View Full Version : Lost Hikers in NC
Daddy Longlegs
11-08-2007, 08:40
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. -- The search has intensified for a husband and wife who have been lost in the mountains of North Carolina for more than two weeks.
John Bryant, 79, and his wife, Irene Bryant, 84, were reported missing by their children. The Bryants live in Henderson County and they are known as avid hikers who have spent a lot of time on trails in the area.
Their car was located Tuesday afternoon on Yellow Gap Road, off U.S. 276 in Transylvania County.
After their phone records were tracked, it was learned that Irene Bryant tried to use her cell phone on Oct. 21 to call 911, but because of a lost signal, the call never reached the emergency call center.
Dozens of rescuers with the Henderson and Transylvania County sheriff’s offices, Brevard Rescue Squad and the U.S. Forest Service are searching a large area of Pisgah National Forest for the couple.
Concern for the Bryants increased as temperatures dropped into the 20s overnight Tuesday.
Searchers are using all-terrain vehicles, search-and-rescue dogs and helicopters, besides searching on foot.
Jack McCoy volunteered his time to help five teams using dogs and about 30 searchers as they focus on an area with an eight-mile radius around the couple's SUV.
"(It's) thick and cold. It's just real thick. You can't see 15 to 20 feet ahead of you," McCoy said.
Ethan Smith with the Brevard Rescue Squad said, "Probably the most likely scenario at this point is that they went hiking, either got lost or had a medical problem and were unable to get out."
Searchers believe that the Bryants are somewhere in the Pink Bed Loop Trail in the Cradle of Forestry.
The Bryants have been married for 50 years and have been hiking for 40 years, according to family members.
Even though they often hike, family members said they don't typically take long hikes, so when their children in Texas hadn't heard from them in two weeks, they flew to North Carolina and went to their parents' home. They reported them missing when they couldn't find them or their car.
Smith said, "It's going to be very distressful, knowing your folks are out in the woods, possibly deceased."
Rescue Squad Tips For Hikers
The Brevard Rescue Squad is using their search for the Bryants to remind people of some important tips to follow to stay safe while hiking.
If you're going hiking:
Let someone know you're going into the woods: Tell them where, how long you plan to be gone and what supplies you're bringing.
Bring a mirror that can be used it to reflect the sun into the air. It will help get the attention of those looking for you from rescue helicopters.
If you go hiking and get lost:
Find shelter if possible.
Find a trail or a road and stay there.
Avoid moving around because you may get further away from safety or miss searchers looking for you. Searchers tend to stay on or near trails.
A 79 and 84 year-old lost for two weeks doesn't sound good at all.
barefoot
11-08-2007, 11:03
These articles always get my attention. Pray for their safe return.
http://www.wyff4.com/news/14531861/detail.html
It's a very unfortunate incident. I go to college in Brevard now and two of my friends are on the rescue squad. They said as tragic and pessimistic as it may sound, that they are essentially doing a body recovery since both of them are older and one can't go three days without their medication. They search area is also incredibly big and chock full of rhododendron.
doggiebag
11-08-2007, 11:32
My thoughts and prayers to these two folks and their families. I wish I was there to help. Two weeks is a long time ... even a day lost in the woods is a long time. There's always hope.
The Bryants are known as avid hikers. A sticker on the back driver's side window of the Ford Escape read "Appalachian Trail Conference Members." He is 81 and she is 84 years of age. Todays paper
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20071108/NEWS/711080362/1151/NEWS/Search_for_Bryants_pushes_on Hope they are ok.
Creek Dancer
11-13-2007, 18:01
Looks like this might be a homicide case now. Very sad.
http://news14.com/content/top_stories/589572/missing-couple-case-now-homicide-case/Default.aspx
The Bryants are known as avid hikers. A sticker on the back driver's side window of the Ford Escape read "Appalachian Trail Conference Members." He is 81 and she is 84 years of age. Todays paper
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20071108/NEWS/711080362/1151/NEWS/Search_for_Bryants_pushes_on Hope they are ok.
RiverWarriorPJ
11-13-2007, 18:22
...That's awful.....
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-13-2007, 18:37
Here is a more complete account of the events to date. Very sad indeed.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21775427/
This is very upsetting, I hope the murderer is found soon, why would anyone do that? This is deeply disturbing.
Kevin
doggiebag
11-13-2007, 19:12
I feel sad and angry at the same time. Those are some gentle looking folks. Always watch out for one another folks. I hope they catch that monster soon.
