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ricknie
May 24, 2005, 5:25 PM
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In 1977 a plane loaded with dope crashed into Lower Merced Pass Lake. I knew the pilot and his wife since high school. His wife and I are working on co-authoring a book about the incident. I am looking for anyone that can recall any stories about what went on in the area during the first few weeks following the crash as well as anything positive that happened to people such as opening businesses, buying equipment and launching careers.
We are not looking to expose anyone, we are looking for stories to add to what we already knew happened up to that night.I have talked to a few ex park employees that were there at the time as well as a few C4 guys and have gotten their take on things. Anyone else?
Rick Schloss
San Jose, CA
408-295-1501
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jimthespider
May 24, 2005, 6:00 PM
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I read a book related to this years ago. It was a fictional murder mystery that was wrapped around the true story of this plane crash. In the book a bunch of climbers go out to ice climb and find bales of pot on the ice of a lake. They go back and get scuba gear to recover the pot. Then someone comes after the dope and kills a climber.
I think I have the book at home and I am at work but, I will try to find it tonight.
Jim
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plund
May 24, 2005, 7:09 PM
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Isn't author Jeff Long actually John Long, aka vivalargo???
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jayteefiveseven
May 24, 2005, 7:15 PM
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just watch cliffhanger
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couchwarrior
May 24, 2005, 7:16 PM
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In reply to: Isn't author Jeff Long actually John Long, aka vivalargo???
Nope, since there was some dispute between them over who had the rights to the story. Largo is quoted somewheres as saying (and I'm paraphrasing), "In the end, Stallone got ahold of it and turned it into a piece of crap, anyway."
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j_ung
May 24, 2005, 7:25 PM
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I was going to suggest you try your luck over at Supertaco, but it looks like you already did. Methinks you'll get everything you need from those guys.
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ricknie
May 24, 2005, 7:37 PM
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Thanks guys for all the info. Yep, I've got a similar thread going over at ST. Many have stepped forward to lend a hand at their take. Some with names, some without. Our purpose is to get the stories, especially if they are humorous or resulted in helping someone's life out. This was a pretty tough smack for the pilot's wife and daughter. She's decided to see if she can't tell the story and get something good out of this.
Anyone want to PM me or call, have at it. "Operators are standing by"
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plund
May 24, 2005, 7:38 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: Isn't author Jeff Long actually John Long, aka vivalargo??? Nope, since there was some dispute between them over who had the rights to the story. Largo is quoted somewheres as saying (and I'm paraphrasing), "In the end, Stallone got ahold of it and turned it into a piece of crap, anyway."
Thanks for enlightening me.....
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ctardi
May 24, 2005, 7:40 PM
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Also, all of the pot that was rescued from underwater was saturated with jet fuel, making it a little posionous.
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andrewph
May 24, 2005, 7:42 PM
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Lynn hill talks about a plane crash like that in her book (climbing free). I assume its the same one.
Anyway she has a couple of stories about what various people did in there. if you haven't already checked it.
Andy
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gene
May 24, 2005, 7:43 PM
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I suggest you read "Climbing Free" by Lynn Hill, as she has a chapter in her book about this (she was a valley-local at the time), and it has a bunch of info about what happened to some of the "discoverers" ....
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happiegrrrl
May 24, 2005, 8:03 PM
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First thing - condolences for the friends and family of the two pilots who died in that crash.
That said, I would find it hard to believe that many people would come forward with first-person accounts, and hopefully those with secondhand knowledge would think twice. Maybe I am just a little bit paranoid, but I used to be a bit of a pothead back about those times and I remember some of the dealings that went on, when the stakes were beyond the means of the 1/4 lb, sell three/get one free, dealers.
From what I have read, that plane apparently had more $$ of product lost than I can possbibly begin to conjure. While I wish the author luck in getting information to use in a book, and climbers face risks every time they're out there(at least trad leaders....hahaha), I just cannot imagine anyone taking a look at the route you put up and thinking "Cool, I wanna go for that!" I can't even imagine the woman who wants to write this book wanting to put herself in that position.
And - just wondering - so how did/does the credit work on the sort of transaction that crashed and burned in 1977? It's not like you can get factoring, or pick up a Lloyd's of London insurance policy - is it? Someone, somewhere lost a lot of money, I would think.
