Skye and I have spent the weekend with SARDA Wales at RAF Valley for our annual helicopter training. The weather yesterday was stunning and we spent the day getting the dogs used to the aircraft. First off winching harnesses were fitted and then the dogs were shown in and around a stationary Sea King with all of the engines and rotors switched off. Fun was had jumping in and out of the rear door and up and down the front steps! We then repeated the exercise with the engine on and then again with the rotors on. Next we progressed to winching the dog and handler whilst the aircraft was on the ground and repeated this with the aircraft in a hover. The dogs and handlers and SARDA bodies were all then given a flight out across the bay where Skye was happy to fall asleep as I enjoyed the views.
This morning we searched a couple of small areas with several bodies in unknown locations and Skye enjoyed herself, back in her element after yesterdays excitement! Many thanks to all involved in organising the weekend, especially Biffa and Kev who worked hard to make the weekend a brilliant success.
