THE Elective blog

Dalton Cox - Details from Team Leave No Trace

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:58:20 -0500

Team: Leave No Trace (except for the brown thing I buried)

Leader: Patrick

Members:
Allen – Mercer > Pediatrics
Alyssa – Nebraska > EM
Dalton – UNC > EM
Joe – MSU > EM
Mehran – MSU > Anesthesia
Spencer – Mercer > EM

Day 1:
Elkmont to Mount Collins
12 miles, 4100 feet rise in elevation

The night before we set off, all of us got together with our team leader, compared gear and finalized our route. There was a cold weather system moving in that night and flurries were falling at Wesley Woods "base camp" (elevation 800 ft), but not much sticking. Spencer and Allen set off to stash a car at Tremont (where we would end our hike) and reported heavier snow in the park. The next morning we were treated by the WW staff with biscuits and gravy, sausage, hash browns and coffee. We filled up, said thanks and eagerly headed out for Great Smoky National Park.

At the Elkmont trailhead (elevation 2100 ft), it was relatively warm with about an inch of snow on the ground. Patrick warned us that conditions above would be starkly different. We shoved off on Elkmont trail around 10am. Early on in our hike Allen spotted the first signs of wildlife - naked elderly man answering nature's perpetual call right on the trail! By the time we reach him, he was red faced and fully dressed, pleasantly waving as we pressed on further pinching our noses. There were about 4-5 technical creek crossings this morning, in which several team members unfortunately got wet hiking boots. With temperatures in the mid-30's and dropping, this was no doubt increasingly uncomfortable as we hiked on. By midafternoon, we were climbing high on the Sugarland Ridge Trail to Mount Collins in about 6 inches of snow and ice which just about completely concealed the trail. There were also increasingly strong winds and cooler temperatures. We were all amazed by the stark contrast in weather conditions compared to lower elevations at camp.

At lunchtime high on the ridge, we suffered our first great tragedy in our perilous journey to Mount Collins, when our Texas Pete bottle cracked and there was a hole in its glass just below the neck of the bottle. Would we be without Pete for the next 4 days?? Luckily Joe quickly controlled C-Spine on the bottle, with Patrick supplying duct-tape and a Ziploc bag, and I was able to control the hemorrhage and prevent hypothermia to that vital spicy nectar of life we call Texas Pete.

With steep drop-offs on either side of the trail and excellent panoramic views of the Smokies, we pressed on with full bellies and agonizing thigh burn from the climb. Finally with dusk settling in we reached Mt Collins shelter after about 8 hours of climbing -- most of us completely spent from the long day's journey.

Overnight at Mt Collins: NO FIRE!
Mt Collins shelter sits facing northwest, meaning that during winter months it is one of the highest and coldest parts of the park. This became even more apparent when our frantic searches for dry wood produced only fully frozen sticks and branches. After several attempts, we reluctantly realized that FIRE would be impossible that night. Dejected and exhausted, we drank hot tea (prepared by Patrick) and hunkered down for what was to be a long, extremely cold night. Alyssa treated her wet cold feet by putting on dry socks, as well as her gloves on her feet and standing on her Thermarest, which she reported worked pretty well in absence of fire. Patrick suggested everyone sleep with their wet socks so they dry. It was at this point that I noticed that my sleeping bag did not say 0 degrees on it, like the others. In fact, it had no temperature reading on it at all and looked flimsy and barren compared to my team members. I started to worry about making it through the night. In another act of heroism and a demonstration of wise preparedness, our fearless Patrick offered me an extra bivvy sack, which no doubt prevented my blood from freezing overnight as the temperatures that night dipped below 10 degrees. Throughout the night there were strange noises and unpleasant smells coming from Allen's general direction. By morning, we were a few degrees warmer from laughing so hard and Allen was bestowed the trail name "Whitegas."

Day 2:
Mt Collin shelter to Siler's Bald via the Appalachian Trail
Summited at Clingman's Dome (highest elevation in park at 6700 feet)
8.6 miles (700 feet up then 1000 feet down)

Just about everyone on the team was feeling a little tired and sore this morning from the hard day and night before. We set off around 900am in sub-freezing temperatures for the summit of Clingman's Dome via the Appalachian Trail. At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky National Park and third highest point in the eastern US. Climbing it is NOT easy, especially in the wintry conditions. It was 4 miles from base camp to peak, with thick, slippery ice and deep snow along the way, as well as increasingly strong winds. Visibility this morning was unfortunately very poor, as a dense fog encompassed the entire landscape. The upper reaches of the southern Appalachian Mountains are inhabited by spruce-fir forests left over from the last ice age. These trees are more common in much more northern latitudes present day, so you almost feel like you could be hiking in New Hampshire.