This hits close to home for me. I live about 30 minutes from Henderson County, NC and Highway 276 through Pisgah National Forest is my stomping grounds for most of my backpacking. I've been down the gravel road in question quite a few times. I wonder if the crime took place while they were hiking, or if the perpetrator knew that leaving the car there would be inconspicuous considering their love of hiking. A sad case, indeed.
wrongway_08
11-13-2007, 19:17
Sad, what a nice couple. Its a shame.
I hope they find the SOB and kill him.
how could someone do that
This is a horrible, horrible, situation. I live here in Transylvania and we hike through the area her body was found very often. It is a very remote area, but well known to the avid outdoorsman (mountain bikers and hikers, especially). With her body being so close to a trail, I can't believe that she was not found any sooner. Those trails are very used and especially this time of year. I hope and pray that the family of she and her husband can get some answers to this disgusting crime. :(
Any time things like this happen on the Trail, it makes you wonder how safe it really is. It is a shame that someone took advantage of this elderly couple. Murder is something that I cannot comprehend. I guess that John is still missing. I hope that he is still with us.
wrongway_08
11-14-2007, 08:54
Sounds like the husband is still missing, that has to be worse then knowing he is dead for the family. A real shame.
I hope people wake up, we need to start killing crimminals on the 1st time they are cought. Too many great people out there - like this couple - to be giving 2nd chances anymore.
The family is my prayers and I hope John is found to be safe (my gut says different) but for the familys sake I will keep the hope up.
Any time things like this happen on the Trail, it makes you wonder how safe it really is.
Capitalized you make it sound like the AT, which it wasn't. Regardless, there's over 5 violent deaths per day in the US but very few on the trails. I'll take my chances.
Hopefully, they got a good picture of the guy at the ATM and he'll be caught soon.
dessertrat
11-14-2007, 10:24
This hits close to home for me. I live about 30 minutes from Henderson County, NC and Highway 276 through Pisgah National Forest is my stomping grounds for most of my backpacking. I've been down the gravel road in question quite a few times. I wonder if the crime took place while they were hiking, or if the perpetrator knew that leaving the car there would be inconspicuous considering their love of hiking. A sad case, indeed.
My guess would be that it was a "trailhead predator". Someone who knows that if you commit a crime as someone is leaving on a hiking trip, that person won't be missed for a while. My advice to most people in areas where crime has been a problem is not to camp near roads, and keep an eye out for someone who might be following you as you head into the woods. I don't know if this is an area to raise suspicions, though.
Capitalized you make it sound like the AT, which it wasn't. Regardless, there's over 5 violent deaths per day in the US but very few on the trails. I'll take my chances.
Hopefully, they got a good picture of the guy at the ATM and he'll be caught soon.
They had the picture on the news here in Nashville, and it was not very good at all. I hope it helps, but it really was bad.
Creek Dancer
11-14-2007, 11:04
Not only am I very sad for the Bryant family, I am also angry. Any murder is horrible, but to me murdering someone on a hike violates the sanctity of the woods. We go to the woods for peace and serenity, and to be close to nature. We go to the woods to warm our souls. Some of us talk to God. Some of us search for answers. Some of us find answers. Some of us leave befuddled from questions that arise from deep soul searching. A murder like this violates the sanctity of the woods. And that makes me angry.
I will still hike alone. But I will also be sure to take certain precautions and pay close attention to what is happening around me.
My heart goes out to the Bryant family.
How far from the AT did this happen?
Chris_Asheville
11-14-2007, 11:19
I live about 25 minutes from where they decided to hike. The news here has been pretty quiet. Has anyone heard, do they have any leads? I saw those pics on the citizen-times website, they are not great. I think one big obstacle is the fact that it's been soo long since they went out hiking. That person could be anywhere.
yeah, that's a pretty bad picture. i hope with all the tech that the law has at their feet that they can get a clearer image of this person
booney_1
11-14-2007, 11:32
bad news, they found one body (killed blunt force trauma), and credit card was used after the day of their hike. Sounds like bad guys in the woods..
cavedive2
11-14-2007, 11:49
they should hang this perp up by his nuts in the tallest oak tree and let him bleed to death right where all the other perp's can see to leave a message to them this will not be tolerated.
Such a sad thing that we as people can not go it alone or as a couple into the wild's to clear our minds. And what is worse is that these perp's get a second,third, chance to do these hanis crimes.
Cavediver_2
Flush2wice
11-14-2007, 12:01
How far from the AT did this happen?