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gearsighted
May 24, 2005, 8:08 PM
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In the short story "The Bird's Boys", which is the fourth story in "Long on Adventure" John Long tells this story along with others having to do with Jim Bridwell and the climbers who he mentored. Unless that was ANOTHER plane full of weed that crashed into the river during the winter...
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ricknie
May 24, 2005, 8:26 PM
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happiegrrrl, to answer some of your questions and address some of your comments.
All was lost in the crash. People, plane, money, profits, futures. There is currently a woman without her husband and a daughter without her father. We were all up to our necks much deeper than a single load. And no, there was no "Lloyds of London" insurance policy. The wife went through Federal hell for years afterward until things went past the statute of limitations.
For those that don't feel comfortable coming forward to tell their stories, we understand. However, I think you can use climbing as an analogy. I jump (parachute) and SCUBA, but if you don't feel comfortable with it I certainly won't try to persuade you to come along. So far we have a number of people that are willing to tell their stories nameless. That's fine. This isn't a documentary that unless the source is verified it isn't valid. Nor will this be a fiction.
As the story(s) unfold what went on, those that know will sit back and nod. Those that really don't know will lean forward and say, "Dayuum, so THAT is what happened." That is all we want to do.
As for paranoia, imagine me. I'm posting my real name, the town I live in, and my phone number. Some would say I'm nutz. Maybe, but I figure if I am asking people to step forward, I have to be first.
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jbell2355
May 24, 2005, 8:27 PM
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John Long talks about the crash and subsequent activity in his book "Rock Jocks, Wall Rats and Hang Dogs". Absolutely amazing. That must be a very fond memory for those involved.
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tenn_dawg
May 24, 2005, 8:33 PM
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This is an amazing story. Good luck with your book!
As for my input... 23 Sep 1982 is a very significant date for me, and I've got little to add because of it.
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ricknie
May 24, 2005, 8:44 PM
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I just spoke with the pilot's wife. She said I can publish her name to make the conversation easier. Its Pam.
Pam and I agree that in the book we'll be telling as much as possible about the events that led up to the date of the crash as well as what went on afterward from her perspective. As I've been hearing, no one has yet to be able to talk about where the plane was coming from or going to. That will all be told. It'll open many eyes.
As I relate some of the recent stories to Pam, she is actually saying, "This is getting to be fun." I'm glad she can have this kind of feeling after all of this time.
Keep 'em coming. If you know people and want to tell them what we're doing, please pass on my name, phone number or email addy.
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rockmonkey24
May 24, 2005, 8:56 PM
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In reply to: In the short story "The Bird's Boys", which is the fourth story in "Long on Adventure" John Long tells this story along with others having to do with Jim Bridwell and the climbers who he mentored. Unless that was ANOTHER plane full of weed that crashed into the river during the winter... |
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ricknie
May 25, 2005, 9:17 PM
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In talking with Pam just now, I told her of the concerns about divulging the who, what, where, when stuff. She thought it might be better if we told more about her and some of the surrounding situations so people would feel a little easier about this.
Her name is Pam Glisky, the pilot was John Glisky. The Lockheed Loadstar was not the only plane used. There were no passengers on the plane. The Feds dogged her for a few years after the incident and only now is she in a position to be able to tell the story.
Her thoughts are that this was a terrible thing in her life. It still haunts her and her daughter. However the idea that it might be possible that something good came out of this is comforting to her. This is why she's not only writing about her side of it, she wants to write about the lives that were helped out also.
So if there is anything I can do or she can do to help drop the shields of some out there, please feel free to PM me and I'll do what I can.
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ricknie
May 25, 2005, 10:45 PM
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We have decided to not use anyone's real name in this book. It will be more comfortable for everyone and easier to keep track of.
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gunksgoer
May 25, 2005, 11:03 PM
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Any Idea when this will hit the shelves? Im very interested.
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ricknie
May 25, 2005, 11:15 PM
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Probably depends on how much material we collect. Right now I'm doing all the research via email and phone. I'd imagine next year or so. Never done a book before so this is new territory. I'm sure those more experienced on this matter could chime in.
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ricknie
May 28, 2005, 6:09 AM
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So far almost a dozen people have agreed to interviews. Not all are climbers from that time. Some worked in and around the park and have their stories as well. Some of what I've heard so far tells me that this is going to be a story that is at its time to be told.
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