High Sierra Topix

I don't know what these hikers were doing up by North Dome in the middle of winter. You have to assume that they knew it was going to be darn cold, really snowy, and very challenging. And yet they went anyway.

And called for help.

Huge kudos for the CHP and rescuers who managed to get down to these two guys, and then get them lifted off the mountain. That is impressive work.

Here's the story as it appeared in the Fresno paper:

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/ar ... 25620.html

The CHP officers are heroes. We are very lucky to have them. Glad everything worked out.

https://www.facebook.com/CHPCentralDivi ... 766920421/

Nice rescue. Looks like the hikers were in their 20's and from ENGLAND. So maybe they weren't familiar with the area/weather. It would be interesting who ends up fronting the bill for the rescue.

ryanerb wrote: ↑Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:24 pm Nice rescue. Looks like the hikers were in their 20's and from ENGLAND. So maybe they weren't familiar with the area/weather. It would be interesting who ends up fronting the bill for the rescue.

No one. Because that is the way it is, and ever shall be - the CHP chopper belongs to California. The SAR were either the few paid Yose SAR or volunteers. The medical staff, if any were involved, will constitute the only billable service to the rescued. And SAR folks far and wide agree that this is the way it should be. No one pays for search and rescue here. Doesn't matter where the folks are from.

AlmostThere wrote: ↑Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:29 pm

ryanerb wrote: ↑Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:24 pm Nice rescue. Looks like the hikers were in their 20's and from ENGLAND. So maybe they weren't familiar with the area/weather. It would be interesting who ends up fronting the bill for the rescue.

No one. Because that is the way it is, and ever shall be - the CHP chopper belongs to California. The SAR were either the few paid Yose SAR or volunteers. The medical staff, if any were involved, will constitute the only billable service to the rescued. And SAR folks far and wide agree that this is the way it should be. No one pays for search and rescue here. Doesn't matter where the folks are from.

One of the many benefits of living in California / USA. I'm sure it ain't that way in some other countries. We sure are blessed!

ryanerb wrote: ↑Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:24 pm Nice rescue. Looks like the hikers were in their 20's and from ENGLAND. So maybe they weren't familiar with the area/weather. It would be interesting who ends up fronting the bill for the rescue.

I'm not sure if this is still the rule, but years ago the standing rule in Yosemite was that if the rescuee is purely legal, with proper permit, doing something legal, and in a legal place, then that first rescue would be No Charge. If the rescuee was not purely legal, then they could throw all of the rescue costs to him. Also, if there is a second rescue to the same person, then they also throw the rescue costs their way.

Once in a great while, bad things happen to good people. Maybe they fall down and break a leg. The park service does not intend to cause them financial ruin over it. It pays to have a legal permit.

All on-site rescue costs are free with the permit...including the helicopter ride out, but only just as far as the Ahwahnee Meadow drop-off point. If needing further medical assistance (like an additional transport to take you to facilities outside of the park), then you pay.

There is one exception - the signs at the Emerald Pool (below the Silver Apron) say that if you go in the water you pay if they have to get you out. Because people go in there a lot, get hurt or dead a lot, and need to stop it.

If you go over Vernal Falls and die, who pays? Your next of kin? I would think that would be challenged legally, especially if the relative had nothing to do with the person who died. I would think you could only recoup costs from the estate of the deceased, if they had any assets. What about foreign visitors? Can you confiscate money from a foreign visitor's family? Thankfully few people meet their end going over Vernal Falls.