I was a bit surprised to find this account posted here. I gave it to someone upon request to use a a training tool for others. I am happy to be an example (even if it is of what not to do). the description is intentionally clinical as I wanted to keep emotion out and just state the facts as I saw them so this could be a useful training tool. it is here now so hopefully people can learn from it.
First and foremost:
To the crew of S&R and Sheriffs I am truly greatful. They got our boy out, got the boys from upcanyon out, got the group behind us out. i do not know what we would've done if they had not showed up. You were awesome. Thank you.
The group behind us was wonderful as well. They helped as much as they could with out stuck boy and helped get the rest of the boys out with them.
Clearly, I made some errors in judgement and execution. I admit it, I will own those mistakes.
- on this trip we did not plan on doing any technical canyons as i have neither the gear nor the experience to do them safely and successfully. I do have enough experience to lead a group in places like Ding/Dang, Oderville, and (I thought) Zero G but I should have had another leader with experience in this area.
- I overestimated our boy's ability to to the canyon. I knew the exit would be a tough spot, but I honestly thought he cold do it. Part of my role as a scout leader is to challenge these boys, give them tough things to try. they benefit when they succeed. I wanted them to gain something from this trip.
- I was unable to think clearly enough early enough to come up wth another solution...I did not even think of trying to pull him straight out. I think I could've got in position using the webbing and pulled but I am just not sure how. I think the soap the EMT brought helped tremendously. Without it I am not sure our boy would've popped out so easily.
- I should've brought more gear. we had a few lengths of webbing for hand lines and ashort rope. We needed more when our boy got stuck.
hopefully others can learn from this experience and avoid another S&R call in this canyon.