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Resuming Search: Larry Conn remains recovered
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Hello Members, We at High Sierra Topix are conducting a search for one of our members who went missing during a trip 10/19/12- 10/22/12 in the Taboose Pass area. Would like to see if any of you have photos that were taken 10/20 or 10/21 so we can establish what Larry saw at the time of his backpacking trip. With the information that these photos may provide we hope to narrow down the possible routes he may have chosen because of the threat of an incoming system. Thank you for any help you can provide. http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8867Edit: Changed the title. Updates begin here.
Last edited by Steve C; 06/18/13 04:36 PM.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
Maverick, I wish you and the others the best luck possible in the renewed search. We maintained a running log of the search and the Seki news releases last October in this thread : "Overdue Hiker"I don't recall anyone from this forum writing anything about being in the area the same time. But if they were, PLEASE post here or contact Maverick. It is really sad that no sign if Larry Conn was found. The blanket of new snow did not help. Once all the snow melts, I am hopeful someone will come upon some of his gear.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Thank you Steve for the support. Mav
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
This discussion has been reactivated at HST in preparation for the resumed search. In particular, the search organizers are looking for resupply support over Taboose Pass. This appears to be key to the search effort, so any support from packers or high capacity hikers I am sure will be appreciated.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158 |
Last I read, Inyo was still not deviating from the trailhead quota to help with this semi-organized volunteer search effort. The quota for Taboose Pass is 10 per day.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158 |
Inyo (not sure why they're referring to SEKI for Taboose Pass Inyo trailhead permits) still won't allow extra permits for this volunteer search, reason being, "wilderness character being disturbed." Wilderness character protection is important for sure, but it needs common sense applied for special situations like this temporary search effort and for special high impact zones like Whitney. In this case, it's probably just an excuse to avoid any liability, but even so, "wilderness character" is misused either way. This has been an interesting thread over on High Sierra Topix. Here's a parallel thread with Ken and another guy heatedly debated the value of a volunteer effort vs trained SAR personnel. The SAR guy made some good points, but he was dismissive of volunteer help and came across somewhat arrogant in my reading of it. I understand how volunteers can be difficult to manage, but they would be just looking, not taking rescue action. Ironically, SAR will not be launching a major effort to find Larry due to funding cuts, so it's either a volunteer effort or pretty much nothing. Meanwhile, his 89-yr old mother waits and wonders what is wrong with these people trying to stop volunteers from looking for her son. They're looking for support writing to Congress to draw attention to the matter. Edited to add the appeal to congress and clarity.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76 |
Maverick, I went in for 14 days solo right after Larry Disappeared. I went in at Horseshoe and came out at Shepherds pass. The search teams were about as we dropped off my Rig at Simmes creek T. H. I had a young Cat follow me for a couple Days before shepherds pass and it acted quite odd compared to other Big Cat encounters I have had in the Past. It had No fear and seemed very Comfortable following me and getting Too Close at Nite. Now, I don't know if it had anything to do with Larry, However You All Should be aware of this and be on your Guard . Larry went down and it could be a multiple of things that caused it. Years ago Norman Clyde found young Starr after all others searching had given up Hope. I believe that his Father paid Norman to head out and search. He searched for some time . He found the Young Mountaineers Body by following the Flies one day near a summit. I would offer to help but, I am not able to take off right now , do to Work Load. I wish you All the Best in his search as I was on SAR at one time. In this regard, I believe that he will be found By Caring individuals or a solitary Traveler ... who literally Stumbles upon him, or sees him below . The family will be grateful for closure. Keep us all appraised. Good Hunting and Be Safe. Talk to the U. S. Forrest Service Head Supervisor and see if you can have quota temp. waved for the search. Sierra Angler
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
We need a lot of folks to write their representatives bringing this issue to light. The info and website to check who your local representative is, can be found on the HST site. Please be part of the "wave" so we can get the quota changed for those days, only with a mass write-in effort will our politicians listen and act! We have connections in Washington already mobilized on our behalf, but want to get local politicians to hear from us locals to. Also if you would like to participate we still need folks to join our teams of searchers, the more experienced folks we have the better our chances of success in finding Larry and bring closure for his mother. Thanks, Mav
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,251 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,251 Likes: 1 |
Do you think you could get enough siggies on a White House Petition? I'll sign.
