The Mountaineers
www.mountaineers.org
Go Guide
A special activities section to The Mountaineer – Also viewable via .pdf on our website
The Mountaineers
Trailhead program
is designed to be a
user-friendly introduction to the
club or a new activity. These are events
without major commitments, conducted in
a casual atmosphere, and best of all, easy
on your schedule as well as your wallet.
Trailhead events are offered each month for
a variety of activities; just look for the in
front of the event listing in the Go Guide. Typi-
cal events include hikes, backpacks, entry-level
scrambles and climbing activities, snowshoeing,
skiing and more. In-town clinics are also offered
regularly throughout the season. So if you’re look-
ing to become involved with the club, taste-test a
new activity, or just refresh old skills, there’s likely
a Trailhead event for you!
Something new!
Bivy Basics: Avoiding the Wet Match Ca-
tastrophe. Take your Ten Essentials to where
the rubber meets the road. See Seattle Hiking.
Trip series:
Hikes – So you thought that hiking is only for
spring through fall? Well, guess what? There are
lots of snow-free hiking options year-round with
The Mountaineers. The Trailhead program will
make sure you’re prepared for comfort and safety
in the chilly season. Best of all, NO BUGS!
Snowshoe and XC Ski Tours – Easy trips are
offered throughout the season. Detailed gear and
Goings on across the club
Branchwide
Board of trustees to meet
The Mountaineers Board of Trustees will meet Thu., March
4 at 7 p.m. Meetings are at club headquarters and open to all.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month.
Find the Go Guide online!
Did you know you can find the Go Guide online and often a
couple days before you find it in your mailbox?
Just visit www.mountaineers.org and find the “Monthly
Magazine” link in the top menu bar. There, you will find a year’s
worth of archived .pdf files containing both The Mountaineer
and the Go Guide.
Snoqualmie Campus parking notice
Mountaineers Snoqualmie Campus patrons should note a
change in parking procedures along SR-906 near Exit 53. The
old Washington State Department of Transportation lot located
across from the campus at Snoqualmie Pass has been privately
owned and gated since last fall. Persons parking their vehicles
in the lot without permission of the owners and a visible parking
permit risk impoundment of their vehicles. Mountaineers should
Board Briefs
An unofficial summary of the Feb. 4 board meeting.
Absent: Rob Simonson, Everett trustee.
The Consent Agenda was approved:
• Kirk Alm was appointed the board liaison of the Rec-
reational Resources Division
• Abbey Norris was appointed to the Fundraising Com-
mittee
• Eric Linxweiler was appointed to the Books Gover-
nance Board
The board approved using the $20,000 Swanson Fund
to partially cover the legal costs of the 501c3 application
process.
VP Publishing Don Heck deferred to Books Publisher
Helen Cherullo who reported that Books is ahead of goal
and is 20 percent over the year-to-date plan
The 2010-2012 board of trustees officer elections were
conducted by Eric Linxweiler.
There were no floor nominations and the nominees
were introduced:
• President – Tab Wilkins
• President-Elect – Mona West
• Secretary – Lorna Corrigan
• Treasurer – Gavin Woody
• Vice President Recreational Properties – Dave Claar
• Vice President of Publishing – Don Heck
All candidates were unanimously elected to their posts
by the board.
safety information will be distributed before each
event to make sure you are prepared for fun in the
snow. We even have loaner snowshoes and poles!
Please note that easy snow trips may translate to
a somewhat more difficult venture than an easy
summer hike, so be prepared for at least a little bit
of a workout.
Outdoor Learning Series:
Snowshoeing for Beginners – The rain has
started—so, you’re feeling housebound until spring
brings more sunshine? Nonsense! Get out for a fun
day in the snow and explore the winter wonderland
in a safe setting with experienced leaders. We’ll
provide loaner snowshoes and poles; you bring
eager smiles. We’ll go out on an easy and safe
snowshoe tour while introducing you to winter travel
and safety, as well as a cure to cabin fever in the
Pacific Northwest!
Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners – So, you’re
intrigued by the idea of gliding gently through the
woods, gawking at snowshoers as you silently drift
past? But you feel the need for a good coaching
session? This is the clinic for you! We’ll spend
half-a-day in a casual atmosphere working on the
basics of classic XC skiing on groomed trails. Ski
rentals are available at REI, and a clothing/gear list
will be provided.
Snow Camping for Beginners – You’re already
backpacking and want to break into the fourth
season? Come “chill” with us at a mountain locale
for the weekend and learn how to build a leave-no-
trace campfire in the snow, make winter furniture,
New explorations NOW
not use this lot for event parking without permission from the
owners. The campus remains open for reservations. Questions
in regard to accommodations at the campus, including parking,
should be directed to Mary Lynch, The Snoqualmie Campus
operations manager, snoqualmiecampus@yahoo.com.
Conservation
Conservation calendar
March 17, Wed. - Conservation Executive Committee
meeting, 7-9 p.m. at club headquarters. All Mountaineers are
welcome.
Wanted: members for issue alert e-list
Are you willing to make a phone call, send an e-mail or write a
letter to voice your opinion on conservation and environmental
issues? Then sign up for our action alert e-mail list. We will send
you our “Conservation Currents” twice a month or when there is a
need for action. E-mail conservation@mountaineers.org to join.
International Outings
Chair: Patti Polinsky, MeanySports@mac.com, 206-525-7464. The amount
payable to The Mountaineers is based upon known and anticipated air and
land costs and is subject to change, either UP or DOWN, in the event of
unexpected adjustments therein. Any exceptions to the travel or lodging
arrangements must be approved by the leaders.
The leader(s) or The Mountaineers reserve the right to cancel a trip or to
make changes in the itinerary; additional costs, if any, shall be paid by the
trip participants. The right is also reserved to exclude any person as a trip
member should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or
general deportment impede the operation of the trip or the rights or welfare
and enjoyment of other trip members; a refund of unused trip services will
be the limit of liability of The Mountaineers.
Cancellation: A full refund, less a $100 administration fee and less any non-
recoverable expenses, will be made. Cancellation notice must be in writing
and sent to trip leader via e-mail or postal service. See the individual trip
listing for cancellation deadlines.
Hike Iceland: land of fire and ice
Three weeks: June 23-July 14, 2010
Iceland offers many incredible opportunities for hiking.
During our three-week tour, we will encounter lava fields,
deep-sided sea fjords, incredibly rich farmland, volcanoes, hot
springs, geothermal areas and the world’s third largest icecap,
next to those of Antarctica and Greenland.
Our visit begins with a night in a three-star hotel in the capital,
Reykjavik, where we are transported after landing at the Keflavik
airport. The next day, we fly (included in trip cost) northeast
to Egilsstadir to begin a five-day hiking adventure across the
colorful Rhyolite Mountains, then descend to narrow valleys
and mountain-ringed fjords. After reaching a main road, we are
transported back to Egilsstadir for the night.
March, 2010
and have more fun than a group of poofy grown-
ups should be allowed. Snow camping will be
covered in depth, as will emergency snow shel-
ters. Folks already oriented to backpacking are
perfect for this outing. A gear list will be available
upon request. Camping gear can obviously be
shared or rented, and most three-season back-
packing gear will suffice. For more info, come to
one of our Snow Camping 101 clinics in town.
Clinic Series:
Snow Camping 101 – Love backpacking and
miss it in the winter? Enjoy snowshoeing and
skiing but want to learn some safety skills and
techniques to be safe and comfy overnight in
the winter? Come to this clinic and you’ll learn
all you need to know to bridge the gap to winter
overnights in the snow.
Intro To Avalanche Awareness – Everyone
who ventures into the backcountry when there
is snow above or around them should know the
basics of avalanche awareness. Come out for an
evening focused on the basics of understanding
why avalanches happen, and how to avoid them.
Be safe!
Trailhead Contacts:
For questions about signing up, call Member
Services, 206-521-6001.
For questions about the Trailhead program, e-
mail kenh@mountaineers.org.
For questions about specific events, call the
leader directly.
Get out there!
