Search And Rescue Truck for Sale

Today, I trained with Idaho Mountain's Search and Rescue Unit.

 We learned how to set up base camp and command centers. While there, I took photos of the old truck they have for sale. Their new trucks are larger and can haul more gear. The 'old' 901 has a tag of $6,800. However, I was told that if someone came with $5,000, they could buy it.

 

Its a '96 Chevy. The miles and phone numbers are listed below. These guys really take care of their stuff, so I know the truck has been maintained. All funds and proceeds go to further the all Volunteer organization.

Call them if you're interested. Mention my name if you like. Its a small world. You never know who might be looking for this very rig. It would make a great backcountry camper because the sides open up, as well as the back. It can seat 5. It has the lights on top, too.

Mount Rainier Here I Come

It may seem silly, but I'm in the market for snowshoes.

Amazon.com is of course one of many places to start looking, and after my avalanche training I know backcountry skis have their limitations. read http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com for more on that adventure.

I can hear you all saying winter's almost over and I reply "SALES!"
And now the really big news. I'm going to work at Mount Rainier this summer, the snowiest place on earth. with snow possible any day of the year snowshoes might come in handy for the forth of July parade.
Here's what the National Park Service website has to say about this location:

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

I'll have my motor home inside the park and expect to explore the Wonderland trail as well.

Now, here's what I learned this weekend, good stuff before I go shopping for this essential piece of winter gear:

I learned snowshoes must bear weight of body and gear, have easy on off bindings workable in sub zero, and adaptable to various boots.

Search and Rescue Basic Pack

On my person is:
appropriate footwear (solid boots)
a watch (yes, cell phones don't count, sometimes there's no service or the battery dies)
pen and paper, for copious notes on subject and search area
layered clothing including official Orange shirt

My Lightning 50 forms the base of my system. The inner pouch and extra straps have been removed to keep the system light and tight.

In the pack, as required by the unit:

whistle, compass, mirror, 

rain jacket and pants

layered clothing as weather dictates

tarp, bivy sack

2 liters of water

enough no-cook food for 24 hours, at least 2,000 calories

50 feet flagging tape (for marking areas)

25 feet rope

sleeping pad

gloves

jack knife

two independent light sources, with spare batteries for at least 8 hours

metal cup and spoon

first aid kit consisting of ace bandage, gauze, bandages, neosporin, mole skin, scissors, tape, 

sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses, pain reliever

medications you use

personal hygiene (toilet paper, hand sanitizer,tooth brush, tooth paste)

Identification 

for me: reading glasses, pair of binoculars, camera

hiking poles, hat

New Passions

Sorry its been so long since I posted.
After driving from Maine by way of Chicago, avoiding all tollways and thoroughly enjoying the trip, I headed back home to Idaho.

Then, the next day, I attended my first Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue meeting. Held every Tuesday evening, this general meeting allows people to join, ask questions and listen to debriefings by specialty teams, including the K-9, Technical, Logistics and Man-trackers.

After putting in an application for full membership, one goes through the SAR Academy, three sessions totaling 10 hours of instruction. A pack check is required so that if called on a mission, they know you have all the gear to be self-sufficient for twenty four hours.

I passed the test. Its not necessarily an Ultralighter's dream, but I'm well equipped for nearly anything I might encounter. My survivalist skills may come into play. I'm sure to learn from the highly skilled team members as well.

Hopefully, I'll be on missions and training all  winter, eventually completing Winter certification.This is a highly skilled organization. It works with authorities to find and rescue anyone, and charges no fees. Donations and fund raisers provide the necessary capital.

I'll post my 24 hours pack list next week. See how much of it you carry on your outdoor adventures. The 48 hour pack list adds a few more items, and the 72-hour Search and Rescue pack basically just adds more food to be mission ready. Stay tuned for a full list.

Meanwhile, I'm working through the second draft of my non-fictional book: Of Moose and Men-Ridgerunning in Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness. Also I'm shopping for a motor home to use as my base camp. See my other blog://www.thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com to read the rant and warning about buying from online scammers.