Thanks to all. I have been riding in Wyoming Mtns for 28 years now and snowmobilers are always willing to help. My Dad, God rest his soul, started riding in the late 60's, the last thing he told me before we rode away from the trailer every time we when riding was, "are you prepared to spend the night"? Are you prepared both mentally and physically? Things can turn from fun, to dangerous, to deadly in a second.
Night in the Snowies
- Thread starter snowmobilelaura
- Start date
Y
yardfarmer
Well-known member
I was just goofing around about the pic's...., I had no idea it was that serious..., I am sorry!!! Glad you are here to tell the story! Hats off to the peep's that help! Snowmobilers are good folks!
I work with a guy that was with you at the warming hut and helped get your sleds out. I told him about you thanking everyone involved and he wanted me to pass on his best wishes to both of you.
Keep this post updated on your conditions as he was wondering how it turned out.
Keep this post updated on your conditions as he was wondering how it turned out.
S
Supplicate
ACCOUNT CLOSED
That is why a person should -always- carry at least three separate methods to light a fire and to keep a fire going.
Butane lighters never work when it gets much below zero.
Matches never work when they get wet.
Flint and steel always works as long as your hands aren't numb.
Emergency candles are much easier to light then wood.
Glad to hear everyone made it out alive, take this experience and learn from it. Get a pack if you don't already have one and load it up. Who cares if its a bit heavy at first? At least you will have everything you need to stay alive and stay (somewhat) comfortable.
maybe post where this happened. If it was on a lake or something, good info for others to be aware.
Never leave your sled! It has everything you need to survive! Fuel in the tank, rip off the hood for a shovel, etc...this may sound weird but we all carry tampons from the ladies!? Perfect for dipping into the tank as a fire starter. One of the best fire starters we've ever tested out
No its not weird, we all carry them in our group, as you said the sled is one of your best servival tools,fuel, spark,shelter,ect. Good to here everyone is alive!!
Never leave your sled! It has everything you need to survive! Fuel in the tank, rip off the hood for a shovel, etc...this may sound weird but we all carry tampons from the ladies!? Perfect for dipping into the tank as a fire starter. One of the best fire starters we've ever tested out
They can also be used as a dressing for an open injury. Many items have multiple uses that can help you out.
Glad to hear that every one made it out. My hat goes off to Chris and the Search and rescue once again.
why did it take so long to get out? I saw you guys at about 10.30 that morning. I don't think i could have stayed there that long
Once again the Trails program has let us down! They marked the N-O trail over at least part of three lakes. When you go east of the warming hut they cut the corner of Vagner lake, Then went along the edge of reservoir lake and straight across cutthroat lake which is where they got stuck in the slush at the edge. The trail is poorly marked for bad weather. All the Trails program director had to say was that they shouldn't have had cotton socks on. If you would like to comment on the trails call 307-777-6560 and ask for Brad Hills(program director) phone number. Brad Hills' email ( bhill@state.wy.us ) This wasn't Kent and Laura's fault and I'm just glad they were smart enough to make it through a very nasty night! I'm tired of holding my opinion when their negligence almost killed freinds!!
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The Sheriffs' department have good people and have actual people who know how to snowmobile, but should consider selling their snocats and getting more snowmobiles and rescue sleds. They had a few problems getting the snocats to and from the warming hut. Remember to thank search and rescue!
Thanks for all you do up there, Chris!
OK -
I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered before, but I don't recall seeing it anywhere.
Since the state is now in charge of the trails, why can't those snow cats that are used for grooming be used for S&R? Drop the drags off at the trail head, and take those cats back to the warming hut, or at least get them as close as possible?
Is this a liability issue? or an insurance issue for the cats?
I would imagine S&R funds could pay for fuel and the wages they pay the state employees to drive the cats in. Just thinking out loud here.
If that is not possible, what about working a deal with the ski area to use their cats for S&R? Same liability and insurance issues?
