It will be particularly fun to work with such an enthusiastic group.  I enjoy share experience and knowledge with others especially with a motivated group like this.  Our first meeting was last week and I will be working with the group for the spring semester.  In April, we will be going to Lineville Gorge for a climbing trip.  This should be a great time with a lot of opportunities.

If interested, please submit a resume to patrick@appalachianmountaininstitute.com and call 828-553-6323.

The rope was tied into the climber and there was no apparent failure at the anchor point.  There were still four pieces of gear in the rock that the rope was going through.  The end of the rope on the belay side was approximately 25 feet in the air.  The climber was wearing a helmet.  The length of rope was unknown. The belay end of the rope did not have a back up knot.  Typically a 60m rope will not be long enough to complete this maneuver.

Please remember to close the system while climbing.  Either tie a back up knot on the end of the rope or tie in the belayer.  This is measure can help prevent incidents. Also, please wear helmets while climbing.

We should all wish him a speedy recovery from the climbing community.

Patrick Weaver
AMI Head Guide and Instructor
MA Risk Management Prescott College
AMGA Rock instructor

Cryo M Axes by E-Climbs

A few years ago, I got to try an ice axe that I had not heard of before.  It was an E-Climbs.  I was very impressed with it at the time.  Recently, I have been privileged to work in closer with E-climbs.  Appalachian Mountain Institute is now the Eastern US representative for E-Climbs products.

The axe is the product of years of experience and intelligent engineering.  The balance of the axe is so refined that it swings effortlessly.  The head of the axe is moved forward to provide incredible clearance over bulges.  This keeps the pick aligned with the swing of the axe.  You will not get any bounce back with this axe.  The axe is also modular in that you can change not only from a hammer to adze, but from alpine leash, to waterfall leash, to leashless.  Also the spike is removable too, allowing for three styles, mixed, alpine and waterfall.

The leash system is the most secure system I have used.  The method used brings the weight bearing straps across the palm, much like a ski strap.  This configuration allows you to easily transfer you weight to the leashes without having to cinch the leash so tight it restricts performance.  This leash system connects directly to the handle and keeps your hand on the axe.  It is simple to process to unclip from the axe to place screws.

You can learn more at E-Climbs or contacting Patrick@e-climb.com

We spent the first day in Estes Park under some brutal conditions.  A storm had dumped snow before I arrived and left with frigged temperature with 50 mph winds.  The wind chill was -36 degrees.  We did some beacon searches in a couple of fields.  I skied in and when I stepped off the skis, I sank up to my knees in fresh powder.

The next day we went deeper into the RMNP wilderness near flat Top Mountain.  The temperature was still cold with 50 mph winds.  We skied up to tree line checking avalanche terrain.  The avalanche conditions were considerable with a 6” hard slab on depth hoar.  We dug some snow pits and discovered some unstable layers.  I was glad to dig the pit, as it was warmer down in the snow!  There was 1.9 meters of snow on the ground.  Skiing back down was a challenge.  The trail was narrow and twisted around.  Most of use had a good wreck somewhere along he way.

It was a great training with Renaissance Adventure Guide.  Plus I was able to get in a couple of days of backcountry skiing on some of the best powder I have ever skied on.

Snow Pit with 1.9m of depth

Backcountry Skiing

Wilderness First Aid

Our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is designed as an introduction to the art and practice of wilderness medicine.  Going way beyond the scope of basic first aid classes, the Wilderness First Aid class is the perfect course for youth program leaders, hikers, kayaker, climbers or any outdoor enthusiast who wants the skills to effectively handle emergencies away from home. This course teaches the fundamentals of managing medical emergencies in the outdoors, not just how to call for help and should be an essential skill for any outdoor enthusiast.

Topics covered in this course include:

•    Patient Assessment
•    Bleeding Control/Wound Management
•    Splinting
•    Stings and Envenomations
•    Shock
•    Evacuation and Rescue
•    Long-term Care and Patient Management
•    Improvising Equipment
•    Leadership in an Emergency

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated based on the following criteria-
•    Attendance at 100% of class, including all simulations and lectures
•    Demonstrated proficiency in a practical examination
•    A score of at least 75% on the final written exam

Certification:

Upon successful completion of all the requirements, students will receive a 3-year certification in Wilderness First Aid.

Logistics

Dates:  May 28^th – 29^th 16 hours over 2 days

Tuition

$200  This includes the course and course materials.  You will need to provide appropriate clothing, equipment and lunch for each day.  Lodging is available in the Asheville area.  There are great places close by for dinner in the evening.

What people need to bring:

Attendance is required for all scheduled classes. Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for laying on the potentially wet, muddy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage (moulage) blood and make-up will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. Bring a large daypack packed with the equipment you would typically take with you on a backcountry excursion.  For example, climbers often bring climbing equipment, paddlers bring throw-bags, sprayskirts and paddles,  backpackers bring a fully-packed pack.  The intention is to simulate actual conditions and learn to use your own equipment to apply the skills you will develop.

Instructor Bio

Chris Davis, WEMT-P, FAWM

• Wilderness EMT-Paramedic, NREMT-P
• Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine
• Single Pitch Instructor- American Mountain Guides Association

Chris Davis holds a B.A. from Duke University and has had a passion for the outdoors from a very young age. Chris is an avid climber, mountaineer, whitewater paddler and sailor. For several years he has worked as a Paramedic in both urban and rural EMS systems.  Although his urban experience is extensive, the majority of his experience and expertise is in wilderness and maritime medicine, working as a medic with outdoor programs domestically and internationally. Chris is an active member of the Wilderness Medical Society and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.  Chris is currently pursuing a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, and his research interests include the effectiveness of lay-person medical training on improving outcomes in backcountry emergencies .  Learn more at Adventure Medical Consultants.

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