Sign up online:
www.mountaineers.org
NOTE—You may also sign up
over the phone:
206-521-6001 or 1-800-573-8484
Clubwide.............................................................. 1
Bellingham (www.bellinghammountaineers.org).............. 3
Everett (www.everettmountaineers.org).......................... 3
Foothills (www.foothillsmountaineers.org)....................... 4
Kitsap (www.kitsapmountaineers.org)............................ 5
Olympia (www.olympiamountaineers.org). ...................... 6
Seattle (www.seattlemountaineers.org).......................... 8
Tacoma (www.tacomamountaineers.org)......................13
Lodge Going (events at our facilities). ..................17
Going to the Source (who’s who). ....................19
Sending you on your way (trip registration). ....19
Go to the Marketplace..................................20
Go Volunteer...................................................20
Gone for the Weekend (weekend trip index). ......20
Questions? Give Member Services a call:
206-521-6000
The Go Guide
The Mountaineers, Seattle, WA
206-521-6013
The Go Guide is a monthly supplement to The Mountaineer,
7700 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA 98115. Deadlines: All
items must be submitted to the Go Guide by the 10th of the month
preceding month of publication (branch/activity news gatherers must
therefore obtain members’ listings a number of days prior to the 10th).
Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not
necessarily represent the views of The Mountaineers.
Go Guide March 2010 
 Heading south, we take a few short hikes as we pass many
small villages on the eastern fjords en route to the vast Vatna-
jokull Glacier, the largest in Europe. Here we hike in the area of
the Glacial Lagoon, known as one of Iceland’s greatest natural
wonders. We spend several days in the area of Vatnojokull Na-
tional Park, largest in Europe, primarily in Skaftafell, an ice-free
portion of the national park. We hope to ascend a panoramic
peak, weather permitting.
After four days in the Vatnajokull/Skaftafell areas, we
move on to the Laki area, visiting deep canyons and waterfalls
en route. Here we hike the mountains of the Laki crater for the
next several days, including the crossing of several rivers and
the Kambar Ridge while passing by the lakes of Kambavatn
and Lambavatn. The Laki fissure sits in lava fields, with arctic
vegetation and strange rock formations. This is the home to
Iceland’s highest mountains.
Following our four days in this area, we are transported to
Thorsmork, a natural paradise of geological wonders and unique
Icelandic vistas. To arrive at our hiking destination, we must use
a 4x4 track over numerous glacial rivers without bridges. Our
final hiking days are spent along the south coast and in the hills
above, where we visit a geothermal area with bubbling clay
hot pots and hot-spring pools. We can perhaps take a bath in a
hot river at Reykjadalur before continuing on to the Nesjavellir
geothermal plant.
Our final hiking day features the classic Golden Circle, in-
cluding a visit to Thingvellir National Park, where the first open-
air parliament met in the year 930, and where, geologically, the
North Atlantic and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. We’ll also see
Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Hot Spring, for which all geysers
are named. Our tour ends in Reykjavik for our final two nights.
On our full day in Reykjavik, before our flight home, we can tour
the city or take a local bus to many nearby attractions.
Cost: Trip price is $4,250 per person and includes all ac-
commodations (three nights in three-star hotels, three additional
nights in twin-rooms with private facilities, six nights in twin
rooms with shared facilities and eight nights in mountain huts),
all meals, except during our time in Reykjavik, one Icelandic
mountain guide accompanying our group during all travel pe-
riods, domestic flight from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir, all ground
transportation (except for our free day in Reykjavik), all gear
transfers by a 4x4 Jeep (you carry only your daypack), entrance
to the Blue Lagoon, leader fare, administrative costs, guide tip
and outing fee. Not included are air-travel costs from Seattle to
Reykjavik (estimated at $900 per person), meals and entertain-
ment during the two days in Reykjavik, beverages and snacks
($150), required travel/medical insurance ($60), and entrance
to the Blue Lagoon ($25). Price is based on an exchange rate of
120 ISK to $1 U.S.
Requirements: Trip is sponsored by the Seattle Branch
Hiking Committee, is moderate-strenuous in character, and is
limited to 16 participants. Participants must be physically able
to handle the trip requirements. Sleeping bags (sleep sacks are
often used in all types of Iceland accommodations due to di-
minished washing needs at hotels, guesthouses, mountain huts
and farm accommodations), wading shoes and a valid passport
are required. Walking sticks are strongly advised. A deposit of
$2,750 is required following leader approval. The remainder is
due by April 1.
For more information and reservations: Contact leaders
Shari Hogshead and Paul Gauthier, skimntr@aol.com, 425-
957-4548, 425-260-9316 (cell). We hope you can join us on this
unique and exciting adventure in Iceland this summer.
Færoe Islands
July 16-26, 2010
This trip offers the experience of hotel-based hiking and
wildlife viewing in the Færoe Islands. We will spend 10 days
hiking through some beautiful scenery as well as viewing some
fabulous birding cliffs from land and sea. The leaders, Bev Dahlin
and Steve Johnson, have been leading European mountain trips
since 1990.
After an overnight flight to Keflavik, Iceland, we will transfer
to our hotel in Reykjavik for a night before continuing on to the
Færoe Islands. We will be able to explore the beautiful capital
city of Iceland. From the Færoese island of Vagar, we’ll start
our week in these remote islands exploring the rich bird life on
Mykines on foot and by boat. This island is well known for its
puffins and other seabirds.
Next will be a visit to the village of Vestmanna and a boat
tour to the Vestmanna birdcliffs—sailing close along the coast
and into grottoes. Hiking over the mountains to the village of
Tjørnuvík, traces from the Vikings will be seen. We will bus
to the northern islands through an undersea tunnel connecting
Eysturoy with the Northern Islands. From the village of Hvan-
nasund we take a boat to the highest promontory in the Færoes.
From Tórshavn, the capital, we will boat to the island of Suduroy,
where we should encounter some storm petrels.
The trip will end with us flying back to Iceland for a final
night in Reykjavik. It may be possible to stop at the Blue La-
goon the next day for a dip in the thermal pool on the way to
the airport. Those wishing to continue discovering Europe after
the Færoe Islands will be able to make arrangements before
leaving Seattle.
Trip price: $3,250 per person (double occupancy). Includes:
airfare from Reykjavik, Iceland, to the Færoe Islands and return,
ground transportation (boats, buses and airport transfers), hotels,
breakfasts, most dinners and box lunches, leader fare/transporta­
tion expenses, local guides and administrative costs, outing fee
and maps. Not included: round-trip airfare between Seattle and
Reykjavik, Iceland ($900-$1,100), meals in Iceland and most
beverages and snacks ($75 - $150), recommended trip cancel-
lation insurance ($75-$150).
Requirements: Trip limit will be a minimum of 10 and
a maximum of 14 Mountaineers. Sponsored by the Seattle
Branch Naturalist Committee, this trip is open to all current
Mountaineers. Participants must be physically able to handle the
requirements of the trip. The overall trip is classified as moder-
ate. There will be several small-boat excursions. No cooking
gear, sleep­ing bags or tents will be necessary. A valid passport
will be required.
Reservations and deposit: With leaders’ approval, $3,250 is
necessary to reserve a space. Cancellation policy is a full refund
less a $100 International Outing administration fee plus any non-
recoverable expenses. Non-recoverable group expenses incurred
due to cancellations will be borne by all participants. To reserve
 March 2010 Go Guide
your space, you must contact the leaders, Bev Dahlin or Steve
Johnson, 206-522-0113, bevandsteve@hotmail.com.
Nepal: Dhaulagiri Trek
Sept. 30-Oct. 24, 2010
The Himalaya is “a revelation of all might, majesty, dominion
and power, henceforth, and forever, in color, form, and substance
indescribable.”
– Rudyard Kipling
Himalayan trekking program: Please join us for a free
program about Himalayan trekking. In the first part, Crystal
Mountain Treks owner Jwalant Gurung will show slides about
trekking in Asia’s Himalayan Mountains. In the second part,
Craig Miller will discuss this year’s Nepal Dhaulagiri trek listed
below (space is still available). The program will be Thu., Feb.
4 at 7 p.m. at Mountaineers headquarters.
About the trip: This outing combines spectacular mountain
scenery, history, culture and diversity.
Until 1808 Ecuador’s Chimborazo was believed to be the
highest mountain in the world. From 1808 to 1848, Dhaulagiri
was thought to be the highest mountain in the world. Between
1848 and 1852, it was Kanchenjunga. Since 1852, it has been
Mt. Everest. Dhaulagiri is now the seventh highest mountain in
the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 ft.).
“Dhaulagiri” means “white mountain” because of the con-
tinuous snow. Dhaulagiri is almost unequaled on earth in its rise
above local terrain—7,000 meters over the Kali Gandaki Gorge
in about 30 kilometers of horizontal distance. The Kali Gandaki
is especially dramatic since Dhaulagiri and Annapurna both stand
near the river, giving a unique example of two 8,000-meter peaks
facing each other over a deep valley.
In 1950, the French, led by Maurice Herzog, trekked up the
Kali Gandaki intent on climbing Dhaulagiri from the west, but
they found it too difficult and instead climbed Annapurna on the
east (the first 8,000-meter peak to be summited). Dhaulagiri was
finally summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition.
