[Friday-Saturday] NOGOA-E -Class 002

NOGOA-E Heavy: Class 002

Alpha and Bravo at the Blue Lagoon

Location: Pisgah National Forest Ranger Station
Duration: 24 hr
Time: 9:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Temperature: High: 74 Low: 46
Distance: 18+
Get wet? Yes, Spring, and Sliding rock
Cadre: Bert, Chris, Doug, Joel
Date: 04/11/14- 04/12/14


24 hours of anything is enough time for "Reflection." Mostly, in times of discomfort and pain you have only yourself to rely on. I was fortunate enough to have Bravo Team to assist with fighting my demons. Where as most heavies the Cadre will smoke you, here mother nature did her work. Starting, in an unknown, remote place, in the middle of the night, will make anyone think, "What am I doing?"

Waxing Gibbus

Prior to the event our task was to learn climbing knots. We were tested and Bravo team failed, which gave alpha team a 30 minute head start. 20 minutes later an artillery shell shocked the park. Our mission was to avoid, escape and evade enemy dectection. It was going to be a long night of travel, with only the moon to guide us.

600' of repelling rope

We reached the top of the mountain just as the sun breached the horizon. Words could not describe how magnificent and beautiful the view was. We continue to traverse the wilderness to finally catch up to Bravo team. We stopped at the "Blue Lagoon" for some lunch and lessons.

Shortly, after lunch, we became complacent, lost focus and got distracted. The enemy attacks when they know you are vulnerable.

Bert on point

No weapons? Use smoke!

  You talk about, and you think you know how you would react, but the reality is, you don't until you are in this situation. Look out for one another, be a team, because if you don't "No one gets out Alive."