Saturday 23 January 2010

Cliff Rescue Exercise

A hard frost in the village and black ice along the road out, creating very nasty driving conditions, the gritters having not been called out until nine this morning. As the sun broke through a mist or haar appeared across the Sound, veiling the hillside and running out in thicker banks across the sea. This picture shows the Tobermory ferry setting off from the CalMac pier and turning into it.

A big day for Kilchoan Coastguard, with the Sector Officer sliding down the road to assess five members of the team for their Technician certificates, which allow them to descend on the cliff rescue ropes. The exercise was carried out on the hill on the road approach to Sanna, sadly with the sun hidden behind Meall Sanna, but with a wonderful view across a sparkling Minch to Eigg, Muck, Rhum and Canna.

The test involved a controlled descent - an abseil - followed by a manual ascent using a z-drag, which effectively means hauling oneself up with the help of a small pulley. The former is fun, the latter hard work.

All five members passed the test, which means that Kilchoan now has nine Technicians. Well done the team!

3 comments:

  1. 70 days until I'm back to see for myself....not that I'm counting!
    The blog is a tresure trove of background and insights which will help me get more out of my visits...thank you

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  2. It is both rewarding and humbling to hear that the Diary brings you such pleasure, Joan. Thank you for your comments.

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  3. Great blog and stunning images, thanks :-)

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