As always, the team was upbeat along this strenuous climb, each watching out and offering help to one another along on the way. I simply could not imagine climbing with a better bunch. On top of Clingman’s (known as ‘Kuwahi’ in Cherokee) there sits a ~30 foot tall observation tower at the peak that was built in the 1950’s. How they got all that concrete up there, I have no idea. At the top, it felt like the 40 to 50 mph hour winds might blow me clear off the top and into the neon lighted streets of Gatlinburg far below. We stuck around the top just long enough to take a few victory snap-shots and quickly sought shelter for lunch. An interesting tip is that the tower built on Clingman’s Dome has a hidden, narrow concrete room at its bottom. Allen spotted it and we huddled in for lunch. Beware though, this is a perfect ‘cooling ground’ for snakes in the summer, Patrick pointed out.

With bellies full and nothin’ but downhill to Siler’s Bald, the group was in high spirits as we zoomed down the mountain at breakneck pace. Every now and then we’d pass a few hiker’s headed the opposite direction- I felt pretty bad for those guys. The fog dissipated quickly as we descended and we were gifted yet again with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail was still icy and narrow, with steep drop-offs to either side. Any false move and you could easily slide off either side of the mountain. We marched southwest along the state line, with beautiful views of NC to our left and Tennesse (and TK) to our right.

Overnight at Siler’s Bald: FIRE!
When we strode in to camp, everyone had one and only one thing on their mind: FIRE and lots of it. Some of us still had cold wet feet/socks from the river crossings the day before and fire has a certain psychological effect as well. After about 2 hours of gathering, the 7 of us had amassed a stack of timber about 4 feet high. There would be no failing this time. But to be certain, a few team members began to eye the smooth, crisp pages of my new paperback book with an unwelcome, plotting gaze. A compromise was met that no page would be burned that I had not already had time to read. I had only gotten into the first 10 pages of the book, so soon enough the other were standing behind me as I sat and read chanting “one more page, one more page!” All in good fun though, the fire was lit and we rejoiced by passing around the small amount of “hootch” some of the less prioritizing campers thought to pack and carry (cough, you’re welcome everybody, cough). Our work was done just for us to sit on the south facing slop of Siler’s Bald and watch the sunset. It was a little chilly, but we all ate well and slept soundly that night.

Day 3: Siler’s Bald to Derrick’s Knob
5.8 miles, ~5600 to 5000 feet.

Rejuvenated, we set off early for a relatively easy days hike, with a lot of ups and downs, but happily more downs than ups. It’s amazing how a lighter pack (from eating food for 2 days) can improve your mood too. We powered through this day, because there was a threat of rain and we wanted to get to camp early to start a fire. Patrick had made it clear that plenty of people die from hypothermia in 40 degree weather because they got wet and couldn’t get dry. When we reached camp, we were thrilled to meet up with another team from Welsey’s Woods, and we all shared food and stories and played cards. Joe and Mehran introduced a card game from the UP that got everyone hooked.

Around dusk, a group of ‘through hikers’ came in to camp. While these guys did not have reservations, they still get dibs on spots in the shelter. This is an unwritten rule of the AT, and frankly, it’s a good rule because they need the boost in morale. Hiking the AT all the way is a TOUGH, and LONELY gig. A lot of respect for these guys -- we all wish them the best on their way. About 7 of us volunteered to set up tents. I was among them and man, what a great decision. The winds were howling that night through the trees. It sounded like a freight train approaching at times, but strangely lulled me right to sleep.

Day 4: Derrick’s Knob to Tremont
12 miles, 5000 feet to 2000 feet

LAST DAY and nothing but downhill. We set off early (around 745am) and marched at about a 4 mph pace. Shortly along the way, we started playing the ‘name game.’ I’m not going to explain the rules, but if you know what I’m talking about, it’s a great way to pass the time and keep everyone together on a hike. We had another 4-5 technical creek crossings, this time with no difficulties. Towards the bottom we came along the Little River, which has some fantastic water falls. Allen couldn’t help scouting them for taking his kayak down one day. By noon, we were at our cars and ready to chug it on outta there. On the way home, we stopped in at the local Cuban restaurant near Wesley Woods. This is some of the best food I have ever tasted, highly recommended.

