Posted on 12/17/2006 7:53:05 AM PST by george76
Fervent hopes and a brief break in the weather brought no satisfaction to relatives and friends of three climbers missing on the dangerous north side of Mount Hood.
The clear, cold morning turned foul by midday Saturday, before searchers on two sides of the mountain and helicopter crews retired for the night because of weather and darkness, finding no trace of the three men.
The Hood River County sheriff's office, a lead agency in the search, said efforts would continue Sunday.
On Saturday, a C-130 with infrared heat-seeking capability from the Nevada Air National Guard took to the skies over Mount Hood for a second day and was to continue around the clock with alternating crews.
After that, "we'll have to see," said Sheriff Joe Wampler.
Cold also hobbled rescue efforts, as some searchers on the north side had to come down because of facial frostbite.
The temporary weather break paved the way for the biggest push yet since the three men, two Texans and a New Yorker, were reported missing a week ago Sunday on what was to have been a quick climb of the 11,239-foot peak.
Ground searchers reported visibility as low as 20 feet as 50 mph winds kicked soft snow into a near-whiteout mist.
"It wasn't quite the dream picture we had hoped for today. But there is the chance tomorrow...
Before dawn, 25 rescue mountaineers began making their way up the south side and another 30 started from the north side, Wampler said. Both teams started at about 6,000 feet.
"I know my son's coming down today," said Lou Ann Cameron of Bryant, Ark., mother of Kelly James...
"It's my birthday. He wouldn't miss my birthday," ...
"The mountain has no right to keep our sons."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
WHAT??? Who reported that?
Sherriff's spokesman on CNN.
A search official on CNN. I didn't get a name.
FOX hasn't reported that it was empty. hmmmmm
Gary Tiffany. Sargent with the sherrif's dept.
Also, per CNN the press conference has been cancelled.
What???? Dang, that doesn't sound good.
Where did you hear that a sleeping bag was found in the cave?
They're reporting it now. Seems that Tiffany gave an interview to CNN prior to the presser.
Here it comes.....breaking........FOX.......empty.
Press conference on now...
2 ice axes, rope and no climbers found in ice cave
sw
http://www.katu.com/news/live/3882262.html
link to live video...
Sheriff Dept spokesman Gary Tiffany reported it on CNN. Said there was a sleeping bag and a couple ice picks found. If it's true that there were footprints found going UP from the cave (that was reported earlier), and they just sort of disappeared, then it isn't looking good for James.
Just heard it on katu...thanks...WOW
Footprints were going up? What else are they saying on the news conference? I missed some of it.
Sheriff Dept spokesman Gary Tiffany said that they may pull off the mountain to let the searchers get a good nights sleep, fed, etc. for another push for tomorrow.
katu presser is still going on.
They are not speculating much. Basically went into snow cave and found some stuff.
He did state that based on how the snow cave was built that they were experienced and he wouldn't be surprised if they left and built another snow cave somewhere.
The footprints heading up the summit to me would indicate they try to find a more secure location on the south side.
Maybe the other two that left created a better shelter on the south side and return to get Kelly James...that is pure speculation on my part...trying to remain optimistic.
Thanks! Why would someone who is injured leave the cave and climb higher up the mountain, leaving sleeping and climbing gear behind? Hmm...
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