Annual Search and Rescue training for the 2010-11 summer season

I post this event every year it seems. The years go by a bit too quickly! Last summer thankfully there was little happening re. accidents in our mountains. Lets hope it's quiet this time around also.

I train because it's fun, and don't feel a burning need to be as involved as I was back on the 80s. But if I end up 'out there' in a sharp situation, I simply want to stay safe for my own sake and for my companions/friends, and of course for all the wonderful people who comprise my day-to-day life.

Anna, a very experienced heli-ski guide summons her team [with a smile] to board for a trip up the hill to do a stretcher rope lower down over low angle terrain...


Much of the exercise was devoted to safety around helicopters...


The lower begins in the bush...




Then out into the open...




Job done it's time for multiple hops/pickups and alights from the Squirrel down the hill, while it has one skid or less on the ground...




Next it's off to the Matukituki river for 4wd, stretcher bearing and tramping style familiarisation with river crossing. All mixed in with some GPS work, and finishing with a barbe in the cool under a willow by the river...


Mt Aspiring, scene of so many Wanaka Search and Rescue missions sort of watches over us and the river...


Wild roses back at the Police Station - they seem an incongruous foil to the temp. shipping container goal for New Year's drunks...


So stay safe dear readers!