No Limits Destination Alaska Sea Kayak Expedition

August 14-16 - 2009

Adam Howard, Scott Harris, Kate Petraborg, Amy Chrest and myself loaded our gear onto the Sitka Sound Ocean Adventure transport boat to the Tom Young Cabin about 18 miles from Sitka, Alaska.  The plan was to paddle the area around the cabin, enjoy some great food (always tastes better out in the wild!), soak in the local hot springs the first day.  

Throw in some chatter about diabetes and spend the next 2 days kayaking the outrageously beautiful Alaska coast back to Sitka.  In the meantime, with 3 camcorders, 3 helmet cams and 3 digital slr cameras and a box of somewhat unknown,  yet to be used cam equipment packed into the 4 kayaks for future use we were set on making a film to document and share our adventure.  A true learning and stretching experience.

A story, surely to follow, will be on the prep for this filming  experience.

        Drop off at the Tom Young Cabin

 

We enjoyed the scenic setting as we discussed diabetes, food, the "Amy face", filming, kayaking, Alaska, and of course our infamous brown bears.

That evening we would see a humpback whale from the cabin window and head down to the beach to watch the whale chase food right in front of us.

Adam would reveal his talent at setting things on fire and we would call it a day after lots of conversation.  Some of this would be a little more personal and would detail the challenge of having diabetes how difficult the disease can be.  I know, I live it.  Best advice I can muster up is to keep livin' life as best as possible and to not let it rule your life.  Easily said but not always easily done.  

Amy Chrest - saving us memories via mini dv tapes and memory cards

The Race Across America by the numbers

The reality of RAAM can be shared by some of the numbers involved in the world's toughest cycling event.  200 riders (solos and teams included) and over 600 crew members taking care of the details.  This year the route is 3,021 miles and will go through 13 states. Climbing over 100,000 feet.  Low point is 170 feet below sea level and the high point is over 10,000 feet.  Solo riders will get less than 4 hours sleep a night and will eat over 8,000 calories a day.  RAAM is 50% longer than the Tour de France.  Collectively, the Solo and Team finishers will travel a combined distance = to circling the earth at the equator 7 times.

Team Type 1 - 8 riders

                         20 crew

Team Type 2 - 8 riders

                         18 crew

The Race Across America

TEAM TYPE 2 AND THE RACE ACROSS AMERICA

On June 20, 2009 Team Type 2 will begin the Race Across America in Oceanside, CA.  Team Type 2 consists of 8 dedicated cyclists with diabetes who will be riding for the cause.  I will help crew the team as they cross the country and finish in Anapolis, MD.  

I was a part of the crew for Team Type 1 in 2006.  What an incredible event and an unbelievable effort from the riders and the crew.  It was a wild experience and I am looking forward to this year's version of adventure.  More to follow.....

Trek to Green Lake

The drive to the end of the road system to start my run to Green Lake.  All of 14 miles from one end of the road system to the other. It has been years since I shifted into 5th gear.  My car might fall apart going above 45 mph.  Not much of a classic story here; no stalking brown bears, falls on the icy road, no staggeringly low blood sugars or search and rescue calls.  Actually, it was uneventful but was extremely beautiful.  This is simply a story so I could post some nice pics.

Yes, the road was snow and ice.  Thank goodness for the way overused Nike's that have climbing rubber on the tread.  They work well on ice but I am longing to throw them deep into the closet and emerge with my beloved Teva's that have seen minimal use this winter. Abounding ice conditions have dominated the running scene.

 Blood sugars were perfect and I ran well and reasonably fast.  Trip to Green Lake is 6.5 miles on a dirt road and is the best option if a runner wants to get some decent miles in w/o pavement and w/o running on the shorter trails that are generally uphill and more technical.  Some rolling hills on this route keeps your attention but most of my attention was on the fact that we had a clear day with unbelievable terrain.  Views down into Silver Bay were stunning.

