Today was Selection Day for Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue.  That means it was our "final exam" to become trainees; we were told to expect a training hike which would be timed followed by...well, no idea.  It was awesome.  The weather held up, which for Portland this time of year means that it was still a bit chilly and overcast but not actually raining on us.  We started out with a 6.5 mile training hike, which I finished third fastest of the whole group.  But then we got on to the interesting stuff.  I can’t talk about it too much because the details are supposed to be secret, but it was what you might imagine - a set of leadership, fitness and outdoors related activities related to, well, search and rescue.  I had a great time, got to exercise my lungs both the physical and communication way, and generally just had an awesome time.  Below is a picture of the two paving stones I was forced to add to my pack because it wasn’t heavy enough.  :)