Newsletter 9 Introduction by Lance Piatt Vision: Something seen in a dream The act or power of imagination The act or power of seeing We are just coming off an intense election; the nation has shown itself as being very divided. The issues being debated are really only surface symptoms. The problems (which are actually the issues themselves) are never really discussed. We can throw out whatever excuses we want or find fault with whatever solutions are brought up… but in the end, nothing ever “really” gets accomplished without togetherness, hope, and commitment to excellence. Oddly enough, even these will not be accomplished without a solid vision. Faith, hope and charity; now these words could offend some and ignite others. In the end, our entire electoral process (recently) had collision on all fronts. The faith in one man to do the job, hope that he will complete what he sets out to do and pick the one man who would lead a country and set an example of generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy and suffering. Every sector of our nation has a different view (vantage point); the validity of each has much to do with the true picture of what is a stake (from their own vantage point). What is really at stake? There aren’t just two sides (conservative and liberal), there are hundreds of issues (which quite frankly) have little to do with one man and his agenda and all of these create division. It has been said, "without revelation (vision), the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law" (understands and supports authority). We seem to be a nation that likes to re-interpret the law, not respect the law or make our own law. The question is, can a nation really ever have a true vision of it’s own? Even the rule of the people will get put on hold, because someone doesn’t like what the people rule on (our legal system in action). I think history has shown that divisiveness is a part of our humanity. Can a team of professional and volunteer people, who come from all walks of life and heritage, put together a well oiled machine, whose sole purpose is to "serve, that others may live." Absolutely! Why? Because the focus is on others and the commodity is service to others, rather than service to oneself. JUSTICE (conformity to truth, fact, or reason) and MERCY (compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it). Do these terms conflict? Not in the slightest. It produces GRACE. We are given grace and we in turn, give grace back. Can a nation learn a few things from our rescue teams? Absolutely!

Technical - Critical Thinking On Rappelling by Pat Rhodes The Importance of the Angle of the Rappel Rope There has been much written on the subject of "edge trauma", or if you will, the psychological stress of taking that first step over the edge. We will tell you here and now that the physical aspects of rappelling play as big (if not bigger) role to "edge trauma" as that of psychological stress. The importance of angles and their effect on rope systems can not be over emphasized. Read More

Manufacturer's Update - Petzl PPE Notice Partial quote, from Petzl's website: In the general text of the PETZL technical notices, we are now issuing you with new information regarding the lifetime of our products. We no longer refer to the "period of use" as this carries a multitude of different meanings. The product "lifetime" includes everything - from the period of storage to the period of use. New text: Maximum lifetime of Petzl products : 10 years, taking into account the development of new techniques and the compatibility of products with other products. Please read the entire page here

Featured Products

Yates Rope Access Harness $350.00 YA385 ROPE ACCESS HARNESS - Unique harness is designed to meet the demands of the Rope Access Professional who needs a versatile harness with multiple attachment points. Yates New oversize D-Ring allows the user additional space for multiple connections to a single attachment, without adding excessive bulk. (NFPA 1983-2001 Edition) ANSI A10.14/ Z359.1 - 1992, OSHA 1910.146. CLASS III Harness. UL Classification 93F4, CAN/CSA-Z259.10-M90 (Clearance Sale)

Petzl Tikka $27.95 E43P2 The Tikka headlamp is the most compact and lightest headlamp of our range. With a 150 hour burn time, the Tikka is ideal for long term close-up work as it gives off a very white light. The reliability and long life of the LED makes it very safe. - Specs: Features: on / off switch, LED light, 150 hour burn time - Weight: only 70g including batteries. - Power: Uses 3 round LR3 / AAA batteries, supplied with the product.

RRG TARP (Technical Access and Rescue Pack) $225.00   $195.00  On Sale! TARP CLOSE OUT...Limited to supply on hand. Made in the USA, this design takes the clamshell/rope bag to a whole new level. Starting with the belief that form follows function, we re-engineered each component to maximize functionality and durability.

