– Mono County Sheriff’s Office press release
On the evening of Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at approximately 6:00 pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received notification that a SPOT device had been activated on the PCT Trail near Upper Piute Meadows.
Two ultra-marathon runners were attempting to run from Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass in 24 hours. They departed Tuolumne Meadows around noon, carrying only minimal food and supplies, when severe weather caught them off guard on the PCT Trail near Upper Piute Meadows.
Numerous storm cells were passing through the area and stream crossings and flooding were high concerns. The runners activated their SPOT device. The Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was called to aid the runners.
Six search and rescue team members responded to the incident. The team staged in Bridgeport and readied food and shelter to be hiked in to the runners. A Longhorn helicopter from Fallon also responded to help the SAR ground team.
The helicopter crew located the runners, safely hoisted them aboard the helicopter and transported them to the Bridgeport Airport. Mono County Paramedics assessed the runners, one of whom was experiencing stage-two hypothermia. After providing warmth and food, SAR team members transported the runners to their vehicle parked in Tuolumne Meadows.
I remember several years ago when my friend Danny Trudeau and his friend hiked from the Tamarack area to the hot Springs near Devils Postpile. A predicted huge storm hit and they tried to get out on the second day. They failed to find their way to Tamarack so Danny… Read more »
With affection, I am placing all of the above comments in the category of “My God, these kids today!!! What is the world coming to!” By cracky.
Another concern about these rich-boys and their toys… they obviously don’t consider that EVERY time the S&R guys and gals go out on a call, it is inherently dangerous for THEM. What if one of those choppers had engine trouble and crashed while looking for these fools? During a search… Read more »
Is this the new campaign to attract visitors? Visit Mono County! Be an idiot! Don’t worry, we will take care of you! As I said before – I was sitting in the same storm in the same vicinity. I was away from my camp for part of the day but… Read more »
After re-reading the press release I have come to the conclusion that our resources were utilized to accomplish catering and shuttle service to these two. The helicopter plucked them up, they were given blankies and supper and driven back to their car. Our hospitality is second to none!
This policy of taxpayers paying for SAR extractions must change! It seems there also has been an increase in searches every year. These people making poor decisions should have to pay to play. Why should I have to pay for their mistakes?! Here I am working 12 hour days to… Read more »
Concerned, you make some excellent points. The way it works is that the county where the “victim” lives is billed by Mono County for the for the expenses incurred for the rescue of their citizen in Mono County. You and the other posters are correct. With inexpensive availability of satellite… Read more »
I long for the days when hikers, climbers, and backpackers acquired skills before entering the mountains, plus common sense. Now, anyone with some money can buy their security, and rely on others without consequences. The use of cell phones, satellite phones, GPS, and spot devices is getting out of control,… Read more »
I believe they are known as the 10 ESSENTIALS for a very good reason.
Really, why take a look at the weather report or carry survival gear when all you have to do is push the “mommy” button and someone will come in to save you? I doubt these fools have learned a thing except that they can get a free ride out of… Read more »
may also be worth pointing out that the only major “stream crossing” between the rescue location and Sonora Pass has A BRIDGE!
I hope they along with many others who are assisted by MCSAR contribute a generous donation to the SAR group.
B. Richter
Can these entitled guys with their expensive toys & too much time on their hands, NOT able to read a freakin’ weather report ?