Our Dhaulagiri trek is one of the finest and most scenic in
Nepal. Some people say this is their favorite route in Nepal. It is
like the Annapurna Circuit but without the crowds. We will hike
through many climatic, biologic and cultural zones; see some
of the highest mountains in the world; trek from about 4,000 ft.
altitude to Dhaulagiri Base Camp and over French Pass at 17,585
feet; meet friendly Nepali people; and visit Buddhist monasteries.
This is a very strenuous hike because of the altitude, but porters
will haul your overnight gear, so you carry only a daypack.
This is a good time of year because there is usually excellent
weather for views and photography.
Itinerary: Fly from the U.S. to Singapore to Kathmandu.
Tour world heritage sites. Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara to
Darbang. The Dhaulagiri trek (14 days) is rated very strenuous,
with two layover days and a high altitude of 17,585 ft. An op-
tional climb to Dhampus/Thapa Peak (19,719 ft.) will be offered.
The leader will environmentally clean the trail from the high
pass down to Jomsom. Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Sightsee
in Pokhara and shop in markets. Optional extension to raft the
Kali Gandaki River (not sponsored by The Mountaineers). Fly
from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Fly from Kathmandu to Singapore
to USA.
For a daily itinerary, please go to www.mountaineers.org/ac-
tivities/nepal_itin.html.
Lodging: Hotels in Singapore, Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Camping tent on trek. Double occupancy, with optional single
supplement.
Food: Most meals are provided. They are a nutritious variety
of Nepali and Western cuisine. In Singapore and Kathmandu,
some meals are on your own to give you the freedom to explore
the delicious cuisines of Asia.
Limit: Minimum of two Mountaineers, maximum of 12
Mountaineers.
Leader: Craig Miller has led 11 different Himalayan treks in
the last 11 years for The Mountaineers (craigfmiller@comcast.
net or 206-285-2399).
Price: The price includes almost everything: roundtrip airfare
from Seattle, Singapore hotels, Nepal visa, airport transfers,
Kathmandu hotels, buses, trek permit, ACAP fee, guide, porter,
food, tent, peak climbing fee, Pokhara hotels, domestic flight,
Nepal departure tax, two Singapore departure taxes, rescue
insurance, The Mountaineers outing fee, and a portion of leader
cost. Price excludes your valid passport, medical immunizations,
some meals, personal items, and gratuities. Six or more people:
$5,500; 3-5 people, $6,300; two people, $6,500.
Registration: Please download and complete the application
form on the web, then e-mail it to the leader. After the leader’s
approval, please telephone The Mountaineers; give them your
credit card number and a $2,000 deposit. After your deposit is
received, the leader will send you a series of three letters with
information to help you prepare for this outing. Your balance
is due July 1.
Cancellation: If you cancel because of an emergency, you
may receive a refund less expenses incurred, and $100 admin-
istrative fee.
North American Outings
New England Fall Colors Hike
Oct. 3-10, 2010
Have you ever seen the spectacular colors of maples paint
the landscape of New England? If you have not, join us for a
moderate or strenuous hike under a canopy of fall colors in the
ancient Appalachian Mountains. The brilliantly jeweled, gold
and ruby ridges of the White Mountains will remain in your
memory forever.
The Mountaineers Recreational Properties Division offers
an eight-day adventure through the White Mountains of New
Hampshire beginning Oct. 3 and concluding Oct. 10. Because
we will be hiking between the full-service huts and lodges of the
Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), you will not have to carry
a sleeping bag or food, except for lunch. Hosted by an energetic,
post-college-age staff, you will be awakened in the morning by a
most gentle means—serenaded by the hut “coos.” What a lovely
beginning to each morning.
Nate Shedd, an AMC naturalist who hiked with us this year,
will hike with us again. His expertise will be the crowning jewel
to this hiking adventure.
If you choose to do the Presidential Traverse, most trails
will be dotted with large rocks and may include short stretches
of scrambling. Or you may choose moderate hiking on trails
comparable to Northwest trails.
We will begin the trip from Portland, Maine, taking an AMC
van through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We will
pass wooden covered bridges and whitewashed houses on our
drive to Highland Center at Crawford Notch. We will hike from
Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch on the Appalachian Trail.
While at Highland Center, a multitude of conditioning hikes
will be available, or you can choose to play tourist and ride
the train up Mt. Washington. Once on top of Mt. Washington,
where the country’s highest recorded winds have been recorded,
one can hike or ride the cog railroad down the other side of the
mountain.
On Friday, after a short hike from Greenleaf Hut, we will take
the van to Cardigan Lodge, a stately old whitewashed home in
the New Hampshire Lakes Region. We guarantee you will long
remember Tom Fisher, Cardigan Lodge crew chief, and those
engaging ambassadors of New England’s oldest and largest ver-
sion of The Mountaineers.
A trip preview will be online in February.
Cost: Approx. $810 for land accommodations, including all
meals except one lunch, private bus transfer, transfers by AMC
and lodging in AMC lodges and mountain huts.
Lodging: Lodges include linens and showers; huts offer
bunkhouse accommodations where a sleeping sheet is needed.
Requirements: Trip limits will be a minimum of 12 and a
maximum of 16—open to all Mountaineers. Participants must
be able to hike trails of at least moderate difficulty. Leader’s
approval necessary.
The leader, Patti Polinsky, has led numerous hiking, climb-
ing and European trips for The Mountaineers. She has led five
fall-colors adventures. She is also the director of the Meany
Lodge Sports Center.
Reservations: A deposit of $400 per person is required to
reserve a space on the trip; balance due in full by June 1. In the
event of cancellation, non-recoverable group expenses incurred
will be borne by the canceling participant. If cancellation is made
prior to June 1, full refund will be made, less $100 plus any non-
recoverable expenses. After June 1 there will be a cancellation
fee of $250 plus any non-recoverable expenses.
More details: Contact the leader, Patti Polinsky,
MeanySports@mac.com, 206-525-7464.
Players
Theater inspired by a magical place
Escape to the Kitsap Forest Theater! Join us for a grand
adventure as you stroll down the forested trail to our unique
and breathtaking theater. Create a treasured family tradition!
The Mountaineers Players are delighted to announce that the
Kitsap Forest Theater will be alive with “The Sound of Music”
as our 87th spring musical production. To round out our 2010
season, our summer-theater goers will enjoy the popular musi-
cal, “Godspell.”
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Sound of Music” will be pre-
sented May 30-31 and June 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20. When Maria
proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched
to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval
captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with
her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern
captain. The family’s narrow escape from the Nazis over the
mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one
of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the
theater. Famous songs include: “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-
Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “My Favorite Things.” Experience the
powerful retelling of this story of love and hope in the midst of
war and political upheaval in Austria during the 1930s.
“Godspell” will be presented July 31, Aug. 1, 7-8, 14-15 and
21-22. Written as a jubilant celebration, “Godspell” tells the story
of the birth of a new community. The play’s characters bring the
parables of Matthew to life using song, dance and improvisational
comedy, featuring an exhilarating score by Stephen Schwartz
(“Wicked”) which includes such songs as “Day by Day,” “Save
the People,” and “All Good Gifts.” Overflowing with irrepress-
ible energy, this classic favorite will appeal to all with a message
of hope that resonates as deeply as the music. Take a break and
spend a summer day with us enjoying this inspiring story.
Auditions for both shows
“The Sound of Music” - We seek actors of all ages. All
roles require singing and dancing. Auditions will be Thu., Feb.
25, in Bremerton at 7:30 p.m.; Seattle auditions are Sat., Feb.
27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Callbacks will be Tue., March 2, in Seattle from 6 to 10 p.m.
Rehearsals start March 15.
“Godspell” - We are looking for enthusiastic men, women
and teens to bring this inspiring show to life on the Kitsap For-
est Theater stage this summer—a perfect venue for this show!
Auditions will be Thu., Feb. 25 in Bremerton at 7:30 p.m. and
in Seattle on March 20, 4-5 p.m. Rehearsals will start on June
22 and continue throughout July.
Complete audition information and rehearsal schedules for
both shows can be found on our website (ForestTheater.com),
including a character list. To sign up for an audition, contact
206-542-7815, auditions@ForestTheater.com, with your pre-
ferred time. Weeknight rehearsals are held in Seattle at The
Mountaineers Program Center and weekend rehearsals are at
the theater outside of Bremerton.
