Tag Archive for 'rescue'

Monkey Canyon

Last week, I came across a post from a local blogger about a place in the Angeles National Forest called “Monkey Canyon.” Not on any maps and unofficially named, the area appears to be a popular swimming hole and rugged hike for those in-the-know. It has rough canyons, big drops, and cold streams.

It looks like it would be a lot of fun to get to — if the area wasn’t nearly covered over in graffiti.

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Regardless, this is not a leisurely stroll-in-and-swim hike. This is some serious off-trail scrambling and climbing, wading through waist-deep water in flash flood zones, and maneuvering around steep drop-offs. It is not for anyone who doesn’t know exactly what they’re getting in to — a lesson two men learned today when they were rescued from the canyon and hospitalized.

They’d both fallen off the trail — one 50 feet onto land, the other wedged between boulders in the water.

State & Lake has a post with some great information on Monkey Canyon, including some directions to the ‘trailhead’-ish area and some more warnings. Also, there’s a story about Bigfoot hiding out among the cliff-divers.

Huh. I always figured him for more of a Pacific Northwest boutique-coffee kinda guy.

Image by em crack.

Spotty SPOTs

nullIf you’re like me, you’ve been thinking about picking up one of those
SPOT Emergency Beacons
. They’re more versatile, reusable, and way cheaper than other satellite beacons on the market, and have gotten rave reviews from everyone who’s tested one out.

But there’s one problem — no one’s ever had to use them in an actual emergency yet. Or at least, until now.

The fine folks at Backpacker.com have posted a very well-written, real-life account of an emergency distress call from the slopes of Mount McKinley. It’s a great read, and highlights some of the unit’s shortcomings when needed out on the trail.

I’m still planning on buying one this year — but maybe I’ll wait a bit to see if they’re planning on doing any sort of redesigns or updates. Anyone out there have ‘em? And what do you think?

via Two-Heel Drive.