Updated Alert: Two Michigan Hunters Missing In Colorado

UPDATE:  Both Hunters have now been found and accounted for.  You can read the details here.

I normally don’t post much on the sport of hunting, but this story has hit close to home and has some personal ties to the Skinny Moose blogging community.  I received an email alert from Mike Adams, who runs the Skinny Moose blog Hooks and Bullets.  A couple of friends of his pastor’s daughter have went missing in Colorado while they were out on a hunting trip.  They were due back on November 9th.

Here’s Mike’s message:

I received an email last night from my pastor about two hunters missing in Colorado. My pastor’s daughter sent the original email and she knows this family personally, they are friends of her and her husbands. These two men, Charles “Mike” Boso III and William “Mark” Boso left Kalamazoo Michigan to hunt in the Meeker Colorado area. They were last seen on October 31st in the Meeker area and haven’t been heard from since. They were supposed to return home on November 7th. The vehicle they were driving was a maroon 2000 Ford F-350 extended cab pickup with Michigan license plates of 7JF-L43. If you have seen or know anything about the location of these two men, please call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Dept. in Michigan at: 269-383-8821.  The news story can be found on WOOD-TV 8.

This is an unfortunate situation, but one that does seem to happen on a regular basis.  There is an ongoing search taking place in Colorado for the two men.  Authorities have still not heard anything, but are looking to the community to help.  If you know or hear of anything, or possibly see this vehicle, please contact your local police department or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department.

Mike goes on to suggest some good information, not only for hunters planning a trip, but for anyone that will be out in the wilderness for an extended period of time.  Once again, from Hooks and Bullets:

Read more

Updated: Indiana And Kentucky Teens Die In Climbing Accident At Red River Gorge

Two teen climbers have been found dead at Kentucky’s famed Red River Gorge.  Laura Fletcher, 18, of Brownsburg, Indiana was found along with her partner, Benjamin E. Strohmeier, 18, of Hebron, Kentucky near Torrent Falls in Wolfe County, Kentucky.  The two climbers had been missing since Monday morning.

Authorities have stated that equipment failure did not play a role in the two deaths.  It is not known if the two climbers were ascending or descending the area when the accident occurred, but an investigation into this incident is currently ongoing.  A couple of climbers in the area came across the two climbers late last evening, but there was nothing that could be done.  They quickly called the authorities and search and rescue converged on the scene.  The victims’ familys have been notified of this tragic incident.

Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is world famous to the climbing community with amateurs and pros alike.  Each year, Kentucky’s Red River Gorge hosts one of the premier climbing congregations in the nation that see thousands of rock climbers and boulderers converge on the scene for a weekend of climbing, films, and lectures.

Editor’s Personal Note: Brownsburg, Indiana is a small community just west of Indianapolis.  Growing up in Indiana, I lived 10 miles away from this community, but spent many Sundays at a Brownsburg church.  This is a small, but tight community, where most people know everyone else.  My thoughts and prayers are with Laura and Benjamin’s families and with both communities who now have to deal with this sudden loss.  I ask all of you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Click Below for two more updates to this tragic accident.

Read more

2,500 Marathon Runners Lost, Found, and Finally Rescued During UK’s ‘Original Mountain Marathon’

More than 2,500 people had to be rescued over the weekend during one of the U.K.’s annual adventure marathons.  The annual “Original Mountain Marathon’ began even after stern warnings had been sent out in regards to bad weather in the area.  Authorities are confident that this event should have been cancelled prior to the start, but event organizers tried to keep everything on pace and put on a good event.

After the start of the marathon, the weather took a turn for the worst.   Huge sheets of rain flooded down on participants resulting in hypothermic competitors and flash flooding through the U.K.’s rugged Lake District.  Roads were washing out and competitors had to worry about crossing areas in waist-deep water.  Event organizers soon called the race off due to weather and flood dangers and sent in the search and rescue after all 2,500 competitors.

