NOTE: This is part 5 (and finishes off the story) of my mountaintop rescue. Read part 1. Read part 2. Read part 3. Read part 4. Tomorrow I will be sharing Kelsey’s journal entry about this whole thing. Next week, I will be sharing some of my thoughts about it all.
Last I left you, I was covered in blankets and coats with IVs in both arms, stuck at the top of a mountain. A helicopter with a rescue worker hanging from a cable system was descending to us, and I was having a nervous breakdown trying not to let my extreme fear of heights stop my heart before they could even hook me on…
But before I continue that story, I thought I’d share this picture. Last night I drove to my mom and dad’s house to get the photos and video they took from the trailhead while they waited for me to be rescued. While you’re going through something like that, you often forget that some of the people you love most are worrying from afar. When I saw this photo in the batch, it made me feel so many emotions about what so many people had to go through that day. This is my mom. Waiting behind a barbed wire fence, unable to do anything but wait as the sun disappeared behind her. Well, wait and worry.
Ugh. I hope I never am in that position with Noah.
Anyway, up top, I watched as a rescue worker was lowered from a helicopter above me.
Or more accurately, I should say that I tried to watch. As the helicopter got nearer and the rescue worker touched down, the Search and Rescue workers covered my head up with blankets to protect me from flying debris.
The helicopter rescuer rushed to my side. “Hey, neighbor. Let’s get you out of here.” It was Rick Black, a man I lived next door to for seven years until I moved last November.
I’m agnostic.
But if there ever was a time to believe there was a God , that was it. For some reason, seeing Rick’s face immediately took all the anxiety and fear out of me. He was a man I trusted. A man who I knew had character and integrity. And my faith in him at that moment outweighed any fear of heights.
Re Karma: Yup. If you had let the other guy accompany you and your friends on the hike, you'd have been moving at his pace and you would not have gone so far or so high and you probably would not have gotten so far off without liquid. Try Clif Shot Blocks: they are very small, easily carried in a back pocket or a back pack, they have sugars and electrolytes.. Always carry a lot of water. Turn back when you've consumed 1/2 your liquids. Also, drink up big time before you even start, so part of the water you're carrying is already inside you.
It goes without saying (but I'll say it) that we're all glad you made it back!
Amazing job documenting the whole experience. Kudos to you, your rescuers, your friends and family for the pix and vids. I'm forwarding the series on to my old Emergency Services professors to help them train newbies. Yours and Kelsey's stories are wonderful glimpses into the patient and loved one's points of view.My daughter (1 yo) loves the helicopter footage. Kinda makes me want to turn it into a kids book. :)@hannah roberts what do you think?
What an amazing story! I read it from start to finish! You have such an eloquent way of writing...thanks for sharing! Glad you are ok and learned something from the experience! Now off to read Kelsey's take on it all :)
I just read this sorry I'm so late... But you were talking about having moments you don't remember and your friend writing them down for you. I had the same thing happen with me after my husband and I got into a really bad motorcycle accident. I don't remember a thing but I have a voicemail of me right after the accident I somehow used someones phone and dialed my bestfriends number and she was left with a really long message, hearing me scream and cry asking if my husband was okay, you can hear my husband in the background asking where his glasses were and then you can here the Fire Dept, EMT, and Police sirens. I am glad you are okay and Noah has his dad. I know the feeling thinking about your kid when your laying there helpless! The 2 things that crossed my mind where first my son *who I ended up asking someone if he was okay, forgetting he wasn't with us* and then asking about my husband. Keep living life Dan!!!!
I've been going through some life changing events in my life lately as well... Your story was beautiful. IT brought tears to my eyes. I'm truly glad you made it down safe. I look forward to the blog you write when you finally make it up AND down that same mountain yourself someday, because I know one day you will.
Wow -- I've never met you and ended up in tears while reading the story.. First time reading this blog a Facebook friend had shared.. Glad you survived.
Dan, even in your worst moments, you're still every bit as beautiful as you are at your best. I think everyone should read just one of your blog posts. They'll be a much better person for it. I've had one heck of a reflective look at my life and working to make changes, as a result of your insight. Please, never ever change.
