The Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) is Upon Us

More details for the next Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) are coming into place. The course has expanded rope skills and avalanche awareness. Personal Vertical Skills (PVS) is now required before taking BMC. The classroom portion will be held on November 17 and 18. The location is the San Bernardino Mountain Team's rescue shack, aka "Harrison Hotel." It is located at 3250 Harrison, San Bernardino, CA 92404. Please arrive by 7:30 am on Saturday. There are local eateries for lunch. There is also a kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, etc., at the facility. There is no set end time Saturday evening. So be prepared to have dinner as well. The metal chairs can be a bit uncomfortable; hence you might consider bringing a cushion to sit on. Bring necessary clothing for rain and a warm jacket and pants in case the Harrison Hotel is chilly. For people travelling great distances, you are welcome to stay Friday and/or Saturday night at a member’s home in Redlands. Let me know if you would like to take of advantage of this.

The date for the field portion is January 12 and 13. Depending on snow, the tentative location will be the county's new SAR facility at Heart Bar. It is located at GPS WGS84 0518080, 3780070. From I-10 in San Bernardino, take the Alabama exit in the city of Redlands to Lugonia Avenue (State Highway 38). Travel northeast on Highway 38 for approximately 30 miles. The facility is on the south side of Highway 38. Look for signs and other indications for road access and parking. This is dependent on actual snow condition at the time. Be prepared with snow chains. Four wheel drive vehicles are preferred. Consider carrying a large snow shovel in the car. There is extremely limited cell phone access. Most likely you will have no service at all. We will monitor the county radio frequency SAR TAC 1, channel 11. The wise student will arrive Friday night and car camp at the facility in order to acclimatize. Be fully packed and ready to hike at 7 am Saturday.The event ends in the late afternoon Sunday.

To sign up, send a check for $50 to Volunteer Forces along with your phone number, PVS documentation and email address. The check will be returned to you upon completion of the course. If you do not attend, the check will be given to IESARC as a donation. For further questions, please contact Sonny Lawrence email address: slawrence AT sbsar DOT org or phone: 909 dash 255 dash 6036.