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158 |
Maverick, a bullet list of "talking points" can help people formulate their thoughts in a letter, keep the letters consistently focused, but retain originality.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
Make sure you are barking up the right trees. As Mav pointed out to me, although Inyo controls the TH, they are not making the decision alone: most of the affected territory is SEKI, so they need to be on board, too. I would target the Inyo and SEKI management at their level of cooperation before going over pay grade to either NPS or USFS level. Is it possible to get some authorized SAR holy water sprinkled on this? Is there any other entity that is not subject to TH quotas? Research? Commercial rec permit? Are there other THs? E.g., I am on the JMT SB in August, but if the timing matched with this effort, I would gladly make a side trip.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search: Larry Conn
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
"George" has posted with links to a flyer, and has invited everyone to print and post the flyer in their local backpacking stores, such as any local REI outlets. His post is here: Larry Conn Missing Flyer and Map Link
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
SEKI NPS & Inyo NF has given us the waiver and are allowing us to conduct our search! Thanks for your help!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
SEKI NPS & Inyo NF has given us the waiver and are allowing us to conduct our search! Thanks for your help!
SO glad to hear that. I know you have a lot of higher priorities, but it would be very interesting to know sometime the process of getting that done. Good work, and best for the search. Keep us posted on plans as they develop. We get new members/readers/posters here all the time, keep the updates coming
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,158 |
SEKI NPS & Inyo NF has given us the waiver and are allowing us to conduct our search! Thanks for your help!
Good work, Mav. It's nice to reaffirm that common sense can still prevail over bureaucratic BS, with sustained leadership effort and public support. People are so divided and so afraid to act on so many issues these days, it's great to see a win. Godspeed. I hope to join in the search.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Hi Salty,
Can't comment on the particulars, let's say it took knowing the right people, having folks in the system who cared and were effected by this tragedy, putting the appropriate pressure on the right folks, and being very persistent and extremely patient.
Hi SierraNeveda,
Thanks of the PM. It is sad that many folks are afraid or don't care to get involved in a lot of things now a days that in the long run will effect their life. Many folks will only get mad enough to act if the gas prices go high enough, and this is indicative of the me,me me, I, I, I, society we have sadly become. So many of us decades ago grew up wishing we could be a fireman, law in forcement, SAR, soldier (2 tours USMC myself) or involved in some sort of humanitarian organization to help others. 6 days out of 365 is a small investment in such a humanitarian effort which will bring those involved, no matter the outcome, a sense of peace and fulfillment in this craziness we call life. Peace, Mav
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Woodsy Guy
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Woodsy Guy
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202 |
An attaboy to Maverick for all his hard work on this. Eventually, the good guys do win. As he says, you just have to find the right people and be relentless. It doesn't hurt to be right in the process.
g.
None of the views expressed here in any way represent those of the unidentified agency that I work for or, often, reality. It's just me, fired up by coffee and powerful prose.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261 |
This is an honorable endeavor which is very reminiscent of the bond of brothers-in-arms of the military. It is my sincerest hope that you will be successful in bringing peace and closure to the family and that Larry can be properly laid to rest.
While I am no use to the team (lack of backcountry skills), I have appealed to others more suitable in hopes that they can stand in for me.
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Thanks George and Bee! I appreciate you getting the word out, we need searchers, no climbing experience is needed, folks will be assigned to teams according to their experience and not asked to do anything outside of their comfort levels. Safety for all involved is my number one priority, besides find Larry. Mav
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
Hi Salty,
Can't comment on the particulars, let's say it took knowing the right people, having folks in the system who cared and were effected by this tragedy, putting the appropriate pressure on the right folks, and being very persistent and extremely patient.
