Reviewed the data from day 1 search provided some areas of interest. We met at the Bethel SAR Headquarters with a home cooked meal and a briefing. Headed out to the search site which take close to an hour on the ice road. We have been so fortunate to have Perry (a recently retired Alaska State Trooper) transport our equipment. I’m learning a great deal about the local culture and find this an amazing area to live. Upon arrival of the search site and meat up with more villagers, each day begins with a briefing followed by a prayer. I have had many of the local searchers jump into the trailer (my ice office) to view the images as we are being pulled along the top of the ice.
Today we had a man bring out a four wheeler to plow off the snow and this provided a much smoother surface, allowing for much clearer images. We were able to work a much bigger area. The bad part was the ice near the open water where I needed to be is becoming unsafe because of the rain and warming temperature. With each hurdle we have had here these guys keep coming up with ways around them and make it happen for me. Their determination to find these members of their community are truly amazing.
The wind blew and it rained most of the day and well into the night. The ice road on the way back to Bethel is now covered with water. Tomorrow search brings yet more hurdles from the weather. The forecast for day three is for more rain.
For more info you can check out http://kusko.net/bsar/
My ice office being pulled by a new track machine.
I believe these guys will cut a slot all the way to the Behring Sea if I asked them too.
Showing some of the local SAR team what I see on the sonar