SMR November training

This month the team went to The Needles, one of the most popular climbing areas in CA, and simulated a victim evacuation. It's hard to describe how exhausting it is to haul a loaded litter on difficult terrain. Normally I have plenty of energy for this stuff, but by the end of the day I was completely worn out! For the last couple miles, we reached a trail and got to fasten a large wheel under the load, which helps to support at least some of the weight. It was a very realistic and necessary training, but one which I think none of hope to repeat anytime soon! We started our day at 0630 and didn't get out until after dark. Some pictures:

The Needles attracts climbers from all over the world. In this picture you can see some climbing partners from near Barcelona, Spain (red arrows; click the pic to make it bigger). The lead climber has already topped out, and the other is working his way up the third and final pitch. I thought they were fun to watch, but they apparently thought the same of us. After they completed their climb they watched and filmed us rigging and using a high line system.



The area gets its name because it's comprised of a series of massive granite needle-like spires.

Randy and Ed manning the lower end of our high line.

When the daylight and our energy levels started to fade we took Matthew out of the litter and instead filled it with some of our extra gear. In a real call-out we would probably just stash the gear and come back for it later.

Teamwork!