Date: 15 & 16 Feb 08

Weather: 12 degrees Farenheit(high)- 20 degrees Farenheit(approximate); Wind: NW @ 3-5 mph

Counties Represented: Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, & Bay

Purpose: Conduct Winter PAS Evaluation

Highlights:

      1. Snow Shoe Walk – In and out of the training area 1 ¼ miles each way in 2 to 3 feet of
          snow. Walking out was easier, as the snow had compacted and then frozen during the
          night.

      2. Winter PAS Gear Test – Weather forced re-examination of some gear; small stoves too
          cold to light without some sort of catalyst; toe/hand warmers required for cold injury
          avoidance. Sleds proved mandatory; two members tried to pack in their equipment on
          their backs in the snow; it was shown that a sled is not only convenient, it’s smart, too!
          Several models used; the “Jet Sled” showed quite a bit of promise. Other
          sleds/toboggans also very useful, but require gear tie down in most cases.
          Water is a great concern as all methods but keeping a camelback type hydration system
          under a jacket failed to keep water from freezing. Snow had to be melted often for
          drinking and cooking food.

      3. Position Preparation – Hard to move in the cold, but essential to prepare position
          against the wind and sub-zero temps! Digging in highly recommended.

      4. Fire Tending – Fire required absolute concentration as the temperatures were cold
          enough to hinder dry tinder from burning well. As per SOP, for initial fire building, each
          member must have his materials stacked at the fire site and ready to apply as needed to
          keep the fire growing and efficient.

Photo Ops:

There's always a way to fly "Old Glory" even at -20 below!

The ECVM Winter Palace - Note the straw insulation!

Edge's hard-core shelter - poncho, snow trench, and fire!

Hunter's Winter Residence - Home, sweet home!