Monday, May 30, 2011

Sierra Journal Article

Emilie Cortes is the 2011 Chair of the Sierra Club Peak Climbing Section. She recently wrote a nice BAMRU profile in the Sierra Journal. Check it out! (BAMRU: Getting Your Dirtbag Butt Out of a Rock and a Hard Place)

Friday, May 27, 2011

A Rescuer's Perspective

Here's an interesting video shot from the helmet cam of a rescuer in Banff National Park.



More information at the Adventure Journal

Wear your helmets out there!!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Golden Gate Search

On Tuesday, May 24th BAMRU was called for a Mutual Aid search in the vicinity of the Golden Gate and SF Presidio. The subject was a missing 15 year old girl from Danville.

BAMRU sent a team for one operational period Tuesday evening. We had another team ready for a follow-on period Wednesday, but the search was called off.

Media reports indicate that the girl may have committed suicide.

Our thoughts go out to the missing girl's family. Thanks to BAMRU members to participated in the search.

News: Danville Patch | KTVU

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Semper Paratus

The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared" - Semper Paratus.

Two BAMRU members recently went on an overnight backpacking trip in Point Reyes National Seashore. At about 9:30pm, they were approached by a couple asking for directions. The couple had gotten lost, and now faced a 5 mile hike to their car in the pitch black.

This is a great example of why you should always carry a light-source and map, part of the ten essentials.

Extra batteries are also a great idea, and the best place to store extra batteries is in an extra headlamp. Since both BAMRU members had their backup lights with them, they were able to help these hikers without having to cook dinner in the dark.

Over the years BAMRU has recovered many hikers who have gotten lost at night. We're pleased that in this situation everyone made it home safe and sound.

Sometimes the difference between a memorable adventure and an unfortunate outcome rests on simple details in preparation. Semper Paratus!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Missing Student Found

On Thursday May 5, BAMRU was paged for a mutual aid search in Annadel State Park, Sonoma County. The subject was a 19 year old male. Suicide notes had been found both at his home and college residence, and a hand gun was missing from his home.

BAMRU had teams in the field for an operational period that started Friday at 0600, and completed search assignments together with responders from Cal-ESAR and Marin SAR.

BAMRU returned for a second operational period on Saturday at 0600, and was paired with a CARDA dog team. After a 2 mile hike to the start of the search assignment, the dog found the subject's body.

Our team secured the area, and reported the find to CP. Post-find coordination was largely done by cell phone. BAMRU secured a helicopter LZ, and police investigators were flown in. Then BAMRU returned to CP for debriefing.

Wildlife was abundant during this search. BAMRU members saw deer, jack rabbits, wild turkey, lizards, geese, and turkey vultures. In separate incidents, members nearly stepped on a sleeping young fawn and a rattle snake. A non BAMRU team reported seeing a mountain lion chasing a deer. Wildflowers and scenery were at their best.

Many thanks to our members, who put in long hours and worked professionally. Our condolences to the student's family for their tragic loss.

News articles: Missing SSU Student | Student's Car Found | Student's Body Found

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Ice Climbing Fall

The Internet is becoming a great source of accident post-mortem videos, and here is another in the genre. The video and online comments here and here are educational.


Fall on Vimeo: thanks to Jeffrey Butler for sharing.