2 Trips to Green Lake this weekend and I am ready to let the Nike's sit idle for a day. 

A frozen Green Lake.  End of this adventure.

The Banff Film Festival rolls through Sitka

Those involved with the Banff Film Festival: L to R- Kate Petraborg, me, Stefanie Gignac, Natalie Sattler, Robin Grewe, Stephen Van Derhoff

My nonprofit group No Limits had the honor to be selected by the Banff Film Festival Sitka to receive the proceeds from the

from the Festival. This funding will be applied toward the No Limits Kayak Expedition Alaska, which will be for people with diabetes. I am working with Scott Harris at Alaska Coast Wilderness Expeditions. No date has been set but we are looking at some possible dates and are talking with a few people who may be participants and seeing what may work for them. We are leaning on a 3 day trip and we will have some kayak training before the trip.

More to follow......

50 Miles Through the Lens (Old Pueblo Ultra Marathon)

                      Dan Baier

 

50 Miles Through the Lens

My desire was to run the Old Pueblo 50 mile race.  Registration day I was at my computer ready to punch my application in.  I was at my computer, but not on it.  Our office is known to get less than adequate internet connection.  I just had to be persistant and have patience.  I have both but they had little effect on a computer that did not work.  No fear, last year the race took 3 days to fill.  We were now on hour 3 and I would wander to the library at lunch and enter my first 50 miler.  You can see where this story is going.  Lunchtime and the only option I had was the waiting list.  Nearing race day and I had moved up the list but was still not in.  My training was not going well and I was challenged in training for a long race that I was not yet a participant.  I considered my options.  Thankfully, I would be near the race while on business.  

My folks would provide free housing and a friend (Dan Baier) would help keep the Sitka honor.

Looking for new experiences, if I wasn't going to suffer through a 50 mile run, I thought, hey, I can capture the others suffering through the lens.  I knew Duane Arter, the race director, and asked to be taken off the waiting list and put on as the race photographer.

The race started about sunrise and it was quite the scene.  Headlights and jackets were common but would soon disappear as the sun ebbed over the horizon.  After the runners took to the trail I drove to one of the aid stations.  I had the Canon Rebel in hand and I would organize my thoughts and shots as the runners neared.  

The runners were great.  We had terrific conversations in the 8 seconds that they were within my realm, and then they were gone.  They epitomized some of what is so grand about ultra running...not just excellent 8 second conversations, but they were very supportive of each other and the camaraderie was excellent.  All while in the beauty of the Santa Rita mountains, not on pounding pavement.  I love dirt.  For most people this race was about forward motion and not repeated looks at their stopwatch.

I got my miles in as I sought better shots and unique angles.  I was getting a feeling for the race and was snapping hundreds of pictures that were capturing their sweat and survival in the Old Pueblo 50.  

Dan was on his way to completing a challenging and long first ultra marathon.  He did this while training through an Alaskan winter and enduring 75-80 degree temperatures on race day.

Keep in mind our warmest day for the year was about 70.

Dan went home with the cherished buckle for all finishers and lasting memories.  I made my way back to Alaska with a very positive new experience, a renewal of interest in the ultra scene, many thanks from the runners and Duane for spending time capturing their special moments on the course and I did abscond with one of the cool cloth race numbers that the OP 50 is known for and a OP t-shirt.  That race number still graces my frig, to remind me not to binge and to focus on some goals that are long and require some of that patience and persistance and to enjoy the journey along the way.

 

Tahoe Rim Trail Run - August 10-17, 2009

Photos by T.J. Jeffries - APEX Photography

Tahoe Rim Trail Run

August 10-17, 2009 (Due to an injury the Run has been scheduled for 2010)

168 Miles

8 Days

A Run for Diabetes

There are currently 5 runners and 1 crew that will be involved in the Tahoe Rim Trail Run.

We will have car support. Our days will range from 12-32 miles. Since we will have car support we are looking for more crew members and possibly 1-2 more runners (preferably with diabetes). It will be a group decision, but we may do some filming for the adventure.

