[pct-l] Re: [so_california_backpackers] Searching for John Donavan

[tahoe.cat at verizon.net (Bill & Cathy)]

Hi Rob  I don't know if such a map exists. I don't know when I would be able
to go up again.      Ground Pounder Bill
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob Langsdorf" <mctrob@yahoo.com>
To: "Bill & Cathy" <tahoe.cat@verizon.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2005 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: [so_california_backpackers] Searching for John Donavan


> Hi Bill,
>
>     My point with regard to the search for John is
> that it would be good to get a copy of the map from
> the Riverside Search and Rescue showing what they have
> searched before spending more time going over the same
> ground. Do you know if such a map exists?
>
>     I wanted to review old PCT-L posts about the
> search, but the PCT-L server seems to be down. I
> haven't been able to log on to it for several days.
>
>         Rob
>
> --- Bill & Cathy <tahoe.cat@verizon.net> wrote:
>
> > Hi Rob   I'm not sure what has been covered. My
> > Grandson and I combed a lot of ground from Saddle
> > Junction in all directions and came up with a lot of
> > nothing. When we took the PCT up toward Tahquitz
> > peak we went as far as where the trail turns and
> > goes back toward Red Tahquits. We tried going up
> > toward the tower but could only go about a couple
> > hundred yards. If He tried going up He would not
> > have made it. I'd like to go up again but just don't
> > have the time right now.  I hope some one finds Him.
> >         GP Bill
> >   ----- Original Message ----- 
> >   From: Rob Langsdorf
> >   To: Bill & Cathy
> >   Cc: so_california_backpackers@yahoogroups.com
> >   Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 6:14 PM
> >   Subject: [so_california_backpackers] Searching for
> > John Donavan
> >
> >
> >   Hi Bill,
> >
> >       Do you know whether any of the search parties
> > have
> >   checked out the drainages from the PCT that flow
> > into
> >   Strawberry Creek. I recall that the last John was
> > seen
> >   was near the point where the PCT enters Little
> >   Tahquitz Valley. At that point I believe the women
> > who
> >   was hiking with her son said that they decided to
> >   basically contour around to Saddle Junction and
> > never
> >   saw John again.
> >
> >       As you know, the PCT turns up the hill after
> > it
> >   crosses Little Tahquitz Creek and climbs to the
> >   Tahquitz Peak trail. From there the topo map would
> >   suggest that one could continue west and drop
> > straight
> >   down a drainage to Humber Park and Idyllwild. But
> > with
> >   snow and now ice axe that could have been a fast
> > ride.
> >   Has that route been checked out.
> >
> >       If he made it up to the crest at this point
> > and
> >   turned north past Saddle Junction, there are a
> > number
> >   of places where it would be all to easy to stray
> > into
> >   the headwaters of Strawberry Creek and fall down
> > that
> >   drainage. A hiker doesn't really reach safe ground
> >   until he gotten about a half mile west of
> > Strawberry
> >   Cienega.
> >
> >       The reason that I suggest looking in these
> > areas
> >   is that I have had 3 friends on three different
> > days
> >   hit ice on similar slopes on Mt. Baldy in the past
> > 2
> >   years. One was killed. One was back out hiking
> > with us
> >   the next day. And the third is still in a rehab
> >   center. These were all qualified mountaineers who
> > were
> >   carrying ice axes. John was just hiking with
> > treking
> >   poles. It didn't sound like he had much experience
> >   with southern California snow/ice conditions.
> >
> >       Most of the reports I have heard of searches
> >   involved people walking trails. Do you know who
> > has
> >   detailed search records? It would be interesting
> > to
> >   learn what has been searched.
> >
> >             Rob
> >
> >   --- Bill & Cathy <tahoe.cat@verizon.net> wrote:
> >
> >   > Hi Dave I'm working Saturday the 2nd.    I'd
> >   > like to go up and try looking for John Donavan
> >   > again. Maybe in August, the heat could bring out
> > the
> >   > birds if he has met his demise, but I hope that
> > that
> >   > is not the case.  Take care and remember
> >   > "Be Prepared"  Ground Pounder Bill       "Semper
> > Fi"
> >
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