A Family's Pain and Still No Answers

Sad Day Searching in the Mojave

Today was day 19 after a local trail runner disappeared from Calico Basin in Red Rock Canyon. I was riding out in the canyon on the 17th of January, the day after Ron Kirk failed to show up after leaving his Jeep at the Calico Basin Trail Head. I saw his car on the 17th and again on the 18th. I knew something was wrong because cars are not permitted to be left overnight and the gate to the TH parking area is locked at dusk.

Well today was the first chance I have had to volunteer to search for him. At this point in time it is a recovery operation, and the family knows this. But, they are out there everyday searching. I was part of a 20 member group that included Ron's brother, Darrell, who had flown in from Seattle, Washington for the second weekend. We set out to search the washes east of Calico Basin. In all we covered about 6-8 square miles. The terrain is all loose alluvial strata with deep erosion channels and washes at the foothills of the mountains. I guess the plan was to cover the search grid east of Ron's last known position. We found nothing but jack rabbits, rusting tin cans, plastic bags blown by the wind, and places where nobody would run.

Search and Rescue Command Post

Ron's Jeep at the Trail Head. First noticed it
on January 17th during my morning bike ride
into Calico Basin.

Along my search route

Ron's brother Darrell 3rd from left. Ron's Hash Harrier friend Pigeon 4th from left.

Looking through binoculars for signs of anything.

Came across a desert tortoise shell.

Searching Red Rock Wash

Red Rock Wash east of Ron's Jeep in Calico Basin

After talking briefly with Darrell, I could see the sadness in his face, but sensed his appreciation for what everyone doing searches has done for his family's grieving.  I only hope Ron is located soon. It's an extremely rugged, steep mountain area, and the likelihood of finding him any time soon is remote. Hundreds of folks have scoured almost every possible place without finding anything. The search efforts continued.

According to Red Rock Search and Rescue coordinator, Dave Cummings, since Janauary 34th 839 searchers have hiked 3700 boot miles in Red Rock Canyon looking for Ron.

Hope the family gets closure.