[pct-l] lost hiker update

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

I'll defer to Shutterbug Steiner (who is on the SAR crew) for more specifics on how the search was conducted and where, but I will say this:  every effort that can be made was made.  All who know and search the area indicate that it's like finding a needle in a haystack.  

There was a massive call-out of both the regular SAR teams, and SAR volunteers from multiple districts.  The Riverside County Sheriff's launched a missing persons investigation with full-time detectives assigned.  The Mountain Rescue team had a full command center, and they are the best of the best at what they do.  At least 50 volunteers showed up (including some of our friends from the pct-l), and they searched methodically, beginning in the area where John was last seen, and then branching out from there.  Air searches were also made, and will probably continue.  The local media ran the story, and local communities (Anza, Idyllwild, and Cabazon) were all aware of the disappearance. 

I for one am very grateful to the Riverside County Sheriff's department, particularly Sergeant Terry Meadows; the Mountain Search & Rescue Team; and all of the volunteers who gave up their Memorial Day weekend to look for one of our own.  

Mr. Donovan has been lost to us all, but many folks did their absolute best to find him.  May he rest in peace.

L-Rod

-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald Moak <rmoak@sixmoondesigns.com>
Sent: Jun 1, 2005 12:15 PM
To: dsaufley@sprynet.com, 'Rick Bowen' <rhbowen@san.rr.com>, 
	conniedavis@earthlink.net, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: RE: [pct-l] lost  hiker update

Donna,

Along that section of the trail between Pines to Palms and Interstate 10,
there are several areas where people have been known to deviate from the
established route. 

1) Cedar Springs Camp back to Trail. - I know of several people who've
attempted a more direct route from the campsite up to the PCT. I believe
there used to be an old trail shown on the map (don't know about the new
guidebooks) though it didn't exist on the ground. The bushwhack up to the
PCT was far more difficult than hiking the mile back to the trail. 

2) Side trail up to top of San Jacinto. This is the one time I missed the
PCT and hiked in the wrong direction. I also know of a number of others who
made this mistake. 

3) Direct route down to the Snow Creek water pipe. Several people have tried
to avoid the long winding route down to the pipe, which can be seen high up
the mountain. The direct route goes through a number of blind canyons that
can't be seen from above. A number of years ago someone making the direct
attempt had to be helicopter out. I also believe someone died on the attempt
(but my memory maybe suspect). 

Others may know of additional locations where hikers have traveled off the
standard PCT tread.

Fallingwater