How To Fall Off A Mountain |
Rich Benbrook |
Using the MapsMount WhitneyMonarch LakeVidette MeadowCottonwood LakesOnion Valley to
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I have nothing but the highest praise for the responsiveness, courage, kindness and professionalism of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Search and Rescue Team, and I will never be able to repay them adequately for their efforts at getting me safely off Thunderbolt Peak. They organized the rescue operation quickly, and reached me far sooner that I could ever have hoped. Debbie immediately put me at ease, and made me feel comfortable (as well as could be expected given my injuries) and safe. Their equipment was top-notch, and their actions demonstrated their great dedication and extensive training. They took care of every detail. They insured that my personal belongings made it into the helicopter with me, and even allowed me the indulgence of a quick photo before we took off. Later, Ranger Dave Gordon hiked in to the camp Tim and I had abandoned, and collected our gear. He carried our equipment for miles across rough, trail-less terrain to the backcountry ranger cabin. From there, it was loaded onto the helicopter and flown out of the mountains, then it was shipped back to me. To further the efforts of the Search and Rescue Team, I hope you will join my parents and me in sending a tax-deductible donation to: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Please make your check payable to the National Park Service and mark it for the Search and Rescue Team. The following narrative was written by Debbie Brenchley, summarizing the search and rescue operation. Rescue Narrative
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