It's no where near the AT, 1-1.5 hours east of Franklin.
Chris_Asheville
11-14-2007, 12:07
If anyone hears of an update, please let us all know. I'm interested in finding out what happened...
Here's an article, with photo from the Asheville Citizen Tmes (http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771113131)
I was under the impression that bank ATM's had their own camera. If they guy had the pin, he'll most likely try to use the card again.
canerunner
11-14-2007, 12:38
Any murder is horrible, but to me murdering someone on a hike violates the sanctity of the woods. We go to the woods for peace and serenity, and to be close to nature. We go to the woods to warm our souls. Some of us talk to God. Some of us search for answers. Some of us find answers. Some of us leave befuddled from questions that arise from deep soul searching. A murder like this violates the sanctity of the woods. And that makes me angry.
I understand your sentiment, but one has to look at "the woods" in both a historical and a realistic perspective.
Realistically, large expanses of unsettled territory are dangerous. That's even without the human scum factored in. There are countless numbers of disappearances in wilderness and unsettled (and awe inspiring) areas, and through which many others come and go without harm. Stuff happens, and that stuff can be deadly when there is no help nearby. It's just part of the equation that we all understand and accept as a portion of the cost of going to these wonderful places.
Factoring in the human portion of the scenario, we find that historically, people who are so inclined will take advantage of others if they feel that a) there are no witnesses, and b) it will be a while before anyone discovers the crime. To some, these indications mean that they won't get caught. This has been true since man first walked these hills and valleys.
I will still hike alone. But I will also be sure to take certain precautions and pay close attention to what is happening around me.
For the reasons stated above, it is always a good idea to be in tune with your surroundings, and particularly when out in the woods. We all like to think that nothing can (or will) happen to us when we are on the trail, but it is my opinion that we should be no less vigilant when on the trail than we are when we are walking the streets of some large city.
Like you, I go out in the wild to be recharged. I am closer to God in the backcountry than I have ever been in a church building. He restores my soul. My cup is filled to overflowing. The problems that civilization holds fade away. I still remain aware of my surroundings.
Bad people aren't the only thing you have to be wary of, but you shouldn't discount their presence, even on the trail.
I mistakenly thought that the crime had happened on the AT. I couldn't pull up the post (well, couldn't wait for my slow computer).
Though I commented that things like this make you wonder how safe it is on the Trail (or any trail, for that matter), I will continue to hike alone. The woods are where I, as well as others here, go to meet our Creator.
I am against capital punishment. Jesus said to love our enemies, not kill them. The perpetrator in this situation should be incarcerated for life, not put to death, but I'm not against hard labor as partial payment for crime. No one can pay for a murder. Two deaths don't make it better.
Hikerhead
11-14-2007, 19:52
I live about 25 minutes from where they decided to hike. The news here has been pretty quiet. Has anyone heard, do they have any leads? I saw those pics on the citizen-times website, they are not great. I think one big obstacle is the fact that it's been soo long since they went out hiking. That person could be anywhere.
Hey Chris, could you pin point the location on Topozone and link it here?
Hikerhead
11-14-2007, 19:54
I live about 25 minutes from where they decided to hike. The news here has been pretty quiet. Has anyone heard, do they have any leads? I saw those pics on the citizen-times website, they are not great. I think one big obstacle is the fact that it's been soo long since they went out hiking. That person could be anywhere.
Hey Chris, could you pin point the location on Topozone and link it here?
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=35.36707&lon=-82.76787&s=200&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG
Skidsteer
11-15-2007, 08:50
that link don't work
Works for me.
With 43,300 highway deaths last year, I think concerns about safety on the trail may be overblown. Plenty of good advice here about being mindful of your surroundings and those you encounter - sort of like wearing a seat belt and driving defensively - be careful and don't let incidents like these affect your decision to hike.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/highway_deaths.html
Lone Wolf
11-15-2007, 09:17
get a CCW permit and pack
take-a-knee
11-15-2007, 09:42
Not only am I very sad for the Bryant family, I am also angry. Any murder is horrible, but to me murdering someone on a hike violates the sanctity of the woods. We go to the woods for peace and serenity, and to be close to nature. We go to the woods to warm our souls. Some of us talk to God. Some of us search for answers. Some of us find answers. Some of us leave befuddled from questions that arise from deep soul searching. A murder like this violates the sanctity of the woods. And that makes me angry.
I will still hike alone. But I will also be sure to take certain precautions and pay close attention to what is happening around me.
My heart goes out to the Bryant family.
