RESCUE is published monthly by the IDAHO MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT, INC. P.O.Box741, Boise ID 83701. Editor: Charlotte Gunn, Phone (208)466-8345 or e-mail cgunn@execu.net

Deadline of the 20th of the month is required for material to be included in the next month’s issue.

RESCUEIDAHO MOUNTAIN SEARCH

AND RESCUE UNIT, INCBOISE, IDAHO

FOUNDING MEMBER:MOUNTAIN RESCUE

ASSOCIATION

Vol. 35 Jan./Feb. 2002 No.1

LOST SKIERS – JANUARY 27, 2002--CHARLOTTE GUNN

On Saturday, January 26, there was rain in the valley but fresh snow in the mountains, an inviting time to goskiing. A 44-year-old man attended his 15-year-old son’s ski race at Bogus Basin, then phoned his wife at about3:30 p.m. to say he was going to find their son and head home, as they were not dressed for night skiing. They

did not arrive. Calls to the ski area and to theBoise County Sheriff resulted in finding the carstill in the parting lot. Night sweeps found acouple of places where possible tracks led downdrainages; ski patrol was alerted to search atdawn, and we were paged out to follow leadsout of the area.

The first challenge was the drive up, bumper tobumper with some of the thousands whowanted to get an early start on a beautiful day ofskiing. Steve Shake, operations manager atBogus Basin, warned all personnel of the unsta-ble snow conditions and steep terrain in likelysearch areas. Sheriff Gary Brown and a deputyran snowmobiles out to one set of “possibletracks” and determined them to be left by ani-mals, not people. Ski patrol fanned out in theirsearch pattern to cover all the in-bounds area.

RESCUE has been the voice of IMSARU since January 1962

Skier describes his cold night out to the media. Photo by G. Gunn

WEBEditionIN THIS ISSUE:

Search for Lost Skiers -p. 1

Olympic Torch -p. 2

Highline Training -p. 9-10

Important Announcements -p. 8

Ada CountyAerial SheriffBruce Parkertook his fixed-wing with BillLindenau as ob-server, to lookfor lonelyskiers. AndKris Walker,John Kuhn andAimee Hastriterchecked theira v a l a n c h etransceivers ,shovels andprobes as well

as general packs before accepting a snow-cat ride to the top, where they would follow the other set of“possible tracks” (covered by 4-8 inches of fresh snow) down the Pine Creek drainage.

The rest of us settled in to wait impatiently for assignments when more information might becomeavailable. Fortunately, our snoeshow team had traveled only “about 97 yards” down the drainage whenwe received word that the two missing skiers had walked out. They reported that they had gone downthe wrong side of the hill, crossed the ridge road without realizing it, and were trying to find a way backwhen dark fell. The found a tree shelter, which they improved with branches, and waited out the night.With daylight, they found their way to a trail which took them to a road where they caught a ride back tothe lodge—tired and hungry but obviously in good shape.

It was midday by the time we got all our people and equipment back and packed for return to the valley,and the line of cars headed up the mountain was still steady. IMSARU participants included Kit Brown,Joey Clements, Richard Clements, Charlotte Gunn, George Gunn (O.L.), Chris Harry, Aimee Hastriter,David Hay, Kris Hoffman, Rod Knopp (in-town coordinator), John Kuhn, Bill Lindenau (air observer),Jerry Newland, Leslie Robertson, Dan Scovel, Suzanne Ventura, Kris Walker, Tom Wheless and EverettWood. Suzanne does not want Rod to know that she lost her new pager already, but if he does find out,he should also know that she found it again.

HOT DRINKS AT THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY CELEBRATION, 01/26/02--ROSE WOOD

IMSARU members were part of a wonderful, moving event when Tony Rockwell and Andrew Hymanorganized a booth serving coffee and hot chocolate at the Center on the Grove for the Olympic TorchRelay Celebration. Luckily, the forecast rain did not appear except for maybe a half dozen or so dropslate in the evening. Thanks to the propane heater, we weren’t too cold. From about 4:30 PM on, peoplebegan coming into the Grove, and by 7 PM, it was shoulder-to-shoulder people. Though sales startedout a bit slow, they quickly picked up. The guys heating water to brew the coffee and hot chocolate werereally hustling to keep up. Theirs was no easy task as we were using propane burners and huge stockpots to heat the water. The sales may have stopped during the final few minutes before the torch arrivedat the Grove, but the crew sure didn’t. We took advantage of the lull to sing and dance to the musiccoming from the stage.Then the torch arrived, welcomed by cheers from the crowd and a sea of candles. The torch was carried