I agree with Chris though - snowmobiles can get in and out a lot faster, and can work through the trees for S&R, so that is probably the best route to go. I was just looking at the available resources on the mountain. There are also a few private snow cats that I know of (my dad has one, and I know of at least 1-2 others) down by Albany, but there would be issues there as the owners of the cats are not always going to be up there on the weekends when people get lost......
I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered before, but I don't recall seeing it anywhere.
Since the state is now in charge of the trails, why can't those snow cats that are used for grooming be used for S&R? Drop the drags off at the trail head, and take those cats back to the warming hut, or at least get them as close as possible?
Is this a liability issue? or an insurance issue for the cats?
I would imagine S&R funds could pay for fuel and the wages they pay the state employees to drive the cats in. Just thinking out loud here.
If that is not possible, what about working a deal with the ski area to use their cats for S&R? Same liability and insurance issues?
I agree with Chris though - snowmobiles can get in and out a lot faster, and can work through the trees for S&R, so that is probably the best route to go. I was just looking at the available resources on the mountain. There are also a few private snow cats that I know of (my dad has one, and I know of at least 1-2 others) down by Albany, but there would be issues there as the owners of the cats are not always going to be up there on the weekends when people get lost......
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Laura, Iam so glad you both are all right. I got your e-mail at work today. I do not know if you remember me. Kent and worked for the same company when you were in Wichita and talked about riding the Snowies when we got together for our managers meetings. We all wish you both to get well soon.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Steve Coolidge
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Steve Coolidge
Thank you to all that helped get my dad and step mom off the mountain. From what they have told me, there is a great group of people up there and we can't wait to get to meet some of them when we come riding. I haven't been riding in quite a few years but I do offroad and know the importance of having the right equipment with you and being prepared. It is true that everyone learns from their mistakes and I know they will both be better prepared next time.
Thanks again for all the support. I look forward to see you on the trails someday.
Erin
Wichita, KS
Thanks again for all the support. I look forward to see you on the trails someday.
Erin
Wichita, KS
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Snowjunky
Well-known member
I aways get grief from riding partners on what I carry. I could keep 3 of us alive all night 2 for 2 days or me for probably 4. I am adding tampons to pack as we speak. Sorry to hear about your ordeal......Thanks for posting here so I could learn about it. Prayers for your recovery. Rick
What a a great post we are all glad they are safe and we all learned a thing or two-why where they out there in 60 below weather?- did I miss somethun I would hope somebody wood pull me on the collar and say - come and sit by the fire for awhile- it is too cold and you cant see nothing- to be outside.
S
sykosledhead
Well-known member
Kent Ready to switch to Polaris
Howdy Kent and Laura.
I hope the trip home was ok. How are the toes?
I can't say enough how happy I was to hear and see both of you. I would have been on the hill if I could. As it was, I hope life was a little better now anyway.
Like I said, ready to try a polaris yet. hahahahahahah.
It seems that we can learn a lot from an experience like this and from all the info of this tread, we can and should. I know I will change my bag around some. One point I will repeat is that being smart and not freaking out that night is what saved your lives. We can carry the house and still get in a pickle. What ever you do, realize that you did the right thing and are alive to tell the story.
To that I say GOOD JOB.
Make sure and hug that lovely wife of yours tonight and sit a little closer to the fire.
Gotta love a happy ending.
Take care and if your ever back over this away and want to go up. Just holler.
John
ER Staff, and SAR member
Howdy Kent and Laura.
I hope the trip home was ok. How are the toes?
I can't say enough how happy I was to hear and see both of you. I would have been on the hill if I could. As it was, I hope life was a little better now anyway.
Like I said, ready to try a polaris yet. hahahahahahah.
It seems that we can learn a lot from an experience like this and from all the info of this tread, we can and should. I know I will change my bag around some. One point I will repeat is that being smart and not freaking out that night is what saved your lives. We can carry the house and still get in a pickle. What ever you do, realize that you did the right thing and are alive to tell the story.
To that I say GOOD JOB.
Make sure and hug that lovely wife of yours tonight and sit a little closer to the fire.
Gotta love a happy ending.
Take care and if your ever back over this away and want to go up. Just holler.
John
ER Staff, and SAR member
