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Irish Outreach are organizing a group of volunteers this Saturday and Sunday, Nov 18th and 19th to help in search efforts taking place for missing Irish hiker, David O' Sullivan, 25, from Midleton in Co.Cork. David was last seen in Idyllwild back in April and search efforts are intensifying around that area. David's parent's were in town from Ireland last week and are obviously heartbroken
If you can spare a day this weekend, it would be so much appreciated.
**NB**
Please also share this email with anyone else you know who may be available to help.
We can arrange car pools for the trip to and from Idyllwild if you are located in the San Diego area but we would love volunteers from all parts of Southern California.
The search is being led my Cathy Tarr, an experienced hiker who has coordinated a number of searches for missing hikers. She has traveled from the state of Washington to volunteer her time to coordinate this search.
Please see her message below with more details
Message from Cathy Tarr
First of all, THANK YOU to each of you that are coming out to help search for David O'Sullivan. The family desperately needs closure. We have leads and will be searching high probability areas. (Higher risks areas are being search by a rock climbing/hiker group)
Date(s) November 18th and 19th (You can pick either day to come out)
Where - At the beginning of Black Mtn. Rd. on route 243 near Idyllwild, Ca. (Driving instructions below)
When - 9am - 4pm (Once we meet, we will shuttle anyone who doesn't have a high clearance vehicle up to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Orientation will begin once we all get to the search site which is Fuller Ridge Campground. Directions will be at the bottom of Black Mtn Rd. if you come in late. A phone number will be included in case you need a shuttle up to the base camp.
Each person will be placed into a group and given instructions as to where to search. There will be a team leader in each group to guide.
Each volunteer will be given an orange vest, orange hat and a whistle for safety reasons.
Bring your smiles! We will be sending photos to the O'Sullivans!
Please bring the following
- Long pants (You will be searching off trail, not on)
- A T-shirt and a long sleeve shirt (layering is best)
- Comfortable shoes with tread (trail runners, hiking boots, tennis shoes with good tread)
- A warm outer layer such as a jacket for afternoon hours.
- Toilet paper with a ziplock bag (I will have some at basecamp for anyone who needs these supplies) We are a 'Leave No Trace' group so TP will need to be carried out in ziplocks.
- A small backpack would be useful to carry your water, snacks, lunch, toilet paper, maps (provided), and any other personal needs. This could include a small purse that hangs from your back as well.
- Lunch will be provided
(There is wifi at basecamp)
We will have a base camp leader that will have first aid and information. And a person that can shuttle. Our base camp leader can also watch items you bring but don't want to take on the trail.
VERY IMPORTANT - The Ranger Station in Idyllwild needs a form filled out with a people count and other information. One form can include up to 12 people. This form MUST be filled out. Address is -54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild, CA 92549 The forms are outside the building and are easy to fill out. Continue on 243 to Black Mtn Rd. from here, a sign will be on the right side of the road and and will take appox. 10 minutes to drive there from the ranger station.
My contact information is 703-334-1770 if you have any further questions or reach out to me via messenger on the 'David O'Sullivan -missing PCT hiker' page on facebook.
I look forward to meeting each of you!!
Cathy Tarr
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