Get a grip folks! At least 3-5 % of the people on the street will kill you for grins, much less for an ATM card. The ongoing "self-defense" thread has people seriously discussing the merits of poking would be assasins in the groin with hiking poles...can you say "like lambs to the slaughter"? Glocks and Khar 9mm's are light folks, and they work. Get some training.
Get a grip folks! At least 3-5 % of the people on the street will kill you for grins, much less for an ATM card.
Sure buddy. Of 300,000,000 that would make 12,000,000 wanton killers.
Sure buddy. Of 300,000,000 that would make 12,000,000 wanton killers.
Or if you use the 4,000,000 figure the ATC professes walks the AT every year, that would make 160,000 wanton killers on the AT. :eek:
take-a-knee
11-15-2007, 10:25
Sure buddy. Of 300,000,000 that would make 12,000,000 wanton killers.
That is correct Sly, what I should have said is 3-5% of people are capable of remorseless violence under the right circumstances, currently, a large percentage of these are locked up in the US, that is why the US violent crime rate has declined, that fact and concealed carry laws. What is scary is a lot of these guys are a lot smarter than the average person, that is why they are seldom caught. A lot of them are smart enough to hang around AT shelters because they know the sheep will be along shortly. Or maybe hang around remote trailheads near cars <Bleep> ( they're smart enough to know they'll be defenseless).
This is a free country, you are free to live and bleat sheeplike all you want. Personally, I have a lot more respect for the sheepdogs among us.
Lone Wolf
11-15-2007, 10:26
There you have it. :cool:
Personally, I have a lot more respect for the sheepdogs among us.
Average criminals are douches. But in the upper tier of organized crime are usually very interesting individuals. Move south and you can find a whole other world.
warraghiyagey
11-15-2007, 23:41
. . . A lot of them are smart enough to hang around AT shelters because they know the sheep will be along shortly. Or maybe hang around remote trailheads near cars ( they're smart enough to know they'll be defenseless).
Huh?? Did I miss this news that this new breed of smart' killers is hanging around AT shelters? :confused: :confused: Please.
Alligator
11-15-2007, 23:41
That is correct Sly, what I should have said is 3-5% of people are capable of remorseless violence under the right circumstances, currently, a large percentage of these are locked up in the US, that is why the US violent crime rate has declined, that fact and concealed carry laws. What is scary is a lot of these guys are a lot smarter than the average person, that is why they are seldom caught. A lot of them are smart enough to hang around AT shelters because they know the sheep will be along shortly. Or maybe hang around remote trailheads near cars <Bleep>( they're smart enough to know they'll be defenseless).
This is a free country, you are free to live and bleat sheeplike all you want. Personally, I have a lot more respect for the sheepdogs among us.Keep the political crap in the Politics forum. Thanks.
warraghiyagey
11-15-2007, 23:44
Keep the political crap in the Politics forum. Thanks.
Although I would say that moving on to the political forum doesn't legitimize such devisive non-sense.
Alligator
11-15-2007, 23:46
Although I would say that moving on to the political forum doesn't legitimize such devisive non-sense.That would be better debated there:).
warraghiyagey
11-15-2007, 23:47
That would be better debated there:).
Yupperdoodle (I concur).
the worst preditors are the ones with two legs.creatures like that need exterminating.it seems like the only ones getting culled are us freindly tippes,who trust all too willingly.concealed carry......................................
Average criminals are douches. But in the upper tier of organized crime are usually very interesting individuals. Move south and you can find a whole other world.
in fl. most of our scum are from large nothern citys
take-a-knee
11-16-2007, 01:07
Huh?? Did I miss this news that this new breed of smart' killers is hanging around AT shelters? :confused: :confused: Please.
How 'bout you do a little research for us and let us know how many of the nine AT hiker/murder victims were killed in or near shelters? Wolves don't attack other wolves, they usually leave the sheepdogs alone also, as for the sheep...? If this "biting" reality is "divisive" just take some more soma and reread "It Takes a Village Idiot" or some other scholarly tome.
in fl. most of our scum are from large nothern citys
That's cities, at least the way we yankees spell it.
I have two sisters who moved to Florida. I guess they don't like us either.
in fl. most of our scum are from large nothern citysI meant south of the border, where everyone speaks Spanish.
I meant south of the border, where everyone speaks Spanish.
Lo siento mucho!:D
This is a free country, you are free to live and bleat sheeplike all you want. Personally, I have a lot more respect for the sheepdogs among us.
