Travels of a Hotshot from NC.

[krzyabncanuck]

Figured you guys and gals might like to hear what it is like to play in fire as a Hotshot now a days.

Been out here in AZ for about 2 months now and have been on 8 fires that I can remember. Most of the fires I have been on have been started down in Mexico. Go figure. 4 so far this year for my team to go on.

It is hard but fun work. The places you go are the best as far as scenery goes. We do not spend much time in towns unless we are staging out of there for a few days waiting on a new fire and are not coming back home. I have a bunch of pictures on my phone that I will one day transfer to my computer but needless to say they are great photos.

So far I have fought fires in AZ, Mex, Texas, NM. Waiting till monsoon season hits down here before we can go up north and fight fires. About 3 weeks from now we figure. Then we will be heading north for about a month at a time if needed. If anything like last fire season it will be a tough one.

Anyway , post up if you are interested in following this thread and I will gladly continue it for the season.

 

[weejub]

Awesome!! What is the worst one you have had to deal with so far? and the most beautiful place you have seen?

 

[lt1fire]

been following your adventures on Facebook. Seems you are in your element.

 

[tgadd]

Definitely interested in hearing what it's like out there. And pictures when you get a chance

 

[fourtrax]

Sounds great, looking forward to pictures. Stay safe.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Definitely continue the thread!! Post pictures if you can

 

[custyota]

love the pics on Fb!

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Guess I should also say if I am not on fire and have a day off I am wheeling the snot out of my 80. And I mean wheeling. Good stuff out here . It is some tough terrain because it is so loose. Brand new Cooper STT PRO have been tore up in about 150 miles of wheeling. This lava rock is no joke.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Awesome!! What is the worst one you have had to deal with so far? and the most beautiful place you have seen?

NO really tough fire yet this year. They have only really been around 10 -15 thousand acres so far. But terrain has been hell. 1000 foot climb in as many feet flat. One foot forward is also 1 foot up. Was a time I was on my hands and feet trying to climb to a lookout post.

It is really all beautiful to me in a strange way. You can see all the terrain features and at the same time know they will put a hurting on you.

I know most of you thought I was in pretty decent shape before I left. Think again. I am now in much better shape now cardiowise and pt wise. Lost about 30 lbs on this terrain.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

been following your adventures on Facebook. Seems you are in your element.

Is it bad of me to say I love this job and wished I had done it long ago. I am so in my element right now out here. Tough but good.

 

[OGBeno]

Awesome work Darin. Stay safe.

 

[ST8ROCKS]

Wheeling pictures!

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Here are a few.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Few more.

 

[lt1fire]

mmmmmmmhhhh snake. What kind was it rattler??? King???

 

[krzyabncanuck]

It was a rattle snake but do not remember the type.

 

[lt1fire]

keep the head??

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Nope. One of the other guys got it.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Today

 

[krzyabncanuck]

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