Introduction: First Steps

1. The Freedom of the Hills Chapter 1 Introduction: First Steps

2. Who are we? China Lake Mountain Rescue Group – volunteers who enjoy the outdoors and want to help others Search for and rescue people in the wilderness, including technical rope rescue Operate in Kern county and assist other groups outside of Kern

3. Purpose To learn to appreciate the outdoors Expand your horizons Take on bigger challenges Learn to appreciate the wilderness Meet other people interested in mountaineering Be safe in the outdoors So we don't have to rescue you Recruitment

4. What will be covered? Skills Equipment Outings Hiking Climbing Bouldering Rappelling Camping

5. What is Mountaineering? Adventure! Excitement! Beauty! Exercise! Peace of mind! “There are only three true sports - mountain climbing, bullfighting and motor racing - all the rest being games.” - Hemingway (apocryphal)

6. Be Prepared • Mentally – train skills such as first aid and problem solving; know your limits • Physically – exercise so as to be ready to hike and climb while enjoying yourself • Emotionally – be ready to stay calm and cope with unexpected situations; stay balanced, don't do stupid things.

7. Plan in advance • Route – Where are you going? • Schedule – When do you leave? When do you get back? • Weather – Rain? Snow? Wind? • Equipment – What do you need? • Go with others – Safety in numbers • Leave information with a responsible party – all of the above plus instructions to call for help if you're not back on time

8. Have Fun! There are a lot of beautiful mountains out there, with many pitfalls, but if you do some simple things beforehand, endless possibilities will open up for you. In this class we will try to help you prepare, as well as try to show you the “Freedom of the Hills”.