Lost Hiker and Dogs

May 18, 2016
Caramba Camp Area
2016-021

Written by Eric Holden

5:30pm - We get the call out that there is a missing female hiker with 2 dogs, from her cell phone ping it put her in the vicinity of Caramba up in the San Jacinto Mountains. I get the call from Glenn to meet at Hemet Ryan. Once at the airport we meet up with Chad and Ray with RSO (Riverside Sheriff’s Office) Aviation Unit flying Helicopter (Star 9) and they give us the information. They have flown the area and spotted her. From her Lat./Long she is located about 0.5 miles down the waterfalls from Caramba Camp. Glenn and I suit up and head out.

A short ride later and Star 9 lands at a clearing in the Caramba area. They shut down the helicopter and wait patiently for our return. Glenn and I start down the burn area in beautiful Caramba. I have only been here once before and it was in the dark, so seeing the beauty of this place was quite fortunate.

Glenn heading down to Subject

Glenn heading down to Subject
Photo by Eric Holden.

About 15 minutes later we find Mimi hiking up the canyon with her two dogs, Sid and Skadi. Mimi was in good health and spirits and we quickly hiked back up to the Helicopter. I anchored both dogs to the floor of the helicopter between Mimi and myself as we were not sure how the dogs would handle the trip. Turns out, they were pretty tired and just laid down quite calm for the trip to Keenwild.

Dogs Flying

Dogs take Flying in stride
Photo by Eric Holden.

Subject Flying Out

Subject Flying Out
Photo by Eric Holden.

After turning over Mimi to the Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy we returned to Caramba to pick up Glenn, who was unfortunately getting attacked by a flock of mosquitos. Glenn hops onto the hot bird and we fly back to Hemet Ryan. On the way out we learn that Cameron and Ray Weden are hiking up Devil’s Slide towards Caramba. We radio down that the subject is out and they start the hike back. A quick rescue thanks to the expert flight team of the Riverside Sheriff’s Aviation team.

Tahquitz Rock

Tahquitz Rock from the air
Photo by Eric Holden.

Mimi’s Story – Mimi left from Humber Park to hike to Tahquitz Peak. She got lost at Saddle Junction and ended up following the Willow Creek trail down until she hit Caramba. She kept going down the waterfalls and eventually called 911. This has been the third rescue out of the Caramba area in about a month.

RMRU Members Involved: Cameron Dickinson, Glenn Henderson, Eric Holden, Tony Hughes, and Raymond Weden.

Additional Support and Thanks to: RSO Star 9 – Pilot Chad Marlatt and TFO (Technical Flight Officer) Ray Heirs.