Flagstaff weight loss program

It's been a pretty unathletic winter for me and I've decided that I'm growing boobs. Instead of the traditional diet I chose to ride my bike more and drink less beer. I could probably keep drinking the same amount and pedal harder. I guess I'll figure that out when I get rid of the training bra. Kris and I spent the day cruising around up on the peaks. The trails are awesome and the best part is all this is in my backyard. Rye likes it too!

2 weeks of work....i'm pooped

I just finished a 12 day hitch at work. Very glad to be getting a break. The MD900 has just been approved for rappell making it the ultimate wildland fire assault vehicle. Here are some photos of the crew making the first rappells. Also, on more interesting note. I had a pretty cool mission last week. A dory got parked on the right side of Dubendorf rapids. It was pinned against a rock for over two weeks. We had to fly the river rangers in with all there extraction devices to get it off. It took three loads at 1000lbs each to get all there gear in. The next day they called the helicopter in to fly out the old boat. I guess you could say the whole job was somewhat of a cathartic experience having been a dory boatman and leaving such a fun job to be a helicopter pilot. None the less, still an awesome time. here's some pics.

shorthaul training

Kris says my blog is boring so here's my latest post. This is our yearly shorthaul training with the Grand canyon Rangers and the helicopter crew. Shorthaul is used when a rescue attempt cannot be made by landing the helicopter or a technical rope rescue or litter carry is out of the question. Basically these brave souls are willing to hang on the end of a 100 to 150 foot line hanging on the helicopter and be flown into the person in need of help. Once they're on scene, the put the person in a harness and we fly them both out. Sorry about all the helicopter pictures but my job is awesome.