shagdeuce
08-30-2012, 03:09 PM
http://home.nps.gov/morningreport/
On August 16th, Deterich Bolck, a 77-year-old German national, hiked into the
lower end of the Left Fork route, intending to visit a formation about
four-and-a-half miles from the trailhead. Late in the day, Bolck slipped on a
rock and injured his knee. To avoid cramps and stay warm, he slowly hiked in
circles through the night. On the morning of the 17th, Bolck encountered some
hikers who sent a text message to relatives requesting assistance from the park.
Ranger Nick Wood hiked to Bolck's location about two-and-a-half miles from the
trailhead and found that he was able to walk slowly. Bolck believed that he
could hike to the trailhead, so he and Wood slowly began making their way out of
the canyon. Over the next six hours, Bolck and Wood hiked one mile. An ascent
of a steep 500 foot slope is required about a half mile from the Left Fork
trailhead; although hikers travel up and down the slope on a well-used social
trail, a litter carry up the slope would be challenging and hazardous to
rescuers. As dark approached, Bolck still had not reached the bottom of the
ascent. A ranger spent that night in the canyon with him. After a good night's
sleep, Bolck's mobility had not improved. Rangers discussed options for carrying
him up the hill, including a direct carry up the difficult route, a 700 foot
guiding line, or a helicopter short haul operation. Based on available
resources, the non-critical nature of Bolck
On August 16th, Deterich Bolck, a 77-year-old German national, hiked into the
lower end of the Left Fork route, intending to visit a formation about
four-and-a-half miles from the trailhead. Late in the day, Bolck slipped on a
rock and injured his knee. To avoid cramps and stay warm, he slowly hiked in
circles through the night. On the morning of the 17th, Bolck encountered some
hikers who sent a text message to relatives requesting assistance from the park.
Ranger Nick Wood hiked to Bolck's location about two-and-a-half miles from the
trailhead and found that he was able to walk slowly. Bolck believed that he
could hike to the trailhead, so he and Wood slowly began making their way out of
the canyon. Over the next six hours, Bolck and Wood hiked one mile. An ascent
of a steep 500 foot slope is required about a half mile from the Left Fork
trailhead; although hikers travel up and down the slope on a well-used social
trail, a litter carry up the slope would be challenging and hazardous to
rescuers. As dark approached, Bolck still had not reached the bottom of the
ascent. A ranger spent that night in the canyon with him. After a good night's
sleep, Bolck's mobility had not improved. Rangers discussed options for carrying
him up the hill, including a direct carry up the difficult route, a 700 foot
guiding line, or a helicopter short haul operation. Based on available
resources, the non-critical nature of Bolck