High Sierra Topix

Hi RaiderFanMan,

Read a couple of posts up, they have been found.

Fantastic news. I don't have the words.

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. (KCRA) —A Rocklin hiker and his dog, who were missing for about four days in the Sierra, were found alive and well Thursday in Placer County, the sheriff's office said.

Rocklin hiker, dog found alive in Placer County

The article gets updated as new info comes in. It's changed twice since this morning.

That dude looks like he's in great shape. Curious to find out what happened.

And yet another use for duct tape. Good thinking on his part.

KCRA reported:

Cody Michael, 23, and his German Shepherd, Bauer, were spotted in the Cherry Point area by a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, who radioed to ground crews, which led the pair out of where they were stuck.

Cherry Point is 1-2 miles south of Loch Leven Lakes, depending exactly where they were located, will be interesting to hear Cody's account on how they ended up south of the lakes, since the original reports stated that he was going camping along the Loch Leven Trail, and no mention of the Cherry Point Trail.
Really hope they release the entire story, so this can be a learning experience to everyone who goes out backpacking.

News report may not be very accurate. Several other possibilities as well, but I won't speculate.

I don't have any more details than the news reports. I did speak with my friend for a minute and agree words can't describe the emotions.

Thank you to all involved in the search. I saw National Guard, SAR from four different Counties and I'm sure there were many more involved. I know how professional and dedicated these folks are, but it still impresses me when I see it in action.

Thank you to this Board also. Mavericks leadership in these areas is nothing short of inspirational. I honestly believe the trip plans and accounts of prior rescues saves lives. Giving folks who get in trouble the confidence and tools to improve their situation really can tip the scales. It also gives folks an opportunity to do something that might help, rather than feel helpless, and that's more valuable than folks might think.

One thing I would like to add. Internet boards provide amazing amounts of information and comradory, but they also provide anonymity. That sometimes leads to speculation and comments that are uninformed. This board handles that issue better than any I know, but it is a fact of life.

My comment is for people who get into trouble, please follow your own instincts and training to make the best decision for your situation. I've been overdue getting home and not wanting to worry my family, cause an unnecessary search, and be "that irresponsible guy" all affected my thoughts and decisions. I think those feelings are valid, and should be considerations prior to trips and in making decisions up to the point that they cause you to do something that doesn't feel right.

At that point, getting home safely is the responsible thing to do. If that mean finding a safe place and waiting for help, that's exactly what I think people should do.

Thank you again to everyone involved in the rescue. A family is waking up whole this morning, and that's due to your dedication.

I have to wonder if he had a compass. I've read he got disoriented and went the wrong direction. When I read that I thought to myself who goes out into the wilderness without a compass. Isn't that the most essential of tools. Lock Levin is south of Hwy. 80, if you had a compass all he had to do was travel north and you're going to hit the train tracks and Hwy. 80 a mile later.

Brien wrote:I have to wonder if he had a compass. I've read he got disoriented and went the wrong direction. When I read that I thought to myself who goes out into the wilderness without a compass. Isn't that the most essential of tools. Lock Levin is south of Hwy. 80, if you had a compass all he had to do was travel north and you're going to hit the train tracks and Hwy. 80 a mile later.

The most essential tool is navigation skill. It's entirely possible to have just a good map and use a watch or a stick to determine north, if you have the right skills. And staying "found" is worth far more than the ability to triangulate, ie get un-lost, since prevention is always preferable. Not enough people will go through that trouble of looking at a map often enough - if they even have one.