Mountain Project Logo

Sick Gunks rescue

Original Post
BigA · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 0

This took place this fall. Crazy story!!

rockandice.com/lates-news/t…

Tim Stich · · Colorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,520

Wow, that's pretty crazy stuff! Glad it all worked out.

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

Interesting story but silly article. Nobody has volitional control over 100% of their muscle fibers. Yeah, maybe a fight or flight situation could get you closer to 100%. It cracks me up when seemingly educated people talk about the mysterious 'energy' that our bodies or minds can tap into or release. Energy is the capacity to perform work, nothing more. And yes, I can believe that someone who deadlifts 700lbs could lift a car 5". Nothing mystical about that. But yeah, very cool rescue. The recuer shouldn't have to pay for his own drink for a while.

Michael C · · New Jersey · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 340

That man is a hero.

pooler · · Albany, NY · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 20

I'm a good friend of the guy and yes he is just that strong and crazy. I have no doubt he would do again. Good on ya Murph

Pooler

Happiegrrrl · · Gunks · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 60

I heard someone tell the story a while back and have to admit that, had it not been told by someone I totally knew would never fabricate, would have found it unbelievable.

That guy rapping was one lucky dude, in the wrong place at the right time, that's for sure.

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

Someone with all the pertinent details ought to nominate Ken for some sort of citizen hero award.

MojoMonkey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 66

Glad all worked out in this situation!

So the lesson is... Just do the easy walk off from there? :)

kenr · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 16,608
MojoMonkey wrote:So the lesson is... Just do the easy walk off from there? :)
The walk-off toward the north is technically an easy scramble down.

Finding it from the top is not so easy. I recommend checking out the descent route first from the bottom, as a little side-trip from your approach hike -- and decide what landmarks are going to enable to find it again in a couple of hours.

Ken
J. Serpico · · Saratoga County, NY · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 140
marty funkhouser wrote:Interesting story but silly article. Nobody has volitional control over 100% of their muscle fibers. Yeah, maybe a fight or flight situation could get you closer to 100%. It cracks me up when seemingly educated people talk about the mysterious 'energy' that our bodies or minds can tap into or release. Energy is the capacity to perform work, nothing more. And yes, I can believe that someone who deadlifts 700lbs could lift a car 5". Nothing mystical about that. But yeah, very cool rescue. The recuer shouldn't have to pay for his own drink for a while.
You are probably correct, the term energy is misleading. But what most likely happens is more of a concerted neuromuscular response which enables people to generate the maximum effort that they are phsically capable of. In fact, they probably are gaining nearly 100% control of their muscles. Even in strength training, a lot of the gains are neurological recruitment vs muscular.

You are looking at it from an energy standpoint, but it's probably much more than that.
losbill · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 130
wonderwoman wrote:What an absolute hero. I am so happy it worked out the way that it did, and have nothing but admiration for such courage.
Huge ditto what Tiff said.

Also regarding Terri's comment about wrong place, right time, if you are the believing sort you might be thinking a bit of divine intervention.

Hoping the rescuee finds a way to pay forward the incredible gift he was given.
djh860 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 110

The first rule of rescue should be don't risk making matters worse. What that guy did was stupid. They both could have ended up dead. Never free solo into a rescue situation.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
Post a Reply to "Sick Gunks rescue"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.