WCCC ADV121 Spring 2012

Post Cobscook Winter Overnight Reflection

2012-02-09T08:53:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoyed your winter camping experience in Cobscook Bay State Park. I am pleased with your progress in preparing for Katahdin to this point. This blog is focused on allowing you to identify what additional steps you will need to take to prepare further.

Part I:
Based upon this experience, please comment on the following:

Comment on how you felt physically during the 3-mile ski with your packs
Comment on how your comfort level as far as thermoregulation and layering is concerned
Reflect on the gear you brought and comment on any changes you intend to make for gear you bring to Katahdin
Reflect and comment on each component of the winter overnight

Packing & shopping
Food
3-mile ski in, and the 3-mile ski out
Quinzhee building
Night hike
Winter camping/overnight
Avalanche companion rescue training
Snow school (snow anchor building, etc.)
Group dynamics (how well do you feel the group is working together as a unit)

Comment on how well you think this experience has helped to prepare you for your Katahdin trip

Part II:

View this short video (5 min) and read the notes below the video player. Could this happen to you?
Visit the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education web page. Read this entire page and focus specifically on the mission, goals, and course levels offered.
Comment on the short video, your level of training, and identify what steps you would take if you were planning on travelling in avalanche terrain.

Part III:

Log 5 hours of skiing this week. Ski both without your packs and with your packs loaded. Comment on when and where you skied, and how you're feeling about your physical conditioning at this point.

See you in class at 8:00 in the OAC on Friday morning. We'll meet earlier to ensure that you will be able to participate in the Polar Bear Dip. Dress to be outside rolling around in the snow. Wear your mountaineering boots and bring your axe.

Winter Camping Prep

2012-02-02T08:22:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

Just a couple of quick things to check out before our winter overnight this weekend:

1. View this short video from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) on how to dress using layers to stay warm in winter. Take note of what articles of clothing are used in the system and what they are made of.

2. View this 5-minute video and review the process for conducting a companion rescue using an avalanche transceiver.

3. Remember to bring your backpacks with ALL of your gear needed for this weekend's overnight to the OAC with you on Friday morning. If you need to, download a copy of the winter overnight gear list.

We have a couple options when it comes to where we'll be this weekend. I'll let you know the final decision on Friday morning's class. Remember that you have a couple of assignments due.

See you then.

Welcome Back

2012-01-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to the spring semester. Please notice that the blog from ADV111 last semester is available via the link on the sidebar to the right, as is a link to the blog from the Fall 2010 ADV111 semester. I encourage you to visit these and review your entries and those of others. We will be using this new blog in a way similar to last semester. It is a place to reflect and connect. Your first assignment is in three parts:

Part I:
You were given an assignment sheet in class to further your familiarity with Nordic ski equipment and technique. Using the links below and the information covered in class on Friday, complete the sheet and bring to the next class.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_skiing
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Cross_country-skiing
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/crosscountry+ski+touring+gear.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Vue10ItXg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Nt43XSIAM&feature=related

Part II:

You were also assigned to begin your physical training regimen in order to be prepared for our winter expeditions. Although conditions are far from ideal, find time to get out and ski some this week as part of your workout. At the end of the week, create a blog post here that summarizes the following:

specifically what did you do for workouts this week - include type of activity, mileage, and/or time spent
where you skied
about how many miles you think you went
how much time it took you
how your ski equipment performed
weather description (temp, precip, etc.)
what you were wearing for clothing, and
how you managed to thermoregulate so you didn't sweat

Part III:
You received a gear list as a handout at the end of class on Friday. Please review this list and

Identify what gear is listed that you do not already own
Explain how you intend to get each piece of gear you need

Please be sure to address each of these in your post and use a word processor to spellcheck and proofread your work. Your post must be posted before class on Friday, January 20.