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ReConn Form
#33299 09/17/13 12:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
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Hikers & Climbers,



After our tragic incident over at HST with our friend
and fellow member Larry Conn, and then this incident
with Matthew Greene prompted us to speed up the
introduction of this form that will hopefully prevent
such incident in the future or at the least aide SAR
in their success. Please take advantage of it and use
this simple form on all your trips no matter what the
difficulty of it may be.
http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10010

Re: ReConn Form
Maverick #33306 09/17/13 05:07 PM
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Tried to look at the form and got this reply:

Forbidden
You don't have permission to access /pdf/ReConnForm.pdf on this server.

Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apache Server at highsierratopix.com Port 80


The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Re: ReConn Form
Bee #33308 09/17/13 05:35 PM
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Maverick, it appears it cannot be accessed unless one registers and logs in to the topix forum. I can get to it from one browser where I am logged in, but not on another that is not.

On a second point, I believe, when the search for Mr. Conn was taking place, I saw a post on the HS Topix where he professed to enjoying the idea of wandering in the back country, and not sticking to any set plan. That point made the search even more difficult, since they really had no idea where he might have been. So... would Larry have actually filled out one of those itineraries?

I myself carry and use SPOT expressly so that people can know where I am, so if I ever have a fatal or debilitating accident, it won't take much time or expense to find my old carcass. I firmly believe every lone hiker should carry a SPOT. And I strongly disagree with those who may claim that using one alters my "wilderness experience" to a significant degree.

Re: ReConn Form
Steve C #33309 09/17/13 05:46 PM
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Steve,

Can you somehow cut and paste the form into a post so I can see it? I like the idea of having the correct info to hand off to a family/friend (because I refuse to pay the ridiculous yearly fees that SPOT requires -- especially when I read the continuous complaints about the thing....but that is a different topic for a different time)


The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Re: ReConn Form
Bee #33310 09/17/13 07:16 PM
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A PLB (as opposed to a SPOT) has no yearly fees. Though there is that gawd-awful battery replacement cost that comes up every 5 years.....

Re: ReConn Form
Bee #33313 09/17/13 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bee
Steve,

Can you somehow cut and paste the form into a post so I can see it? I like the idea of having the correct info to hand off to a family/friend (because I refuse to pay the ridiculous yearly fees that SPOT requires -- especially when I read the continuous complaints about the thing....but that is a different topic for a different time)


I downloaded the form, and stuffed a copy into a "google sites" location.
Here's the link to download/view the PDF file:   ReConnForm.pdf

Yes, I realize the SPOT subscription is pricey. When one considers what backpacking equipment costs, it isn't so bad. People could get half a dozen friends together and share the cost of one. Mine is available to friends here if you want.

As for all the complaining, I sure don't understand. Mine works all the time, except for those known situations.

Compared to a PLB, I like SPOT way better. It leaves a "breadcrumbs trail", so if someone is suddenly disabled or worse, the trail would show where to start looking. Spot reassures family members, too. A PLB can only be used in the emergency, if the person is able to activate it.

Re: ReConn Form
Bee #33314 09/17/13 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bee
Steve,

Can you somehow cut and paste the form into a post so I can see it? I like the idea of having the correct info to hand off to a family/friend (because I refuse to pay the ridiculous yearly fees that SPOT requires -- especially when I read the continuous complaints about the thing....but that is a different topic for a different time)


Bee: I tried the cut/paste thing, but maybe b/c of the pdf format, it came out all crazy. Sorry...



ReConn Form

Emergency Dispatch Phone Numbers:

Inyo County Sherriff Dept Dispatch        760-878-0383
Mono County Sherriff Dept Dispatch 760-932-7549
Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat'l Park Dispatch 559-565-3195
Yosemite Nat'l Park Dispatch 209-379-1992
Fresno County Sherriff Dept Dispatch 559-488-3939
Or call 911


Your Name:

Transportation:

  1. Car (Make, Model, License #):
  2. Bus
  3. Shuttle
  4. Hitch Hike
  5. Bicycle
  6. Walk
  7. Other

If you checked other than car, make sure to list bus or
shuttle numbers and transfer points with times included:

Starting Trailhead:


Name and location of main trailhead


Date and Approximate Time of Departure:

Include exact time of departure from trailhead on the form
you leave in your car.

