Mounted search and rescue

["Lila Corey" <Caballera@embarqmail.com>]

Thanks guys for all the help with backpacks and equip.  I made it through 
the weekend.  What a great training exercise we had.  Very well planned. 
What I learned other than better nav skills:  I need more practice - and 
need to be in better physical condition.  We "hiked" over 10-12 miles with 
all our gear  night and day ....so my weekly goal is to hike on my land 
minimum of 2x week with full gear.  ( I reminded the rest of my team which 
are the technical rescuers, that I now know another reason for riding my 
horse!:) We learned how to fish with little prep and supplies, and cleaning 
and cooking them.  We had a park ranger give us a lesson on flora and fauna 
in the area edible or not.  My pack worked well once I got the adjustments 
right for me, and the equipment adjustments you guys recommended.   We were 
timed on making tents that would keep us out of the elements and we started 
fires without matches or lighters.  All of that I had already practiced so I 
did well with those. And Sunday we had some ropes training and use of ropes 
and stokes baskets to retrieve victims from ravines or rivers.  Thanks for 
all your advice.  As a precaution I did take 3 flashlights- one small that 
incorporates a whisle, and a light stick with it, one good LED with the duct 
tape around it to tape my "tarp tent" if needed, and my headlamp with red 
and white light.  I dumped all the other stuff you recommended and never 
needed or regretted it.  Didn't have time to pick up a foam pad  that 
someone suggested,  but I WILL add that item next time.
Lila
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Una Smith" <una.smith@att.net>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:19 PM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] BackPack Question


> Barry Wells wrote:
> > Heavy Sigh,  Its just this type of info that gets people in trouble. 
> > Take
> > a light source, two is better.  We are looking for clues and lost folks.
>
> This thread is about someone going on a wilderness survival weekend,
> not SAR.  Also, no one said anything about not having any flashlight
> at all.
>
> For SAR, I agree a flashlight is required, and carrying a second is
> a good idea.  However, depending on what you are searching for, the
> environment, and the ambient light that night, using the flashlight
> may not be your best choice.
>
> Una Smith
> New Mexico
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