Help wanted
We need help with sewing costumes, building and painting
sets, collecting props, cooking, ushering, parking and working
in concessions, as well as other tasks. If you are interested in
being involved in any way with either or both shows, please
contact co-producers Nancy Estill, 206-542-5993, nestill@
u.washington.edu; and/or Gala Lindvall, 206-542-4195, gala-
baskets@comcast.net. We would love to have your help! www.
ForestTheater.com.
Clubwide

Chair: Molly Kaufmann
Ph: 360-651-5006 E-mail: mollykaufmann@bellinghammountaineers.org
Website: www.bellinghammountaineers.org
TO SIGN UP FOR A BELLINGHAM TRIP, VISIT WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORG
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
(Cancellation fees may apply for fee-based events and classes; contact leader)
Branchwide
March membership meeting
Join us Tue., March 16, at 7 p.m. at the Bellingham Library,
Fairhaven Branch (1117 12th St.) in the Fireside Room. (Please,
not the new venue.) Our guest speaker is high-stakes, alpine,
free-climbing great Will Stanhope. His long list of impressive
climbs includes the first free ascent of Aguja Desmochada via
Chair: Lorna Corrigan
Website: www.everettmountaineers.org
TO SIGN UP FOR AN EVERETT TRIP, CONTACT THE LEADER
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
(cancellation fees may apply for fee-based events and classes; contact leader)
Branchwide
Branch seeks safety officer
The Everett Mountaineers is looking for a branch safety
officer. The officer attends occasional club safety meetings and
generally shares information that advances safety within the
branch. If you’d like to volunteer, or know of a good candidate,
please e-mail our branch chair, Lorna, at chair@everettmoun-
taineers.org.
Next membership meeting: March 3
Join us for a great potluck dinner and gear grab/exchange at
our membership meeting on Wed., March 3. If you have used
or new Mountaineers stuff to sell or exchange with others, bring
it. If you’re looking for a good bargain, it’s a great place to find
stuff. Potluck is open-house style, so bring your favourite dish.
We should have enough food amongst all of us. Informal start
time is 6:30 p.m. We will hear a brief membership update and club
news at 7 p.m., followed by more food, dessert and gear stuff.
Committee leaders needed
We are in need of talented volunteers to head our First Aid
Committee and our general branch programs.
These positions are very rewarding, allowing the volunteer
to help organize and steer these programs into the future. Note
that committee chairs generally oversee their committee and do
not have to volunteer as class leaders.
The First Aid Committee encompasses MOFA, CPR, and
other first-aid classes. The Programs Committee chair helps
recruit speakers for the monthly meetings and procures speakers
for other branch-wide events.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a leader or co-leader
of the First Aid Committee, or acting as an interim volunteer,
contact the branch chair, Lorna Corrigan, chair@everett-
mountaineers.org. If you’re interested in heading our speaker
programs, contact Evan Moses and Matt Vadnal at programs@
everettmountaineers.org.
Got web savvy? The Everett Mountaineers is redesigning its
website. If you have graphic or website authoring skills you can
share, we would welcome the help. Please e-mail webmaster@
everettmountaineers.org to find out more information.
Alpine Scrambles
Alpine Scrambling Course
The Everett Alpine Scrambling Course is a comprehensive
course that teaches important aspects of mountain travel includ-
ing navigation, compass skills, clothing and gear selection,
off-trail travel, snow travel, conditioning, ice ax skills, and use
of altimeter.
Alpine Scrambling involves off-trail travel to reach non-
technical rock and snow summits. It does not involve technical,
roped climbing. You can use the skills acquired in this course
to reach hundreds of peaks in the Cascades and Olympics. This
Bellingham - Everett
“The Sound and the Fury” (5.12, V) in Patagonia, the first clean
ascent of “Blood on the Tracks” (5.12, V) Aguja Innominata in
Patagonia, as well as trad routes like Ruby’s Café (5.13-) in Indian
Creek, Utah, Hangdog Flyer (5.12) in Yosemite, California, and
Men Holding Hands (5.12) in Squamish, British Columbia. All
are welcome, members and non-members alike.
Save the date for April
Set some time aside on Tue., April 20 at 7 p.m. at the
course will also give you the skills to help you continue on to
the technical climbing course if you want more challenge on
exposed terrain.
MOFA (Mountain Oriented First Aid) and Navigation are
required for graduation from the class. These classes occur at
the same time as the scrambling class and early registration is
recommended to assure you get in.
Enrollment: Enrollment for the 2010 course is open now
and will continue until March 4, or until the course is full. The
minimum age is 16 years old. All applicants younger than 18
will need a pre-application screening by the committee chair
before they will be accepted into the course. To register, or to
ask questions please contact: Craig Dixon (committee chair) at
craigdixon@cascadealpinist.com , or 425-698-5045; John Lag-
gart (treasurer) at: jlaggart@gmail.com , or 360- 421-3529
Course fee: The cost to enroll in the course is $165. There
are additional costs for the MOFA course and for the navigation
course. In addition there are expenses for ice ax, boots, pack and
clothing if you do not already have these items.
Course schedule (MOFA and Navigation included for
completion):
March 4, Thu. - 6:45 p.m., Orientation in classrooom
March 6, Sat. - Navigation Field Trip (only one navigation
field trip required; choose date)
March 11, Thu. - MOFA Lecture in classroom
March 18, Thu. - 6:45 p.m., Clothing and equipment in
classrooom
March 20-21, Sat.-Sun. - MOFA Field Experience
April 3, Sat. - Navigation Field Trip (only one navigation
field trip required; choose date)
April 8, Thu. - 6:45 p.m., Rock scrambling, ropes in class-
room
April 17, Sat. - Rock Field Trip at Leavenworth
April 22, Thu. - 6:45 p.m. Snow travel, ice ax in class-
room
May 1-2, Sat.-Sun. - Snow Field Trip, Stevens Pass
May 6, Thu. - Weather, Scrambling in classroom
May 15, Sat. - Scrambling Field Trip, Snoqualmie Pass
May 20, Thu. - Potluck, more instruction, final exams in
classroom
June 5, Sat. - National Trails Day—volunteer!
Climbing
Intro to Leading on Rock
The Everett Branch is accepting applications for the Intro-
duction to Leading on Rock Course (event ID #20303) through
March 1. Late enrollment will be through March 15, if space is
available. This intermediate-level course is open to Mountain-
eers members from all branches. You must be a Basic Climbing
Course graduate or have equivalency status and demonstrate
basic climbing skills.
The course will cover rock climbing using traditional methods
of removable protection as well as sport climbing, though most
of the field work will be spent on traditional rock leading.
Bellingham Library, Fairhaven Branch (1117 12th St. ) in the
Fireside Room. (Please note the new venue.) Topic will be an-
nounced in the April Go Guide. All are welcome, members and
non-members alike.
Climbing
Attention students: Please reference the course schedule
and keep your eye on updates to help you be successful in the
course. Please remember to mark your 2010 calendar for all
lectures and field trips.
Upcoming Lectures:
March 6-7 (Sat. & Sun.) – Avalanche field trip
March 17 (Wed.) – Navigation I, Option 1
March 18 (Thu.) – Navigation II, Option 1
March 19 (Fri.) – Navigation I, Option 2
March 20 (Sat.) – Navigation II, Option 2
March 23 (Tue.) – Rope Handling Lecture
March 27-28 (Sat. & Sun.) – Fundamentals Field Trip at
Pine & Cedar Lakes
March 30 (Tue.) – Rock I Lecture
April 11 ( Sun.) – Rock I Field Trip
For more about times and location, and for a complete sched-
ule, please see our branch website, “Courses” page.
Instructors needed
Are you a basic grad from any Mountaineers climbing group,
or an intermediate student who needs credit for graduation? Don’t
miss opportunities to volunteer with the Bellingham Branch. Visit
our website to view our basic course schedule and fluff up your
climbing resume! Contact Steve Glenn (see our “Courses” page
on the website) for details and to volunteer.
Graduates will be eligible as rope leaders on basic rock
climbs. Experienced basic rope leaders will have the option to
proceed as basic climb leaders. The course also fulfills the rock
component for graduation from the Everett Branch Mountaineers
Intermediate Climbing Course.
Textbooks: “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” 7th
Ed.,” Mountaineers Books, “Rock Climb!” 4th Ed., John Long,
Chockstone Press, and “Climbing Anchors,” 2nd Ed., John Long,
Chockstone Press. You will be required to purchase copies of
these textbooks for use in preparing for field trips.
Fee: $200 (must be a Mountaineers member).
Enrollment will be limited to ten students. Applications may
be obtained from the class coordinator, Larry Rafferty, at larryraf-
ferty@hotmail.com. More information can also be found on the
Everett Mountaineers website www.everettmountaineers.org.
