August 6th-7th, 2011: Escape, Evade, and Obstacles
Bubba.
BOO-YAH!!! CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOBUCKET PICTURES FROM AUGUST 2011
The August training at Island Lake included the SMVM, The Capitol City Militia, The Lenawee County MMCW, some elements from the western side of the state, and the newly established Junior Militia Corps of Michigan. Yeah, it was like a soiree of militia goodness.
The main components of militia training consisted of two escape and evasion courses, one during the day and one during the night, and a confidence course in between. We also covered some improvised shelter construction, and of course, as always, supremely yummy field support.
Several two man teams headed out at intervals to attempt the escape and evasion course. It was hot and humid, and the bugs were fierce. No team went undetected, but some were caught less than others. The vegetation was horribly thick, and the temperature and humidity added to the misery. Kudos to every team that did this. Hydration became an issue, and the guys came back really thirsty. One militiaman tried some Gatorade G2 Recover, which, while not very tasty, seemed to help him recover rather quickly and effectively. As the teams came back in intervals, they found that lunch was waiting. Thanks to Thumper and DDay for hooking the crews up. (And thanks, DDay, for the diet pop and sugar free Tang. That was thoughtful of you.)
After lunch and recovery, we headed out to the confidence course that Bubba had established. It ended up being about a half mile course of ups and downs and whatnot. There were three rope obstacles: a bridge, a descent, and a climb. Big props to Bubba, Fritz, Reaper, and Arven for handling the rope bridge. Props to Lucky and Bitter Boy for making an attempt. The rope bridge was not easy. Set one up at home if you can, and try it yourself. Big shout out to Reaper, who was also the designated medic, for zipping through the course at blazing speed, even though he experienced some severely debilitating knee pain afterwards. And we have to mention the three kids that ran the course with Blackfoot. Thanks, Blackfoot! The times were kept, and everyone did a good job, considering the humidity and the bugs.
Then it was dinner time, complete with marshmallows and s'mores for the kids. Again, DDay and Thumper proved that support people can turn a miserable, hot, bug-infested training weekend into a fun barbeque event.
And then, because we hadn't had enough fun yet, there was a night escape course with one team. Five guards (counting a JMC member) headed out to watch for a Sentinel team that was attempting to cross. Reaper, almost unable to walk, made the final catch. It was a good time, just out in the dark (with my son, Big Damage), watching and listening. I didn't see or hear the team, even though they passed close by. We also experienced some nifty heat lightning, and some distance booming sounds that sounded like artillery. Maybe fireworks?
We posted guards for overnight, and then tried to sleep. At around 0330, I got up to inspect the guard. Grasshopper was diligently keeping an eye on things. Everything was secure. Sunday morning came and Thumper was making blueberry pancakes and sausage and gravy and (hey, instead of going to Bob Evans, you can come training with us!!!) it was good. I got conscripted into being a server, so I got to ignore everyone's requests and just dump food on their plates.
We broke camp, and MadKat and I took the kids shooting. This was a hell of a weekend, despite the bugs and heat.
CLICK HERE FOR KICK-OFF FOR THE JUNIOR MILITIA CORPS