OVERALL: Special thanks to Patrick for keeping us alive and teaching us some great concepts in wilderness medicine along the way. We had a great group, everyone strong hikers, adventurous and upbeat. I know we all thought this was the best rotation of medical school. Thanks to everyone for giving me some great memories and hopefully long lasting friendships. We could not ask for a better group of people. Stay cool, match well and watch out for bears pretending to be gorillas (Spencer).

Dalton Cox
UNC SOM 2012

Trailblazer Primitive Tribe report, Dr. Pete Sananman

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:24:50 -0500

Dr. Pete Sananman, mentor for the Trailblazer Primitive Tribe backpack group, reports on the detilas:

SHELTER:
- principles of primitive shelter making, some on site selection; use of duff for insulation, some basic structure/design
  - made 2 shelters
  - hands on sense of volume of shelter, amount of duff, collection of materials, proximity of fire,

FIRE
  - worked on hand drill, bow drill, flint/steal, extensive discussion of tinder collection, tinder preparation
- finding fatwood (Thanks Jesse!!!)

WATER
- explained/demonstrated "rock boiling" in wooden bowl

FOOD
- extensive work on basics of Paiute trap for small game
- some demonstration of catching/skinning/eating game
- Apache limp wire trap

BASIC BUSH CRAFT-
- processing natural fiber into reverse wrap cordage
  - basic knots- trucker's hitch, bowlin, clover hitch
- finding, harvesting, processing spruce roots for cordage
- basic basket making
- basics of fix blade knife craft/safety
-use of billet at tool in knife craft and hunting
-making of coal burned bowls
-making of spoons
-general basic approach to the wild when in primitive survival mode- search for resources, slow pace, attention to detail;
- brief discussion of stone tools, hand drill for boring holes
- functionality of a simple sheet as tool and backpack
   - making of wooden tongs- for coal burning and rock boiling

CAMPING
- bomb-proofing campsite upon arrival,
- Wound adhesive closure of deep scalp wounds in the field !!!!

