Can't say enough about my friends

[WyoRMKowboy]

Spent last Thursday night (24th) in the Sierra Madres. Long story, bad storm, worse luck, etc.... Any how, Brandon and Cameron Chimenti dropped what they were doing and came looking for us the next day. Although we were able to ride out on our own, many thanks to these two and Cody and Jake as well. Could have been much worse and to know that these guys found where we spent the night was very reassuring. Also, if you ever wonder why you carry so much gear, take it from me, I hope you never need it but I will never ride without it.

 

[coyoteman]

Glad it all worked out for the good.

 

[newmy1]

Good to hear! Must be better snow in the Madres?

 

[icerider600]

Right there with you!! We had this same thing happen 2 years ago, 3 of us made it out but it was way late and we were exhausted. The 2 guys with me were panicing but I was calm because I knew I had the stuff we needed to spend the night if we had to I have all that stuff with me every time we ride, some of my buddies go without even extra gas?? One time like yours will change their mind about what they take, if they make it out! By the way, riding a sled with 3 guys on it in the dark in 3 foot of fresh powder down the mountain 20 miles sucks!!! We all fell off right before the trailer but, we just laid there and laughed because we knew we made it!

Dallas

 

[skiwiz]

Kowboy - more details please !

 

[polaris dude]

Yeah, I'm interested what happened too. Also, what all do you bring with you?

My biggest concern would be for it to start snowing and being stuck somewhere.

 

[WyoRMKowboy]

We got caught in some tight draws North of Bridger Peak that you couldn't get out the bottom of because of the downed timber (beatle kill). It was very hard and exhausting getting back out the top once the snow and white out conditions came. We finally got to a shute that we could climb up to the top of Bridger Peak, but it was basically dark and a little trecherous. At that point we were nearly home free, just looking for a decent spot to head South back to the highway. At this point, one of our party got confused and headed down a shute to the North. I got to him about 200 yards down the hill but it was too far down to turn around. We were then committed to going down and got to a lake on South Spring Creek where we spent the night in a snow cave. I tried for a couple hours to find a way out, but with the snow and darkness and all the steep terrain it wasn't going to happen. We dug a pit under a canopy of pine trees, built a fire and gathered firewood for the night. We stayed in the pit for 11 hours until daylight came and the fog lifted enought to start working our way out. Got back to the parking lot at 2:00 pm.

We did have water, food, plenty of ways to start a fire and four saw/shovel combos. I also carry a stainless steel cup that we used to melt snow for more water. We did break 3 of the 4 saws throughout the night though. I have picked up a couple additional hand saws to carry. We cut pine boughs to sit/lay on to stay dry. We also had space blankets that didn't really hold in any heat, but they did block the wind at times. I also had dry socks in a shrink wrapped package that one guy needed as well.

I know this is a scattered story, it's just hard to put all the pieces together at once.

 

[Wyorever]

Glad you guys are ok! Sounds like you we're prepared for it.

 

[MT rydn]

We got caught in some tight draws North of Bridger Peak that you couldn't get out the bottom of because of the downed timber (beatle kill). It was very hard and exhausting getting back out the top once the snow and white out conditions came. We finally got to a shute that we could climb up to the top of Bridger Peak, but it was basically dark and a little trecherous. At that point we were nearly home free, just looking for a decent spot to head South back to the highway. At this point, one of our party got confused and headed down a shute to the North. I got to him about 200 yards down the hill but it was too far down to turn around. We were then committed to going down and got to a lake on South Spring Creek where we spent the night in a snow cave. I tried for a couple hours to find a way out, but with the snow and darkness and all the steep terrain it wasn't going to happen. We dug a pit under a canopy of pine trees, built a fire and gathered firewood for the night. We stayed in the pit for 11 hours until daylight came and the fog lifted enought to start working our way out. Got back to the parking lot at 2:00 pm.

We did have water, food, plenty of ways to start a fire and four saw/shovel combos. I also carry a stainless steel cup that we used to melt snow for more water. We did break 3 of the 4 saws throughout the night though. I have picked up a couple additional hand saws to carry. We cut pine boughs to sit/lay on to stay dry. We also had space blankets that didn't really hold in any heat, but they did block the wind at times. I also had dry socks in a shrink wrapped package that one guy needed as well.

I know this is a scattered story, it's just hard to put all the pieces together at once.

Wow! Well done. I know a guy that packs a chainsaw each trip (mostly cause he makes sure we all eat big hot lunch!, but that could clear downed timber and keep a good fire going all night)

 

[Texasron]

Right there with you!! We had this same thing happen 2 years ago, 3 of us made it out but it was way late and we were exhausted. The 2 guys with me were panicing but I was calm because I knew I had the stuff we needed to spend the night if we had to I have all that stuff with me every time we ride, some of my buddies go without even extra gas?? One time like yours will change their mind about what they take, if they make it out! By the way, riding a sled with 3 guys on it in the dark in 3 foot of fresh powder down the mountain 20 miles sucks!!! We all fell off right before the trailer but, we just laid there and laughed because we knew we made it!

Dallas

Do you live in Dallas. If so send message back Ron Farmers Branch, Texas

 

[jpete27]

Glad nobody was hurt! It's always nice to have basic survival gear and skills. Northwest of Bridger can get awfully tricky to ride in.