Member at Large -Technical Rock: Oct 07

- Night Helitac Nov 04

- Christmas Party Dec 09 Newsletter Editor - Gary Farris BECOME A SUSTAINING MEMBER

SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP APPLICATON Your Donaton is deductible from both your state and federal taxes RMRU tax ID number for Not-for-Profit status 95-2497048 NAME ______ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______Membership Types: Please send your donation to: O Benefactor Club $1,000 + O Summit Club $500 Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit O Patron Club $200 43950 Acacia Street O Century Club $100 Hemet, California 92544 O Supporting Club $25

31 Help save a life. Join RMRU rmru.org

Courage. Commitment. Compassion.