By the end of the evening all runners had been accounted for and no major injuries were reported.  This situation, while pretty dire looking (watch this video), at least had a better outcome than what could have taken place under such circumstances.  Competitors and race organizers all suggested that they were warned before the start that things could get ugly.  Perhaps they all seen this as a new challenge before the race, but now think of the situation quite differently.  Let’s hope that the next time warnings are given, that participants will take notice…

It is not known whether race organizers or participants will be charged for this latest search and rescue, but we do know that it will definitely be debated with this many people involved.  To join in the debate and discuss this latest issue on search and rescue, please follow this link.

Photos Released, Before and After, Of Recent Snowcave Collapse And Rescue In Washington State

KVAL, out of Eugene, Oregon, has released a series of photos taken from family members of two boys who recently got trapped after their snowcave collapsed near Denny Creek, 50 miles outside of Seattle..  The snowcave collapse resulted in a massive rescue effort as family members looked on in horror.

The snowcave is thought to have been made naturally by a nearby creek.  The two boys had stepped inside the cave for a quick photo op when tons of snow and ice came crashing down on them.  Rescue workers spent the better part of five hours attempting to reach the boys who were buried beneath 6 feet of solid snow and ice.  After chipping away at the mass with shovels, axes, and chainsaws, rescuers were finally able to break the boys free.

The last update I have seen had one of the victims listed in serious condition, while the other was listed as stable.  Both individuals had suffered broken backs and were expected to have surgery on Friday.  Most of the injuries involved were due to exposure and the falling ice.

By looking at the photos, which begin with the boys inside the snowcave, it is pretty hard to believe that they were able to survive the collapse.  Luckily, family members heard the collapse and went running for help, while also making a 911 call to local authorities.  Both boys had to be Heli-Evaced from the area, but thankfully, they were alive.  The rescue authorities and the family members all deserve some credit for responding in a fast and efficient manner–luckily, this time things lined up right.  Let’s hope these guys can recieve the required help and get on the path of recuperation.

BREAKING: Six Australian Climbers Lost On Mt. Cook Have Been Found

Six Australian climbers who have been missing on New Zealand’s Mt. Cook have been found alive.  Local authorities were alerted to the missing hikers/climbers after a Personal locator beacon had been set off signaling that the climbers were in trouble.  Rescue workers had spent the better part of two days searching for the missing group, but had been hampered by bad weather.

A helicopter spotted the party of climbers at 7:45 am New Zealand time, this morning.  The climbers were found near the Metelille Glacier, near the base of Mt. Cook.  All six climbers have been accounted for and have been medically checked for injuries with no one showing any kind of inury related to the two days they spent lost.  Finally some good news!

It is being mentioned the the group was harder to find, even with their PLB system, because they were using an older model that does not provide an exact location like a current GPS.  The members were well prepared and had left a note saying where they were going to be on Mt. Cook, and when they intended to return.

Search for Climber on Washington’s Mt. Baker

A Lynden, Washington climber failed to return from a solo climb yesterday on Washington’s Mt. Baker. Search and Rescue officials have currently restarted their efforts to find the lost climber after having to end their search yesterday. Bad weather and high altitude are both playing havoc with the search team.

The climber, 31 year old Kevin LaFleur, had told friends his intentions of climbing Mt. Baker a day previous. Others in the Mt. Baker vincinity are reporting winds in excess of 50 mph at the 5,200 foot elevation. Searchers were planig on going above 6,800 fet today in efforts to spot possible tracks that may have been left. This attempt may be futile though, as high winds and fresh snow blanket the area.

For more on this, head over to Seattle’s KIRO-TV Channel 7 for further reports.

Photos of Snickers and Gulliver and an Update to Save the Adventurous Duo

A couple of days ago I put up a post called “A Real Saga of ‘Walt Disney’ Proportions: Dog Rescued After Three Months at Sea and Four Months on Pacific Atoll“.

This post outlined an ongoing rescue attempt of two animals, Snickers the dog and Gulliver the Macaw, who had taken quite a journey, then ended up needlessly abandoned on an island in the Pacific. With the help of some very generous people and businesses the two might have a chance at making it back to the US.