You mention not being afraid of heights, but being afraid of falling - that's me. If I'm securely fastened to something strong by means of some kind of harness, I'm fine. If I don't feel 100% secure about the ground/platform/2by4/whatever I'm standing on, my mind goes into meltdown.
I'm so glad that things worked out for you and you are ok. My son sweats out more salt than normal and we have to give him extra salt if he sweats a lot. His doctors have always said that he will crave salt when he needs it. After reading your story, I will be much more aware of his salt intake. I never realized the impact a correct salt balance can have on a person's body. A while back, we had a few hot days in a row and I didn't think to add extra, extra salt to his food. I realized my mistake when he was eating spoons full of salt at a restaurant. He was on number four before it dawned on me that I neglected his medical care. After he ate all that salt, he drank three glasses of water to go with it! We laughed over the incident, but after reading your story I am relieved nothing more serious happened to him.
Again, thank you for sharing what happened to you up there and also why it happened. I'm so glad you're ok and I admire you wanting to join SAR!
I've been on that mountain. Followed that trail several times (on horseback), and it's a doozy even with horses!
We live in a world that prizes people that "push through" and ignore their pain and their bodies' signals. It makes hard to know how to take care of yourself. The whole reason I started riding horses was that I lacked the ability to know when I was pushing my body too far, and got myself in several dangerous situations... but nothing like this one.
SO SO SO glad you are okay.
I have tears in my eyes reading this. I am so glad you are okay and able to tell the story. I hope you are able to join S&R. They are a great organization. Hug Noah tight tonight.
So glad you made it!! :)
You are insightful to realize that your fears were based on loss of control... some people will live a lifetime and never have an inkling of something like that. Yes, there IS a God. He was looking out for you that day. Cuz He loves you. :) ♥
I have read the whole blog now - mostly with my mouth wide open. I am so grateful that you lived to tell this story to Noah's children someday. I have had a couple of occasions (not nearly as remarkable as yours) where I have had to be "rescued" so I relate somewhat to the "don't look at me... you have more important things to do" feeling. As a mom of a risk-taker, I also relate to the picture of your mom... there is never a more profound example of that moment of complete understanding that we have absolutely no control over most of life's situations, especially those that happen to our kids. It's how we respond to them that matters most. I found myself smiling with the synchronicity of your conviction to join search and rescue. A very noble decision. In a few months, your enthusiasm may wane - but you have done quite a lot to increase awareness of the service these men and women - everyday neighbors, scout leaders, friends, office workers, etc. - do just because they love life, people, and adventure. I'm a fan, Dan Pearce. Keep living your life... just be careful out there.
You are going to make a great search and rescue guy!
Dan, thank you so much for sharing this story! It really moved me to tears. You are an amazing writer and an inspiration to me. I have enjoyed reading your blog.
Rescue workers, firemen, police...they are all special, amazing people. We just lived through the fire in Colorado Springs, my parents live close to the Utah fires, and now reading this - it just makes me realize how lucky we are to have those brave, smart, selfless people among us. So glad you're OK!
Beautifully written
I love reading your blog 'cause you always have some new perspective with smart arguments. I admire you as a person and as a father. But this?! This adventure was really, really stupid. You are on low-carb for weeks and you go on a hiking like this??? And you learned that just now? You didn't know that? What do they teach you in USA? Stupid, man, very stupid. I hope you learned your lesson. However, the story is great written as always and big kudos and thanks to your friends for keeping sane and photographing it. Please, don't do stuff ike this anymore. You have a lot of friends and family and your little boy + all of us who really enjoy your babbling :p ;-)
So glad you're okay!! I've been reading and waiting for each installment!!
I also have been following this story to see how it unfolds! What insight you have into what this showed you. Thanks for being a great writer and sharing those lessons from all of this. You ARE awesome and I am so glad you are okay...what a surprise turn of events. "Some situations can’t be controlled, but it doesn’t mean that things aren’t somehow still under control."