Trout ‘N About Backpack - by Ashley Huff MS-4

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:29:00 -0500

"Trout 'N About" Backpacking Trip Summary
Students: Ashley Huff, Katie Kenningham, Stevy Merrill, Sean Timpane, Eric Turner, Alex Wagner
Mentor: Dr. David Stockton from UT and his son, Ben Stockton
Day 1: We began the day with breakfast at Camp Wesley Woods and then drove "The Dragon" to Cherokee to visit River's Edge Outfitters (the more direct mountain pass was closed due to snow). Initially, we got lost and ended up on a dead end road in some farmer's yard, but eventually, we found the shop, rented flyfishing rods and waders and bought fishing licenses. Then, we drove to the trailhead off of Lakeview Drive at Noland Creek. Before putting our packs on, we weighed them with a hand scale and discovered that each one was near or over fifty pounds!
The hike that day was 4.1 miles north on Noland Creek Trail along a glittering, quartz-covered park road with gentle rises and turns. Campsite #64 was bordered on two sides by the creek with horse hitchracks on the backside. We pitched the tents and gathered firewood before most of the group walked down to the creek to try their hands at flyfishing. Eric caught a small Brook Trout, which he released. Ben sawed the firewood into nice two-foot sections, then Ashley and Alex started a fire. Purified water was collected by Stevy and Sean. Dinner was pasta with spaghetti sauce, yellow squash, mushrooms and corn (provided by Katie). After dinner, we sat around the campfire, discussed traveler's diarrhea with Dr. Stockton and admired the stars (myriads more than can be seen in the city) before turning in.
Day 2: We got up at 7am and had oatmeal with craisins, almonds and granola for breakfast (provided by Stevy) before packing everything up. By 9:30am, we were back on the move, this time west along Springhouse Branch Trail. The first 2.8 miles were mostly uphill, with a climb of about 1500 feet. Katie's water hose came loose from the bladder early on and leaked all over her pack. After getting things dried off and repacked, she hiked behind Ashley (me), who as a life-long "flatlander" was moving up the hills at a snail's pace. Thankfully, Katie took the first aid kit from my pack, which lightened things up a bit and helped me make better time. We caught up with the rest of the group at the top of the trail for lunch and then everyone fragmented for the 4.2 mile trip (mostly downhill) to campsite #71. The hike was gorgeous with rododendron, pine trees and small waterfalls scattered along the trail. I stopped for a bit on a ridge hoping to see some kind of wildlife and got lucky, spotting two woodpeckers. The second campsite was flatter than the first, bordered on two sides by a creek with a hill behind, and included a free-standing stone chimney. Scattered about was plenty of evidence that a pack of wild boars had recently visited, rooting up wide swaths of grass and dirt. Several group members tried fishing again, with no luck, while Katie and Ashley filled up the empty water bladders and Nalgene's with filtered water. After the group gathered firewood, Katie started the fire with flint/steel and vaseline cotton balls. A dinner of rolls with pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni and/or mushrooms cooked in foil on the fire was yummy (provided by Alex). We discussed how to handle animal bites in the backcountry with Dr. Stockton, enjoyed the campfire for a bit and went to bed.
Day 3: Up at 7am again. Breakfast was the same. We packed up and hiked 2.8 miles south to campsite #74. The trip only took an hour and a half, so we had plenty of time to enjoy Fontana Lake. The campsite was bordered by Forney Creek on one side and trails on the other two, leaving a triangular shape in the middle. The lake was a short hike down the trail, edged in sandy, silty beaches with multicolored boulders along the bank. It looked like a prime place for flyfishing! Eric caught a small Rainbow Trout, but no one else even had a bite! It was great to be outside enjoying the fresh air and scenery, though. A few of us took naps in the afternoon before gathering firewood and getting things ready for dinner. Stevy started a fire using fatwood tinder and single-handedly pumped filtered water for everyone.
We discussed the treatment for anaphylaxis with Dr. Stockton after an excellent scenario patient performance by Ben, who pretended to have been stung by a yellow jacket. For dinner, we had rehydrated potatoes, chicken, southwestern soup and goulash (provided by Sean). Very good! We then sat around the fire and played a Sierra Club card game that involved trying to guess which national park (worldwide) was being described on each card. Needless to say, I now have a lot more places on my bucket list! In the middle of the game, my NOAA weather radio went off, alerting us that a severe thunderstorm packing 60mph winds and quarter-sized hail was bearing down on us at 80mph. We gathered our gear, put our boots on and discussed contingency plans in the case that we got the worst part of the storm. After deciding that thermarest pads would make decent hail helmets and locating the keys to the cars, (in case we were left with no alternative but to hike out later that night), we jumped in the tents and crossed our fingers. Luckily, the mountains disturbed the storm a bit and we received a great deal of rain, but no hail, strong winds or cloud-to-ground lightning.
Day 4: Up at 7am again and more tasty oatmeal for breakfast. We packed up camp and started east down Lakeshore Trail 2.9 miles to the car. The temperature was in the mid 70's and there was a steady, refreshing breeze. I stopped several times to take photos of the trail, hills, nearby peaks and streams. Gorgeous! The hike ended with a stroll through a tunnel to the Lakeview Drive Trailhead. Once there, Alex and Sean jogged up the road to get the cars and we all changed into fresher clothes. After dropping off the rented gear at River's Edge Outfitters, we went to Paul's Restaurant in Cherokee and ate a ridiculous amount of food...and then several people went to Dairy Queen. The drive back to Camp Wesley Woods was quicker because the mountain pass was open, leaving us plenty of time for hot showers before the evening banquet began.
It was a long but fun four days in the park with a great classmates and an outstanding mentor. The views along the trail and at the campsites were beautiful.  Given the chance, I'd love to hike it again some day!
-Ashley Huff, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Class of 2012

TK’s 2012 Elective wrap-up - Tales from the Backpack

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:24:58 -0500

Last night our 10th elective officially ended with our traditional banquet.

