Ciriii57
Former Member
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2023
- Messages
- 874
- Reaction score
- 3,224
Jared was known to be cutting out the switchbacks. I think that's significant.
For those who don't know, a switchback in a zig zag path that meanders up and down a steep hill. It enables you to climb a steep slope more easily than ascending a near vertical cliff face or hill. It does take more time and energy because you have to walk 2 or 3 times as far. It can be very tempting, usually when descending, to just slide down the side of of the hill and cut out all these zig zag paths. Especially tempting for a child without hiking experience.
trailandsummit.com
I think it is significant from something I have seen happen before and actually happened to me. While sliding, running, slipping down the hill you're thinking how clever you are for cutting out all these zig zagging paths. As a kid, I remember I often thought how silly it was that the paths are so much longer and less direct than they need to be. I now know why.
You slide down to the bottom of the trail, after which the switchbacks end and the path continues as normal. Only, you don't realise this. You assume the path will turn back on itself and you'll meet it again down the next slope. Only it doesn't! You find yourself off the marked trail on a possibly steep and inaccessible part of the mountain (there's a reason the trail doesn't go that way...it may be dangerous and difficult to access).
I wish I could find a map of the exact locations he was seen or his camera etc were found. I've seen mention of the Vivian trail switchbacks but this is far from the summit and means Jared had made it almost all the way back to base camp. I would think when the scout troop passed back this way they'd have come across evidence of him or at least heard his cries perhaps. It makes me think he'd gone in the wrong/opposite direction and was on the Sky High Trail to the east of the summit. If he was here the the troop would not even pass him on their descent.
I'm not convinced about an animal attack. I feel there would be some evidence; blood, clothes. I'm also not convinced there was a kidnapper lingering around the mountain!
The photograph is haunting, I can't think why he took it. I'm not convinced it was to provide a light source as a flash lasts only a second and is more likely to blind you. And also, what did he then abandon it? Is there any evidence as to whether his camera looked dropped randomly or placed neatly?
The weather was fine and there were plentiful water sources. Jared should have been able to survive for quite a long time and, since he was able to take a photo, should have been able to shout for help too.
.....OK I just managed to find out where his camera and backpack were located. Google link below and attached a map . Red pin is the location his stuff was found. So yes indeed, it looks like he was definitely heading in the wrong direction, away from the rest of his troop.
I'm so stumped by this. He went waaaaay waaaaay off course. If he was already fatigued why did he keep walking on and on. And he should have been found; marines, SAR dogs, trackers, helicopters, infra red and thousands of people. There are trees, but mostly it seems to be scree and bushes and dry riverbeds. I can't help help think He SHOULD have been found. I'd love to know where the dogs lost his scent too.
Does anyone local have any knowledge of this area?
For those who don't know, a switchback in a zig zag path that meanders up and down a steep hill. It enables you to climb a steep slope more easily than ascending a near vertical cliff face or hill. It does take more time and energy because you have to walk 2 or 3 times as far. It can be very tempting, usually when descending, to just slide down the side of of the hill and cut out all these zig zag paths. Especially tempting for a child without hiking experience.
What is a ”Switchback” in hiking?
A long and strenuous hike with many switchbacks can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Yes, it will be tough, but the views found at the top are typically worth every ounce of effort. Never heard of a "switchback" trail before? Let's dig into the specifics of this unique type of trail...
I think it is significant from something I have seen happen before and actually happened to me. While sliding, running, slipping down the hill you're thinking how clever you are for cutting out all these zig zagging paths. As a kid, I remember I often thought how silly it was that the paths are so much longer and less direct than they need to be. I now know why.
You slide down to the bottom of the trail, after which the switchbacks end and the path continues as normal. Only, you don't realise this. You assume the path will turn back on itself and you'll meet it again down the next slope. Only it doesn't! You find yourself off the marked trail on a possibly steep and inaccessible part of the mountain (there's a reason the trail doesn't go that way...it may be dangerous and difficult to access).
I wish I could find a map of the exact locations he was seen or his camera etc were found. I've seen mention of the Vivian trail switchbacks but this is far from the summit and means Jared had made it almost all the way back to base camp. I would think when the scout troop passed back this way they'd have come across evidence of him or at least heard his cries perhaps. It makes me think he'd gone in the wrong/opposite direction and was on the Sky High Trail to the east of the summit. If he was here the the troop would not even pass him on their descent.
I'm not convinced about an animal attack. I feel there would be some evidence; blood, clothes. I'm also not convinced there was a kidnapper lingering around the mountain!
The photograph is haunting, I can't think why he took it. I'm not convinced it was to provide a light source as a flash lasts only a second and is more likely to blind you. And also, what did he then abandon it? Is there any evidence as to whether his camera looked dropped randomly or placed neatly?
The weather was fine and there were plentiful water sources. Jared should have been able to survive for quite a long time and, since he was able to take a photo, should have been able to shout for help too.
.....OK I just managed to find out where his camera and backpack were located. Google link below and attached a map . Red pin is the location his stuff was found. So yes indeed, it looks like he was definitely heading in the wrong direction, away from the rest of his troop.
I'm so stumped by this. He went waaaaay waaaaay off course. If he was already fatigued why did he keep walking on and on. And he should have been found; marines, SAR dogs, trackers, helicopters, infra red and thousands of people. There are trees, but mostly it seems to be scree and bushes and dry riverbeds. I can't help help think He SHOULD have been found. I'd love to know where the dogs lost his scent too.
Does anyone local have any knowledge of this area?