We are also looking for sponsors.

More to come.....

Gravity Testers

Published in "The Challenge" put out by DESA (Diabetes Exercise & Sports Association)

"Gravity Testers"

The countdown begins and the anxiety meter rockets upward as the rope crew sends out a booming 5, 4, 3...My mind fights the battle to resist the urge to step off the narrow railing I had cautiously inched on to.  A nervous glance downward and I catch a heart pounding view of the Snake River flowing 500 feet under my tenuous perch.  There is a lot of air space between my frame and the water far below.  I take one more look at the array of crazy characters that have joined me in this unique sport of bungee jumping.  

Our take off point is the Perrine Bridge near Twin Falls, Idaho.  At 1500 feet in length, it is the longest span bridge in the West.  However, I am much more aware of the vertical qualities. 

My confidence in the gear and the experience of the crew puts me at ease in a sport that few venture into.  Today I am joined by some of my dearest friends who I trust will remind me to disconnect from my life support before the final countdown.  I doubt that my insurance would cover an insulin pump donation to the Snake River.

My leap of faith draws near.  Marcos Rojas of Over the Edge Bungee, a  close friend, is in charge of today's operation.  He spots the bungee as he echoes ..2...Fellow gravity tester Matt Score also joins us on the bridge.  Matt does a whirlwind of work with our No Limits group that was formed to promote, educate, and inspire an active, healthy lifestyle for all people with diabetes.  Bungee jumping is a unique fit to this equation.

The Biggest Danger in Life is Not Taking Adventures

I am constantly approached with the question of why a person would leap off of a perfectly good bridge.  Yes, the question has surged through my mind and fear is definitely a factor.  However, the fear of falling pails in comparison to the fear of missing opportunities to live life more abundantly.  George Mallory (of Mt. Everest Fame) stated it in terms that adventure seekers can relate to.  "The biggest danger in life is not taking adventures."

People tend to live life inside the limits of their designated "boxes".  Like many of you I deal with the barriers that diabetes can impose.  We are faced with physical, mental and emotional challenges that we must overcome to break the barriers the disease inflicts on on.

Letting Go

The count reaches..1...Despite firing nerves, jumbled thoughts and a nano second prayer, I dive off into space.  Gravity is now my partner as I accelerate towards earth at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Despite some earlier reluctance and thought, I am now immersed in the moment as I put my arms to my side and do my best imitation of a torpedo.  I reach a split second where I am motionless then the stretched out cords recoil, sending me back toward the under carriage of the bridge.  After a number of rebounds I slowly reach a point where I am handing upside down and loving the moment, dangling about 250 feet above the river.  I can only smile as the retrieval rope is lowered to me.

More...Over the Edge

Further adventure took us to the Navajo Bridge near Page, Arizona where we connected with a film crew working for the Discovery Channel.  They took some great shots of our flights into Marble Canyon above the Colorado River.  A couple night jumps off a local bridge in Idaho added a different spin to our memories.  Leaping into a "black hole" was a novel experience for this gravity tester.

No Limits had their second fund raiser of the year (other fund raiser was a sky dive event) with a bungee jump off the Hansen Bridge (400 feet) near Twin Falls, Idaho.  We were fortunate enough to be featured in the Times-News newspaper (Twin Falls, Idaho) and had a very successful day with 13 jumpers, many of whom were first timers.  I especially love helping first timers.  What an experience for them!

Bungee jumping is not for everyone, but if you can muster the courage to escape your box for a little air time, you too can become a gravity tester.

Over the Edge Bungee - www.overtheedgebungee.com / 208-731-1648

Helicopter Bungee Jump

Heli-Bungee Jump with Over the Edge Bungee

January 30, 2009

Over the Edge, Inc. Bungee has scheduled for Friday, January 30th a Heli-Bungee event at Lake Elsinore, California. (Exact location to be announced). Sharp Entertainment will film the event for the Travel Channel for their series television program called "Extreme Adrenaline".