Course Schedule:
April 3, Sat. - Lecture/FT at club headquarters—Skills As-
sessment and Sport Leading
Apr. 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Field Trip at Leavenworth (Icicle
Canyon)—Placing Pro, Anchors, Simulated Leads
May 1-2, Sat.-Sun. - Field Trip at Vantage—Traditional/
Sport Leading Practice
May 22-23, Sat.-Sun. - Field Trip at Tieton (Royal Col-
umns)—Complex Anchors/ Hanging Belays
June 5-6 - Field Trip at Squamish, BC, or Leavenworth—
Multi-Pitch Traditional
For more info on this module of the Intermediate Climbing
Course, contact the course coordinator, Larry Rafferty.
Basic climbs
March 19-22, Fri.-Mon. - Tatoosh Traverse (BG) (Mt. Rainier
E. USGS) Limit 4. Ski traverse of the main peaks of the Tatoosh.
Three-day trip in a four-day weather window. Sign up with
leader: Marcin Porwit, 206-849-8373, mkporwit@porwit.net.
(s1/25-2/8)
Basic course field trips
Open to Everett Basic Climbing Course students only; leader’s permission
required.
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Alphabet Rock (RG)
Leader: Nicholas Mayo, 360-568-7308, nicholas.e.mayo@gmail.
com. (s4/17-4/17)
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Bruces Boulder/Bar-
neys Rubble (RG) Leader: Nicholas Mayo, 360-568-7308,
nicholas.e.mayo@gmail.com. (s4/17-4/17)
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Clamshell Cave (RG)
Leader: Nicholas Mayo, 360-568-7308, nicholas.e.mayo@gmail.
com. (s4/17-4/17)
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Playground Point (RG)
Leader: Larry Rafferty, 425-778-9685, LarryRafferty@hotmail.
com. (s4/17-4/17)
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Roto Wall (RG) Leader:
Nicholas Mayo, 360-568-7308, nicholas.e.mayo@gmail.com.
(s4/17-4/17)
First Aid (MOFA)
Register early
Mountaineering Oriented First Aid, first aid, and CPR courses
are fast approaching, and some are already being filled. Be sure to
register online for those that are available. Check out our Everett
Mountaineers website under the first aid section for more details
on these courses as this spring’s course dates are finalized.
Hiking
March 13, Sat. - Deception Pass State Park (E) (Deception
Pass USGS) 6 mi., 300’ gain. Meet 8 a.m. at Smokey Point Food
Pavillion. Sign up with leader: Penny Barker, 360-386-9261,
pbarker81@hotmail.com. (s1/16-3/7)
April 3, Sat. - John Wayne Trail, Army West (E) 8+ mi., 500’
gain. Limit 8. Meet 6 a.m. at Ash Way P&R. 2+ hrs. Hike the
relatively flat and well-graded trail to the Boylston Tunnel just
E. of the old railway stop site of Boylston. The trail boasts of
a variety of desert wildlife and wildflowers. We will check out
the system of burrows that is home to badgers that thrive in this
area. Each hiker must carry a headlamp for the hike into the tun-
nel. Plan for dinning out post-hike in Ellensburg. Sign up with
Go Guide March 2010 
leader: Bernadette Lamarca, 425-232-5751, mountain_babe@
comcast.net. (s3/17-3/24)
Lookout/Trail Maintenance
Committee meetings: The Lookout and Trail Maintenance Committee meets
on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. (except in Nov., Dec., and
Jan.) at the Snohomish County East Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller
Ave., Everett, in Public Meeting Room #1. Anyone interested in lookout or
trail maintenance may attend. For more details contact Forrest Clark, 425-
487-3461, lotm@everettmountaineers.org.
Navigation
Basic navigation to begin March 6
The first Basic Navigation Course starts March 6, followed
by the second course on April 3.  Details can be found at www.
mountaineers.org.
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking Committee
The committee normally meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.
Contact Ginger Stackpole for place and directions.
Chair: Ginger Stackpole ginger.stackpole@gmail.com
Secretary: position open
Basic Class: Connie Campbell kayakerconnie@gmail.com
Equivalency: Rob King kingster619@hotmail.com
Leadership: Donna Garland mtngirl3@comcast.net
Safety: Steve Stackpole steve_stackpole@yahoo.com
Social: Wendi Hale wendi@danielhale.net
Chair: Fran Troje Ph: 425-746-6726 E-mail: foothills.branch@gmail.com
Website: www.foothillsmountaineers.org
To sign up for a foothills trip, course or event, please visit
www.mountaineers.org unless otherwise noted (cancellation fees may
apply for fee-based events and classes; contact leader)
Branchwide
Message from the chair
Unless our mantra of “think snow” will sway those blizzards
that recently dumped on the “other Washington” to move West, it
appears our winter activity is winding down.But many thanks are
due Gerry Haugen and Jerry White for co-chairing the Foothills
backcountry ski program. Thanks also are due for a great group
of committees and leaders. A column dedicated to their efforts
is coming in next issue of the Go Guide.
The Foothills Winter Program Committee recently issued
a grant to the Snoqualmie Campus for the purchase of demo
snowshoes that are to be used for a Campus Snowshoe Experi-
ence program. By renting snowshoes to members and the public
for walks on designated snow trails at the campus, folks have
an opportunity to see if snowshoeing is a sport they might like
to pursue.
One happy participant reported, “This sure beats demo-ing
them in stores.” While neither a class nor a course, it is a great
outdoor experience, walking on those big, flat feet.
Our hiking activity is beginning to gear up, thanks to Chris
Caviezel, Hiking Committee chair. Go to the website to view
upcoming trips and visit it more often as spring inches nearer
and nearer.
Volunteer opportunity: Foothills Branch is currently
recruiting a volunteer to be the branch safety officer. Go to
our website, www.foothillsmountaineers.org, and toggle down
to “branch safety officer” for a link to the full description and
responsibilities of the position.
Please apply and/or direct inquiries to foothills.branch@
gmail.com. Write “safety officer” in the subject line.
– Fran Troje, Foothills Branch chair
Branch members’ meeting: March 31
The next Foothills Branch membership meeting will be
The Foothills Branch of the Mountaineer's & Bellevue Parks present:
Eastside Swing, Latin & Boogie
19
--A Rockin’ Swing, Latin, Waltz and Ballroom Mixed Dance—
h ch
rc
The Third Friday of each Month
Ma Sep.18, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, Mar. 19, Apr. 16
South Bellevue Community
Center (SBCC), 14509 SE
Newport Way, Bellevue, WA
Olympia
For more information on this and other Eastside dances or classes, go to: www.rolluptherug.com
Great Eastside location just off 1-90!! Beautiful wooden dance floor!!
 March 2010 Go Guide
Training: Connie Campbell kayakerconnie@gmail.com
Treasurer: Mike Connor wikiup@hughes.net
Trips: Doug Garland doug.home@comcast.net
Late Breaking Trip Announcements: Some trips may not make it into the
Go Guide.  We suggest searching the Online Activities page (http://imis.
mountaineers.org/source/aTrips/Tripselection.cfm?section=events) for
late-breaking trips.
Equivalency: If you are interested in obtaining equivalency from Mountaineers’
Sea Kayaking (Everett branch), please contact Rob King (contact information
above) for an application. Equivalency usually takes 3-4 weeks to process
after your application is received. In order to receive equivalency, you must
have taken a fundamental sea kayaking course that teaches basics in such
skills as paddling, bracing, rescues, safety and clothing or have significant
experience and knowledge to demonstrate such skills. A demonstration
paddle is required for applicants whose skills or experience is not clear to
the equivalency team.
Trips
Trips are open to all Mountaineers who have graduated from any branch
Basic Sea Kayaking Course or have been granted equivalency. Registra-
tion is with the designated trip leader unless otherwise indicated. The Sea
Kayaking Group follows the procedures listed in the “Sending you on your
way” section of this Go Guide when signing up through club headquarters.
Please contact the leader as soon as possible to cancel if you are unable
to attend after signing up.
March 13, Sat. - Tow Clinic, Cornet Bay. Towing happens. No
drama, no stigma, it just happens. If you paddle long enough,
you’ll be at one end of the line or the other. We’ll start by look-
ing at equipment and thinking it through. Then we’ll begin by
practicing at a leisurely pace. We’ll work our way though several
different situations, up to and including “anchor tows” in mov-
ing water. Dress for the conditions, bring a hearty lunch, warm
beverage and extra clothes. Each person is welcome to participate
at their own level of comfort. Mike Kennedy and Carol Asplund
will be our instructors. For more information, contact Donna
held on Wed., Mar. 31, at 7 p.m. The featured program was not
confirmed at press time.