RRG AZTEK Classic Hip Pouch $30.00 AZTEK-BG The AZTEK Classic provides generous room for such things small rigging systems, or as a multi-purpose storage bag for carrying and organizing gear. Double heavy duty velcro strap secures bag to any rescue harness or tree saddle, large outside pocket and gear loop. Once you have one, you will wonder how you got along with it. Black Only Measurements:9.5 x 7 x 2.5

Black Diamond Half Dome $59.95 620204 The Half Dome helmet is a cool looking, low-profile helmet that combines a rigid shell with a webbing suspension system. Without obscuring your vision, the sculpted shell offers maximum head coverage and protection. The suspension system offers great comfort and contributes to good ventilation because there is ample room for heat to escape. To fit a variety of different head sizes, a foam-padded crown strap is easily adjusted using a Velcro® closure system. You can take the Half Dome climbing anywhere on rock or ice and you might make it halfway home before you realize you’re still wearing it.

The Gathering 2004 On the weekend of October 22nd-24th, the hope became a reality for an informal get-together of friends… resulting was the first annual Gathering. A formation of “techies” from all over the Northwest rigged, broke bread, laughed and formed friendships all for the fun of rescue - and to learn a little more about the new Vortex MP from Rock Exotica. The site? Beautiful Squaw Creek, located a stones throw from the Three Sisters Wilderness Boundary (near Sisters, Oregon). Read More View the Photo Gallery Learn More About the Vortex MP

RRG Catalog Need a printed catalog, but need it now? Click here to view our Newly Updated 2004 catalog on-line! It's quick and easy. Thanks again for stopping by. Complete PDF Catalog (2.8 MB) Current Price Sheet (445 k)

Training | Ropes That Rescue Ltd. | Rope Access Courses, Classes, Workshops ROPES THAT RESCUE (See Ropes That Rescue Course Schedules Here ): Both a comprehensive rope rigging school and a rope access consulting firm based in mountainous northern Arizona with programs around the US, Canada and Australia. The firm teaches roped techniques to emergency rescue teams in industry, mines, wilderness search & rescue, emergency medical and fire services. RTR is renowned for its teaching of practical rigging principles with understanding and simplicity. RTR holds workshops specifically for linemen on electric power transmission line tower access & rescue. RTR also teaches firefighters and rescuers on power line rescue with newly released awareness-level seminars. They also teach hard rock high scaling, scaffolding rescue, structural bridge inspection and difficult roped access to industry. These courses are in-depth, hands-on courses, emphasizing training the trainer . RTR seminars are designed to foster serious inquiry into the field of rope rescue and rigging with emphasis on testing and serious scrutiny of procedures in use around the country. Therefore, these seminars are those who have established protocols, and are seeking an active investigation and analysis of the multiple disciplines and techniques sure to be present. Students are encouraged to exchange ideas in a friendly and flexible setting. Many people involved with rescue work today know WHAT they believe, but not WHY they believe it. These courses are for those seeking a keen understanding behind a given methodology or procedure. Much of the classroom time is devoted to just such an inquiry, which we believe arms the student with answers to questions your team will certainly ask. In this context, the instructor will remain open to new ideas but will be conducting the class in a manner which will focus course direction. Specialized equipment, while interesting and sometimes timesaving, will be looked upon as peripheral, whereas basic skills knowledge will remain central to the course's objectives. RTR believes that it is these basic skills, which allow the rescuer to problem-solve and improvise in difficult situations which is key to the development of any rescue instructor. Basic skills are sometimes viewed negatively as too basic or rudimentary. It is perhaps the most advanced and thought provoking course of it's kind anywhere in the world-built upon basics. Workshops available through Ropes That Rescue include: • NFPA and OSHA Vertical Rescue Workshop • Rigging Analysis Workshop • Personal Skills Workshop • Team Skills Workshop • Advanced Skills Workshop • Minimalist Mountain Workshop • Tower Rescue Workshop • Structural Rescue Workshop • Industrial Rescue Workshop • Arizona Vortex Workshop

Services by Remote Access Technology Remote Access Technology specializes in Industrial Rope Access for Inspection, maintenance and NDE Services. Multi disciplined technicians use rope access methods to safely reach areas of concern and perform the work at hand. RAT has a broad depth of experience and procedures for offshore oil platforms, petrol-chemical refineries, hydroelectric plants, bridges, shipping, amusement parks, construction and more. RAT is continually adapting and applying rope access techniques to new settings, they have gained acceptance for Industrial Rope Access methods by introducing safe, successful programs, specific to the needs of industry, while generating significant cost savings.

A Four-Strand Matthew Walker with a barrel knot, belonging to Kevin Frye (LA County Fire Department and Assistant Instructor for Ropes That Rescue). Shot between surfing sessions at San Clemente, California..