Lovin’ The Journey

By Mark Holloway

Our beautiful County of Rabun captivates most all of us. We are so blessed to call these hills ‘n hollers home. And our county commissioners get it.

They appreciate just how many folks enjoy visiting here too. Unfortunately some tourists get themselves hurt, lost (or worse) while exploring the many adventure options here. Thankfully, our county leaders aggressively fund our Search and Rescue team. Those of us who voluntarily serve are deeply thankful our efforts are supported so

We have state of the art technology, medical and swift water rescue equipment, high angle ropes rescue gear and many trail vehicles and watercraft.

Oddly, the folks who benefit the most from our advanced training and tackle don’t even live here nor contribute taxes to finance our efforts.

Recently our Search and Rescue team’s high angle ropes rescue crew was treated to an incredible week-long training event. The Georgia Power Company invited us into Tallulah Gorge to train at their hydroelectric generating plant. The practice scenario was dropping down to rescue two trapped employees in a cable car. Georgia Power staff would issue each of us our own special key which would shut off and lockdown the hydro plant, effectively turning off and removing the plant from the statewide power grid. That was a heavy responsibility for us to absorb.

The individual keys meant no one would get electrocuted, guaranteeing technicians wouldn’t turn power back on until all rescuers and staff were safely out of reach from dangerous amps and voltage. Georgia Power’s Gary Hibberts was our host at two different challenging Gorge locations. Our kind county officials also brought in our Colorado-based instructors from Elevated Safety. These hired guns teach us the latest and tested techniques we often put into practice in life and death situations.

Our SAR Director Brian Panell and Rescue Chief Will McCracken treat us like family, keep us trained, equipped and encouraged.

The day with Georgia Power was just one of five that week. Our ropes rescue team rappelled into the gorge, explored rescue routes and performed many other dangerous and life-saving maneuvers.

Just days later, our swift water rescuers would pluck six desperate kayakers from the Chattooga River’s whitewater…in total darkness. In addition to our ropes and whitewater certifications, many of us are also Emergency Medical Responders.

Our community is loaded with many volunteers serving in lots of capacities. Our Rabun County Search and Rescue men and women are thankful to be a part of our volunteer community and in that number and we’re here if you need us.

Mark and Carol Holloway are outdoor adventurers and love the thrills of rock climbing and hikes to waterfalls and exploring all of God’s creation. They own PropertyStewards.com and are passionate about delivering excellent care to the homes and property of their clients. For More Information call 706-949-5937