Resolutions
Contributed by Debra McGhan
1. Arctic Man 2015 1 – Riders heading for the starting of the race
For many, the turning of the calendar includes sharing tips, tricks or messages about resolutions. Vowing to start, change or do something to improve your life; to help you on your path to grow and become a better, healthier, happier you. Maybe you want to eat better, sleep more, work out, make money, ride your snowmachine… whatever the goal, it’s all about choices and building new habits that will maintain the energy required to achieve these goals.
In years past, safety protocols and building awareness skills have been a big focus in my world. Having lived through numerous life challenging experiences which required tools, knowledge, supplies and determination to overcome, I understand how critical those things are in times of crisis.
I survived a twenty-below-zero ride on a snowmachine because I was dressed warmly and when we broke down miles from home, the person I was with knew how to start the machine with his belt instead of the starter cord.
I survived a white water lake crossing in an open canoe during a raging storm because we all wore life jackets, stayed centered in the boat and paddled into the waves to keep from capsizing.
2. Arctic Man 2015 2 – Training camp at Arctic Man
I survived falling through the ice because I was taught to carry something sharp in my pocket when traveling over ice so I’d have a way to pull myself out if I fell in. I had a stubby screwdriver that day.
In my career, I have also heard many stories of others' close calls. One year while camping at Arctic Man in the Alaska Range just north of Paxon at Summit Lake, a man walked into the avalanche forecast safety center where I was working with two of his friends and told me he had a story to share.
The three friends had been high-marking (riding as far up a steep face as possible) around the area when they set off an avalanche.
“I wasn’t paying attention until I realized this thing was about to swallow me and I was down in a little gully,” said Robert Woods. “I managed to throttle out but it scared me and made me realize, you really do have to take riding around here serious. I heard about a guy killed here last year and now I really understand just how easy something like that can happen.”
3. Kevin Salys – with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center teaching proper probing techniques
“Yes,” I told him. “Last spring we lost two riders in this area. One, a young mother who left behind two small children, and then, the very next day, the man you are talking about. He, like you, was just out riding with his buddies.”
He thanked me for being there to raise awareness and share safety tips and tricks. All three wanted to sign up for a training session. I thanked them for sharing their story. Those shared stories help us learn, grow and avoid tragic endings.
My resolution this year is to continue supporting avalanche and snowmachine safety. Continue writing stories that enlighten, encourage and motivate people to learn and think about their actions and the potential consequences of those actions before they set out to explore Alaska. And always continue striving to be the best human I can be.
This year I want to be present and thoughtful in all my actions. I want to share the skills and knowledge I have acquired along my journey with others who want to learn how they can come back to ride another day.
One of the organizations I’m supporting is Alaska Safe Riders. The board, made up of Iron Dog Champions, community business leaders and retired teachers, offers free school and community outreach training thanks to grants, donors and members.
If one of your resolutions is to get out and explore Alaska more, I hope you join Alaska Safe Riders, or one of the other non-profit organizations offering outdoor safety education classes around Alaska. You can learn more at alaskasaferiders.com or Alaskasnow.org.
4. Sarah Carter – with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center teaching children safe protocols for playing in the mountains