SARBC

Victoria, BC
Canada

The 11th Annual Lifeline
Lifeline '97

The annual Lifeline, or highline, took place June 27-July 1st, near Mt Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island.
The snow was almost gone, the weather cloudy with lots of fog, and occasional sunshine.

We had about 3800 feet of 12.5mm rope under 800 lbs tension, for the perfect ride. This year, it took 3 days to set up, because of old growth trees to get around, and a lake to cross. We could have used a helicopter, but then what would be the point? The experience is the setup. Overcoming the problems and making it work. Going down and across the line was almost anti-climatic.

People come from all over to explore different ways to rig, overcome problems, and make it happen. Much is learned by the participants (crew) each time - including how to work together. There were usually 4 crews working at it. One at the top, another on the shute, one at the lake and one at the bottom anchor.

The pics show some aspects of this year's Lifeline. Click on an image for a bigger view. (Please ignore the thin horizontal line in each pic.)

	This is the view from the top anchor, with Henry Lake below, and still some snow left. The bottom anchor and base camp are shown on the clicked image, as well as the rope disappearing into the distance.
	This is the view from the base camp, still snow left at the top anchor and the avalanche shute to the right. Notice, if you can, the rider on the line.
	This is another view from the top anchor. Mt. Arrowsmith in the background. Some of the top anchor crew shown. Always windy and cool here.
	This is another view from the top anchor. The sunsets were beautiful.
	This is a view of the top anchor and avalanche shute from Henry Lake.
	This is a view on the side of the avalanche shute. This person is about 60 feet up a tree, rigging a tag line to redirect the Lifeline when it is raised under tension to bring it over the top of the 150 foot trees.
	At last! With a bottom anchor you can't even see, there has to be some trust here! This is the test subject. Someone has to be first, eh?
	Jump off point. About 1000 feet above the lake.
	Down and stopped by brake when necessary. Hand over hand for the last few feet to groundfall.
	The load cell, dyno. Tension was usually between 775 and 800 lbs. Strap safety and main line are in the system too.

The 1998 Highline will be held July 1st to July 5th.