Date of Approximate Exit:

Include the approximate time you’ll get to the trailhead too.
If using a different trailhead to exit than the starting one
list here.


Identity Description:

Height:

Weight:

Eye Color:

Hair Color:

Include current photo (as an attachment for online
and a hard copy attached with form in car).

List any medical conditions and medications:



Emergency Location Devices Taken:
  1. SPOT (Make, Model):
  2. PLB (Make, Model):
  3. SatPhone (Make, Model):
  4. Cell Phone
  5. Mirror
  6. Whistle


Reporting Your Location To SAR:

Use Lat/Long in either decimal degrees or degrees minutes
seconds. Also make sure you specify Datum. Many USGS maps
are still NAD 27. Your GPS will convert to anything you
set it to, recommend keeping it in NAD83 or WGS 84.


Experience/Preparedness:
  • Trail hiker
  • Trail hiker with some class 2 pass experience
  • Backpacker with class 2, off--]trail experience
  • Backpacker with class 3, off trail, climbing experience
  • Backpacker with class 4, off trail, climbing experience
  • Backpacker with class 5, off trail, climbing experience
  • Prepared for weather, aware of forecast for the week
  • Taken wilderness first-aid class
  • How many days of extra food are you taking? _________
  • How many miles per day do you hike on and off trail?_______




Route Description:

Describe your main route, including all possible departures
from it:




List campsites, including the alternate locations if departing
from the main route:




If basecamping, list all possible day hikes and areas of
interest to you:




If doing climbs from a campground or from basecamp,
describe the climbing routes your planning to do:


Include a map with the main route of interest in red, and
alternate routes using different bright colors , download
it from Google Earth or other mapping software captured as
jpg and attach, or make a hard copies of the map, draw in
routes, and campsites by hand and attach to all forms.



Equipment Description:
Tent (Make, Model, and Color):
Backpack (Make, Model, and Color):
Shoe/Boot (Make, Model, and Color):
Sleeping Bag (Make, Model, and Color):
Trekking Poles (Make, Model, and Color):
Clothing, Outer Layers:
(Make, Model, and Color):
Climbing Equipment: (Make, Model, and Color):
Fishing Equipment: (Make, Model, and Color):
Ice Axe: (Make, Model, and Color):
Crampons: (Make, Model, and Color):
Skis: (Make, Model, and Color):
Snowshoes: (Make, Model, and Color):\

List any other durable and/or distinguishable gear
that could help SAR tie them to you:


Please answer all the questions as thoroughly as
possible. The more detailed you are the better.

Last edited by Steve C; 09/17/13 10:11 PM. Reason: formatting

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Re: ReConn Form
MooseTracks #33315 09/17/13 09:22 PM
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Thanks for the valiant effort, Laura!!

Wazzzzuuuuu emailed me a copy, and when I tried to cut and paste it, I got the same craaazzzy result.

For those who can read it, I applaud Mav for making the effort to bridge the gap between the hikers and those who care about them.

I just looked up any new info on Matthew Greene, but it seems that not even the eyeglasses that were recovered were his. Back to square one.


The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Re: ReConn Form
Bee #33318 09/18/13 05:52 AM
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Hi Steve,

His partner said Larry would have probably filled one out if there was
such a form available. I too am a free spirited backpacker which is why
the possible routes section is so important because it narrows down
the areas SAR needs to concentrate on which could have brough a
much quicker resolution to Larrys incident and also Matthews.
There exists an information gap between family/friends and SAR
that this form attempts to bridge, and if used, it can raise the
likelyhood of a successful rescue or at least a recovery without the
months or worse the years of angish of not knowing!
Hopefully our Admin can fix the issues that exist, but please keep
trying, this form is well worth the effort for you, your loved ones, and
the men and women who risk their lives trying to find us.