Each jump costs $700. Reservations must be booked in advance only prior to January 9th by check or money order to Over the Edge, Inc. P.O. Box 386, Stanley, ID 83278, or by online credit card through PayPal

(earnestweatherspoon@yahoo.com) payment for half the total. Upon receipt of deposit Over the Edge (OTE), Inc. will confirm payment and the balance will be due on jump day. Please contact us by email or phone to schedule a tentative jump time.

The Jump:

Over a grassy field the A350 helicopter will hover approximately 1200 feet in the air at the moment the jumper exits the open door while attached to a four-hundred foot bungee cord. The cord will double in length at furthest stretch.

The last Heli-Bungee in Toronto, Canada was a huge success which has been televised on the Travel and Discovery Channels and other syndicates worldwide. Recently, OTE was the sole bungee company at the "Go Fast Games 2008" at the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, Colorado. There on the world's highest suspension bridge amidst jetpack pilots, rock climbers, BMX riders and BASE jumpers from around the world doing what they do, a record number of bungee jumpers leaped off the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Over the Edge, Inc.
208.731.1648
http://www.overtheedgebungee.com/
bungeejumps@yahoo.com

And yes, Dave does plan on being there with harness in hand.

Dream Big and Take Action

This was published a few years ago but the encouragement still applies and the the dreams are still larger than life.

published in "The Challenge" put out by DESA (Diabetes Exercise & Sports Association)

"Dream Big and Take Action"

I made a commitment several years ago, because of my diabetes and the incredible life that I have been able to lead, that in spite of this disease and a busy schedule I would dedicate time to the diabetes community. The decision has reaped abundant rewards.

I am what you would describe as "outdoorsy" and "adventurous". I love physical activity. Trail running, mountain biking, cycling, climbing, bouldering, bungee jumping, sky diving, and slacklining are some of the pursuits I enjoy. No shock to anyone's system that my degree is in Exercise Science. Many of the listed activities are part of a diabetes outdoor group I started in Boise, Idaho called "No Limits". Our mission is to promote, educate, and inspire an active, healthy lifestyle for all people with diabetes.

I had been a card carrying member of the "you have diabetes" club for about 30 years and I finally decided it was time to take action. It was high time, after having Type 1 diabetes for a long time and having been assisted by others who had diabetes, that I stepped forward to assist those who could use a little extra help or encouragement in dealing with this sometimes difficult disease. No Limits has been an excellent venue for my background in diabetes, my passion to lend a hand and to my slightly crazy lifestyle.

We organized a No Limits skydive event fund raiser called "Dive for Diabetes". The event was a soaring (pun intended) success and surpassed our wildest expectations. We put our lofty hopes on having 60 jumpers and ended up with 134. We were 3 tandem jumpers from a Guinness Book of World Records. It appears to be the biggest skydive event in Idaho history. The day was jammed with activities for everyone.

Although, I missed out on seeing all those bodies falling to terra firma and catching the huge smiles, I managed my own smile as I was in West Chester, Pennsylvania attending the DESA (Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association) North American Conference to receive a DESA Athletic Achievement Award honorable menion.

The conference also triumphed in flying colors. Spending time around other athletes with diabetes and learning how they were using their talents to assist others and to hear about their goals and dreams helped reaffirm my desire to be of service in the diabetes world. I went home with many new, interesting and extreme ideas for athletic events/activities to organize on behalf of diabetes awareness.

On a personal note, I am still dreaming big. Really big. One of the dreams is to do a 50 State Bicycle Tour for diabetes.

I just returned from a 500 mile ride from Arizona to Idaho. The B-BAD (Border to Border Against Diabetes) Tour was a great warm-up and promoted diabetes awareness and No Limits.

Afterwards we presented our trek at the ADA Salt Lake City Diabetes Expo.

