Quick Setup Z-Drag System

Z-Drags can come in handy, especially while creeking here in the mid-Willamette Valley where most of our runs are centered around boulder gardens. I've made it a habit of bringing my pin kit on pretty much every run, as it always seems that you need it when you don't have one with you. As many of my friends will tell you , I love gear, and this only encouraged me to put together a quick-setup pin kit. Here is what I came up with:

1- Spectra Throw Rope
1- Anchor Sling (webbing)
1- Standard Pulley
1- Braking Pulley (Petzl Mini Traxion)
1- Ultralight Ascender (Petzl Tibloc)
4- Carbineers (preferably locking)
2- Prusik Loops (for backup)
1- Yates Rescue Clip (with paddle blade attachment)

A quick disclaimer: Both the Petzl Mini Traxion and Tibloc use "teeth" to stop the rope from sliding in one direction. That said, if used incorrectly they can damage your rope. My understanding is that the teeth really only grab the sheath of the rope. I realize that opinions vary on this subject. Furthermore, these devices are meant for climbing, so I can't imagine that they would compromise the rope if used properly; however, you should always inspect it before and after each use. I always carry two ropes, so this really isn't much of an issue for me.

It should be noted that a side benefit of the Mini Traxion and Tibloc is that they can be used as ascenders to climb a rope; this could also come in quite handy during a rescue situation.

OK, on to the setup...

This is just like setting up a standard Z-Drag anchor to a tree or rock with a sling. Instead of using a standard pulley at the anchor, use the Mini Traxion which will eliminate the need for a prusik, since it has a built-in brake. As a side note, this device can also be used as a standard pulley, by disengaging the brake. Another nice feature about the Mini Traxion is that the side plate swivels out of the way, allowing you to attach it mid-rope.

The anchor point. Sling, carbineer, and braking pulley.

Teeth engaged (braking pulley)

Teeth disengaged (standard pulley)

Mini Traxion swivels open for attachment mid-rope

After your anchor is set (with the brake pulley), hook the next bend in the line back to the rope with the Tibloc, carabineer, and standard pulley combo. Basically, you're just replacing the traveling prusik with the Tibloc.

Setting up the traveling pulley

Tibloc locked in with a carbineer
(locking bineer preferred, non-locking shown)

The traveling pulley setup

The traveling pulley setup (zoomed out)

That's basically it: you have your 3:1 mechanical advantage and you're ready to pull your buddies' boat out of the jam he got it in!

The quick setup Z-Drag in action (sort of)...

This makes for an amazingly fast setup which is super easy to readjust. I have had to use it twice now and it works perfectly!

A New Addition

So, it appears that the Pfeifer household has taken on a new addition. Grace (so named by Emily) is a cute little black lab that we assume to be around 6 months old.

Basically, she had been left in the woods a couple of weeks ago to fend for herself (I assume by the previous owners). The area she was found in is most notably used by a group of mountain bikers known as the Disciples of Dirt, who have built an extensive trail network to use as a winter riding area. This saves the more popular trails around Eugene from damage which can be caused from riding the trails when it gets muddy. Apparently she was using some of the trails as her playground and she was spotted by a group of friends that Emily was riding with by a trail called "Stumps Can't Win". Based on her condition, she had obviously been living off the land for some time, as she was basically skin & bones and quite timid. They were finally able to corral her, and our buddy Brad transported her to the back of Emily's car.

This is where I come into the story. On my way back from Sweet Creek (see previous post) Emily calls me to let me know what had happened and asks if it would be okay to use our home for a couple days as sort of a "halfway house" until we can find a good home for her (hopefully with someone we know). Being a dog (and Lab) owner, I was certainly a little excited (and a little nervous) about having another one to provide some companionship to Orvis (our big goofy chocolate lab) for a couple of days.

As I was loading my boating gear back into the garage, Emily pulled up with the little black lab laying in the back seat. Emily opened up the back door of the car and proceeded to try and coax the dog from its prone position and into the house. Unfortunately the dog seemed to be pretty scared and had no desire to make any forward progress. After both of us trying for couple of minutes through many words of encouragement we gave up and Emily was forced to lift and carry her into the house. From here she timidly explored her new surrounds until dinner time where her lab genes kicked into high gear and she demolished her food, almost putting Orvis to shame, which is quite a feat. I could already tell that Emily was starting to get attached.

Over the next couple of days she gradually became less afraid and her puppy tendencies started to kick in. Of course puppies can be both a blessing and a curse. Usually the blessings revolve around being cute, so let's talk about the latter (f0r now). The first thing that became apparent was that she was very interested in our cat, Lucy. Lucy, although little, does not back down from much and this dog would be no exception. The first major encounter happened while Emily was holding Lucy while surfing the web. Now more curious than ever, the little dog decided to put its front paws on Emily's leg to get a better look and take a sniff. Lucy, who I'm sure was feeling a little trapped (from being held) deciding she didn't like this too much, went bonkers and started slashing at the new the curious beast. The encounter didn't last long and puppy ran to her bed which was located in the open closet of our room. A quick analysis of the damage revealed a missing claw on Lucy and the same claw stuck in the snout of the other, however this would not be their last encounter... The next, which I was not around for apparently happened as the cat was on the table and the dog once again decided to get a better look. Lucy went to her standby arched back, hissing, and swiping. This time the dog did not run away and proceeded to growl and bare teeth. Emily would have none of this and let the dog know and sent her to bed. A quick list of other puppy features that also exist are: chewing (on things that should not be chewed), jumping up on people, and a complete lack of command knowledge, but hey, she is potty trained which almost makes up for it.

Even with all the standard puppy issues, she is still a great little dog that just needs some lovin', time, and a little discipline. It has also become apparent that there is no way Emily plans to give this dog up without a fight. She has already been to the doc to get her vaccinations and a quick look over. She is also sporting her shiny new tab which clearly states her name, "Grace". In fact, Emily said if anybody has to go, it would probably be me. =)

Grace on her bed