Thanks.
Mav

Re: ReConn Form
MooseTracks #33319 09/18/13 07:56 AM
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When I printed out the pdf I noticed the YNP Dispatch was missing a number "2" at the end of "209-379-199." Thanks, Laura.

Numbers are loaded into my cellphone under the "Emergency Dispatch" group.

My wife and I will use this form.


Journey well...
Re: ReConn Form
+ @ti2d #33320 09/18/13 08:45 AM
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I've been doing something similar for years whenever I go backpacking.

The problem will continue to be the narcissistic children of all ages who believe it is all about them. They will not fill out this form or any form...they don't want their freedom encumbered. They will continue to do things beyond their skill level, they will walk into lightning and thunder, they will take headaches higher, will use photcopies of maps out a guide book and refuse to learn the ways of the wilderness.

The problem, on the whole, is not the responsible. It's people who go out with rocks in their pack but not a compass or a map when they train for a future climb. It's people who do not check the forecast before heading out. It's people climb high angled ice with Microspikes and trekking poles. End of rant.

Re: ReConn Form
+ @ti2d #33321 09/18/13 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted By: + @ti2d
When I printed out the pdf I noticed the YNP Dispatch was missing a number "2" at the end of "209-379-199."


I added the "2" in Laura's copy above. Note that I've provided a link to a copy of the pdf file above, too.

Maverick, you could change Skies: to Skis:

Re: ReConn Form
Steve C #33323 09/18/13 10:31 AM
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When I was a girl scout (soooo many years ago) my Leader (the best Girl Scout Leader EVER in the whole wide world, my Momma) taught us to always let someone know where you'll be hiking. She also always had us make foil imprints of the shoes we'd be wearing while hiking.

25 years later.... I STILL make foil imprints of my hiking shoes (and those of my kids...) and leave a detailed itinerary with someone at home (as a Boy Scout Leader each parent gets a copy before I leave with their boys on any trip), with the rangers where I am, and on the dashboard of my vehicle at the trailhead (I also leave the foil imprints in my car at the trailhead). This information includes who, where, what, when, how, emergency contact information and when I expect to be back. If I'm on a multiday trip and my itinerary changes I always let the person at home know. (I realize on a back country multiday that changes to an itin. can't exactly be shared with the "outside" world so I try not to make changes).

I also include in the copy I leave with my at home point of contact a detailed driving itinerary so that they know what roads I'm taking to where. If there are changes in this a call gets made home.

Not that I'm saying that the form isn't a good idea, I'll probably use the template myself from now on... however.. I'm just saying that people should be doing this already without having a form.

My two cents worth! Be safe out there my friends!

Last edited by SoCalGirl; 09/18/13 10:35 AM.
Re: ReConn Form
SoCalGirl #33324 09/18/13 11:02 AM
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Steve,

I am aware of the number 2, skies to skis, and your to
you're, but am weary of making corrections until they get
things stabilized.

Re: ReConn Form
SoCalGirl #33327 09/18/13 01:00 PM
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SoCalGirl...

I like the foil idea...Mommas know best! grin


Journey well...
Re: ReConn Form
Maverick #33329 09/18/13 03:47 PM
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Steve,

Is there place on this site where you could place this
form so it is accessible for folks to download on a
permanent basis?
We will be placing it permanently into our "Announcements"
section. PM me.

Thanks,
Mav

Re: ReConn Form
Maverick #33332 09/18/13 11:25 PM
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PM sent. I used "Google Sites" to make a copy available already.

Here's the link: ReConnForm.pdf


SoCal Chris: I've never heard of the foil footprint. I think it's a great idea. I think I'll start doing that.

Last edited by Steve C; 09/18/13 11:30 PM.

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