* * * Peace, Mav Particulars not important: this says it. Thanks for the leadership on this
Last edited by Steve C; 06/16/13 12:38 PM.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76 |
Great Job Maverick !! If I can help I will, even if it with Criteria or Basic Outline for standard Search / Recovery. ( I am getting Swamped with work right now). I have found a few alive and Dead over the decades . Mav, if you want, please provide Planned dates, areas and Contact Number . We always started with Starting Point? Trail Head ( that is if it is for certain) Possible Routes in and Out , His Camp sites ( which will spread out all over from winter Snows and animals) and Summit registers ( His Plan and other summits next to ). Again Good Work for the Beginning Stages . Sierra Angler.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Hi Sierra Angler,
Thanks for the offer SA. All the particulars/planning for the search itself has been put together/covered, my main concern now is to get some more searchers with backpacking experience to volunteer so we can cover all the high priority areas even more safely and effectively. Mav
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
SA, Maverick has a very long (4 pages) thread on High Sierra Topix on the planning. You can get more info there: Resuming The Search For Larry 7/30 - 8/4
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
Inyo and Sierra Madre SAR went up this past weekend and found Larry's shoe at the top of the pass not to far from the trail. SEKI is looking now, hopefully there will be closure soon for all involved.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
If they found his shoe, then closure soon is likely.
This is good news.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,261 |
Inyo and Sierra Madre SAR went up this past weekend and found Larry's shoe at the top of the pass not to far from the trail. SEKI is looking now, hopefully there will be closure soon for all involved.
I am reminded of Norman Clyde's search/recovery for Paul Starr (after everyone else had given up) I believe that your search, too, is coming to a close.
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
Mav, that's a pretty light, warm weather shoe. Would that be a camp shoe that could have fallen off his pack or is that what he hiked in?
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124 |
That is the size, color, and make of his shoe. I use the same shoe but different color.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
That is the size, color, and make of his shoe. I use the same shoe but different color.
Right, got that it is confirmed as Larry's shoe. But did he wear it or carry it? I have often carried similar as camp shoes while wearing heavier ones on the trail, especially that time of year. So it could make a big difference in locating him whether he was carrying it as a camp shoe or wearing it on the trail. I.E. if it could have dropped off his pack, or have been left at a rest stop, he might not have noticed it, or gone back for it, and could have gone many miles beyond where it was found. If its his hiking shoe, its much less likely to be far from where he last stopped.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 76 |
A. Single shoes are commonly removed from camp ( and taken away in a Unknown and Vast distance from the Hikers other shoe at camp) by Coyotes / Animals..... for salt etc. I have met Many Hikers ( over 40 years in the High Sierra Nevadas)) with one boot/ shoe and a Heavy /Multi Sock Covered Single Foot( sometimes Supplemented with Tape/ etc.). ( Always Tie shoes to secure tent/ tree... Mine is inside Tent, or right Next to me. Camp shoes/ sandals are Nice as everyone knows.)
B. Could have fallen off Pack if camp shoes were tied to pack.
C. This is Debris from His Last Camp (attempted Camp) or Accident sight. Many Recovery efforts are Centered at Main Passes that got hit by White Out Blizzard / freezing Rain/ Hail Storms while the Victims were trying to go over them (either in or Out) and/or because of altitude sickness. Being tired, or Hypothermic they succumbed to the Elements. We have found Scattered Clothes, tents, pack/ camp items, under these conditions as victim was incoherent and going down with unstable mental facilities at the end. In other words Freezing to Death. I know this may be a Graphic picture for some... but, believe me it is the Watered down version. Sometimes all we found was a Shirt or a Boot... with part of the Victim in it. Hopefully the "Final Resting spot" is near for all our sakes. Be Safe out there in the field people ... Sierra Angler
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
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Salty,
Primary shoe, no extra's.
SA,
"C" were my thoughts exactly.
