For those of you who haven’t heard I am involving myself in the Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG). I’m on my way to being “active” with the group. I have attended the past 2 months of Wednesday night meetings, learning things like radio communication skills, hypothermia treatment, avalanche awareness and how to pack your pack. Even more so I’m around a number of long time mountaineering geniuses. I’ve said for a long time, if you want to be better at something surround yourself with people that are better than you.

Last Wednesday I had my pack evaluation. They take a look at my gear and make sure I have everything I need for the group - ropes, snowshoes, a headlamp, a knife - things like that. I’m lacking a helmet, an avalanche probe and beacon, and a couple other things. “All I want for Christmas is my” REI gift cards! Now that the pack is approved I can request an interview for active membership.

Next Wednesday I will be evaluated on my knot skills. Things like the clove hitch, radium release hitch, figure eights on a bight, prusiks, etc. From memory I will be tested on about 15 knots and a few other rope skills basics. The following weekend I will be attending the 32nd Annual Avalanche Seminar - a two day study of the foundations of avvy danger and rescue knowledge. I look forward to the field day where we will get to spend the day at Vail Pass working on problems and searching for “victims.” From 1950 to 1997 540 lives were lost from avalanches. Colorado alone claims nearly 1/3 of those numbers. It is not unusual to hear news of lives being taken in the local papers.

Needless to say I have an amazing opportunity to minister through the SCRG. I am able to meet and spend time with about 20-30 SCRG volunteers every week. When I reach active status that time will increase as we are sent out on sometimes all night� rescues.

Please pray specifically for this group of wonderful people. I can’t share many details but we need prayer. Lostness abides without doubt. Thank you for your prayers!