Podcasts Sports Wilderness Backpacker Radio #73 | Doug Laher and Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU)

#73 | Doug Laher and Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU)

Published: June 19, 2020, 5:47 p.m.

Today, we are joined by Doug Laher, the father of Trevor Laher, the hiker who tragically passed near Apache Peak on the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this year. Doug reads his beautiful tribute to Trevor, we talk about what lessons are to be learned from Trevors passing, and what can be done to prevent further tragedy on this dangerous stretch of the PCT.

We also chat with Kaitlyn Purington, a volunteer and the PR rep at the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, a rescue non-profit based in Riverside County.\xa0 She walks us through what the organization does exactly, requirements for getting involved, and some examples of standout rescue missions from the last couple of years. We close out the show with some Trek Propaganda, how to check your bung for deer ticks, and our favorite creature comforts.

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Doug Laher, father of late Trevor Laher

00:03:55 \u2013 Doug reads his article about Trevor

00:26:40 \u2013 The Article was written six weeks ago, what has happened since then?

00:28:00 \u2013 The intentions behind telling Trevor\u2019s story

00:29:20 \u2013 How are you doing now?

00:31:34 \u2013 What do you want people to take away from Trevor\u2019s story? How do we carry on his legacy?

00:35:25 \u2013 Any advice or words of wisdom for parents of aspiring thru-hikers?

00:38:30 \u2013 Possibility of reworking the trail at Apache Peak?

00:39:30 \u2013 Guthook put a warning in Trevor\u2019s honor

00:46:10 \u2013 Can you tell us about the fundraiser you did with RMRU?

00:49:00 \u2013 The Trek readers donated roughly $5,000 to RMRU

00:50:30 \u2013 You can donate to RMRU here

00:55:20 \u2013 Circus and Snapshot made a memorial to Trevor

01:00:26 \u2013 Two rescuers retrieved all of Trevor\u2019s belongings

01:07:40 \u2013 \u201cYou\u2019ve got one fucking life, you better live that shit.\u201d - IBTAT

\xa0 Kaitlyn Perington of RMRU

01:11:00 \xa0\u2013 Can you tell us about RMRU?

01:12:20 \u2013 Is there an area that requires the majority of RMRU\u2019s rescue missions?

01:12:55 \u2013 Is there a busier season?

01:13:26 \u2013 How many calls do you usually get from PCT hikers?

01:13:44 \u2013 How did you specifically get involved with RMRU?

01:14:35 \u2013 What was the process like for becoming a volunteer?

01:16:30 - Are there specific requirements for joining the unit?

01:18:00 \u2013 What skills/training/certifications are people required to have?

01:19:30 \u2013 How does a shift work?

01:20:30 \u2013 Is there a certain number of people you need for a mission?

01:21:50 \u2013 How has coronavirus impacted SAR?

01:23:49 \u2013 Would you still do mouth-to-mouth during COVID?

01:24:34 \u2013 How many missions do you do per year?

01:24:56 \u2013 Is there one mission you were involved with that stands out to you?

01:29:17 \u2013 Does it frustrate you when people are unprepared?

01:13:51 \u2013 Do you ever get frequent callers?

01:33:30 \u2013 If you keep getting repeat places you\u2019re called back to, can you put a sign in a specific spot?

01:34:30 \u2013 What kind of funds are required to keep RMRU going?

01:37:10 \u2013 Aside from monetary donations are there things RMRU could use gear wise?

01:38:20 \u2013 donate at RMRU.org

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda \u2013 Effie Drew\u2019s \u201cChanging the Narrative and Amplifying Voices: Resources for Education and Inclusivity in the Outdoor Industry\u201d

Mail Bag

Favorite lightweight entertainment / creature comforts on trail

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