Watch the website for details, opening time, location, and
program.
Whitewater rafting on the Sky
May 22, Sat. - Whitewater Rafting High excitement is assured
on a whitewater rafting trip set for Sat., May 22, on the Sky-
komish River. Join Bob Seana and rafting enthusiasts for a run
on some big whitewater. An all-day event with lunch provided
on the river, the fee will be $95, which covers helmets and life
vests. Wetsuits or dry-suits are required. Wetsuit rentals are $10.
Register by calling the leader, Bob Seana, 425-222-6311. He
will answer all questions in regard to meeting time and other
details about this fun, exciting, social outing. This is your chance
to ride the very big waves of Boulder Drop with professional
river guides.
Backcountry Skiing
Glacier travel seminar
For the competent backcountry skier or snowboarder who
wants to learn safe travel on glaciers and to perform crevasse
rescues, the Glacier Travel Course includes four workshops and
an overnight field trip at Mt. Rainier.
Students get hands-on practice with roped travel and crevasse
rescues. Course includes instruction on route-finding, travel-
ing and camping on glaciers, belaying, prusiking and crevasse
rescue systems.
Course schedule:
March 30 - Intro, Glacier Travel and Equipment
April 6 - Knots and Belaying Workshop
April 13 - Knots, Belaying and Prusiking Workshop
April 20 - Crevasse Rescue Systems Workshop
M to Radium and sleep at the hostel. March 7: snowmobile in and
ar
19
7:30-8:30 pm: Dance Lesson
with Ari Levitt (Level: Beg/Int)
8:30-11:00 pm: Dance to a
wonderful mix of Swing, Waltz, Latin,
Ballroom, Blues, and more, spun by the
fabulous Dr. Dance himself.
Cost: $10.00 (cash payable at door)
Fantastic dance music!!
Garland, mtngirl3@comcast.net.
Basic Sea Kayaking Course full
The Basic Sea Kayaking Course has reached its limit of en-
rollees. Please watch the website next winter for announcements
about the 2011 course.
Singles
March 10, Wed. - Monthly Planning and Socializing Meeting
Join us at 6:30 p.m. to dine and socialize. At 7 p.m. we will plan
next month’s activities. Meet at Silver Lake Alfy’s on Hwy. 527
in S. Everett. Get half-price pizza when you mention you are
attending The Mountaineers meeting. Leader: Barb Mark, bam.
mark1@verizon.net. Co-leader: Doris Hatton, 360-657-4586,
hikerchick@verizon.net.
March 13, Sat. - Deception Pass State Park (E) 6-8 miles,
minimal gain, but ups and downs. We’ll visit the beaches and
viewpoints. Meet at 8 a.m. at Old Smokey Point Food Pavil-
lion. To sign up contact leader: Penny Barker, 360-386-9261,
pbarker81@hotmail.com.
April 16-18, Fri.-Sun. - Olympic Beach Cleanup. Join hun-
dreds of volunteers removing marine debris from the beaches
while enjoying this wild and remote section of Washington’s
coast. We will be cleaning up the section of beach from Rialto
to Hole-in-the-Wall. Camping is free for the weekend at Mora
CG and if you are not interested in camping, the leader can
provide information on local motels and cabins for rent for the
weekend. Sign up with the leader: Penny Barker, 360-386-9261,
pbarker81@hotmail.com.
April 24 and 25 - Field Trip at Mt. Rainier
Course fee: $135 (Mountaineers members only)
Enrollment is limited to 25 students
For details about the Glacier Travel Course, contact Darryl
Olson, 425-226-3041, darryl.olson@gmail.com, or visit www.
foothillsmountaineers.org/winter.
Trips
March 13, Sat. - Mazama Ridge, M2 Route (Mt Rainier E.
270-GT) 6 mi., 1800’ gain. Limit 10. Meet at MRNP Paradise
RS. This is a good introductory tour into the backcountry and if
the sun is shining, we will have beautiful views of the mountain
and the Tatoosh. Contact leader for required equipment and other
details. Leader: Virginia Thomas, 206-612-6099, virginia@hel-
loknitty.com. (s2/7-3/11)
March 14, Sun. - Crystal Mtn. Backcountry M2 Route (Bump-
ing Lake-27-GT) 10 mi., 5000’ gain. Limit 8. Meet at 8:30 a.m.
at plaza just south of ticket windows. Leader’s Choice of destina-
tions depending on conditions, so exact mileage and elevation
gain may vary. Intermediate or better skiing or boarding level
expected. Leader: Richard Lambe, 206-232-4965, dicklambe@
hotmail.com. (s3/1-3/12)
March 19, Fri. - Beyond Lost Lake (Snoqualmie Pass 207-GT)
13 mi., 1000’ gain. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Preston P&R, Exit 22 off
I-90. 3/4 hr. Tour up to Lost Lake on a low snow-machine day. See
if the lake is frozen over. Driver needs Sno-Park permit. Leader:
Fletcher Richardson, 425-432-0450, backcountryfletcher@
comcast.net. (s3/1-3/17)
March 19, Fri. - Crystal Mtn Backcountry M2 Route
(Bumping Lake 271-GT) 10 mi., 5000’ gain. Limit 6. Meet 8
a.m. at the chapel. Leader’s choice of destinations depending
on conditions, so exact mileage and elevation gain may vary.
Leader: James Greenleaf, 425-292-9110, greenleaf.ja@gmail.
com. (s3/8-3/17)
March 20, Sat. - Tatoosh Slopes (Mt Rainier E.-270-GT) 5 mi.,
up to 5000’ gain. Limit 6. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Longmire parking
lot. 2 hrs. A classic trip. If conditions warrant, we may make
multiple runs with up to 5,000’ elevation gain and a destination
of Lane/Danman saddle for some good skiing. The destination is
dependent on weather and avalanche conditions. Leader: Charles
MacLaren, 206-501-0929, cmaclaren@msn.com. (s2/9-3/18)
March 21, Sun. - Crystal Mtn. Backcountry M2 Route
(Bumping Lake-271-GT) 10 mi., 5000’ gain. Limit 8. Meet 6
a.m. at S. Renton P&R. 2 hrs. Leader’s Choice of destinations
depending on conditions, so exact mileage and elevation gain
may vary. Leader: Randy Oakley, 425-736-6493, randyoa@
microsoft.com. (s2/28-3/19)
March 27, Sat. - Snow Lake, Alpental (Snoqualmie Pass USGS)
5 mi., 1450’ gain. Limit 5. Meet 8 a.m. at Alpental upper lot. 1
hr. Destination is Snow Lake, depending on snow and avalanche
conditions. This is a scenic introductory tour in the Alpental
backcountry. Routes are described in “Backcountry Skiing Sno-
qualmie Pass,” by Martin Volken. If conditions dictate we will
go to Pineapple Pass instead and proceed to ski everything in
sight. Backup date for this trip in 3/28. Leader: Charles Cerveny,
206-525-6060, ccerveny@earthlink.net. (s3/1-3/25)
Outings
March 6-14, Sat.-Sun. - British Columbia’s Purcell Moun-
tains: Jumbo Pass Cabin The Purcell Range receives cold,
dry, powder snow. Jumbo Pass Cabin sits at 7710’ and has great
views. The small hut has a wood-heated stove, gasoline lantern,
propane cook stove, equipped kitchen, bunk beds with foam
mattress pads for six people, and an outhouse. Terrain includes
alpine bowls, peak ascents and great tree skiing. March 6: drive
ski up 2210’ to Jumbo Pass Cabin. March 8-12: ski alpine powder
bowls and subalpine tree glades. March 13: ski out and soak
in Radium Hot Springs. March 14: drive home. Price includes
Radium hostel, snowmobile in, Jumbo Pass Cabin, and Radium
Hot Springs. To register, please mail a U.S. $400 check to The
Mountaineers with “Jumbo Pass Cabin” written on the bottom
by Dec. 1. Limit 6. Leader: Craig Miller, craigfmiller@comcast.
net, or 206-285-2399. Sign up with leader. Leader: Craig Miller,
206-285-2399, craigfmiller@comcast.net. (s10/1-2/27)
April 23-27, Fri.-Tue. - Wedge/Currie Traverse (M3G) Limit
6. This is a 44km ski traverse, with a gain of 2290m, through
northern Garibaldi Park in British Columbia. See John Baldwin's
excellent book, "Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis," for
details about the traverse. Participants should possess prior
experience on multi-day trips and competent backcountry ski
abilities, as well as current crevasse-rescue skills, either through
Everett-Foothills
the climbing or glacier ski programs. Leader’s permission re-
quired. Our goal is to try and get near Hibachi Ridge by the end
of Day 2, and spend most of Day 3 getting in some descents,
potentially including Mt Currie. For more information, contact
the leader: Steve Brain, steven.f.brain@gmail.com, 206-407-
9928. (s2/15-4/9)
Hiking/Backpacking
The Hiking/Backpacking Committee provides hiking opportunities for all
Foothills Committees, including but not limited to hiking, singles, family
activities and naturalists.
