search and rescue week 6

Last night, we went to Maquinna trails to test out some of our equipment.  I learned that I should try out my hiking boots in the snow to see how they work because my work boots have steel in them which sucks the cold out of the snow and into the boots.  I need to learn what type of gear I need to be able to be out in the snow for hours.

We were practicing low angle rescue which is were you lower a stretcher down a hill using ropes tied off to a tree.
To do this you need to tie a special type of note in the rope and hook it into the Cabrini on the rope around the tree.

snowshoes

 This is just a reminder to me on how to buy snowshoes.
How To Buy Snowshoes
Features To Covet

• Anodized aluminum frame or molded plastic deck / frame.
• Adjustable binding. Choose "limited rotation" to minimize tail drag on groomed snow, "free-rotation" for best traction and control on unbroken surfaces.
• Upturned toe for easier maneuvering and minimizing snow build-up.
• Ratcheting buckle on the binding for ease of use.
• Solid decking of Hypalon or molded plastic or other synthetic material.
• Toe and heel crampons underfoot to increase traction.

Variables To Consider

An Adventure Network Truth from the gear guru himself, Michael Hodgson:
You simply cannot buy one pair of snowshoes that will serve you well in every snow condition you'll encounter.
Size does matter...a quick guide to finding the right shoe for your weight:

• For backpacking / extended winter hikes: Your weight including the weight of a pack if you're carrying one:
  Up to 140 - 8x21
  Up to 180 - 8x25
  Up to 200 - 9x30
  200 and over - 10x36
• For recreational use, day trips by the hour: Your weight including the weight of a daypack if you're carrying one:
  Up to 140 - 8x21
  Up to 180 - 8x25
  180 and over - 9x30

Other sizing considerations:

• Hiking alone or breaking trail for a group? or Is the snow deep and powdery? Then size up. As a rule, you'll need a in the range of 9x30 or 10x36.
• Hiking with a group and sharing trail breaking duty? Then you'll probably do fine with a shoe in the range of 8x21 or 8x25.
• Planning on running? Then opt for one of the running-specific designs.

Size does matter...a quick guide to finding the right shoe for your weight:
Contributed By: Michael Hodgson

Michael Hodgson is a an award-winning journalist and author of numerous books including Camping for Dummies, Compass and Map Navigator, and Facing the Extreme. He is a volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross, Nevada County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team and was a former mountain guide. Michael is well-known for his sense of humor and eagerness to try anything once in the pursuit of a really good story. His friends remain amazed that he can still walk. He has partnered with his journalist-wife, Therese Iknoian, on four web sites: his own www.AdventureNetwork.com, plus www.GearTrends.com, www.TotalFitnessNetwork.com, and www.SNEWSnet.com








Website    

http://www.adventuresportsonline.com/snowshoebuy.htm

search and rescue week 5

This is my second general meeting that I have been to.  I got my paper work in so that I could be voted in as a member today.  Some of the up coming course are Level 1, GCR, and an avalanche course.  I am only allowed to do the GCR course which is were the new members will learn everything that we need to know to search for and find people.

snowshoes

I am starting to look at what types of snowshoes are out there. Here are some of the types I have found at Mec. I will look at Valhalla at a later time.

Atlas 1230 Snowshoes  
$287.00 CAD




Atlas E1227 Snowshoes
$287.00 CAD
 

search and rescue week 4

The SAR group headed out to combs candy store near the high way to do some training. We practiced a line search which is were everyone goes down the same trail. Each member will stop 30m apart on the trail when the line command tell us to set up the line. Then we all get a Bering on our compass and follow the Bering. Every two minutes there is a beep on the radio which is a single to yell out a name like Joe. Once the command leader was found we got to learn how to strap him onto the spine board. Next we have to trample the bush to the nearest trail while we are waiting for the stretcher to get there. Once the stretcher shows up we get to pack out the command leader to the truck.

Hiking project day 1 : trip planning

I am doing a 4h book on hiking so I am going to put the info I learn on here.


Day hike planning checklist.

When are you going? 

 How are you getting there?

 Who is going?

 Where will you go?


 This is very important to give to someone in case you get lost or hurt they will know were you are.  What type of gear do you need and food for the day hike. What time of year will effect what type of equipment you will need.  Are you going to somewhere you have already been in or a new area. Why do you want to go on this hike? I hike because I enjoy  the views at the top of mountains and the psychical exercise.

Hike up Mount cokley

Yesterday, I went up Mount Cokely with one of the hiking group members who's name is Ron. I have very badly wanted to go up the mountain because I can see it from town. After, I climbed Mount Arrowsmith I could see it's sister mountain Cokely. It was a very sunny day so I could see a long distance. We could see lots of people from the top of the mountain.