Saturday, November 27, 2010

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...
#alttext#

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

The lower begins in the bush...
#alttext#

#alttext#

Then out into the open...
#alttext#

#alttext#

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...
#alttext#

#alttext#

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...
#alttext#

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

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

So stay safe dear readers!

Labels: , ,

Share |

4 Comments:

Blogger Marg said...

the photo that especially takes my fancy is the one with the roses in front of the shipping container.

December 4, 2010 at 3:22 PM  
Blogger Donald said...

Hi Marg

Yes, hopefully it'll provide a calming influence if it's still in flower at New Years!

Cheers

Donald

December 4, 2010 at 3:34 PM  
Blogger Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Donald

SAR is crucial and I salute the volunteers who give their time. Photos are great. I remember being a memeber of the first Otago Face rescue team way back in 1967.

Enjoy the beginning of summer. Bob

December 6, 2010 at 3:11 PM  
Blogger Donald said...

Hi Bob

hmm.. I attended a weekend exercise on Mt Barth in the 70s with the Otago folk. Wonder if you were there?

We did a lower off the nth. peak. I learnt heaps just watching folk like Bob Cunningham, and simply how such experienced people moved.

I salute you the more though - you've devoted much of your life to doing the 'hard yards' in situations that must at times have taught you harshly.

So keep up the good work.

Cheers

Donald

December 6, 2010 at 3:56 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home