Maverick
old-school
- Location
- Anywhere, thanks to my geeky droid
Wow! You guys rock. Bart told me about this earlier, this is my first chance to log in. Unfortunately, work commitments will (likely) keep me off the mountain on Friday.
Several good ideas mentioned. We did a rescue of a blazer in the same situation a few years ago, and anchoring uphill in multiple places as suggested was the trick, then we SLOWLY pulled it backward up onto the trail. There were multiple winch rigs behind each other, with their cables going up to the anchor points and back down to the stuck rig. Always thinking about the next re-rigging is key, especially if the first/front winch has outlived it's usefulness.
This is a pretty good idea. You can also replace the ratchet straps with winches (if they can reach from vehicles behind the stuck vehicle) or GOOD come-alongs.
This is similar to what we did, but rather than move it forward again though, re-rig and continue to pull it back, pulling it up onto the trail in the process. Several stakes up on the hill and multiple winches/straps/come-alongs are key here. Just inch it back onto the trail.
Davy, I have Glenn's pull-pal I can drop off tomorrow if that's ok, I'd like to pick up those axle shafts too. I have a length of cable I can bring too. It's seen some triple snatch rigging a time or two. 2 snatch blocks as well, give them to Dempsey afterwards.
Good luck everyone, play it safe.
Here's my contribution: CB channel 4
Several good ideas mentioned. We did a rescue of a blazer in the same situation a few years ago, and anchoring uphill in multiple places as suggested was the trick, then we SLOWLY pulled it backward up onto the trail. There were multiple winch rigs behind each other, with their cables going up to the anchor points and back down to the stuck rig. Always thinking about the next re-rigging is key, especially if the first/front winch has outlived it's usefulness.
I am okay with being in charge on the hill, but will not take responsibility if it gets away from us. Also know that I value input.
I plan to be in the parking lot at 7:30 Friday morning, ready to go. I can probably make it up there faster than most so we will probably split into 2 groups. The first will be those that can travel fast so we can get up and start assessing the situation and the second will be those that will be a little slower and most likely carrying the majority of the equipment.
There have been offers on here for equipment and I'd like to have as much as possible. If we could get 3 Pull Pals and come-a-longs, that would rock. Bring straps, shovels, and any recovery equipment that you have or can borrow.
For those that have time before Friday and want to go up there, please do. It wouldn't hurt if someone could take a sign to put on the windshield stating that we are working on the situation and have a plan. That may keep the honest dummies from being stupid. More daylight pictures of the situation would be great also, especially up the hill, in front, and in the back.
I was thinking on a good, safe way to do this...
what about two spikes uphill from the rig with parallel ratchet straps tied to the rig front and rear.
when you pull the rig either direction, the straps keep the rig parallel to the road and allow movement side-side and slightly uphill, like a pendulum.
add a third spike in a row up hill with the same spacing as the first two. Two more ratchet straps, one to the middle spike and one to the new spike.
Start with the left two straps tight with the rig centered below the left and middle spikes.
Pull the rig to the right til centered below middle and right spike, tighten the right straps and loosen the others
Pull the rig the opposite way until centered below the left and middle spike, snug left straps, loosen right...
This pulls the rig uphill a couple inches at a time, the rig is always tied to the uphill side via 4 straps and 3 spikes.
confusing in text, I can draw a picture if need be...
This is a pretty good idea. You can also replace the ratchet straps with winches (if they can reach from vehicles behind the stuck vehicle) or GOOD come-alongs.
This is similar to what we did, but rather than move it forward again though, re-rig and continue to pull it back, pulling it up onto the trail in the process. Several stakes up on the hill and multiple winches/straps/come-alongs are key here. Just inch it back onto the trail.
I will be at Tibble Fork parking lot friday at 7:30. A few straps, a winch, and some shackles, is all I can offer.
Davy, I have Glenn's pull-pal I can drop off tomorrow if that's ok, I'd like to pick up those axle shafts too. I have a length of cable I can bring too. It's seen some triple snatch rigging a time or two. 2 snatch blocks as well, give them to Dempsey afterwards.
Good luck everyone, play it safe.
Have we established a CB channel that everyone can turn to? It would be nice to have everyone on the same page, that way if communication is needed from the top of MEG, someone might be listening down the canyon. Conversely, people heading up during the day can get ahold of the working crew...
Here's my contribution: CB channel 4
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