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Equipment check for team members heading out of bounds. Photo by C. Gunn

the final fewyards to lightthe cauldron byJudy Andrews,widow of Mas-ter Sgt. EvanderAndrews, thefirst U.S. soldierto die in Opera-tion EnduringFreedom. Atthat moment,the Olympicspirit had to benearly as intenseas for any of theathletes who will be competing in the Olympics. I’m sure I am not alone in the joy of being able to share asmall part of this moment in Idaho’s history. As if emotions were not already being invoked, Judy An-drews’ daughter, 4-year-old Courtney, took the stage and sang a song she and her family wrote to her dadfor Father’s Day 2 years ago. I don’t think there were many dry eyes at this point. What an unforgettableevening!

Many thanks to all involved: MarkBursink, Brandi Brian, Lance Brian,Sue Brian, Richard Clements, PamGreen, Chris Harry, Kris Hoffman, An-drew Hyman, Chris Karnes, Jerry New-land, Tony Rockwell, Leslie Robertson,Dan Scovel, George Shaffer, Tom Whe-less, Martha Vandivort, Suzanne Ven-tura, Everett Wood and Rose Wood. Ihope I didn’t forget anyone; if I did, Isincerely apologize. I would also like tothank the people of Boise, because inspite of the capacity crowd, there was anoticeable sense of unity and lack of im-patience.

Special thanks to those who gave extratime and efforts, including Andrew Hy-man for arranging the supplies, MarthaVandivort for getting the rental equip-ment, Leslie Robertson for picking upbeverage supplies and for stepping inwhen Tony had to start a new job, and

also to Brandy and Sue Brian for getting the rental cart to use in hauling supplies and equipment into theCenter. Extra special thanks go to all who set up the booth and then took it down at the end of the

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IMSARU workers celebrate the Olympic torch. Photo by Brian family

Check the hat on one of the Olympic torchbearers who stopped by our booth.Photo by Brian family

evening, and to Richard Clements, George Shaffer, and Chris Harry for giving their whole day tothe booth. Set-up was at 11 a.m. and take-down was about 10:30 p.m. The last load to be takenout by Richard was held up by TV camera crews blocking his vehicle. Word is that he didn’t getto leave until around 11 PM.

STRANDED MOTORIST – DECEMBER 19-20, 2001--CHARLOTTE GUNN

The report was that a woman had visited her son in a Boise hospital, then lost her way whilereturning to Emmett; she called someone to report that her vehicle was stuck in the snow and shedid not know where she was. Ada County asked us to join their deputies in tracing as manyroutes as possible. We had small teams under way in eight 4wd vehicles when a couple ofdeputies located the missing vehicle, stuck in two feet of snow, and walked the missing woman tosafety.

IMSARU members responding included Winston Cheyney, George Gunn, Chris Harry, AimeeHastriter, Andrew Hymas, Rod Knopp (coordinator), Jerry Newland, Leslie Robertson, DanScovel, Martha Vandivort, Suzanne Ventura, Kris Walker, Tom Wheless and Everett Wood.

A NEW SAR SKILL – SEWING--CHARLOTTE GUNN

SAR-type people aren’t necessarily known for our fashion sense, but we do like to keep warm inwinter and spend a lot of money in the effort to do so. On January 12, Tom Wheless clued us into how we can decrease the money while maintaining the warmth and perhaps even increasing thefashion—sew our own fleece garments. With half a dozen sewing machines set up in our meetingroom, and Tomproviding informa-tion and encour-agement, memberscut and pinned andcreated. Hatswere most popu-lar, followed byfleece socks andmittens.

Thank you, Tom,for getting usstarted on anotheruseful skill.