I have been contacted by someone very close to this ordeal, who has decided to share an update with myself–which in turn I must share with you. To catch up on the background to this story story just click the first link in this post.

Now For the Update:

Snickers has officially made it back to the United States–Las Vegas, specifically where he has met up with his new owner Jack Joslin. Through the gracious and generous support of Hawaiian Airlines, Snickers was able to board the flight and head back to the mainland safe and sound.

From a first-hand account emailed to me by one of Snicker’s caretakers in Hawaii:

“I’m exhausted - got Snickers off and he’s officially safe in
Las Vegas. You may be the first to hear this. Local press is aware
but we haven’t granted any interviews to anyone else. Photo is of the
two of us at Hawaiian Air’s airport cargo area. He got lots of
playtime before being put in his crate, exhaused, to sleep the flight
away. My sister, Tina Young, picked him up in LA and drove him to Las
Vegas where they met Jack and his other dog, Missy, to meet under
non-stressful conditions. They are going to be one happy family.

Before Snickers’ return to the States, I was taken back by how someone could just leave their pets to fend for themselves. I actually thought money for the rescue might be the issue, and in my previous post on this story, I did mention that the family that owned both Snickers and Gulliver had not been able to be reached. It looks as if this is not the case at all!

“The original owners abandoned the pets. You can be sure I wouldn’t have left the island without them. They left them to fend for themselves or die. Read Martin Troost’s travel book, “The Sex Lives of Cannibals” to get a clear idea of how dogs are treated. Some good
laughs too - it is quite funny. The owners did a Montel Williams show and clearly had no interest in raising awareness about the animals.

The couple that originally found the animals on Fanning Island, Robby and Lorraine Coleman, were actually the ones who kicked off the network that would eventually put an animal rescue mission into place for the forgotten animals. Without them stepping in and trying to make an attempt at this rescue, both Snickers and Gulliver would have met a sure death. The Kiribati government looked at them as an invasive species–one not original to the island–and were setting forth motions that would have certainly resulted in their demise.

Since Snickers has made it safely to Las Vegas and been united with his new owner, the focus of the rescue now lies with Gulliver the Macaw. His situation is a bit different. He was originally purchased in the United States. The previous owners are failing to provide any information as to where the bird was purchased. Macaws are considered an exotic species. Without this information, and with the previous owners failing to cooperate with the rescue attempt, it may mean that originally this bird was obtained illegally–as many of this species are.

With Snickers already in the States and the story playing throughout the press, it is imperative that this saga not be forgotten. Snickers and Gulliver have been around each other for a long time–they began this journey together some four months ago, and it is only fitting that they end it back home where there is a chance for not only survival, but a long and happy life in loving care.

In order to get Gulliver home, there are still some pretty big hurdles in the way. A couple of lawyers have stepped up to make an effort to get through all of the red tape of getting an exotic species back to the United States. If this works, then the effort will commence by trying to gain the support of an avian veternarian. He will be required to make two seperate trips to the country, and then get transportation back to Los Angeles, the only port where birds can be imported from another country.

Those taking part in the recent rescue of Snickers, and hopefully the planned rescue of Gulliver have called on me to publicize their need for support and assistance in this ongoing struggle to ensure both animals get back home. They have specifically mentioned the need for an Avian Vet, and quite possibly the use of a personal jet. The ride from the South Pacific, with Gulliver in tow, can not stop at Hawaii to refuel, but must fly straight through. The project can also use any and all monetary donations, and they have specifically stated that all money donated is tax deductable. You may make a donation to the cause by following this link–Gulliver’s Island: Dedicated to Saving One Special Bird –where even a dollar or two will help drastically in this cause. Stop by, check out the site and project, including Gulliver’s future home.