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Re: Resuming Search
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
In that case, I would pick C as well. The shoe being on the County Line Route is a pretty low probability unless very close to the last rest, or unless that route is also a pretty well-used game trail. SUch unlikely things happen all the time, but it seems probable that the last resting spot must be close by.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search: Larry Conn remains recovered
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 124
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OP
Joined: Feb 2013
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Larry has been found. Update on HST thread. Thanks for everyone's help and input. Mav
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Re: Resuming Search: Larry Conn remains recovered
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,572 |
Thanks for letting us know, Mav. All of our best, as I am sure you know, to all concerned. For available details, bare story is here, with Maverick's further insights and perspective at the HST site.
Wherever you go, there you are. SPOTMe!
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Re: Resuming Search: Larry Conn remains recovered
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
So glad he has been found! Here's the link to Maverick's announcement earlier today. Note that many replies are on subsequent pages on that forum. Here's the text from the Yuba.net story (Thanks to saltydog for finding it.) Remains recovered in Sequoia National Park - Might be hiker missing since October
Published on Jun 18, 2013 - 7:01:59 AM
By: Cpt. Terry Waterbury, Inyo County Sheriff Office, SAR Coordinator
June 17, 2013 - Search efforts have continued for 53 year old, Lawrence Conn from Pacific Palisades who went missing last October during one of winter's first snow storms. Conn failed to return from his solo hiking/camping trip into Sequoia National Park. After friends reported him overdue, Conn's vehicle was located at Taboose Pass trailhead in Inyo County. A joint search effort was conducted between Inyo County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue and Sequoia National Park.· Due to the accumulation of snow and no signs of Conn, search efforts were suspended.
On 06-09-2013, Search teams from the National Park Service, Inyo County SAR, and Sierra Madre Mountain Rescue Team conducted joint efforts to locate Conn. A hiking shoe similar to what Conn may have been wearing was located a short distance inside the Park off the main trail near the pass. The discovery of the shoe redirected the search teams from the approximate 100 square miles of search area to the Taboose Pass area.
On 06-15-2013, in the early afternoon search teams located a windblown tent and several other items off the Taboose Pass trail in Inyo County at about 11,500 foot level. The tent matched what Conn was reported to have used. Concentrating efforts in that area, search teams discovered a cell phone which was determined to be Conn's and possible human remains.
The remains have been turned over to the Inyo County Coroner's Office for positive identification.
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Re: Resuming Search: Larry Conn remains recovered
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,509 Likes: 103 |
Maverick posted a followup including several pictures from Larry's iphone from the day he apparently died on Taboose Pass. Here's the link: Follow Up InfoSummarizing: Larry took this picture at the Bench Lake/JMT junction: His iphone recorded date and time as well as gps location with each picture. 2 1/2 hours later, about noon, he took this picture near the top just west of Taboose Pass: His camp and his remains were found very near the location of the last picture. Maverick wrote: It was about noon when Larry made it to the top of Taboose Pass, why didn’t he continue down to the safety of lower elevations? Were conditions so bad, visibility wise, that he felt it to be to dangerous to continue? Temps were in the 20s, hypothermia could have been an issue (made a point to re-reading all medical information related to hypothermia), especially with the intense hiking over the fresh snowy terrain would have caused him to get wet from sweat allowing the heat to radiate from his body over time. With temp in the 20s he would have been breathing in cold air further lowering his core temp, then add in the high wind increasing the chill factor. After enough heat was lost to his brain he would no longer functioning properly and he would not have noticed that he was shivering severely, muscles would become stiff, he would have slowed down moving less, and less, possibly having enough energy to set up his tent, attempted to warm up with several layers of clothing, got into his sleeping bag, and fell into a stupor from which he never woke up. This scenario may or may not be what happened, but with no evidence it is my best guess.
Hopefully we all can learn something from this tragic incident, being conservative in our abilities when it comes to emergency situations is possible the safest avenue to take when it comes to survival. Understanding and especially educating ourselves about the importance of seeking shelter instead of exposing ourselves to the severe outside environments can be the difference between life and death. Understand the BIG 3 rules of survival, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food, our chances of survival diminish, and these numbers drop substantially in extreme conditions.
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