We Made It To Graduation!

Last week we received training from CLAS Ropes personnel.  We were taught such things as how much weight the belay ropes will hold (7,000 to 9,000 pounds), how much weight the cables will hold (15,000 pounds) and how much weight the harnesses at camp will hold (5,000 pounds).  We were also taught how to tie knots, how to belay, how to facilitate and process the lower challenge courses, how deep a pole must be in the ground, and how to perform a rescue on the high challenge.  We were required to take a three page test and demonstrate the various skills we had learned during the week.  We had a "graduation" of sorts on Monday where we all received our own carabiner on a rope.  We are now Level 1 Certified.  After 200 hours working on the courses (which will occur about mid-June) we will be Level 2 Certified.

Members of our challenge course team practicing their knot tying

Charlie showing off his "double figure eight on a bight".  This is the

knot that the belayer ties in the belay rope.  A carabiner is then

connected into the "bight" (loop) at the end of the rope which is

then connected to the climber.

Here is Charlie practicing his belaying skills

If something should happen to the "nester" - the person sitting in the eagle's nest to help the climbers off belay and onto the zip line - someone needs to "rescue" her.  This is done by climbing the pole carrying a backpack filled with scissors, a figure eight hook and an emergency belay rope.  Note:  A nester climbs to the nest using a belay rope.  Once she reaches the nest, she connects herself with "rabbit ears" and takes herself off the belay rope, this is why the rescurer needs to bring a belay rope with him in the backpack.

Here he is again, belaying for a "rescue on the high course".

Here is the rescuer as he reaches the nester who is in distress.

(note the backpack he is carrying on his chest)

Here the rescued nester is being lowered to the ground.  This sister

even pretended she had passed out - good huh?

As she nears the ground, others rush in to help.

Here is Charlie receiving his "graduation medal".  The woman in

the picture is Sister Jones our Team Leader.

Look at the smile on his face as he shows off his new carabiner.

Here are two of the newest Level 1 Certified Challenge Course

Missionaries.  Note:  Patti was wearing a headband because

we were headed outside to work on the challenge courses and

it was FREEZING.