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| ICARC Member Contributions |
This page is provided so that ICARC Members may post stories, opinions or other information that may be of interest to other club members. Contributions may be submitted via email.
From Regis Johanns, KBØVDO
I just spent Memorial Day weekend on a rescue boat on the Green River (Canyon Lands National Park) and Colorado River here in Utah. We put into the water on Saturday in Green River Utah, and got off on Monday 186 miles later near Moab (Arches National Park). I worked with a team of hams to provide communications for "Friendship Cruise," an annual powerboat trip through some of the most remote river canyons in the lower 48. The group set up several temporary repeaters at points along the Canyon rims so that we had solid communications along the entire route. (See below for the links outlining the project.)
The boat I worked on was Search and Rescue 3. Our mission was to be last boat and sweep the route for stragglers or stranded boaters. We hit the water and after only 3 minutes, the Sheriff's radio antenna broke off and sank in the river. Fortunately, my radio had the Sheriff's frequency as well as National Park Rangers and EMT capability. Fifteen minutes later, we had our first rescue. Some canoes were attempting the river and there were whitecaps and 50 mph wind gusts. We found two frat boys bobbing in the water with a swamped canoe. We got them pulled to shore and into dry clothes and recovered their canoe and equipment. Another 15 minutes in the water and they might not have survived. Later in the weekend, we helped repair or tow several stranded boats but fortunately nothing as dangerous as the first rescue.
The trip wasn't all white knuckle -- after the first day the wind quit and we had time to enjoy the scenery as we patrolled. The canyons have many historical sites along the route, including Indian Cliff Dwelling ruins, old log cabins, etc.
I know Willy will want to know what kind of boats the Search and Rescue teams used; they were converted Army Engineer surplus bridge Pontoon boats with 200HP Mercury outboards. These boats had heavy aluminum hulls and were very stable on the river. The picture above shows one of the boats.
This is a picture of a Park Service auxiliary Ranger and his dog. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he reminds me of someone back in Iowa City. He lives out in the desert in a motor home and collects permits from the folks on the river.
Ham Radio is alive and well in Utah. This event could not go on without Ham Radio support. Next year will mark the 40th year that Hams have helped with this event. I just wanted to share this adventure with the gang in Iowa City. I sure do miss you guys. If you ever set up IRLP...
Tell Lowell that No Fish were caught or eaten on this trip. Maybe next time.
Last updated April 23, 2007 by KØCF