Not too sure this fits in this category?
I just returned from Zion after rescuing an injured climber. The party had climbed the first pitch of Moonlight Buttress (5.7) and some of you may know that it is a long ramp bearing right, and then a step around the corner to a crack system that goes up vertically. Well..apparently one of the party decided that he had left something in his pack at the base of the first pitch and rappelled down then stepped back around the corner to gain the ramp. He slipped and did a long pendulum back to the right and smacked into a corner. He injured his hip but was able to make it down to a ledge 40' off the ground. We went up and established a guiding line from the ledge to the talus slope below and the trail. Then a team carried him down the trail, across the river and to the ambulance. I think he'll be fine! One tough kid for sure! :2thumbs:
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Beck
I just returned from Zion after rescuing an injured climber. The party had climbed the first pitch of Moonlight Buttress (5.7) and some of you may know that it is a long ramp bearing right, and then a step around the corner to a crack system that goes up vertically.
5.7 my arse...! Felt more like 5.9 to me last time I led it...(think I've done that pitch at least three times...). Can be a sandy little bugger, especially in wall boots...
Strange things that kids do these daze. That first pitch goes way around to the right. If you have to haul, you're much better off positioning your pack below that belay anchor and well to the right of the start.
Shoulda placed a cam or two in the crack on that ramp, to help guide the rappel. Glad the guy wasn't hurt worse.
Yeah, Bo, good stuff. And a good reminder to mind the rappel especially on traverses. Thanks!
-Brian in SLC
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in SLC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Beck
I just returned from Zion after rescuing an injured climber. The party had climbed the first pitch of Moonlight Buttress (5.7) and some of you may know that it is a long ramp bearing right, and then a step around the corner to a crack system that goes up vertically.
5.7 my arse...! Felt more like 5.9 to me last time I led it...(think I've done that pitch at least three times...). Can be a sandy little bugger, especially in wall boots...
Strange things that kids do these daze. That first pitch goes way around to the right. If you have to haul, you're much better off positioning your pack below that belay anchor and well to the right of the start.
Shoulda placed a cam or two in the crack on that ramp, to help guide the rappel. Glad the guy wasn't hurt worse.
Yeah, Bo, good stuff. And a good reminder to mind the rappel especially on traverses. Thanks!
-Brian in SLC
I've been up the route 4 times and only lead the first pitch twice...I remember it at a SCARY 5.7, but then that was a long time ago?
It does seem that rapelling takes it's toll on a lot of folks? Going up you make the choice where to go (or at least the terrain dictates). Comin' down good ole mother nature sometimes dissagrees with what you want! :haha: Pendulums can be fun, but boy sometimes they aint so much fun!
I'm very happy that he landed on a ledge and stayed put or it may have been a much longer ride than he had reckoned for.
Bo
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Beck
I've been up the route 4 times and only lead the first pitch twice...I remember it at a SCARY 5.7, but then that was a long time ago?
So, based on your post from the "dark" side (ha ha):
"Rescue was the packaging and extraction of an individual from a ledge
40' up and to the right of the start of the first pitch of Moonlight
Buttress. FOS were a husband/wife doing some jogging. Arrived sent 4
people up to the ledge after setting a fixed line then set up anchors
on top of the ledge (not a helicopter). Used a guiding line with
basic lower/belay 150'. Patient hurt so didn't walk out under his own
power. Taken to the hospital. Don't know his condition? Good thing
the Virgin hasn't peaked yet ;-)"
How you get back up to the ledge? You lead the 5.10 variation straight up?
Glad there was an anchor available besides a helicopter (!).
Yeah, no kiddin' on the Virgin. There wouldna been any hikers around, and the run for help would have been much, much longer.
Good on ya, Bo. You hear about the SAR stuff going on here in SLC County? Thoughts? Yikers...
-Brian in SLC
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in SLC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Beck
I've been up the route 4 times and only lead the first pitch twice...I remember it at a SCARY 5.7, but then that was a long time ago?
So, based on your post from the "dark" side (ha ha):
"Rescue was the packaging and extraction of an individual from a ledge
40' up and to the right of the start of the first pitch of Moonlight
Buttress. FOS were a husband/wife doing some jogging. Arrived sent 4
people up to the ledge after setting a fixed line then set up anchors
on top of the ledge (not a helicopter). Used a guiding line with
basic lower/belay 150'. Patient hurt so didn't walk out under his own
power. Taken to the hospital. Don't know his condition? Good thing
the Virgin hasn't peaked yet ;-)"
How you get back up to the ledge? You lead the 5.10 variation straight up?
I'd have to SB you on that...Kind of an unusual circumstance :haha:
Glad there was an anchor available besides a helicopter (!).
Yeah, no kiddin' on the Virgin. There wouldna been any hikers around, and the run for help would have been much, much longer.
Good on ya, Bo. You hear about the SAR stuff going on here in SLC County? Thoughts? Yikers...
-Brian in SLC
No I haven't heard? Whats going on up there?
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo_Beck
No I haven't heard? Whats going on up there?
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=2816805
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Veteran volunteers are quitting the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office search and rescue program just as it is trying to expand into urban areas.
The volunteers are quitting over a proposal to train paid deputies to play a larger role in wilderness search and rescue efforts.
Last week, 10 members, or one-third of the volunteer mountain rescue team, quit.
In part, their resignation letters say that including law enforcement and emergency responders who aren't experienced in search and rescue techniques could compromise the safety of the team and those needing help.
Sheriff Jim Winder says deputies who patrol the canyon need the additional rescue training so they'll be prepared in an emergency.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695259243,00.html
Interesting...
-Brian in SLC
Re: Not too sure this fits in this category?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in SLC
Wow! I understand the concerns going on up there! A small scale in a different sort of way has happened here in Wa. County that closely parallels what is taking place there.
In many ways I've felt some of the same pains those volunteers must be feeling as well. I've always been low man, but sometimes it pains me to see the ebbing. It is the nature of the business I guess? What ultimately counts is everyones safety, but at what expense?
