Open Sky Field News November 2009
We hired six new guides from training in May: Tamar Nigogossian, Evan Meyer, Lisa Meerts-Brandsma, Derek Craig, David Martin, and Sara Arredondo, and one summer intern, Drew Thayer. Emily Isaacs ran the training with the help of senior field guide Tim Murphy. Some of the highlights of the training included an attempt to summit Blackhawk Peak, some amazing and hilarious acting during our guide/student scenarios, Ruben’s Motivational Interviewing training, and a powerful sweat lodge led by Tim. So far they have been doing excellent work in the field and we are happy to have seven great new people on our team!
In other field news, eight guides on the Open shift recently completed a two and a half day vision fast in the mountains north of Bayfield. This was a powerful experience and speaks to the commitment Open Sky guides have to the work we do here both in and out of the field. The next guide vision fast will take place in the late winter or early spring and will provide an opportunity for Sky shift guides to participate.
As well, Open Sky has seen a few guides depart this Fall: Andy D’Acquisto (June 2006) and Buddy Gurnari (January 2008). We hope to see them both back next year! Andy has worked for us since our first summer 2006 and is a stalwart for the field department! He can be found up at the local ski area working at Performance Ski Shop at Durango Mountain Resort.