Volunteers needed! Want to help? We need volunteers to assist with trip
scheduling, lead hikes and participate in new-hiker-orientation meetings.
Hiking Committee - Next committee meeting is Mon., March 15, at 7 p.m. at
the Lake Hills Library. For more info, contact Chris, caviezel@gmail.com.
PCT Series Course
The Foothills Branch of The Mountaineers has launched a
new course, the Pacific Crest Trail Series. The objective of the
program is to introduce Mountaineers members to sections of
the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) they may not otherwise get to hike.
The section from Green Pass to Stampede Pass, particularly, is
significantly under-used and in need of conservation efforts.
Program participants will have access to a series of day hikes
throughout the hiking season, starting in mid-July. In many cases
these will be point-to-point hikes. In some cases a backpack
may be involved, or an overnight stay at a lodge such as The
Mountaineers Meany Lodge.
Program participants will have first choice on hikes offered.
However, all Mountaineers members and guests will have access
to any available slots up to 10 days in advance.
Program participants will receive awards based on unique
miles hiked on the PCT in Washington State. The awards are
expected to be in 75-mile increments. It is likely that people will
be able to garner only the first award in the first year. Additional
awards are likely to require a multi-year commitment. Only hikes
taken on a PCT Series hike are eligible for an award.
Program participants should be able to comfortably hike 15
miles with about 3000’ elevation gain by mid-July. Actual hike
distances and elevation gains will vary. It is expected that some
hikes may be as long as 22 miles.
More information on the PCT Series is being developed
and registrations are expected to occur in the spring. Point of
Chair: Katha Miller-Winder
E-mail: branch@kitsapcabin.org
Website: www.kitsapmountaineers.org
3000 Seabeck Highway, Bremerton
TO SIGN UP FOR A KITSAP TRIP, CONTACT THE LEADER
(cancellation fees may apply for fee-based events and classes;
contact leader)
Branchwide
Branch officers
Chair: Katha Miller-Winder
Vice Chair: Mike Raymond
Treasurer: Dianne Moore
Secretary: Sue Diesen
Board of Trustees Rep: Jimmy James
Branch Trustee at Large: Greg Thies
Branch Trustee at Large: Tom Thrasher
Meetings, featured programs
On a quarterly basis the Kitsap Mountaineers and their friends
get together at 7 p.m. for a social time and a feature program.
Our next meeting will be in April. Watch for details as the date
approaches.
Executive Committee meetings are held at Kitsap Cabin
on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Members are
welcome to attend and observe.
Mountaineers logo clothing available
We offer vests, $22, and t-shirts, $15, as well as baseball-
style caps in olive green with a black under-bill for $12. We have
recently added logo-adorned whistles of metal. They come in
blue and cost $1. To purchase any of these items, send an e-mail
to branch@kitsapcabin.org.
Volunteer alert!
Kitsap Branch has a number of opportunities available for
our members to help keep the branch functioning. There are
volunteer opportunities that directly benefit the Kitsap Branch
and opportunities that benefit the wider outdoor community.
Some volunteer opportunities require a substantial invest-
ment of time, some require only a few hours. Opportunities can
be as simple as providing cookies for a general meeting to as
detailed as bringing to life one of the programs waiting to be
started. Whatever your skills and abilities, however much time
you have to spend, there is a job you can do to help.
A list of opportunities is available on the website and one is
posted on the bulletin board on the front door of Kitsap Cabin.
To volunteer, send an e-mail to branch@kitsapcabin.org.
Social event added to calendar
The Kitsap Branch has added something new to its calendar
of activities. Last month we inaugurated a monthly social event.
These events will include such things as game nights, potlucks,
movie nights and similar endeavors. We plan to host them in
Foothills-Kitsap
contact for the PCT Series is Monty Pratt, westseattle207@
yahoo.com.
Backpacks, events
See the activity search section of The Mountaineers website to view a list of
backpacks as they are offered.
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
March 18, Thu. - Backpacking Basics Bridge the gap be-
tween day trips and truly experiencing the wilderness overnight.
Tips on gear and technique to spend a comfy night in mountains.
Learn what works best in particular situations and what is spe-
cifically applicable to Pacific Northwest backpacking. Guests or
members who need assistance with signing up should contact the
coordinator: Ken Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, 206-595-7237.
Event fees: $10 members, $15 non-members.
Photography
Chair: Dane Williams, willida2@hotmail.com. Please e-mail if you have
questions.
Meeting: The next meeting of the Photo Group will be
Mon., March 8, at 7 p.m. at the Highland Community Center,
14224 N.E. Bell-Red Rd., Bellevue. The theme for March is
“sunrise/sunset.” So, bring a sunrise or sunset picture or any
other that you want to show. Later this year our themes will be
flowers, mountain scenes, highland lakes and close-ups. So you
can plan ahead. At this meeting we will discuss some facets of
composition.
We will also critique pictures for those who wish. This is an
opportunity for you to find out how you can make improvements
to your pictures.
Sea Kayaking
Level 1 Sea Kayak Course
Foothills Branch is partnering with the Cascade Canoe and
Kayak Center in Renton to offer a Level 1 (basic) Sea Kayaking
Course for Mountaineers members and the general public. With a
limited class size of eight students, it is a concentrated, intensive
course covering all topics and completing all requirements of the
other branch courses for graduation status.
different parts of the county. Join us in the north end on Thu.,
March 11 for our next social. Details were not final at press time,
so please see the website for details.
Climbing/Alpine Scramble
Chair: Mike Raymond, 360-437-9379, mike-elaine@msn.com.
Basic Climbing Course
Course schedule
March 10, Wed., 6:30 p.m. - Snow class session. Avalanche
awareness and snow climbing techniques.
March 15, Mon., 6 p.m. - Climber’s meeting. Guests and
friends welcome. Information about our climbing courses and
discussion of future climbs. Input for climbs welcome. Azteca,
Silverdale. Other branch members welcome, too.  served basis. Sign up online or at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors.
March 20-21, Sat.-Sun. - Snow 1 Field Trip, Mt. Rainier
National Park, Paradise Park. Carpool from Kitsap Cabin, 6
a.m. Sat. Please group up to conserve fuel and vehicles at the
Paradise area. Priority given to Kitsap basic course students and
Kitsap intermediates and leaders. Registration will open to Kitsap
climbers two weeks ahead of those from other branches. Climb
leaders will expect personal communication for registration
on all climbs. Please call them if you are interested. For major
climbs such as this, plan on attending a pre-climb meeting with
the leader. Place and time will be made available through the
climb leader.
June 12-13, Sat.-Sun. - Ingalls Peak, Basic Rock. One climb
each day. Three leaders, three students for each climb.
June 18-21, Fri.-Mon. - Mt. Rainier, Emmons Glacier, Basic
Glacier. Four leaders, eight students.
June 26-27, Sat.-Sun. - Mt. Baker, Easton Glacier. Basic
Glacier. Four leaders, eight students.
July 24-25. Sat.-Sun. - S. Early Winters Spire, Washington
Pass. Basic Rock. One climb each day. Three leaders, three
students for each climb.
July 30-Aug. 2, Fri.-Mon. - Mt. Rainier, Disappointment
Cleaver Route. Basic Glacier. Four leaders, eight students.
Sept. 4-5, Sat.-Sun. - The Tooth, Snoqualmie Pass area.
Basic Rock. One climb each day. Three leaders, three students
for each climb.
Club climbs
Sign up for these climbs on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will
open to Kitsap climbers two weeks ahead of those from other branches.
The course is designed to complete all classroom topics with
special emphasis on extra on-water instruction. The course con-
sists of three 3-hour sessions and one 9-hour, instructor-guided
saltwater kayaking trip. The first hour of each 3-hour session
will be classroom theory and the remaining two hours will be
on-water instruction.
All the topics in the Seattle Branch course syllabus will be
covered. Students must successfully complete a 50-yard swim,
all classroom sessions, on-water sessions and demonstrate
competence in paddling skills, including self rescue and as-
sisted rescue.
