Sobering Up at the 176th

Today, we visited the Alaska Air National Guard Unit, home of Bobby Schnell (who won the Alaskan Mountain Wilderness Classic with Jason Geck 2005), among other adventuring colleagues of our team.

I learned that these are the boys who will pluck us from the interior if things go seriously awry. I also got the sense that the same fellas will be watching us with a sense of ... duty? Or was it jealousy ;)

Fortunately, we're not counting on a Herc-fed bird (yeah, we'll be that remote) to yank us home, but it's nice to know they're there.

Our visit focused on the prevention of taxpayer chaos by learning some effective pain management techniques, which included some insider tips on blister treatment, local anesthesia, and a painkilling cocktail of over the counter meds that promises to keep us moving toward Anaktuvuk Pass.

And you all think we have a lot of gear at home? You should see their gear lockers...

Comments

[Kevin Davidson]

Hope you don't need the meds--- we don't want to have debates on whether or not the trip gets an * because of the team being "juiced". ;-)
Seriously, I hope to hear more about the contents of your 1st aid kit for this kind of journey.

Best of luck guys.

[The Foot Guy]

Hey guys, I will send good thoughts your way for a blister free adventure. God speed.

John Vonhof
author of Fixing Your Feet

[Don Ladigin]

Hi Guys! Wishing you all well on your adventure. Best, Don Ladigin

[Doug Colbeck]

Ryan,

Thanks for taking the rest of us along with you on your expedition. Best of luck to you and the rest of your team.

-Doug

[Tina]

Didn't you know that the military is the best place for "cool-guy toys"? I'm a former Marine and former Air National Guardsman (spend summer camp with the guys from Kulis) and it's just one big adventure! :)

Be safe.

[David Plantenga]

"you should see their gear lockers"?
That comment pricked my curiosity ... care to elaborate?
What an adventure! Whew, not sure I could do it ...
Thanks BPL, for all that you do ...