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Tom offers sewing tips to Brandy Brian. Photo by G. Gunn

WHO ARE WE AND WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?--UNIT LEADER WILL HIRST, BAY AREA MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT

BAMRU was sent an invitation to some kind of rescue competition. The rest of the board and Idecided that we had more pressing objectives. The thing that got me was the description ofmountain rescuers as (I’m paraphrasing) kick butt, foul mouthed, get the job done, wild and crazyrescue animals. I’ve met a couple very effective rescuers like that who were not posers. Yet I’veseen them work very well with others who exude the calm and composure that we imagine in aZen master. Most of us are neither sort.

Quiet as it’s kept, the whole thing is really about compassion. We care about people who aremissing or injured. We have concern for their families and friends who wait.

Sure there are other compensations and reasons. There is the camaraderie, that edginess ofuncertainty, admiration from some, feelings of accomplishment after great effort, being part ofreal teamwork, and of course occasional helicopter rides. Yet we could get these things fromsports such as mountaineering, or joining the National Guard. There is something about themystery of a search or the immediacy of a rescue that gets you in the gut. And you say that thisis important stuff. Important enough to put up with all the negatives. I was going to mention afew of them but it started filling the page.

I hope that this makes some sense. If not, you haven’t wasted much time. Anyway, this what wedo becomes, in a way, who we are. In time, we may lose the urge or have other obligations. Ourservices may no longer be needed. That’s fine too. Our experiences in BAMRU will havebecome a part of us wherever we go.

[Reprinted by permission from the July/August 2001 issue of the Bay Area Mountain RescueUnit newsletter]

CHRISTMAS GIFTS WERE WRAPPED—PAM GREEN

Our annual REI gift wrapping this past December went off without a hitch. We had nine verysuccessful days—friendly faces all around, gifts galore and, once again, some of the prettiestbows you’ve ever seen.

We offer thank-yous all around, to everyone from bowmakers to the wrappers. A huge thank yougoes to REI for the opportunity to raise much-needed funds to help keep IMSARU going in ourcommunity for yet another year.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY AND AWARDS, 2001--CHARLOTTE GUNN

On December 8, Jeff and Renee Munn graciously hosted our annual party, with tables in thegarage for potluck food and cozy seating for about fifty people in a party mood. After stuffingourselves, Diane Mathews and Charlotte Gunn presented the traditional year-in-review with“awards” for members’ moments of embarrassment, learning and entertainment. These werefollowed by the real awards listed below.

George Gunn spoke the unit’sthanks to all the family and friendswho make possible the members’involvement.George also presented to Coordi-nator Rod Knopp a gear bag as atoken of appreciation from theK-9 handlers, for all his work withthem.Jim Noland of Elmore CountySAR presented a plaque to IM-SARU in appreciation of our co-operative work on missions andtraining.Rod Knopp also presented aplaque to Elmore County SAR,again in recognition of how valu-able is the relationship between

our two units.Rod expressed the unit’s apprecia-tion to Terry and Susan Reed fortaking vacation time to work anentire week at the Corn Booth.Rod also offered appreciation giftsto Jeff and Renee for hosting theparty.Aimee Hastriter made the presen-tation to Dan Scovel in recognitionof his valuable participation insafety education programs duringthe year.Rod then presented the remainingawards. Mountain Rescue mugs

went to:

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Jerry gets a new knife for cutting brush in his snow cave while Dianeand Charlotte look on. Photo by K. Walker

Rod Knopp and Jim Noland share appreciation between IMSARU andElmore Co. SAR . Photo by K. Walker

Dan Scovel for all his efforts towardfinding us a vehicle.Paula McCollum for getting Jebfield-certified.Rick Cudd for his work as the out-going president.Diane Mathews for her many effi-cient years as the out-going secre-tary.Dave Sorenson for starting his tenthyear as unit treasurer.Chuck Bricker for not only doingthe mechanical work on our poorold vehicles but donating the partsto keep them running a bit longer.Ed Emmel for his behind-the-scenes

work on our communications,including making possible thealpha-numeric paging system.

Tony Rockwell for constantmaintenance of the web site.Brad Acker for his major role inactivating a technical team andencouraging their additionaltraining sessions.Crystal awards in various formswent to:Aimee Hastriter for her devotionto organizing the safety educa-

tion program.The climbing team for becoming an activespecialty within the unit.Jeff Munn for his continued work as propertymanager, a post he is leaving to becomepresident.Leslie Robertson for her multiple activities inpublic relations, fund-raising, training, mis-sions, and just about everything else the unitdoes.Rod also presented a clock to George andCharlotte Gunn in appreciation of the timeand energy they continue to give to unitactivities.

