Wednesday, November 23, 2011

preparedness

Over the past few years I have had the fortune or miss-fortune of being at a few semi-major accident scenes. Both times an immobilized skier/climber needed to be secured, comforted for up to 1 hour and supported while waiting for the cavalry to appear. I've been lucky in that others on the scene had a radio or sat phone, guides tarp or other essential tools to get the ball rolling, even if I didn't....

My "FA kit/emergency kit" ready for the pack. A lightweight first aid kit, bivi bag and a 12'' ski strap keeping it all together...

Since then I have put a lot of thought into the minimum "SOL" kit to have on all outings....

The emergency bivi bag from adventure medical kits is a good piece. Super light, reflective, waterproof and a decently effective in keeping one person semi-comfortable while waiting for the sound of the rotor blades. I know people (Rob Owens ;-) that have used it as a full service bivi bag on alpine climbs.

www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=144&catname=Shelter&prodname=SOL%20Emergency%20Bivvy

I always bring a light and somewhat minimalist first aid kit with me into the mountains. This with the idea that all we need to do is stabilize the victim and wait for the big help to arrive with more sophisticated tools and means. For long trips I will beef it up (extra gauze, tape to change dressings, more pain killers, antihistamines and maybe wound irrigation) to be more self reliant. I don't typically bring a splint as ski poles, branches, etc are usually available, not ideal but works in a pinch. The below is a list of whats inside, a blend between emergency and FA tools.

1) SPOT transceiver/ELB - There were two uses of this product last year in the Rockies resulting in rescues. It is light and more reliable than radios which rely on line of sight repeater towers for use. It needs a reasonably clear line of sky though..
2) lighter
3) Gauze and tape
4) gloves
5) Moleskin
6) Pain killers (ibuprofen here but I also bring some heavy hitters for major pain management)

Whats not shown here:

7) G3 Bone Saw - This thing is awesome, a great snow saw for pit use and also amazing at wood cutting. last February, I used the bone saw to cut about 7, 10-30 cm diameter trees down to open up a landing space for a 407 which was en route for an evacuation. Great purchase.

8) Voile ski strap, you can use this for binding repairs, splinting and so much more. Last week a boot buckle failed in the field and we were able to use the mighty orange strap as a quick fix. Ivo felt solid enough to keep skiing all day on it!

Jurry rigged boot buckle saves the day!


Happy trails!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

the unbearable lightness

We assembled last week for the first of many trips to the pass this season. It has been a while since I last got out with my friend Ty and along with Ivo and Zach, had a great day chasing shadows in the alpine. A nice clean line down 8812 and a quick lap up Balu sealed the day with nice boot top wind pressed pow from top to bottom..
Sometimes one photo is enough to sum up a day of skiing.



Monday, November 14, 2011

Five Fingers, bow summit

A good day in the Rockies today....
Not bad skiing in the Rockies Nov 14, not much of a base but if you exhibit a jedi touch like Zach here, your edges and bases are saved.
There was an uptrack going into this shallow roll and thank jeebus these guys were OK, be careful out there!

Great first day out on the skis this season, made better by great company and of course, Chief.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Monday, November 07, 2011

caviar dreams

The Hulk - Sierra California.

I lust for this mountain like few others.

Saturday, November 05, 2011

shoulder season that wasn't

Typically in October and November we would be in a state of limbo, minds a blaze with winter possibilities and nostalgic for summer past. This year it seems there is no "in-between" as the ice climbing is decent, you can STILL go rock climbing if you want to and the biking is all time. Where did that shoulder season go? Truth is it was there for a fleeting moment, a week or so where it was just not happening in the mountains for anyone. This is a somewhat biased viewpoint however, yup - I was lucky enough to be In Colorado, California and the west coast of Canada for most of the season in question. Did I mention I was with some very good people and ate some super-amazing dinners? Double yup. Read on...

Ranger creek with Jeff Mac on Oct 23. What a great day inside the winter simulator. Drove up the road with the KIA with the all seasons on (read: 1 season) and had a mini epic in a full blown squall gripping the divide. We actually drove right by the parking lot and ended up almost at highway 40 before we even clued in to our blunder. Could have been the coffee or the whiteout, not sure. I was driving so there you go. Amazing day!
Hit the road with good friend Jason of jbmountaindesigns.blogspot.com to tour the coast of Canada. J is working with Rob and I as a tech rep and that is just damn good news for everyone. I will not tell the tail of this photo although I will tell you it was on the northern tip of Vancouver Island and ended at an interesting local halloween party..
I am dreaming of this right now, mid winter storm skiing in the pass...might make the trip there on Wed to bang about..folks have already been out and have lapped the alpine a gazillion times by now I am sure. A good early season for all.
Jason on the Sunshine Coast, BC. If you haven't been here it is worth an inspection. Some stellar mountain biking and a flourishing redneck meets hippie scene topped off by a coffee shop on every corner - is that heaven?
Colorado - Rob O and I shot up the classic Yellow Spur in Eldorado Canyon amidst the hustle of a work voyage. This route is GREAT! I mean really really great even if you include the descent which we botched big time. Nifty stone and really cool history.

All for now.