High Sierra Topix

Hillmap can be used to easily mark a points with annotations on a topo map and to mark a route. http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYX ... 1hcBjFljcM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Select "Paths" tab, click "Add Waypoint", click on the map to add a point, optionally add a description. "Edit Path" can add a poly-line (only one though, AFAICT). When done, click on the chain link button in top-left corner (right-most button), cut the top URL and paste into this forum.

More lines and areas (polygons) can be added using Caltopo. It is a little harder to use. http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=36.9803, ... 8&z=14&b=t" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
You need a Yahoo or Google account to login in order to be able to save created maps. Sign in in top-left corner. Add markers (points) and shapes using the options in bottom left. Right click on points to move them or delete them. When drawing a line or a polygon, double click to put the final point. Right click on the lines or polygons to modify them. When done click "Save as" in upper left. Cut the URL from the address bar and paste it into this forum.

Summary of Search Operations for Larry Conn

- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks received a report of an overdue backpacker, Larry Conn, on Wednesday October 24, 2012, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Larry was reported to be two days overdue in returning from a weekend backpacking trip in the area between Pinchot Pass and Mather Pass. Larry planned to enter the area by hiking over Taboose Pass and exploring the areas around Pinchot Pass and/or Split Mountain.

- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks was notified about the missing hiker by the Inyo County Sherriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department located Larry’s vehicle at the Taboose Creek trailhead and organized a search on the Inyo National Forest.

- On Wednesday, October 24, Inyo County Sheriff’s Department sent a search team up Taboose Pass and used a California Highway Patrol helicopter to search the area. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contracted an AStar 350 B3 helicopter to fly search missions and insert search teams. Another helicopter, which was involved in a research project in the area, assisted in the search effort by looking for clues in the course of its regular business. The area was largely covered in snow from a storm over the weekend. Helicopter reconnaissance saw numerous animal tracks, but no human tracks, in the snow in the search area or on routes out of the search area.

- On Thursday, October 25, crews returned to the area to search likely camping areas around Bench Lake and the Bench Lake Ranger Station. Ground searchers swept the trail from Cedar Grove up the Woods Creek Trail. Aerial searches continued throughout the area and included the use of the AStar B3 and a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter with forward looking infrared, which is imaging technology that detects thermal energy. Investigators were contacted by a person who spoke with Larry on October 19, as Larry was beginning his trip. The individual said that Larry expressed an interest in the Pinchot Pass area. Neither the ground teams nor the aerial searchers found any evidence of people hiking in the search area. Two notes were found posted near the LeConte Ranger Station, but neither note was written by Larry.

- On Friday, October 26, more ground teams and helicopters continued to search the area. Ground teams were assigned to hike and search in particular areas and stay overnight. The aerial search continued including the contract B3 helicopter and another National Guard Blackhawk. No more clues were discovered on Friday.

- Today, Saturday, October 27, there are approximately 40 people working on the search effort, including more ground teams and three dogs assigned to focus on specific high-probability areas. These teams will remain overnight and continue searching on Sunday. More aerial searches have been completed using the AStar B3 and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. The search today has been focused around Pinchot Pass, Taboose Pass, Split Mountain, and likely travel corridors/camp locations in those areas.

- Search operations will continue Sunday. Search managers will evaluate information developed so far to determine the direction of the search efforts over the next days.

Thank you for the more comprehensive update. For this community the more detailed the better as many of know the area well and we are obviously all concerned about Larry

Well, they did reach as far as the exit of the Muro Blanco at the Woods conjunction Thursday, but that may have been a bit early for a positive result, so the Muro Blanco remains as the question mark, as does to a lesser degree south of Pinchot Pass and a few other spots. Perhaps forward looking infrared can locate a fire if Larry has one. Well, I hope they hang in there with the search.

For today's official news release about the search for Larry Conn, visit:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(If you do not see the entry for Oct. 27 on the page, click on "Refresh" once or twice and it should come up.)

SEKI Public Affairs wrote:For today's official news release about the search for Larry Conn, visit:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(If you do not see the entry for Oct. 27 on the page, click on "Refresh" once or twice and it should come up.)

Please thank your SAR crews for all the hard work they're doing to find Larry. I know we all here appreciate the effort and response.

I just saw this thread. My heart goes out to Larry's family, and I am desperately hoping for his safe discovery, as well as for the safety of all who are involved with the SAR.

I don't know how to say this, but I know how I'm feeling. Having gone through my own experience this summer and knowing what my own loved ones went through; the continual worry, sleeplessness, fear for the worst, trying to keep the faith as each moment passes. The nightmare. My heart truly aches for all of Larry's loved ones and what they are going through. And Larry; keep up the faith and will to get through this, wherever you are. You have a lot of caring, experienced people trying to get to your aid. God be with you.

And to the wonderful folks in this community. Most of us are merely pixels on a screen to each other. Here and there, we get glimpses of the individual being behind the writing. Some were friends before this community developed, many have become friends since. We all come together to share of ourselves within a common passion. I believe it is this passion for our Sierra Nevada and all of it's wonders and all of the intense, sublime emotion that it stirs in each of us, that we share, that has created a compassion for each other that is rarely seen and sorely missing in much of today's societies.

I have been awe stricken watching all of the information regarding Larry's desires, plans, possible intentions, etc. that has poured out of this board. There has been an immense collection of data to help SAR team commanders et. al. to build their psychological and physical probability profiles to aid in mapping out search hierarchies. I am in awe of the personal sense of family and the sheer concern and fortitude to help on any level possible.

I am deeply proud to be a part of such a compassionate community.

rlown wrote:Please thank your SAR crews for all the hard work they're doing to find Larry. I know we all here appreciate the effort and response.

I just want to second that.