Jun 15, 2006 02:30
I leave for Montana in three days. I'll be there for three months. I got a call from my boss today who said I need to check in as soon as I get there so that they can issue me my PPE (personal protective equipment including: gloves, hardhat, goggles, nomex clothing), my tools (chainsaw, files, gas cans) equipment (wildland pack, turnout gear, webbing) a personal tent and sleeping bag. He told me to have as much stuff ready to go as I can, because as soon as I get there, my crew is pulling out for a week of Guard School in the Gallatin Nat'l Forest, then onto active duty.
Because I will be in the woods so much (They issue me my own tent, for God's sake!) I will not be taking certain "luxury" items. This would entail me leaving my computer behind, so I will be inaccessible by e-mail, livejournal, myspace, facebook, or AOL. I will have my cell phone, but it will only be on an average of 5 days a month. This means that unless you are feeling extremely lucky, I will be the one making all the calls. Please don't take it personally if you don't hear from me until September. Obviously, keeping my family abreast of my activities and well-being is my first communication priority.
Other than that, I wish everone a safe and wonderful summer vacation! Only you can prevent forest fires, blah blah blah!
-Mitch-