To describe the adventure of the Search and Rescue team sleeping near the top of the mountain at Manning Park as "cool" would be accurate both literally and figuratively. A short ride up the ski lift was followed by more than an hour of snowshoeing and some hauling/pushing of two large sleds which were loaded with group gear: tarps, a few tents, cooking utensils and food. The students "mushed" as well as any sled dogs on the Iditarod Trail (a famous race from Anchorage to Nome Alaska).

 

Once we arrived at our campsite, snow caves were dug into the side of the hill. Many of them were successfully completed (those not in caves were given tents) and kudos goes to the successful architects!

 

The purpose of the trip was to test the mettle and the resourcefulness of the individuals. All proved to have the capacity to overcome discomfort and remain cheerful through adverse conditions. Once we all retuned to the lodge the following day, the students were awarded certificates to prove that they had completed an introductory course in avalanche awareness and snow survival.

 

Next year we hope to do it again, as long as the weather conditions are as agreeable as they were this year.

– Jenny Ferris