Monday, August 29, 2011

And we think it's cold....

Simon has spent quite a few weeks away over the past few months doing his winter search and rescue training.

Here they are in May at Coles Bay - picture perfect weather. Even with perfect weather I don't think I could still bring myself to go backwards down a mighty big cliff!!!


Is it okay that Simon has let go of the rope to take a photo??? ;)









But as we all know, Tassie weather can change in a heartbeat which is why the S&R crew are kept so busy finding bushwalkers who get caught out by our ferocious mother nature down here.

Enter ferocious mother nature at Mt Field down near Hobart during June.

Looking and feeling very tired after walking all day in the snow. They walked about 10km a day, which would be extremely tiring in the snow and up and down hills.



The snow had melted a bit at Cradle Mountain in August, after a bit of 'warmer' weather.




But wait - they go to bed with their tents like this.........
But then wake up in the morning to this.............
Simon's tent

Next time I will take a photo of all the gear Simon has to take. Sometimes it takes longer to pack everything than it does to go on the trip. Just looking at all those ropes confuses me, let alone knowing what each of them does and how to work them to lower people up and down cliffs with stretchers to rescue people.

We certainly couldn't do without these guys and I can imagine people who are rescued must be VERY happy when they are found. Knowing a little about the personal sacrifice and physical/mental work that goes into being a search and rescue member, I am grateful for all they do to prepare for the inevitability of someone getting lost.

5 comments:

the woodwards said...

the guy is smiling in the pic.. because he knew he would end up on your blog for the world to see!!!

Anonymous said...

I would be quite happy to have Simon rescue me, but it is highly unlikely as I hate the snow. Love Lorraine.
xxx

The Kings said...

WOW!!! It looks freezing. These guys are amazing. Thanks for keeping us all safe - not that I'll ever be silly enough to go bushwalking so far that I would need help - not that adventerous! :)

Collette said...

I think someone hit the deck in one of the absailing pics, i laughed.

Nettie's Blog said...

i am with Lorraine ..i would be happier than heck for Simon to rescue me too...but i would be trying really hard to make sure i didnt get in a situation to be recued ..full stop ..these guys are modern day heros...i applaude them till my hands drop off.