NCRC National Weeklong 2009

[shibumi]

Jess wants me to remind everyone that the early registration deadline of May 4 is fast approaching!
Also that the registration cut-off is June 4. Save $50, register now!

[Journalismstudent]

I would be very interested to speak with anyone attending. Please private message me. Thanks. SAM*****

[Spark85]

I jut mailed my check today. I can hardly wait to attend my first NCRC weeklong seminar.

[Tadpole]

. . . going to the weeklong, it will not be with any clothing or gear . . .

You know, if everyone shows up without clothing or gear, it could make for a very interesting weeklong seminar. The gear we could probably purchase onsite, but the clothing- Well, that could be trickier.

[Stridergdm]

. . . going to the weeklong, it will not be with any clothing or gear . . .

You know, if everyone shows up without clothing or gear, it could make for a very interesting weeklong seminar. The gear we could probably purchase onsite, but the clothing- Well, that could be trickier.

Oh, I'm sure Lost Creek and Gonzo Guano Gear would be more than willing to sell you some clothing!

[Stridergdm]

Reminder: Registration is still open, but the deadline is fast approaching.

I know the economy is tough for some and all of us are worried about WNS, but it's a great class and I encourage folks to go.

[Stridergdm]

Also, anyone leaving from the DC area? I'm driving out THURSDAY night most likely. Details to be determined.

[kmstill]

Ditto - I'll be heading east from Central IA and would be happy to see if carpooling works for anyone. Jay?
kelly

[ellenhof]

I am coming - this will be my first and I'm very much looking forward to it. Something I've been wanting to do for years.
Carpooling sounds like a great idea. I'm driving from Asheville, NC and will have plenty of room.
ALSO, I was wondering about camping vs motel. What will most of you be doing? And is there anyone staying at the motel who would like to share a room? I have no preference other than non-smoker, non-snorer. What do you all recommend? camping or motelling?
Thank you and see you soon (with clean gear)!
Ellen Hofler

[Carl Amundson]

Most of us camp.
You get the full experience that way.

[NZcaver]

Most of us camp.
You get the full experience that way.

Agreed. And from a practical standpoint, when you stay on site there's less travel time and hassle at the beginning and end of each very loooooooong day.

No carpooling for me this year. I'll be flying.

[Scott McCrea]

Yes, camp. Or, stay where everyone else is staying. You'll miss a lot of comradery if you leave at night. Any bonds you build will pay dividends later in the week.

[Stridergdm]

I'd go with "camp" also. About 1/2 of the value of the weeklong is the time spent after class hours.

That said, a friendly reminder. Technically we are on a school campus so certain rules are in effect. I can't comment on enforcement.

[caverdoc]

Kelly, sorry about the carpooling, I'll be leaving very early Friday morning. Plan is to arrive early PM on Friday and set up my big green Coleman family "pagoda of doom" tent. Hey, it survived the Indiana convention OK! I considered going the hotel route but that's a lot of $$$=gear, so camping it will be. With any luck most of the ticks, chiggers and mosquitos will focus on me early on and leave the late arrivals alone. I'm going to REALLY try and not lug a bunch of extra crap with me. We'll see...

I'll have the usual assortment of medical odds and ends, mostly emergency stuff. I recommend that anybody with asthma, allergies, etc be sure to bring their current inhaler, meds, etc. Typically I roll with some emergency drugs--NTG, epi, benadryl and an albuterol MDI--but limited andiarrheals, abx, etc. I'd also recommend folks bring their water-flavoring goo of choice (Gatorade, Powerade, etc) to help stay hydrated in the heat/humidity. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be wise.

Hopefully everybody has downloaded the testing packet. For Level 3, don't forget that the SRT pretest is a bit different than for Level 2. You need to cross a knot both ascending/descending, downclimb 2m with your system and otherwise don/climb 10m and do a changeover to rappel, like in Level 2. I've been practicing my knot cross in the tree out back, it's pretty easy once you do it a couple dozen times and have all your slings adjusted correctly.

Don't forget to mark all your gear with name/color code. Including wetsuit/ PFD (level 3's, you DO have your wetsuit and PFD?)if required. After all, I hear NCRC courses draw a lot of gear addicts who may decide to claim your unmarked gear. Again, the gear list is on the national NCRC site. FWIW, I'm green/blue color code.

I'm looking forward to caving with many of you for the first time, as well as connecting again with friends who didn't learn better the last time! Stay safe, enjoy the ride. If you need anything, you can email me at caver_doc(at)hotmail.com or if you're on the road, I'll have my cell turned on in Indiana 785-917-0983.

Dr Jay
(dog tired after a Loooooong day in clinic....)

[Carl Amundson]

I will be leaving on Thursday after work, drive for a few hours and then get a good nights sleep in a real bed.
Should get to Bedford sometime Friday afternoon.
Really looking forward to Level 3.