The last couple days of the year brought the first snow to the mountains. Not enough to open the ski area but that did not stop the Jr. Ski Patrol, SPYteam, from getting out of town. We were able to get a lot of the training covered. 
When Dave and I started the SPYteam 10 years ago, the kids took on the preparation of the sleds as their own responsibility. This year's group too learned the ins and outs of making up the sled packs and getting the sleds ready for transport up the slope. 
After learning where everything in the aid room is; how to put regulators on O2 tanks to check the pressure; how to tie boo fencing and getting checked off on radio communication, it was time for some fun. The kids learned to mush. Everyone got a turn on the runners. Willy, Cedar and Koyuk made 16 - 1/4 mile trips. McKenzie ran along until she tired then just cheered the kids as they flew past.
I do owe the ski area owner a big one. Not only did he groom a trail for us to use, he caught a run-away sled after one of the kids fell off. Great guy!
After a hearty lunch, the kids got certified in CPR and using the defibrillator. While they were pumping Anne, I took the dogs on another run. To my surprise they ran over 1/2 mile up a ski run and wanted to keep going. It took a lot of manual persuasion to turn them around. Poor Koyuk became hopelessly tangled in the process. With the sled claw brake set, I unclipped her to free her legs from the tug lines and her inside-out harness. She bolted ahead before I could hook her back up. Willy and Cedar gave chase. The sled dragging the useless claw brake, went by me so fast I couldn't jump on. These guys really need a lesson on "STOP!". At least I was running downhill after them.
When Dave and I started the SPYteam 10 years ago, the kids took on the preparation of the sleds as their own responsibility. This year's group too learned the ins and outs of making up the sled packs and getting the sleds ready for transport up the slope. After learning where everything in the aid room is; how to put regulators on O2 tanks to check the pressure; how to tie boo fencing and getting checked off on radio communication, it was time for some fun. The kids learned to mush. Everyone got a turn on the runners. Willy, Cedar and Koyuk made 16 - 1/4 mile trips. McKenzie ran along until she tired then just cheered the kids as they flew past.I do owe the ski area owner a big one. Not only did he groom a trail for us to use, he caught a run-away sled after one of the kids fell off. Great guy!After a hearty lunch, the kids got certified in CPR and using the defibrillator. While they were pumping Anne, I took the dogs on another run. To my surprise they ran over 1/2 mile up a ski run and wanted to keep going. It took a lot of manual persuasion to turn them around. Poor Koyuk became hopelessly tangled in the process. With the sled claw brake set, I unclipped her to free her legs from the tug lines and her inside-out harness. She bolted ahead before I could hook her back up. Willy and Cedar gave chase. The sled dragging the useless claw brake, went by me so fast I couldn't jump on. These guys really need a lesson on "STOP!". At least I was running downhill after them.All agreed that learning how to apply splints and use the backboard could wait. After a few last snowballs were thrown, the day ended with sleeping kids and dogs in the backseat on the drive back to the fogged in town.
I can't think of a much better way to close 2011. The ball has dropped in NY. Happy New Year!