I'll take my chances rather than have a metal pecker in my pocket.
warraghiyagey
11-16-2007, 05:04
How 'bout you do a little research for us and let us know how many of the nine AT hiker/murder victims were killed in or near shelters? Wolves don't attack other wolves, they usually leave the sheepdogs alone also, as for the sheep...? If this "biting" reality is "divisive" just take some more soma and reread "It Takes a Village Idiot" or some other scholarly tome.
Mmmm. Attempting to make a point through insult. Amazing trhat some still think this backs up their argument rather than what it actually does, renders it moot by way of considering the source.
Lone Wolf
11-16-2007, 05:11
I'll take my chances rather than have a metal pecker in my pocket.
Glocks have a polymer frame. They're corrosion resistant, tougher than steel and 86% lighter
warraghiyagey
11-16-2007, 05:24
I'll take my chances rather than have a metal pecker in my pocket.
Glocks have a polymer frame. They're corrosion resistant, tougher than steel and 86% lighter
So, is that a Glock in your pocket or are you just glad to. . . .oh, never mind.
One of the funniest things I heard relating to gun culture was that OPP officer that refered to some of his colleagues as barrel suckers. As in, "They are (expletive) barrel suckers. They just are in love with guns." The context was rather tragic, but the comment itself was rather funny.
Lone Wolf
11-16-2007, 05:26
kinda like pack sniffers
warraghiyagey
11-16-2007, 05:27
One of the funniest things I heard relating to gun culture was that OPP officer that refered to some of his colleagues as barrel suckers. As in, "They are (expletive) barrel suckers. They just are in love with guns." The context was rather tragic, but the comment itself was rather funny.
Now that is hilarious. Men infatuated with their auxiliary weiners.
modiyooch
11-18-2007, 08:53
I don't know if this has been mentioned, but John Bryant was a fellow thru hiker, He decided to retire to this particular area in 1990 based on his hike. -based on the article that I just read.
WILLIAM HAYES
11-18-2007, 19:46
I hope they catch the scumbag cut his balls off and nail them to a whiteblaze
Lone Wolf
11-18-2007, 20:06
WILLIAM HAYES for president by god!
WILLIAM HAYES for president by god!
How about we start him out as mayor.
musicwoman
11-18-2007, 21:17
Any updates on this tragedy?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-18-2007, 21:29
WILLIAM HAYES for president by god!
How about we start him out as mayor.
Don't make me bite you two on the toes for discussing politics :D
Latest news report on this tragedy
(http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20071118/NEWS/711180398)
Ramble~On
11-18-2007, 23:05
He was a thru hiker and called home during his hike to tell everyone he had found the place he wanted to spend the rest of his life- the mountains of NC. The family didn't buy into the "lost" story from the get go. Both were avid hikers with a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors, they knew the area and were always prepared. I have spent a great deal of my time hiking in this area and it is, as mentioned in previous posts very well used.
I do the majority of my hiking alone and feel safe.
I always tell someone where I am going and when I should be back.
It doesn't appear that the Bryants let anyone know where they were going or when they should be expected back...but why should they have? From the sounds of it they were just out for a short hike. There was a 911 call made from one of their phones but the call didn't get through. A lot of questions remain to be answered and Mr. Bryant has yet to be found.
Her death has been ruled a homicide and that is horrible and uncommon for this region. My heart goes out to their family and I hope Mr Bryant is found soon as is the killer.
take-a-knee
11-18-2007, 23:25
A wise man once opined that, "A Gun is a lot like a tourniquet, most of us will never have need of one, but, if you ever do, you'll need it really bad and right now." This fine couple lived out their lives without the need of a weapon...almost. Like officer Callahan said, "Do you feel lucky?"
Miss Janet
11-19-2007, 01:30
Some how I just can't imagine this elderly couple pulling out a snubnose and blowing away an attacker... I really can't imagine almost anyone doing so. First of all the gun would have to be easy to get to in say, like, five seconds... So, maybe a holster on his hip?? Come on. And if he had gone his whole life without the "need" for a gun, would he have even had the experience to pull it and use it?
I grew up with guns and a large family that hunted and just loved guns. I became a darn good rifle shot, refinished stocks and re blued barrels and owned several different guns when I was a young woman. The one thing I always have thought about when I considered a gun for protection... the "bad guy" was going to have already planned to use a gun of his own, a knife or other force and I would most likely not get much warning.
It sounds like this couple were maybe approached by someone that appeared harmless... at what point would they have had a chance to use a gun? I don't think anyone who carries a permitted gun usually goes with it in their hand when they go out for a hike. If it is in your pack it will not be of much use.