Dan Ive been eagerly reading each post to see how all of this unfolded. I can't even begin to imagine what going through something that was like, and I'm so glad you're ok!! I'm extremely fearful of heights as well. I'm honestly not sure if I'd have been able to handle dangling from that cable, but I know it's one of those things where you don't really know how you'll react until you're faced with dealing with that in the moment. Take care and thanks for sharing!
Read the whole thing today. I can never fathom why our insurance is structured the way it is. No other country dos it as poorly. I, too, would have been afraid to get on the helicopter without it. I can't imagine what will happen.
Your blog never fails to make me smile. You and Noah have contagious smiles that could light up half the country. Seeing the pics of you hurting was really tough. I have volunteered with the Red Cross and have seen that look - serious trouble. I was surprised to find myself quite choked up and I'm grateful that you are OK - for Noah especially.
> Some situations can’t be controlled, but it doesn’t mean that things aren’t somehow still under control.
Yup. I know you're agnostic, Dan, but I can't help but want to share something on my heart for you. Above all, I hope it speaks of love and fills your heart with warm fuzzies.
I do believe God provided a whole lot of exactly what You needed that day to carry on. The people, the timing, all of it. Who knows why, and who knows if you'll ever know why He wanted you to carry on. Probably lots of reasons, some of which are not expressed in human terms. However, one of our best human responses is thankfulness ... and I see you are very thankful. Only you and your beautiful, unique self can decide to whom or what you extend that thankfulness.
As always, thank YOU for sharing. You are groovy guy.
I've been reading the story since part one, and what really got me was the video of you being taken away in the helicopter. That had me tearing up. Then I thought of your friends and how they and the rescue workers would be hiking back down in the dark of night... wow. I'm so glad you made it out okay, and that everyone is safe on the ground. I can only imagine what it must have been like for your parents. :(
Wow, so glad you are safe and have learned from this, some great lessons are learned through our trials in life!
I am glad you have pulled thru this ok, stop beating yourself up you didn't know about, or can help your genetic salt deficency! Take care of yourself and be gentle on your self......and good luck with the search and rescue, maybe somethings happen for a reason! X
There is a great deal of hiking experience in my family - and I presumed that you were out of wack before you ever went hiking and the trip just compounded it. For us, prep for a Saturday hike starts during the week before. We never let the kids go on Scout hikes without having prepped all week. Sounds like you have learned several lessons. I am very proud that you would consider working with S&R. They can use every man. Also, that your gut doesn't cramp up at the thought of flying - you may just be cured. Time for another ride! :-) Take Care Dan, Noah needs you.
I'm so glad you are okay! It sounds like it is a life-changing experience...I do have to wonder if the genetic salt imbalance also affected your illness earlier in the year (when your throat was so sore). My husband is a paramedic, and he says that it's the most frustrating and demanding job he's ever experienced. He also says it's the most rewarding and fulfilling. I'm trying to lose weight, get back to a healthier lifestyle and then I'm considering finding and training a pup in search and rescue myself.
Very cool story and so happy it had a happy ending :) Sometimes it takes big mistakes to learn what our life is really about.
@CrissyLance I agree with you, Crissy. Some haters clearly haven't been down such a scary trail before...wonder if he's tempting fate?
I am glad you are ok. I am also glad that I could finally read the whole story ;). Those cliffhanger stories left me hanging lol. Ok not funny but I am glad you are ok.
Dan, you related your experience so vividly. Even if you hadn't included photographs, I would have been sucked into your incredible story!! I'm glad to hear that you, your friends, and the rescuers all returned safely!
David, I wish she would have. It really would have finished this story off nice. As it was, she convinced me to stop arguing with paramedics and do what I was told.
Andrew, I actually don't hear that near as much as I do with my dad.
Anne, I definitely plan to in the near future.
I love reading your posts. For some reason this one made me cry. Your feelings were expressed so honestly and the realizations were relatable on many levels. Glad things ended healthily ;-)
did your mom do the "mom thing"...hug you for a while then slap you for scaring her?
such a great writer, I felt like I was there with you. I'm very glad that Kelsey and Reuben were there to help you.
