As of this writing, we have had about 2 feet of fresh powder here in the San Juan Mountains, just outside of Telluride. Albuquerque is having some nice snow as well, with four inches of the fluffy stuff at my house, and more up in the local mountains, the Sandias. Highs are about 37 degrees, lows of 25. Can’t tell you what it will be like in March, but historically it has been cold for the first half of the month, warming up later.
So, what to bring? We will be taking hikes, bikes, and climbs. Snow and desert camping will be the fare after the first week in Albuquerque, where we cover lots of basics. If you are in town by February 28, met us at the Piedra Lisa trailhead at 2pm for a hike, and a time to get to know one another. Click on this link under Piedra Lisa: http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/trailmaps.html to download and print. From town, go east on I-40, exit north on Tramway, drive till Candelaria and turn right (east) to the end, then turn right again (south)-the parking lot will be evident on the left hand side.
For the first week, we will be doing some didactics, and some fun environmental lab sessions. Be prepared to be cold, or to get hot-the first week will cover temperature extremes, as well as resuscitation and improvisation labs. The weekend will be the survival weekend, so dress warmly!
Snow camping at altitude in Taos will be the big event the second week-worry not-you WILL do well in the snow-we will show you how. If for some reason any of you do get too cold, a nice warm Mongolian tent (yurt) will be nearby. The third week commences with a mountain search and rescue lab, and a climbing lab, with some sportsmedicine intermingled. Then we will be going to Grand Gulch in Southern Utah (we pick this spot because we can take this multiple day backpack without much snow-usually)! Those of you who participate in match day will be able to do so.
The last week will entail a diving amd marine medicine session, as well as some international medicine topics. We are considering participating in a disaster medicine session in Southern New Mexico in White Sands, where the Bataan Death March marathon will take place. Outdoor event medicine is an important part of wilderness and austere medicine, and a great primer to expedition, event, or disaster medicine. However, we may not be able to do both the Grand Gulch and the Bataan Death March because of the Match Day, which is something that seems to restrict our freedom, but are required to observe. At any rate, this month, guaranteed, will be one of the best rotations you will have ever experienced.
Although our activities will not be competitive, they may be physically demanding. Please begin to undertake some physical conditioning. We allow people to choose activities commensurate with physical abilities, allowing everybody to participate in a given activity, regardless of ability-so enjoy! However, if you have health problems or are over 40, please have a medical evaluation before the course.
Finally, if you haven’t paid tuition, please do so now. Otherwise, we will be unable to plan, since we will have no budget to obtain needed materials.
In the event that you cannot get hold of me in February, it is because I will have no e-mail in Haiti, and so will ask you to kindly contact Jan at JSchmidt@salud.unm.edu in my absence. Of course, I really do not have any idea if I will go or not, but we shall see.
See you soon,
Dario