Just rambling... I need some sleep! I do hope they are able to find whoever did this. The family must be devastated.
take-a-knee
11-19-2007, 09:44
Some how I just can't imagine this elderly couple pulling out a snubnose and blowing away an attacker... I really can't imagine almost anyone doing so. First of all the gun would have to be easy to get to in say, like, five seconds... So, maybe a holster on his hip?? Come on. And if he had gone his whole life without the "need" for a gun, would he have even had the experience to pull it and use it?
I grew up with guns and a large family that hunted and just loved guns. I became a darn good rifle shot, refinished stocks and re blued barrels and owned several different guns when I was a young woman. The one thing I always have thought about when I considered a gun for protection... the "bad guy" was going to have already planned to use a gun of his own, a knife or other force and I would most likely not get much warning.
It sounds like this couple were maybe approached by someone that appeared harmless... at what point would they have had a chance to use a gun? I don't think anyone who carries a permitted gun usually goes with it in their hand when they go out for a hike. If it is in your pack it will not be of much use.
Just rambling... I need some sleep! I do hope they are able to find whoever did this. The family must be devastated.
Not so Miss Janet, you are mistaking the behavior of a murderous psychopath with that of a well-trained infantry ambush. Yes, they were most likely approached by someone who did not appear to be a threat at first, and sadly they probably died on their knees as they begged for their lives. It is possible that they were set upon and not afforded an oppourtunity to resist but I doubt it. Remember, wolves don't attack sheepdogs. You must first be a sheepdog, get a proper firearm and get some training, I reccommend a guy out of Nashville named Randy Cain, google his name and guntactics and you'll get his website. I've seen him take a soccer mom who couldn't hit a man-sized shillouhette on Friday morning make head shots on the move on that same target on Sunday afternoon. When you fight back, you win.
saimyoji
11-19-2007, 09:47
I've seen him take a soccer mom who couldn't hit a man-sized shillouhette on Friday morning make head shots on the move on that same target on Sunday afternoon.
That's all we need, lethal soccer moms. :rolleyes:
That's all we need, lethal soccer moms. :rolleyes:They already have cell phones and a suvs, guns would be an improvement.
Dances with Mice
11-19-2007, 10:07
They <soccer moms> already have cell phones and a suvs, guns would be an improvement.You spend a season as a ref for U-16 (under 16 y.o.) soccer teams and report back the first time you make a close "Offsides" call and take away a goal. Or call a foul in the box on the home team. Then tell us how much you'd like them to have firearms.
That pic in Dino's link....anybody know where that came from? The blacked out parts, is that maybe the top of a head and the square blackout would be the photographer's vehicle?
Info about this deal seems to come out very slowly if at all.
You spend a season as a ref for U-16 (under 16 y.o.) soccer teams and report back the first time you make a close "Offsides" call and take away a goal. Or call a foul in the box on the home team. Then tell us how much you'd like them to have firearms.
Lol
I bicycle and ride (vroom-vroom) year round back home.
That'd give us even odds.
That pic in Dino's link....anybody know where that came from? The blacked out parts, is that maybe the top of a head and the square blackout would be the photographer's vehicle?
Info about this deal seems to come out very slowly if at all.
I live here in Transylvania county where they went missing. Our news, as of this morning, is that they are looking into trying to find anyone that was in the vacinity of Yellow Gap road or Wolf road(not sure of the full name of road). The picture they showed is confusing to me. It looks like a very popular parking area at the end of Wolf rd. The campsite is down below the parking area, like in the picture. But the authorities are asking for people that were on or near Yellow Gap road to contact them. That is the road you take to get to Wolf rd. The Asheville Citizen Times-Sunday's edition-said that there car was found in the Pink Beds area, which would be the parking area I explained above. The whole thing is extremely confusing and NONE of it makes since. My heart aches for that family. They are now needing to find a motorcyclist that was said to be on the road that day. They believe he could have seen something to help them. I don't think they consider him a supect, they just want to know if there is anything he can tell them to help.
I would think the blacked out parts are of the photographer. No use including them.
dessertrat
11-19-2007, 12:19
Not so Miss Janet, you are mistaking the behavior of a murderous psychopath with that of a well-trained infantry ambush. Yes, they were most likely approached by someone who did not appear to be a threat at first, and sadly they probably died on their knees as they begged for their lives. It is possible that they were set upon and not afforded an oppourtunity to resist but I doubt it. Remember, wolves don't attack sheepdogs. You must first be a sheepdog, get a proper firearm and get some training, I reccommend a guy out of Nashville named Randy Cain, google his name and guntactics and you'll get his website. I've seen him take a soccer mom who couldn't hit a man-sized shillouhette on Friday morning make head shots on the move on that same target on Sunday afternoon. When you fight back, you win.