My dream (shared with my friends at Over The Edge Bungee-OTE) of doing a bungee jump off the highest suspension bridge in the world just came true. The Royal Gorge Bridge (1,053 feet above the Arkansas River) in Canon City, Colorado is rarely jumped and OTE was asked to be the sole bungee company on the bridge for the Go Fast Games. It was an unbelieveable experience.

Embracing the challenge that diabetes presents by striving for those dreams and by volunteering your time toward a local diabetes group, local hospital, health club, medical clinic, etc. can be an experience of a life time.

Cruisin Alaskan Water

Ethan gazing at Annahootz

"Cruisin' Alaskan Waters"

Touching down in the far outpost of Sitka, Alaska, I exited the plane and snagged one of the two bags from the conveyor belt. The other bag? The one filled with the most vital items for this new adventure? Missing, perhaps sitting idly in the Juneau or Ketchikan airport.

I had approached Sheldon Jackson College (SJC) in Sitka with a proposal to run a kayak trip for people with diabetes. Kayaking was new to me. Unless an adventure involves swimming or riding camels, I am generally game to give it a go.

I was here to ace the kayak route and plot the coming trip. I would be on the water with Ethan Ring from the Sheldon Jackson Outdoor Center. My goal (other than the already mentioned "swimming"), was to absorb knowledge on the fascinating sport of sea kayaking and plan the trip for a group to take place next summer. Ethan would learn all he could about diabetes (I just had to be my usual diabetes self) and what it would take to run a course for people with diabetes. It was a trial run, or shall we say trial paddle.
We would put our minds together during and after the expedition to organize a quality event.

My Perception Eclipse Kayak sat on the shores of Old Sitka a few days later, aimed at the incoming tide of Sitka Sound. The day before had been a scurried one as we shorted gear, filled out paperwork, purchased groceries, discussed plans, and yes, dumped Dave out of the kayak a few times for practice (and laughs). Thank goodness SJC has a pool, as Sitka Sound is on the frigid side.

I pulled the kayak forward and carefully deposited both legs into the bottom of the boat. I had previously done some "bunny slope" kayaking with someone else in a beast of a boat, on a calm lake. This would be different, way different.

I was quite amazed at all the storage the kayak possessed. I should not have been suprised when Ethan pulled out a huge 12-ounce container of Parmesan Cheese. Don't get me wrong, I love Parmesan Cheese, but living with a "lightweight" backpacking mentality, I was thinking more about throwing a couple packets stolen from Pizza Hut than including a 233-day supply.

Ethan had planned a route with some options depending on weather conditions, fatigue and diabetes management. Our first day would cover about 7 miles, the second woud be either 13 or 18, and the third would encompass 4. Sounds like decent mileage if your a strapped into a pair of running shoes, running or hiking or trails, but paddling? With my legs now useless, tucked into the bow of the kayak and unable to save me, I would rely on muscles that I knew about from anatomy and physiology, but had found little use as an athlete involved in leg-dominant activities.

Immersed in the moment and the stunning beauty of the Alaskan wilds, I got into a good rhythm with a dip of the right paddle, stroke, a dip of the left paddle, stroke. Ethan was an excellent teacher and I was feeling comfortable in my new H2O environment.

Our expedition participants were not just limited to both of us. We had a backdrop that provided lots of wildlife. There were numerous bald eagles, along with porpoises, seals, salmon, ravens, crows, cormorants, Sitka black-tailed deer and an occassional load of bear sign.

We pulled into an established site on Magoun Island to finish our first day. The setting was incredible, with a huge bald eagle commandeering a large tree at the entrance to the cove. He was very visible despite being almost 1/2 mile away. Ethan had me so impressed with his mastery of hanging a bear bag, that it became a Kodak moment.