The groups enjoyed very mild weather their entire four weeks here. Still some back packing groups chose to ascend to ice and snow, although less this year than average. I was able to scrounge up only five mentors; getting mentors continues to be the greatest challenge. Fortunately they were able and enthusiastic. Pat Craft returned and went with the most vigorous group--2 11 mile days, lots of up and down, cold nights. Despite my best efforts to emphasize the importance of preparing for cold, and having them out on a fairly cold night earlier, Pat found them unprepared for the relatively mild conditions. One student's boots were left out despite his advice to invert the sleeping bag stuff sack and keep the boots in the sleeping bag. Needless to say the cold feet resulting from thawing the boots will likely assure future compliance. Another students bag was not adequate. Fortunately Pat had a bivvy sack which saved the day, or rather the night. I am frustrated that so many continue to be "trained by Hollywood" (Peter Kummerfeldt's description). So if I continue with the elective I will try to do better preparing them for what can be nights in the single digits. Luck has again smiled on me that there were no disasters.

Erin Meyer also returned. Her group chose to focus on details so planned fairly short days. They seem to have averted disasters/near disasters.

Marcus Snyder who was a student last year returned to the third week of the elective and also took a group for the back pack. His group did a more customary loop to enjoy the views from some balds and still have time to reflect on the happenings of the program.

David Stockton, faculty at the FM program in Knoxville, came again, this time with his soon to be medical student son. His group chose to focus on streams and fishing. All went well for them as they stayed low. The fish were not cooperative, but all enjoyed the streams and Lake Fontanta.

Peter Sananman came for the first time. His group requested him as he offered to teach traditional skills. They carved spoons, used coals to hollow a bowl, did a bit of trapping construction, shelter making, fire by flint and friction, and basket weaving. Peter has offered to to a base camp option next year to allow more time for skills; I favor this so will be seeking input from Liz Edelstein about resuming this option for the back pack.

One group, I did not catch which, learned first hand the risks of drying boots and socks with an open flame. One pair of boots caught fire (no permanent damage, thankfully) and all had scorched socks. One sock lost its toe and became an arm or leg warmer.

Yesterday they returned to a sunny and 70 day. The lodge and south facing hill side were covered with drying sleeping bags, tents, and other gear as well as many sun bathing, contented students. It was quite a sight for February.

Fred Baty with the prehospital folks used his many pictures and videos to do a 26 minute program about our year. It ran a loop and many made copies to share with their friends back home. I plan to send Liz the drive Fred provided which includes the program plus his still images.

The students have started a face book page, and with the PowerPoints available on line, they did not organize a DVD for the year.

Although our banquet started 35 minutes later than scheduled (first year to hold it at Nickle, so food had to be trucked up from the main kitchen--took longer than expected) we had reports from each of the back pack clans. There was indeed revelry in the back country. Our meal was more than adequate with pork loin, pasta/spinach, green beans, rolls, cheese cake and chocolate cake for desert.

As I passed out certificates each was able to make a final statement to the rest of the group. Over all the comments were very positive, and while most went to find short chain hydrocarbons, several lingered in the lodge.

A few drove away last night. Most will leave after breakfast. I'll take three to the airport mid afternoon, and tomorrow the last participant will fly out. I will spend the day helping clean up plus storing away loose ends for next year (I am assuming there will be a "next year"). Then off to Cherokee Indian Hospital for three weeks of being reminded how much medicine I have forgotten. It works well as I will be heading to Winston-Salem for an Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine student conference next weekend.

TK’s update - Camping trial and White Water

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:00:02 -0500

Wednesday, the 8th, Drs. Hawkins and McGinnis kept the group busy with talks and out door demonstrations. Both had to leave at noon. Our afternoon was spent with the prehospital faculty and included the first of what will be many scenarios. As expected the first few were a bit rough, and some found it difficult to abandon the "lets have fun" mindset. By the end of the afternoon all were "in character" and finding satisfaction in meeting the challenges presented. A couple presentations after dinner, and we broke for the evening. Dr. John Davis of Alma College, MI, joined the group.

Thursday Dr. Davis talked about his research in endurance activities, with an emphasis on nutrition. After lunch, we got in a presentation before the arrival of Drs. Gotcher and Reed from the oral maxillofacial surgical department from UTK. They took the afternoon to go over dental/facial topics including a hands on with IRM/Cavit, a chance to try jaw wiring on models, and an explanation of dental injections for anesthesia. Dr. Laura Helfman arrived to share about moving water, age extremes in the wilderness, and issues for women. In the evening we got in a few more presentations and then retired to the camp's activity field where we enjoyed a rare clear night in February. Dr. Paul Lewis from Knoxville had come and set up some telescopes. He gave an orientation to locating constellations then shared a bit about what was in the night sky. We all got to view some nebulae and Saturn with 3 of the 4 moons clearly visible. It was a great ending to a busy day.