If one of them had time to dial 911, then one of them would have had time to draw and use a gun. Not advocating gun carrying, necessarily, but that's just a reality in this particular case. Particulars do not always make good policy.
The wife and I spend lots of weekends tailgate camping on the Yellow Gap road.Our fav spot is about three miles from where this took place. Last time we were up there about two months back we seen at least 75 or more street and trail bikes ride thru.They just kept coming all day long.I have been going up there to camp and hike since 1980 myself.Only one time have I ever drawed down on some folks.About 2 in the AM I heard what sounded like and turn out to be two two legged men walking thru the woods towards our campsite which is about 75 yards off the road.They were not on the trail and our camp site is not near any other sites so I went out to redirect them in the right directions and ask them what the hell they were doing .I know the area well so I waited till they were about 15 ft away and turned on the lite and turn off my saftey. They stated they were lost and I stated that to try and sneek into a mans and his love ones campsite late at nite was a sure way to go meet ye maker .Also told them that if they seen my fire that they should have shouted long before they tried to get to our camp. They turned around and left.I now take my dogs to listen out for us and I shall continue to camp up there no diffrent then I have in the past. I know justice will be dished out one way or another to this evil.
Miss Janet
11-20-2007, 21:23
... You must first be a sheepdog, get a proper firearm and get some training, I reccommend a guy out of Nashville named Randy Cain, google his name and guntactics and you'll get his website. I've seen him take a soccer mom who couldn't hit a man-sized shillouhette on Friday morning make head shots on the move on that same target on Sunday afternoon. When you fight back, you win.
I wasn't worried about my skill... I know how to handle firearms... I was on a college shooting team and at one time trained pretty serious. I just doubt that your average "bad guy" would have courtesy to give you enough warning to allow you time go to your glove compartment... trunk... in your pack, etc to get your gun. 911 can be dialed from inside your pocket... seen kids and adults alike text message these days!! The badguy would never have known
Question: How many others have stories where they have actually drawn or used a gun in similar situations?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-20-2007, 21:31
More news on this tragedy (http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20071120/NEWS/711200326)
take-a-knee
11-20-2007, 21:37
Miss Janet, you must not be a member of the National Rifle Association. There are a couple of pages in their magazine, the American Rifleman, every month of dozens of uses of firearms by armed citizens against society's goblins. Dr John Lott of Yale University has extensively documented these often overlooked and underreported occurences.
Pokey2006
11-20-2007, 23:06
There are self-defense weapons which are less lethal than guns, for those uncomfortable with firearms or who don't feel there's a place for them in the woods. Personally, I like pepperspray -- small, lightweight, can be carried right on your pack straps or in your pocket. Pulling out the canister and hitting the spray button would take less time than pulling out a cellphone and dialing 911. There's no guarantee it'll save your life if you're attacked, but it's better than nothing. Better than being completely defenseless and helpless.
I feel safe hiking and camping in the woods. But cases like this always remind me how important it is to be prepared, just in case.
Dakota Dan
11-20-2007, 23:30
http://www.amderringer.com/m4.html
I have the M-4. It does have recoil. Not cheap. But it sure is nice.
Probably just piss someone off with one of those. Two shots and no range, though they are pretty and neat. Kahr makes some nice little guns and the Ruger SP-101 is very nice too.
Unfortunately for type of person who would commit this senseless and brutal crime, there is no such thing as "the sanctity of the woods". For such a person, nothing is sacred - obviously not even innocent human life.
I have heard people often comment that the trails are safe and compare the ratio of crimes committed in the wilderness to those committed elsewhere in society - but for the Bryants it didn't matter. All that mattered was the one monster who took their lives.
Ultimately, we all have to be responsible for our own safety. That is why I will always go armed in some fashion. You cannot look to the authorities. They will not be there when you are assaulted and you cannot reach them by phone unless you have a satellite phone. Even if you do, it may be hours before they arrive - too late.
His son lives in a city just north of me. I hadn't read this entire thread, I didn't realize the father was a former thru-hiker:
Local man clings to hope
BY KARA RHODES
kara.rhodes@timesnews.com [more details]
Published: November 22. 2007 6:00AM
Marc Bryant's parents disappeared a month ago while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina.