Day 2 would be our day of decision, with two different mileage options, depending on circumstances. We reached Olga Point, a fork in the water, and made the bold choice to go the longer, more scenic route around Hallack Island. It was a glorious day with almost zero signs of civilization. Conditions can change quickly while roaming the sea and today would unveil choppy seas, wind in our faces and at our backs, changing currents and crystal, glassy waters. At the southern end of Hallack Island sits a beautiful kayak campsite. End to a perfect day, Ethan executed another bear bag trick. Dinner was devoured and life was being enjoyed in backwaters Alaska.

Day 3 we slipped out of our idyllic cove and into Sitka Sound. A short but scenic route would complete our loop. As we cruised along the shoreline, admiring the vast life attached to and floating within a few feet of the shore, we stroked past our first kayak-bound travelers. With the sound of pebbles grinding the underside of my vessel, the journey had come to an end. Less than one-half hour after exiting the kayaks,, conditions quickly deteriorated. The safe return of two adventurers and a 230 day supply of Parmesan Cheese.

Go Fast Games 2008

unknown jumper @ the Go Fast Games

Over the Edge Bungee

An Opportunity at 124 Miles Per Hour

An Opportunity at 124 Miles Per Hour

"An Opportunity at 124 miles per hour"

A dramatic, inspiring site perched high above the Arkansas

River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is a popular spot for tourists

to death-grip the railing, and take a heart thumping view to

the river 1,053 feet below. I have a special fondness for

bridges. For four days every year adrendaline seekers descend

upon this special bridge for base and bungee jumping, slack

lining, rock climbing with a few jet pack flights thrown in for

good measure.

With a call at 3 am I received the invite to participate in the Go

Fast Games by my friends at Over the Edge Bungee. I wanted

to be part of the unique experience by working on the bungee

crew. Of course, I was also there to jump. As a person with diabetes, I have chosen to live life as fully as possible. I am not sure how many is in my quota, but this will be one notch in my 'adventure' quota.  

The crew and I have shared the long-lasting dream to leap off of what is probably the ultimate gravity experience on the planet. So, when Over the Edge Bungee was invited to be the sole bungee company working the festival, I knew this was my ticket to adventure.Ticket punched and harness in my suitcase, I made my way to Canon City, Colorado.

This was not the first time I had spent time on the Royal Gorge

Bridge. As a child, the Nevins family had made an excursion

to the bridge. I don’t remember much about the visit except that

there was a definite cloud of fear while on the bridge. Never

did I envision (nor did my poor parents) jumping off the

highest suspension bridge in the world. Come to think of it, I

have spent a large chunk of my life doing things that would not

be on most people’s lists. Sometimes life presents unusual

opportunities and sometimes we need to say yes.

Not wanting to loaf around and allow fear to permeate, I made

sure that I would be dangling from bungee cords on the first

day. The Go Fast Games are four days of intense craziness

held at the end of September. You have to be invited in order

to participate in all the activities except our bungee gig. It

was a real highlight to assist over 80 people make the leap of

a lifetime. It is my guess that almost half of the group, who

were from distant points all over the globe, were first-time

bungee jumpers. In my jumping career, I had started off

slowly (all of 95 feet on my first jump), working up to

loftier bridges. These participants were not messing around.

The novelty of the event truly hit home when I found out that

less than 100 people had ever bungee jumped off this structure,

before we had arrived. It is illegal to jump the bridge unless

it is during the Go Fast Games.

Early on the first day of the Games I climbed over the railing

and onto a platform that had been created for our time on the

bridge. What an amazing place to be! Was I nervous?

Standing at the end of a platform over 1,000 feet above the

River, ready to do my best imitation of a torpedo and fall at

Terminal velocity (124 miles per hour), I had some anxious

Thoughts. But thankfully the anxious-meter was low and I

was smiling. Gravity works exceptionally well at the Gorge

and I had a grand leap. Another phenomenal memory

forever stored into the brain bank.

That's What We Do

'That's What We Do'

Sitka Mountain Rescue doing what they do on Gavan Hill - Sitka, AK

I have been a member of Sitka Mountain Rescue. The life of a search and rescue person can be quite interesting. Below is another of Dave's experiences.

