*** Four-Wheelers Rescued near Gold Camp Rd., CO ***

To:               Search & Rescue Info <SARINFO@mindlink.bc.ca>
Date sent:        Tue, 20 Feb 96 15:45:27 -0800
From:             epcsar@kktv.com
Subject:          News story: Stranded 4-Wheelers (Colorado)

To: sarinfo@mindlink.bc.ca

Colorado Springs, Colorado February 18, 1996
SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONDS TO STRANDED 4 WHEELERS.

The El Paso County Search and Rescue team responded to a report of
stranded persons in deep snow off Gold Camp Road late Sunday evening.
(This gravel road runs from Colorado Springs through the mountains
about 30 miles to Cripple Creek, Colorado. There are no settlements
along the route.)

Initial reports indicated the 3 persons were in a four wheel drive
vehicle and had tried to explore off road when they got stuck in the
snow. One gentleman left the group to seek assistance and became
missing. Meanwhile the remaining two persons made contact with other
travelers in the area.

As the search and rescue team was staging at the Colorado Springs end
of the road, word came through by cellular phone to the 911 operator
that all three had met back together and "someone" was taking them to
the Clyde campground. The 911 connection was interrupted by bad
reception before the identity could be authenticated.

The Clyde campground is located approximately 10 miles beyond El Paso
County jurisdiction in Teller County. Teller county authorities were
notified of the situation and El Paso teams remained at the road end to
interview travelers coming out of the mountains until the self rescue
could be verified. At approximately 2300 hours a van approached the
staging area from out of the mountains. The three subjects were in the
van being transported by other travelers. All seemed well but somewhat
haggard after their ordeal. The mission was terminated at 2310 hours.

submitted by Ron Lee

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