Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Training Still

        Last evening we took on some medical training as part of our Philmont preparation. Several members of our contingent participated in an American Heart Association Heartsaver course taught by the Auburn Fire Department. This results in certification in CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Andrew and Dakota ready the AED while Cameron gives breaths.
     
        The training included video instruction as well as hands on training using various scenarios. Although the scouts did well with the training, it was noted that we would be unlikely to find an AED affixed to a convenient tree in the backcountry at Philmont. Our thanks to Chief Datnoff and Firefighter Kemp for conducting the training. 

        Today we made our last hike at Chewacla before our big weekend training on the Pinhoti Trail. The scouts wanted to hike around the lake and eat lunch at the waterfall while they viewed nature. Unfortunately, there was not much to be seen on a Wednesday morning. 




        The trip back involved a steep climb up the side of the hill and then back down. We also made a creek crossing with somewhat mixed results. However, we all made it back to the parking area and are ready for the next adventure this weekend. More photos are found in the online photo gallery.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Hiking Together

        
EXP 617-R
        The entire crew came together on Memorial Day weekend for a hike and training at Chewacla State Park. We started with a brief map and compass class. Crew Leader Davis explained magnetic declination, the difference between true north and magnetic north. The variation in Auburn is 3 degrees 51 minutes west but at Philmont the difference is 8 degrees 21 minutes east. Thus knowing the figures and being able to correctly orient the map is critical. It was noted that as an added benefit, a map and compass do not require batteries. 

Map training


        With Cameron in the lead, setting the pace, we began another hike that took us around the back side of the park next to the quarry fence line. We stopped for lunch at the two mile mark and also trained in the use of our new gravity water filter. The system filtered about four liters of creek water while we ate our lunch.


Lunch by the creek.
The gravity filter at work.






       
        After lunch we continued along to the dam then circled back around for another loop of the same area. By the time we returned to our starting point, we had covered 5.57 miles at an average speed of 2.6 mph. Looks like the entire crew is in good shape. More photos are available here.
        After a CPR class on Tuesday, we will return to Chewacla on Wednesday for another hike. Next weekend will involve a bigger test as we backpack on the Pinhoti Trail over three days and two nights. 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Training at Chewacla State Park



       On Sunday afternoon, the scouts of Expedition 617-R intensified their preparation for the upcoming Philmont trek. With just a month left to go before our arrival at the scout ranch, most of the members of the contingent came out for a short hike around Chewacla to test out their backpack loads. Setting a pretty good pace, the group circled around to the far side of the lake before taking a break at the waterfall. After returning to the trail, the crew even uncovered a geocache near the upper parking lot before heading back towards the starting point. According to the GPS, the hike covered 4.04 miles with an average speed of 2.7 miles per hour. The hike proved to be a good measure of our fitness for the upcoming adventure. More photos are available in the online photo gallery.