"That's What We Do"

That was the response by Don Kluting, captain of the Sitka

Mountain Rescue Team (SMR) after another successful mission by the SMR

(Sitka, Alaska) and the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard and SMR combined to rescue a 16-year-old girl who had become seriously ill while hiking with a group on the local Gavan Hill trail. She was hoisted by a helicopter off of the heavily wooded slopes of Gavan Hill by the Coast Guard's Air Station Sitka and flown to the airport where Emergency Services personnel were waiting to take her to Sitka Community Hospital. She was released that evening by the hospital.

I am a new addition to SMR and as my first mission, the Gavan Hill 

rescue was an eye-opening experience. I had received a message on my 

pager for volunteers to assemble at the Fire Hall. Teams, gear, and 

directions were already in progress as I stepped into the Fire Hall 

about 20 minutes after the initial page. Being on my first call, I 

wrangled with what I needed to throw into my 24 hour pack. A gear junkie at heart, I had plenty of "stuff" to choose to ride with me on the mountain. Did I pack the right things? Having diabetes causes one to be prepared and to analyze(and over analyze) what to bring on

different outings. I loaded first aid supplies from the Search and Rescue command center(Fire Hall) and was sent out as part of the first team. We arrived with needed medical items and began clearing the 

area for a helicopter rescue.

As the U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter arrived, it began to look like something out of a Hollywood script. Truth was that this was reality and our semi-coherent hiker needed to take the first bird out of there. A litter was dropped and the hiker was hoisted up, loaded into the helicopter and transported to Sitka Community Hospital. Mission accomplished.

As I finally connected with a computer to plunk out a story on the 

incredible helicopter rescue, my pager pulls me from the MacBook and 

into a frenetic shuffle to prepare and fly out the door for the next 

search and rescue mission. A hiker has been injured on Gavan Hill and 

will need to be carried down the mountain. It is a different set of 

circumstances than last week and a litter, litter wheel, a large 

number of volunteers, and good ole muscle power will be needed to see this rescue through. Finesse and rope will also be involved as the hiker is hauled down a rugged, winding trail etched into the Alaskan hillside. This will be the second successful mission in one week and was another eye-opening (in more ways than one)experience.

The SMR is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing wilderness 

safety education to the public, and prompt, professional emergency 

services for people who are lost, injured, stranded, or in need of 

rescue primarily within the City and Borough of Sitka. I have 

diabetes, but my active lifestyle creates a good fit with being a member of the team. I joined the team to help the community, forge new

experiences, and learn whatever I can cram in. Have you considered 

being a part of search and rescue?

Below is a Thank You letter written from the hiker who rode our litter 

taxi service.

Used with the writers permission.

I just want to again thank all the men and women of the Sitka Mountain 

Rescue in assisting me off Gavan Hill last Sunday. I would especially 

like to thank Dave Patt, Nils & Lucie for staying with me and 

convincing me it was not a good idea to come down off the mountain 

without the help of the Rescue team. I tore my ACL and probably have 

damage to the meniscus in my right knee. I know now I would have done

much more damage to the knee and possibly sustained other injuries if 

I had tried to get down on my own. I will have to go through therapy, 

wear a knee brace, and eventually have surgery but it could have been 

much worse. It is a very humbling experience having to ask for help 

and being strapped into a litter to be carried down, but everybody was

the utmost professional. I felt totally safe in their care and their

upbeat attitude made the trip down much more bearable. The Sitka 

Mountain Rescue provides an invaluable service to the community and 

you should all feel proud.

Sincerely and always in your debt,

(name withheld)

Navajo Bridge (AZ) Bungee Jump

Sita Vaughan in flight

With some encouragement from the Discovery Channel a few of us headed down to Arizona for a bungee jump off the Navajo Bridge. I jump with Over the Edge Bungee. Terrific group of people who know their business and know what friendship is all about. http://www.overtheedgebungee.com/.