a survival well earned

Date: 5 June 2009

Time: aprox 1700 hrs.

Place: Strawberry Reservoir, Utah

Weather: Overcast, strong winds...large waves.

Mode of Transportation: '72 Water Ski Boat

Speed at time of incident: aprox 20 mph

Driver: Aaron Hone

Activity: a "leisurely" boat ride across the lake to a small rivelet.

Parties Involved: Aaron and Miriam Hone, Brett and Suzanne Myrup

Event of significance:

Party members "Myrup" were placed at the head of the ski boat so as to better distribute the weight. Driver, Aaron, pulled back the throttle as we came within a few hundred yards of the destination. The reaction of the boat slowing was delayed and Aaron briefly took his eyes off the front of the boat. As soon as the boat slowed, the front dipped and water came flooding over the edge of the boat. The Myrups scrambled to the back of the boat as water came pouring in. Aaron accelerated in hopes to lift the front of the boat back out of the water. This action, in combination with all the weight shift to the back brought a raging river of water crashing through the whole boat and flooding everything in it's path, filling the back of the boat with 10 inch deep water.

Remedy to prediciment:

Aaron utilized his amazing skills and maneuvered the boat to the nearest shore. The boat was moved manually around the bend to where there was no wind. Driver, Aaron, proceeded to bail all the water out with an old coffee can. Meanwhile, parties Myrup and Miriam waited on the shore. Despite their soaking wet and freezing conditions, they maintained high spirits.

Method of Return:

Driver, Aaron, took the boat back to the dock and parties Brett, Suzanne, and Miriam began the 4 mile trek on the shoreline back to the campsite. Aaron continued to bail water as he returned to the dock. After the abandoned parties had walked a good 3/4 of a mile, the wind died down enough that Aaron could return to them and bring them safely back to the dock as well (since all other attempts at asking other boats to help was futile). The return was executed safely and successfully.

Injuries Sustained:

Parties Myrup: Brett-Bruised and scratched shins, numb toes and fingers. Suzanne-soaked shoes and clothing.

Parties Hone: Aaron-a paranoia that his Grandpa would find out about the flooded fishing boat. Miriam-a significant lack of desire to ever get back on that boat again.