jgaz

I agree with this 100%. I’ve screwed with bear hangs in the Sierras where there are numerous suitable trees and it’s still a hassle. Ive never heard about the bear resistant sacks but let’s just say I’m skeptical. The bear can I have is a PITA to carry, it takes up a serious chunk of space in my pack. The ideal set up is two people sharing space with one person carrying the bear vault and a second person carrying the tent.

I’m not interested in taking the class only because my current volunteer gig at GCNP provides me with WFA at no cost as part of the program. But if I may, I’m going to make a few comments and observations about my WFA course experiences. I believe that you are on the right track being able to customize the course to your area and wants. For example. My original and first recertification was with with NOLS. Excellent hands on but I didn’t really think our SW issues were covered quite as well as they could have been. It seemed like their course outline was tailored to all of North America. Don’t get me wrong, we had excellent instructors, the above comment was just my observation. For example. I thought snakebite instruction was somewhat lacking. My first WFA training that was provided by the NPS was with UNM (University of New Mexico) wilderness medicine program. It consisted of about 10 hours of online training that I was skeptical about at first (I’m old). That turned out to be very good training. The ability to go over a module again was great. The second part of the class was an 8 hour module of in person hands on training. The UNM training was a fantastic course. Also, going back to customized training, the UNM course covered major bleeding wounds. NOLS was really lacking in this area. Its my thought that some WFA courses are hesitant to cover wounds that might be caused by a firearm. The UNM course was excellent in this regard covering use of tourniquets and wound packing. I’m not going to get into a gun debate but I’m sure some of you are also firearms enthusiasts. YMMV. My last WFA was all online due to the fact that I had three previous in person classes and my program was overloaded with new volunteers that need training. Id have to look up who it was with but it wasn’t a bad refresher course. One last comment on location. I fully support the hands on simulations being outside. However being able to have the lecture portion indoors is an advantage IMO. I sweated thru two days of my original NOLS course in mid Sept. and smoked by the end of each day! I like the idea of possibilities of MCSO rescue squad being involved. Also don’t be surprised if you need to get CPR training separate from you WFA course. Good luck.

Nice job Kris. Very clean build. I like your breakout box and good job picking up the “vampire” loads on your fridge. I did a build once at work where the constant current draw drove me nuts until I realized that off didn’t really mean off on a particular piece of instrumentation I installed

Thanks for the excellent trip reports Karen. Enjoy and stay safe

It’s really been in the last two years that we’ve been seeing as many sheep as we have, They also are higher up in the canyon than in past years. As I said. The one I photographed was in the area of the water line leak. I’m sure that has something to do with it as earlier in the year I’ve seen as many as six at one time in the area of the coconino switchbacks. A few others from May (I think). When Im on my hikes I have a prescribed area to patrol. I find this type of hiking so much easier to spot wildlife than when I’m backpacking. I tend to hike, then stop, look and listen. I really have no schedule and can cover my area any way I want to. When I backpack I have a destination. I’m usually trying to beat the heat, the darkness, or …..? The volunteer work is relaxing……. until something happens and it isn’t!

Thank you

Sweet! I love seeing a kid twisting wrenches on their own vehicle. Good job Edit: Brake caliper hanger and everything! If you think he’s getting too cocky have him work on the “ drum in hat” parking brake. That can be a humbling experience.

I’ve had closer encounters with them than Id like but never had one act the least bit concerned with me. At least so far. Occasionally an elk will snort and act a bit skittish. I try to give both plenty of space

Just finished another 4 days hiking the Grand Canyon corridor trails for my volunteer gig. Monsoon action every afternoon. Only hiked in the rain one day. Humid, hot, no cloud cover until about noon. This makes it worth while. Mr. Ram was a couple switchbacks below 1.5 mile rest house. He would peer over the edge of the boulder at me and then disappear. Like a Disney animatronic . This shot was taken with a bit of zoom. I was so close to him here I had to step back to edge of the trail to get this shot. No zoom. This is looking back down on him from a couple switchbacks up trail. Many animals in this area due to (another) pipeline break that left the water turned off at the 1.5 and 3 mile rest houses. The break was leaking enough to water the animals. Im no photographer but with subjects like this it’s hard to take a bad picture.

Nice Pics. I love me some canyons!

Don’t let the length of the video throw you. It goes fast because you can skip 6+ minutes of adds.

Diane, Your last post reminded me of a guy I used to work with. When a job was finished he’d say to the boss, “ It wasn’t hard, I watched Jim do it!” Looks good!

A Bronco that I might be able to get behind. For me it would have to be a two door. https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-ford-bronco-heritage-editions-get-retro-white-roof-35-inch-tires I learned to drive a stick on a 1971 302 powered Bronco with a three on tree. My boss at the gas station owned a burnt Orange, white roof beauty. Dang, but that sucker would really turn the rear tires!

I’m looking forward to seeing your mounting pieces. I have a feeling they are going to take even one of your projects to the next level

Sorry Kris, I have no experience with the panels you linked. And you’re right, my brake might struggle with .080 material. I can see where you’d want something that you could screw into instead of through. If you want to fool around with acrylic I have a good size piece of material “in stock” that I trash picked. It’s at least a 1/4” thick. You are welcome to it. The material machines well with woodworking tools but I’m not sure how well it would hold a thread. Might be worth a try. It’s translucent and I can measure the piece if you’re interested. I know your builds are solid but would there be any advantage to having this panel be nonconducting?