Heading Toward USAR Type III Designation

The technical rope teams in San Bernardino County already have the requisite equipment, training, and skills to meet many of the requirements for Type III USAR designation. The county is now providing the additional training in shoring, lifting/cribbing, and other USAR-specific skills in order to complete Type III designation. The Cave Team is among this cadre of teams.

Cave Team Successfully Re-Accredits with the MRA

Each year the California Region of the MRA assembles all accredited teams to complete a re-accreditation. There are three disciplines: Technical Rope, Snow and Ice, and Search Management and Tracking. This year we tested in technical rope rescue. We avoided the rain that was forecast for the region, but received plenty of wind. The blue sky and snow-capped Sierra made for a picturesque day.

Technical Rescue Training at the Local Crag

Some rope rescue training at the local crag. Honing our technique and working out the kinks in a few systems.

Mitchell Caverns State Park

After a SNAFU with the key to Cave of the Winding Stair, we were able to practice a vertical rescue from "the bridge" in Mitchell Cavern.

Mine Training

We spent 8 hours underground working on hazardous atmosphere operation, and vertical rope work.

These carabiners are NOT cross-loaded. They are part of a windlass

Always have to rehab at the end

Farewell Luca

We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our team members, Luca Chiarabini. We were informed by a close friend, that Luca passed away on a personal trip this past week. Luca was a great friend, and he always made any day more interesting. He had an amazing passion for exploration. His mind was a wealth of knowledge for both caves and canyons. He was always willing to help others. We will miss him dearly.