Friday we spent the day with prehospital and a bit of teaching followed by a number of scenarios. It seems this group has really gotten the spirit of scenarios, quickly assessing the challenges of steep terrain, various obstacles, and deep gorges to make good decisions followed by efficient care and transport. They were so focused they chose to complete a difficult carry out even after it was "quitting time", 1700.

By now the back packing clans have been established, and we all headed to Hot Springs, NC, with dinner en route where ever each vehicle wished to stop. It was dark when we straggled in to the Mill Ridge Road and Trail head just east of Hot Springs. Temperature was falling. As I turned in under a tarp, it had begun to sprinkle. During the night it changed to snow. When I awoke yesterday morning, there was a dusting of snow on the ground. The group had elected to stay together, and had pitched tends in a clearing. When I located them, they were engaged in trying to get up or fixing breakfast. We had a huddle with Dr. Helfman who reported the planned river event could be canceled with a refund. With discussion we reached consensus to travel the 10 miles or so to the rafting complex and consider options. I drove back to pavement as I was getting concerned about slipping on some of the hills. As the others appeared by car load we reviewed directions to the rafting place and the earlier arrivals left.

When the final two vehicles appeared we started down the road. It was very slick. I skidded several times as I down shifted to control my speed. Soon I would learn that two of the cars fish tailed and slid part of the way sideways in the road. No damage. We reached a pull out, and the rest of the group was there. One was low on gas, and one had a flattening tire.

Resourceful bunch. One had spare gas and an air compressor. Another had a plug kit for tires. They jacked up the soft tire, located the leak, and we had a "how to plug a tire" demonstration in the snow by the road side. It was much later than planned, and several vehicles decided there had been enough excitement for one day, and left for Ashville and fewer hills/curves. I left last, and when I arrived at the rafting outpost, there were 11 still wanting to paddle in the snow. I was concerned about deteriorating road conditions. Given the enthusiasm and dedication of those remaining, we decided to count on the clearing which had been forecast in the morning eventually coming to pass.

So we got outfitted with wet suits, fleece, booties, paddling gloves, splash shirts/pants, PFTs and helmets. One of the group had a kayak, so 11 of us made for two rafts each with two guides. After the obligatory intro video, we loaded a bus and headed to the river.

It was a great experience for those of us who soon had ice frozen on our paddles, gloves, and splash shirts. Although we did not have the planned option to "guide" the raft (we kept paddling to stay warm), the French Broad River presented a great display of different water patterns over/around rocks and obstacles. In the raft I was on, the riding guide gave an ongoing work shop in reading the water to predict submerged obstacles, hazards, and things to avoid/places to go for the safest passage. All too soon we arrived at the take out, loaded the rafts, and returned to base to return the borrowed equipment and proceed with the day, which was now "free time" until Monday breakfast.

I elected to return through Hot Springs, and the roads were dry. Many of the rafters had plans to visit the hot springs at Hot Springs to relax and enjoy the glow of our experiences. I found a Cici's Pizza and gorged myself, getting back to Wesley Woods to clear my e mails and do a bit of admin things. The first of three "ride along" with the Life Star helicopter crews is scheduled Sunday afternoon, and I did not have driving directions. A few phone calls and a visit to Google Map and I had the directions to provide the student, along with my car keys since she had flown in. So today she will trust my aging Saturn (232K miles, cracked windshield, sagging head liner) for her explorations today, returning after the end of her 1500-2300 visit with the flight crew.

We are scheduled to reassemble tomorrow for breakfast and our last four days of "base camp". Monday we will have some AM presentations and a talk on TBI by a local researcher. The afternoon will bring more scenarios, and tomorrow night is the "night scenario". The forecast is for mild conditions again, so we will need to come up with a worthy challenge for the group. Then some wrap up talks, scenarios all day Wednesday, and great talks Thursday. I anticipate ending Thursday by mid afternoon, and the group is off for a three day weekend. We return the 19th for dinner, then off on the back pack Monday, Feb 20, after a hot breakfast. I'll be doing evaluations and cleaning up. My hope is no more "exciting" experiences like the icy roads Saturday. The forecast is mild through Tuesday, so we should finish the elective in fine style. TK