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| Hiking | 5.85 Miles |
2,900 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.85 Miles | 11 Hrs | | 0.53 mph |
| 2,900 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Well, I should have saw this coming.
My first SAR issue - and all my fault.
I decided to take my (new) wife Val (a newer hiker, but can easily do regular groomed trail for "miles") on the FlatIron.
I haven't been on this this hike in over 8+ years, so I forgot just how much scrambling (and time) was really involved.
I thought we could easily do the 6 miles in 7 hours or less, so I didn't bring a headlamp; sure enough, my 5'4" Valerie REALLY struggled with all the scrambling.
Took us roughly 3.5 hrs to summit (should have been my first clue), but I erroneously figured we would descend at a normal downhill pace...and not Val's uphill pace. Ironically, I think she was actually slower (and more cautious) and you can't treat this hike like a delicate flower, especially with night creeping in. I knew we needed to get to the base of the waterfall before dark to have a chance, but we weren't even close. I was getting anxious.
It was dark by the time we exited the steep, upper ravine. I knew we were in trouble. I was essentially route-finding, in the dark, every 20 yards, then returning back to her to help her as she cautiously "slid" down very slowly. We were somewhere "near" the top of the waterfall, but since I had no headlamp, I couldn't rely on an absolutely safe or sure route between the ravine and the waterfall (not that it mattered, Val was physically COOKED). I knew I couldn't ask Val to climb back UP if I made a bad decision. At 6:30pm (winter darkness comes too FAST), we finally conceded and called 911, who contacted Sheriff and the SAR was officially on!!
It took the team of 5 men about 2+ hours to reach us on foot...(we were on route, just above the top of the steep waterfall; was just too dark to safely know). We had plenty of water and snacks. Val was dressed warmer than I was; fortunately there was not a strong wind. When they arrived, SAR quickly hydrated Valerie and then gently escorted her down by hand (as I embarrassingly followed). They had a "side by side" (ATV) waiting at the county line for her to drive in the last mile. We were back at the car (with a pissed off County Sheriff officer) around midnight. (p.s the Pinal County SARs guys were fantastic...many kudos).
Much to learn. Never go anywhere w/o a headlamp. Always keep an eye on the time, especially in winter. Know your partner's FULL physical capabilities. Consider all negative consequences/possibilities.
Overall, it was the right move to call (saved my marriage also), and there were no serious injuries, other than my pride.
Now that I'm "one of those guys" - am I allowed to stay on HAZ?
(Please do not tell Chumley about this triplog, he will only laugh at me.) |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