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Charlotte and George Gunn now have no excuse for beinglate. Photot by K. Walker

Rod tells Jeff of IMSARU’s appreciation. Photo by K. Walker

Aimee and Dan, Safety Ed stalwarts Photo by K. Walker

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

GRANTS RECEIVED

IMSARU has recently received a grant in the amount of $1068 for operating expenses, from theIdaho Community Foundation.

We received a grant in the amount of $l000 toward heating and insulating the garage, from theWeyerhaeuser Company Foundation.

We thank these foundations for their support, and we thank Jennifer Rockwell and LeslieRobertson for their work in applying for the grants.

DUES AND PAGER FEES

Both of these run by calendar year, so the 2002 fees need to be paid. Continuing membership feeis $25. Fee for the alphanumeric pager is $36. (There is no fee for the tone-and-voice pager.)Mail your check or bring it to any meeting; please include a note as to what the check is for.

MEDICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

Medical directors Renee Johanson and Tom Wheless are setting up a Professional Rescuer CPRclass, which will run for eight hours and cost $46 per person. If you have not already told themthat you want to take the class, contact one of them right away to get your name on the list. Theymay have dates and times set by now.

PREPARE TO BE A SURVIVOR

By popular demand, Bob Meredith will teach a class on survival and wild foods. Classroomsessions will meet on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, May 29-30, and the field session will beon Saturday, June 1.

SAD FAREWELLS

Steve Pack, recently our medical director, has moved back to West Virginia, where he is againworking as a paramedic and plans to complete his nursing degree.

Stine Thede has moved to Georgia, where her husband has taken a new job.

K-9 TEST

Xena recently passed her C.G.C. with George Gunn. (This is one of the required tests for all ofour SAR dog teams.)

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TECHNICAL TRAINING – THE HIGHLINE--AIMEE HASTRITER

The technical team de-cided to try somethingnot many of us haddone before. Wewanted to build a high-line. On Saturday, De-cember first, we met atCougar MountainLodge for breakfast be-fore heading to Timand Diane’s cabin, thebase for this adventure.There was a light snowfalling (which lasted thewhole day) but this didnot dampen the spiritsof those willing to getbundled up to play inthe snow with ropes.The group includedBrad Acker, Aimee

Hastriter, David Hay, Jeff Munn, Jerry and Jenny Newland, Tony Rockwell, Martha Vandivort,Kris Walker, and ofcourse Tim Henningand Diane Mathews.

We selected a nice lo-cation over a smallravine between twohillsides which conve-niently had trees,about 150 feet apart,to be utilized as an-chors. The objectivewas to tie the ends ofone rope around a treeon each side of theravine and use a sec-ond rope to maneuver

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The technical team plays in the snow. Photo by K. Walker

Does this look like fun or misery? Photo by K. Walker

a litter. The first rope wasstationary, secured betweenthe two trees. We usedpulleys to connect the sec-ond rope to the first, andthen attached this rope tothe litter. Thus, by pullingon the second rope, andusing a raising and loweringsystem, the litter could bemoved back and forthacross the ravine. Since thiswas obviously a practicesession, we inserted adynomometer into the an-chor system of the station-ary rope, to demonstratehow much force was beingplaced on the anchoredrope as it held the weight ofa person in the litter overthe ravine.

We spent a few hoursbuilding the highline,playing with the rais-ing and lowering sys-tems needed for bestefficiency, and takingturns riding in the lit-ter. The ravine wasnot really that deep,but you got the feelingof floating in midairwith only the ropesbetween you and cer-tain pain when you hitbottom should some-thing go wrong. Itwas great! After ex-hausting our enthusi-asm for the newknowledge, weheaded back to Timand Diane’s cabin

where a wonderful hot fire and food awaited us. I can’t speak for everyone, but I enjoyed theopportunity to try something new and I always enjoy playing outside with friends. The warm fireand good eats topped off a wonderful day.

David goes for a cold ride. Photo by K. Walker

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A warm cabin is welcome after playing in the snow. Photo by K. Walker