Guest guest Posted June 6, 2006 Share Posted June 6, 2006 My four cents worth; (sorry this subject is my first post)Let's all be glad that everyone was and is all right physically. It seems as though some have had some mental breakdowns over this. REMEMBER we do not know all of the facts yet.To those that care; I have turned around on Mt Washington with an escort in the winter due to the conditions and the rest climbed on and succeded. Could I have made it, possibly? But it was my decision and my climbing partner who was willing to give up his climb to follow me back to camp.Hundreds of times I have been in, under and hanging from many Army, Air Force & Coast Guard helicopters in the ocean, over dry land and in the thickest of woods. We lost a fellow instructor tragically saving a student "training" for the real thing while practicing an aerial lift.We lost an air crew, flight nurse and patient for an unknown reason when the AirRescue crashed over mountainous terrain.We lost a Canadian air crew when their C-130 crashed in training due to ice fog in Alaska. They were returning because we were in fact calling off the training. It was -68 degress F.We all take risks everyday. That Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, (I've trained with many), knew exactly what he was doing. From the pictures he was 'just doing his job'.All services train in severe conditions - that is what makes them proficient at rescues. Sometimes things go terribly wrong and we lose some loved ones. Every rescuer is a volunteer. If you want to see what a Rescue Swimmer is capable of READ the real account of "the Perfect Storm" where rescuers did not return.NO ONE intentionally goes into harms way. We take risks. Let us wait and read the report!Matthew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Leonard Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Glad to hear you are both okay and doing well. It's very sobering to read that this could happen to such experienced paddlers. Great reality check for all of us! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayong Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Keith and Johnreally glad you're okay.It's terrific that you volunteer to give us a detailed report; that's how we all learn. We all face challenges and want to keep them from becoming disasters. organizations like NSPN are vitally important in bringing together collective "wisdom".Generations of new england climbers eagerly absorbed the emergency rescue reports in the AMC bulletin. Having a "Deep Trouble" log here would be great.tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kattenbo Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 It's long.Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Dear Keith & John,Long ago I think I spoke with Keith on the phone; I've seen John & Sarah's photos (and enjoyed reading about their love story), but don't think we've ever met. When I heard of your 'adventure' I felt as if I knew you, especially being a Newburyporter. I'm so glad you are alive and well and that your kayaks were found.I look forward to reading your reports.What I thought when I heard the news story: it was so good that there was a news report about a mishap that had a happy ending and that this happy ending was due to your wise use of proper equipment, clothing, etc. Too often we read of young people going out at night - drunk, no PFD's, no experience, non-swimmers, and at least one of them dying - more often in canoes, even just on lakes.So - welcome back to the world of the living, you guys! Rebecca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Keith and John,We have all been waiting for your detailed report and it is superb. You really helped me to understand what it was like out there and how the power of the ocean can overwhelm us no matter how prepared we think we are. Thank you for the detail and thoughtful consideration of all the events of that day. We all have a lot to learn from your experience. I am so grateful that you both are here to share the experience with us.Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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