Story on Yosemite Rescues

“The latest Nat'l Geo Adventure mag has a story on the folks that had to be rescued off the face of El Cap in October. It was remarkable how stupid some of the people were. There was a storm approaching, but they didn't bring enough warm stuff, shelter, or food/water. Amazing that people with the depth of experience you have to have to be able to climb that thing would make such bonehead mistakes. I wrote a letter to the editor saying so, so we'll see if they publish it or if they stick with the feel-good tone of the other letters they publish....”

“I just received the magazine yesterday. I will take a look at the story.”

“I saw it and waiting to savor it while I have time to read the whole thing uninterrupted.

Did you read the article about people on Mount Washington last month. Can't remember which publication, Outside or NG Adventure. Amazingly stupid”

“Read it, great article.”

“I'd love to track down the Mt. Washington article if anyone knows where to look.”

“I am almost done with the book I am reading (Band of Brothers) and will read it then.

Curious here, should these people, that had to be rescued, be charged for what it cost to rescue them or even face charges (endangerment)?

What'ca think?”

“Wasn't that a couple of issues ago?

Yep, November.
last edited: 1/13/05 11:15:01 AM”

“Seems to me that the rescuees usually have to pay for it. If it's a medical emergency, sometimes your health insurance will pay, or will specifically exclude that. I remember that we bought some minimal travel insurance for our vacation last year and there were certain circumstances that were covered and excluded that might apply to a backcountry experience. I seem to recall that insurance covering this type of rescue is not all that expensive - the insurance companies realize that it doesn't happen that often so they can make pretty decent money from it.”

“Mammoth Mountain Rescue: A few weeks ago, a guy went a little out of bounds. Didn't pay attention to sign (most of it buried), and went down. He didn't make a right turn, and ended up in Reds Mdw. He was rescued 11-12 hrs later. Cost to him was ~$500 (for snowcat time spent clearing part of the road down to Reds Mdw).

Mammoth Backcountry rescue: Snowboarder got caught in an avalanche, hit a tree, broke leg, spun around and wrapped around another tree, broke the other leg with 6" exposed bone sticking out of his ski pants. His friend dug him out (buried chest deep with head downhill) before going for help, the heli was there an hour later. Don't know what the cost was for that one or who paid.

Death Valley: Last month a guy got his rental truck stuck by Hunter Mountain (near the race track). He hiked out 6 miles, then hitched a ride to get help. Cost to him was $810 (towing).”

“Ouch!”

“OK, so I got an email from Nat'l Geo Adventure Magazine saying they plan to publish an edited version of my letter in their April issue. They asked me if their version was OK; it was. Guess I'm just too wordy....”

“Did you post your letter yet? Or can you not until the mag comes out?”

“BowlderMan,
Don't feel bad. Probably 100% of the letters most magazines receive are edited.”

“As long as your letter doesn't end up on their corkboard with a sign over it that says "GET A LOAD OF THIS!" you're doing pretty good.”

“They didn't say I couldn't post it, but I think maybe I'll wait until it comes out and then post my original version here so we can compare. But their editing of it is fine - no complaints....

I wonder if I go up to Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley after it's published if I'll find it nailed to a tree with dart holes all over it....”

“Now that's funny!!”

“I'm famous! Or infamous....

No midnight phone calls with no one on the other end (from ticked off climbers) yet.

Here's what you'll find in the current issue:

"Thank you for the excellent article “Six Nights on the Dark Tower” [February]. I was backpacking in the Sierras that same stormy weekend when the seven climbers got stuck on El Capitan. While reading the article, I was struck by the number of errors made by some of the climbers, foremost not bringing sufficient gear, food, or water. I was also shocked that some climbers were surprised by the storm. For a week prior to our trip, I followed the reports posted by the National Weather Service on the Internet. It was clear that a significant storm was approaching, the only questions were exactly when and how severe. Based on the reports and knowledge of the terrain, our group made some gear and food adjustments before proceeding. I can’t help but think the deaths could have been avoided if more preparation had been involved."

Actually, less harsh than my original letter - I'll post the original tomorrow (don't have it here).”

“Rather diplomatic actually... I can't imagine any climber taking issue with anything in it. I have talked to several wall rats who's comments were considerably more, shall we say harsh ;-)”

“Marty
I can't find my note I wrote to remind me about your article... Is it in the NG adventure issue?”

“Yes, 'tahoe, it's the current, hot off the presses National Geographic Adventure....”