Enchanted Rock Expedition #2
Saturday, August 10, 2002

Persons interested in participating in a series of planned High Angle Rescue training classes in Williamson County traveled to Enchanted Rock on Saturday, August 10. The purpose of this trip was to evaluate sites for training classes to be held in the fall.

Classes planned to be conducted here include belaying of one person loads, rappelling, ascending, rope rescue, rescue belaying, pickoff rescue, low-angle rescue, high-angle lowering, high-angle hauling, and slope evacuation.

Participants assembled at the Leander, Texas Central Fire Station at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. departure via POV. Travel to Enchanted Rock State Park took approximately 3 hours, including a breakfast stop at the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls. Three hours were spent in the park, climbing Enchanted Rock. We did not get to Turkey Peak this time but hiked to the top of the cliffs on Enchanted Rock's western slope. Many excellent climbing opportunities exist in that area. We departed the park at 1:30, returning to the Leander Fire Station at 4:30 p.m., after stopping in Burnet for a late lunch.

1. Pack a light lunch (non-perishable items, as high heat in parked cars can be expected) to be eaten at the park. GORP is recommended as a snack. Bring at least one quart of drinking water, preferably more, to prevent dehydration on the trail. A light backpack is suggested.

2. Wear light clothing  and a hat or cap.

3. Wear appropriate footwear: sneakers or light running shoes with flexible, high-traction soles.

4, Bring your climbing gear: rappelling may be planned for coming trips. Part of the climb to the top of Turkey Peak, however, is a class 5 climb. Only experienced personnel with climbing harnesses will go to the top. Bring gloves and a rock-climbing helmet.

More Questions? Call Jerry Cates (512)331-1111