Photos:
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=219542280/a=38054161/t_=38054161
Sunday 4/20:
The Rocky Mountain Rescue group was
running a practice for vertical evacuations. I was hoping to get several
items signed off my skills card. To become a Support level member of the
group; you need to get at least 15 out of 18 skills signed off on a
skills card. These skills encompass things that you may be required to
do. For example, ascend and rappel ropes using different techniques, tie
several knots, assemble the litter, and more. I feel like I've been
around the group enough that I'd like to really start putting the effort
into getting the card filled out so I can become a member. Since this
was a vertical practice, I was hoping to get the brakes signed off; and
maybe the ascend and rappel ones if there was time. Since RMR is coming
up for reaccreditation in less than a month; I knew that member practice
would take priority.
We got the mock call about an injured climber up Boulder Canyon; around
a specific mile post. We made it out to Castle Rock, and it was pretty
easy to find our injured climber. He was pretty much the only one on the
wall. It was an interesting spot, tucked in a little corner.
Unfortunately, the prospective members (which I am part of) weren't part
of the first scenario. We watched, and helped guide from below; but I'm
definitely more of a do it kind of person rather than watch it. I used
the time to get the knots and rope packaging skills signed off my card.
After the first scenario, we went up and around to the top. I asked if I
might be able to get on the brakes so I could get it signed off, and was
told that I should be able to. Things started to get assembled for the
next scenario, and members were assigned to the brakes. I helped out
with rope management. The next scenario, I again asked if I might get on
the brakes, and was again told that I should be able to. Once again,
didn't get put on the brakes; so I went and helped out with the edge
setups and knot passes through the rope guides. Pretty much the same
thing happened for the next couple of scenarios. It was kind of a
bummer. I know that the members needed to get the practice, but it stunk
to be told that I could get on brakes and then it never happened. It was
still a great day out though; beautiful weather.
I did end up getting a couple of items signed off, so that was good too.
Although, I'm looking forward to when the re-accredation is done so the
prospectives can get to join in more.
Hope you enjoy the pics!
A.J.
Photos: http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=219542280/a=38054161/t_=38054161
Group Room (multiple albums): http://ajoutdoors.snapfish.com/snapfish