Good thing you had a wench on the winch...;o)
You probably been told many times already. You look a LOT like your Mom. Low carb diets probably one of the worst ideas from fad medicine. The others are low-fat diets or high fat diets. Everything in moderation is still the wisest of old saws. The volunteer search and rescue workers are real heroes. Yet, they probably have funding from government to pay for the helicopter, equipment, training, etc. People who say government is best when it is small don't know the meaning of government. Your helicopter rescue said it, "...neighbor..." That's what it's all about, being neighborly.
I'm glad you're okay! What a scary experience...
I'm so glad you and your friends and all your saviors are well. I wish you a quick recovery and can't wait for your next installments!
I'm glad you are okay. That being said, I'm a little disturbed that, being on the brink of death, you made sure everything was photographed. I don't want to be flamed (though I'm sure I will) but it makes me wonder if you need to rethink your priorities a bit.
I identify with your thoughts, flt3. I think this could be a great opportunity for Dan to discuss ways in which his life is or isn't like the Truman Show, with every aspect of his life documented and followed by hundreds of thousands of people. Truman busted his butt to get out of that situation.
What are the limits, Dan, that you draw in what you choose to share? Personal blogging in general could be discussed in this context, but there seems little doubt that Dan's blog takes things a step further than most. I'd be very curious to hear how Dan explains his new life as a reality star (didn't you even apply for a reality show?), whether he'd like it to continue indefinitely, or whether it seems like there may be an inevitable denouement to the voyeuristic stare of the public.
I don't mean any of this too harshly...I have a blog of my own, and I'm trying to understand privacy issues and my own need to have a non-public self. I may be able to learn from the conclusions Dan has. And we may be able to better respect his boundaries if he lays them out for us.
@nealcall It's an interesting question for sure. Believe me, there's nothing glorious about having your body give out and having to have so many people come to your rescue. It's embarrassing at best. But I share this story and all the photos because I wasn't prepared, I wasn't educated, and if helping other people understand the importance of being educated and prepared means sharing some of the more personal moments, then you bet I'll do it.
@Single Dad Laughing I think it's great that you want to get involved with Search and Rescue. More power to you...it's a great program, and it needs committed people involved. Onward and upward!
@nealcall Hmmm...Truman Show? Glad you realize that this is open to consideration, not necessarily a criticism of one man's blogging decision. On another note, one really cool thing about Dan documenting (with friends', rescuers', and parents' help) what he experienced is that it makes it totally *real* for anyone who hasn't ever had a brush with death--anyone with the ability to empathize can take something valuable away. And another thing, that the Search and Rescue organization exists to save lives just as they did here. Knowledge is power, and by reading about his experiences, it's not only Dan who may become a new volunteer with a similar organization. More power to them.
@Single Dad Laughing @stacieknits It's not every journal that gets run like a business, though. This is a pretty slick website with lots of features and big brands advertising. And since this blog is your livelihood (I think, am I right?), I can see how the pressures of needing to produce constantly and keep people returning to gobble up more - what do they call it, "stickiness," right? - might sometimes not be the same as a simpler, more modest desire to just record a few thoughts every once in a while. But It's obviously good that you feel comfortable where you're at now, whatever the trade-offs may be.
@nealcall @stacieknits Like I said, the SAR guys were excited about seeing photos of their rescue. They're all volunteers and after I told 'em it was fine, they encouraged Kelsey to snap away and gave her email addresses and whatnot to send the pics to. It was my camera, my memory card. I had control over what was shared and what wasn't. In the end, I write this blog for better or worse. I don't just write it to show how awesome and perfect I am and what good decisions I always make. Life is life, good or bad, and in thirty years, you'll all have long forgotten me, but I'll have a really cool journal to look back at.
This just happens to be a journal that everybody reads and comments on. That's all.
@stacieknits That's a fair response, I think, stacie. There IS power in being able to share experiences that truly educate. But I think flt3 is getting at the really meticulous level of snapping cameras. I wonder if Dan gets tired of them?
@flt3
I think the key in this is the unreality Dan said he felt through the whole experience. He still believed he could walk down the mountain. I'm sure if he thought these were his last minutes on earth he wouldn't be thinking 'I must record this for my blog followers'
Also the simple fact is, everyone copes with things differently and unless you're in a situation like that you just don't know how you will react.