As for Snickers, a special “THANKS” to all involved for a successful rescue. They include Hawaiian Airlines, the Hawaii Human Society, ‘Lectronic Latitude the online journal of Latitude 38, NCL Cruise Lines, and the big hearts of Jack Joslin and Robby and Lorraine Coleman. A special thanks also goes out to the Press and coverage currently making the rounds. Without this saga in the Press, most of this probably would not have happened.  If I have forgotten anyone, leave a comment.  Your time and resources are appreciated as well!

Personal Locator Beacons New ‘Hot Topic” in the Outdoor World

Personal Locator Beacons, or PLB’s as they are often referred to in the press, have been the subject of some highly contested debates in the climbing world, but now that debate is expanding.

For those of you not familiar with what a PLB is or does and how it could potentially help you then perhaps you are not alone.  A PLB, as the name suggests, is a small beacon that is carried on you that will transmit a signal to a satelite and then on to the authorities if you would ever happen to get lost in the wilderness, or on a climb..ect.  I even know some parents who would love to have this technology to keep track of their kids..

PLB’s have become the hot topic in the outdoor world, especially after some very high profile search and rescue efforts over the past couple of years.  It all began in December of 2006 with three climbers who became lost on Mt. Hood, then subsequently perished before they were able to be rescued.  The debate heated up across the climbing community. 

People involved in the search efforts argue that the PLB’s will not only save time and money on search and rescue missions–but they may also save more lives in these scenarios.  Oregon recently passed a law requiring PLB’s on all climbers attempting Mt. Hood. Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Russian Canoeists Missing in China Rescued Alive!

Breaking News—Breaking News—Breaking News—-Breaking News

 

Reuters has reported within the last 30 minutes that two of the six missing Russian Canoeists have been rescued in China.  The two members of the Russian team were rescued after nearly three weeks of search and rescue efforts revealed little. 

Alexander Zverev was the first member to be rescued today, and on a television news program he proclaimed that he had thought the other five members of the team had died in the canoe accident three weeks ago.  Zverev survived with very little food, if any, for three weeks in the deep gorges of China.

Just hours after Zverev’s miraculous recovery, news hit the Russian Television station Vesti-24 that another member had been found alive.  Andrei Pautov, 28, had as well, survived.

The six members of the Russian canoe expedition took off three weeks ago along the Yurungkatz River for what was suppose to be a routine canoe trip.  Two seperate canoes took the riders down the river, then tragedy struck.  The first canoe carrying two members capsized.  There was no hope.  The follow-up canoe grabbed their comrades out of the river and left them on the bank, dead.  The other four continued on.  On down the river the second canoe, as the first, capsized as well.

Last weekend, three bodies were recovered.  Two on the bank and one from the river.  With the rescue of the two Russians today, a renewed effort may be placed into the search that had long lost hope of a successful recovery of anyone being found alive.  Somewhere, Someplace.  There is still one member of this team not found.  Let’s all hope and pray that he will be brought home as well and hopefully alive.

 

An Adventurist Editorial: The Stephen Fossett Debates

We should have all seen this one coming from a mile away–

Going into days 5 and 6 for the ongoing search of legendary adventurer Steven Fossett, people are starting to take their focus off of the search and more onto the debates surrounding these types of events when they occur–

First it began with how great of an adventurer Steven Fossett is.  Over the past few days this focus has slowly moved to the motives of a “Risk-Taker” and if Stephen Fossett’s family should be charged for the search currently taking place.

Both of these items are highly debatable and both of them generally always surround a high profile search, especially if the person involved was also a part of anything that has a certain risk-factor to it or has been the focus of media attention in the past.

Personally, I began taking notice of these debates around December of last year when three climbers became lost on Mt. Hood.  The ensuing search, that garnered massive media coverage, soon became a debate for a cause. 

It may be the cause of the general media’s focus to always provide something new to a highly viewed (and rated) story.  Running out of new leads, they hop back on the bus and get everyone involved in raging debates that once again spark interest to previous stories of the same general nature.

Two questions always emerge:  Should the families of the person being searched for have to pay for this service?  And secondly–the risk involved.  How could they do this to their families and loved ones?  What is it about risk that triggers these people to always endanger their lives? Read more

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