The body of his mother, Irene, 84, was found Nov. 9, just 25 yards from the couple's car. An autopsy later concluded she was killed with a blow to the head.
His father, Jack, would have turned 80 on Oct. 28. He is still missing.
Marc Bryant, 52, who lives in Millcreek Township and is a nurse at Hamot Medical Center, said his dad is presumed dead. Police have said Jack Bryant is not a suspect in his wife's death, according to reports in the Citizen-Times, a newspaper in Asheville, N.C.
"It's hard to imagine something like this happening," Bryant said, from his home on Brooksboro Drive. "You read about this but never think it would happen to your parents."
Bryant traveled to western North Carolina to search for his parents after he and his three siblings tried unsuccessfully to reach them for two weeks by phone.
Four days later, his brother found their sport utility vehicle at a trailhead in Pigsah National Forest.
The official search began the same day, and Irene Bryant's body was found Nov. 9.
Police and FBI determined that the Bryants' ATM card was used in Ducktown, Tenn. the day after they disappeared from a trailhead in the sprawling national forest, which encompasses 510,119 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A review of the ATM security video showed a man hunched over, as if trying to conceal his identity. He withdrew $300 from the machine, which was located about 130 miles west of where the couple vanished.
The FBI has told the Bryants that the man using the card was not their father.
Now Bryant believes his dad is in the same forest where his mother, 84, was found.
The couple are both from the Pacific Northwest and never lived in Erie.
Jack Bryant, a retired Skaneateles attorney, once walked the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail end to end. His wife, a retired veterinarian, joined him on walks on five continents.
When they wanted to retire 17 years ago, they settled in a retirement community on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest.
Their age hadn't slowed them down, Bryant said.
"They'd go out every other day on day hikes. It was their routine," Bryant said. "It's very frustrating that two folks, 80 and 84, would fall victim to something like this for no rhyme or reason. Everything points to this being a random act. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Hundreds of volunteer and professional searchers joined the family in the hunt for Irene and Jack Bryant.
"We've been very impressed with the efforts of the rescue squad and the volunteers," Bryant said. "Hundreds and hundreds participated in the search. Everyone was very respectful and very nice."
But after days of fruitless searching, Marc Bryant returned to Erie at the urging of both police and rescue agencies. The official search for his father has been called off.
"They said I should get back to a routine," he said. "I think they're right. It's good to be active and let law enforcement folks do what they're trained to do -- find my father and bring some closure."
Bryant is back to work at Hamot. He'll be there today, on Thanksgiving.
I wasn't following this, but was playing around on youtube. The news story on the murder was disturbing.
Seeing the ATC sticker on the back of the victim's car somehow made this hit home even more.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BjNV90gDHpM
Just noticed this was the subject of another thread a few weeks back. Sorry for the repitition.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=449010&highlight=murder#post449010
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-01-2007, 19:30
I merged the threads.
anything new in this case?
There was a news update today about the story. They still have not found Mr Bryant, but his son has returned to search some more. He said that he would be here until Christmas looking for his dad. This has to be a horrible ordeal to go through let alone it being Christmas time. He's definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
The Breeze
12-16-2007, 14:08
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22272484/
HENDERSONVILLE, S.C. - The son of a couple who disappeared while hiking in October is in Western North Carolina searching for his father and hoping to find the person who killed his mother. Irene Bryant?s body was found in the Pisgah National Forest (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22272484/#) last month after a week-long search. Her husband, John Bryant, has not been found in the two months since the couple was last seen alive, headed for a day of hiking in the forest................. see link for more
Bryant said that investigators are looking for a mountain-biker with the Internet username "Cannonball." That person blogged about seeing someone in the area near where Irene Bryant's body was found, attempting to break into a car around the time of the Bryants' disappearance.
Are any hikers from that area assisting in the search?
It's so sad that this son has to do this right before the holidays - or ever. Very sad.
Bryant said that investigators are looking for a mountain-biker with the Internet username "Cannonball." That person blogged about seeing someone in the area near where Irene Bryant's body was found, attempting to break into a car around the time of the Bryants' disappearance.
That thread about car break-ins, from over on MTBR, was from a year ago. Somehow this got the authorities confused thinking that "Cannonball" had seen someone try to break into his car the same week the hikers went missing.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=362554
onesocktwin
01-03-2008, 13:44
The suspected abduction on the AT in GA made me wonder if there was any news on this case.