This course prepares students for participating in two in-
structor-guided saltwater day-trips, required to graduate, for
Mountaineers members who want to qualify for Mountaineers-
sponsored trips upon graduation.
Schedule:
April 5, Mon., Classroom: 6-7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
April 6, Tue., Classroom: 6-7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
April 7, Wed., Classroom: 6-7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
April 10, Sat., Saltwater paddle; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon., May 3, Classroom: 6 -7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
May 4, Tue., Classroom: 6 -7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
May 5, Wed., Classroom: 6-7 p.m.; on-water 7-9 p.m.
May 8, Sat., Saltwater paddle; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The classroom and on-water sessions will be held at the Cas-
cade Canoe and Kayak Center located in Renton with shoreline
access to Lake Washington for the on-water instruction.
Course fee: $195. The additional cost for the two-instructor
guided, saltwater day-trips is determined by trip destination and
is not available at time of enrollment. Dry-suits are required for
all sessions. Students bringing their own boat and equipment
must have it inspected and approved by the instructor to assure
seaworthiness. A rental package is available that includes the
course, boat, gear and dry-suit—all for $265. Transportation for
the saltwater paddle is provided and included in the course fee.
Instruction starts as soon as the van is loaded with gear. It
ends only when the gear is entirely unloaded at the end of the
day. We will enjoy an intensive but fun day of instruction.
Registration: All registration is by phone interview and
all students are required to sign a waiver. More information is
posted on our website: www.foothillsmountaineers.org. Ques-
tions, refunds and cancellation policy, etc., can be answered
during the phone interview process. Registration is now open.
Call 425-430-0111.
Those signing up have to directly contact the climb leader. Prior experience
and/or climbing course status is required.
Mid-July - Mt. Olympus, Olympic National Park Glacier.
4-5 days.
Mid-July - Mt. Anderson, Olympic National Park Glacier.
4 days.
Late July - Mt. Clark, Royal Basin, Olympic National Park
Rock. 2-3 days.
Mid-August - Other climbs scheduled through climber’s meet-
ing input and requests. 
Alpine Scrambling
Kitsap alpine scrambling emphasizes non-technical climbs in the Olympic
Range. Many scrambles are described in the “Climber’s Guide to the
Olympic Mountains,” by Olympic Mountain Rescue. Ten Essentials, ice ax,
mountaineering boots and helmet are always required.
Scrambles
See the website for a current list of scrambles.
Family Activities
March 26-28, Fri.-Sun. - Spring Break Backpack: Olympic
Hot Springs (Optional Boulder Lake snowshoe) (E) (GT Mt.
Olympus, Lake Crescent-Happy Lake Ridge) 4.8 mi. 400’ gain.
The trail wanders up and down along an abandoned road while
crossing three creeks to get to the campground in an old-growth
forest setting. Natural hot springs close to the CG. Earn that hot
springs bath with next day optional snow travel to Boulder Lake
(6.8 mi, 2200’ gain), an alpine lake under the brow of Boulder
Peak. Ice ax encouraged for Boulder Lake approach. Sign up
online or at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors. Meet 9 a.m. at Poulsbo
Church of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug Terry, 360-550-7911,
doug@dougterry.net (s3/1-3/25) DHOP, 92
April 1-3, Thu.-Sat. - Spring Break: Fort Flagler/Marrow-
stone Island This state park, an old military defense base, has
everything to offer: easy hiking, mountain and road biking,
kayaking, beachcombing, campfire camaraderie, and fast access
to hiking trails in the Olympics. Spend spring break in the Rain
Shadow of Washington. Park spots are filled on a first-come, first
Depart 10 a.m. at Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug
Terry, 360-550-7911. (s3/15-3/31)
First Aid
MOFA Course: April 16-18—The Kitsap Branch offers
Mountaineering Oriented First Aid twice a year. Course fee for
members is $70, for non-members, $95. Everyone registering
for the course must have a valid CPR card. CPR cards can be
obtained through any of the local fire departments, often for
free. The schedule is Fri., 6-10 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and
Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Register online. For more information, contact MOFA Chair
Jimmy James, f.e.jimmy.james@gmail.com, 360-731- 4282,
360-297-2256.
HARK (Hiking and Active Recreation for Kids)
Chair: Laura Rightmyer lrightmyer@q.com
March 13-14, Sat.-Sun. - Copper Creek Hut Leave early Sat-
urday morning and get home Sunday afternoon or early evening.
Snowshoe in about 3 mi., using sleds to pull our overnight gear.
Stay overnight in a pleasant, heated cabin where we will cook
dinner and play board games. Hopefully there will be enough
snow to snowshoe up; otherwise we will be walking, carrying
our packs part of the way. At the hut there is an outhouse with
one of the world’s most beautiful views—you’ll have to see
Go Guide March 2010 
for yourself what it is! Space limited. Bring winter clothes and
boots—snowshoes provided and some clothing items available
for loan. No fees and meals provided, but bring snacks that you
may like. Contact the chair, Laura (information above) for more
details and to register.
March 19, Fri. - Vertical World Wall Climbing Our popular
monthly Vertical World indoor climbing event, 6:30-9 p.m. No
experience needed, no fees and gear is provided. Families are
welcome to watch. Contact the chair, Laura (see above), for
more information.
Hike/Backpack/Snowshoe
Chair: John Howard
Open house: March 25
The Kitsap Branch Hike Committee will present an open
house at the Kitsap Cabin from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thu., March
25. An informal presentation on hiking in the Northwest will
be offered for those who are curious about hiking, backpacking
or The Mountaineers in general. We will offer gear demonstra-
tions and answer any questions that may arise, including those
about becoming a hike leader. If you have gear to sell, bring it.
We will hold a small gear swap. Snacks and refreshments will
be available.
Conditioner Series
Kitsap Branch will be offering two conditioner series of hikes
for the calendar year 2010. The first conditioner series, Basic
Conditioner Hikes, is slated for those who are just starting to
get back into shape and really want to start hiking.
The goal of this conditioner series will be to start on some
easy hikes with the intent of progressing toward some moderate
hikes by mid-summer. Kitsap will offer 1-2 hikes each month in
support of this hike series.
In addition, Kitsap Branch will offer a second conditioner
series, Alpinist Conditioner Hikes, which is geared towards al-
pinists—those interested in trying to get in shape for scrambles
and climbs in the later part of the year. Most of these hikes
will be strenuous with the idea of obtaining some distance and
elevation. Kitsap will offer 1-2 hikes each month in support of
this hike series as well.
The goal of both these conditioner series is to motivate
people to get out more, improve their stamina and establish some
camaraderie with persons of similar goals. Kitsap will generate
a listing of the hikes for both of these conditioner series which
will be provided on the kitsapmountaineers.org website, and will
be listed and updated each month. There is no fee for signing up
for these hike series.
Basic Conditioner Hikes
March 27, Sat. - Lena Lake #810 (M) (USGS The Brothers)
6.4 mi, 1150’ gain. This is a moderate climb through old- and
second-growth forest via long, flat switchbacks, passing huge
boulders along the way. We will reach the Chapel Rock picnic
point with its splendid views along the lake. Snowshoes or micro-
spikes are encouraged, for snow may be encountered. This is the
fourth in a series of conditioning hikes to get in practice for more
strenuous hikes later in the year. This hike is open to everyone.
New members are welcome. Please sign up via the internet. Dress
appropriately—no cotton. Meet at Bremerton National Airport
at 8 a.m. Leader: Dianne Moore, 253-857-3030, diamor2005@
msn.com. (s3/1-3/26) DHOP 11 or OM 96
Alpinist Conditioner Hikes
March 6, Sat. - Mt. Muller Trail #882 (S) (USGS Mt. Muller,
Snider Peak) 12.8 mi. loop, 3150’ gain. This is the third hike in
the alpinist conditioning series. From a lush, temperate, forest
valley, the trail climbs 2200’ feet in 3 mi. to Snider Ridge. The
trail on the ridge offers spectacular views of Mt. Olympus, Lake
Crescent, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Sol Duc Valley be-
low. Please sign up online. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Poulsbo Church
of the Nazarene. Mark Thibault, 360-860-1037, mark.a.thibault@
gmail.com. (s2/15-3/5) HONP, 31
March 13, Sat. - Trail Run on Kloshe Nanitch Trail #882
(S) (USGS Snider Peak) 10-14 mi., 2100’ gain. This is the third
trail run in a series of monthly, strenuous, trail-run conditioners
offered by the Kitsap Branch. A great run to the Kloshe Nanitch
Lookout and along Snider Ridge to Jim’s Junction. Kloshe Na-
nitch Lookout provides spectacular views of the Sol Duc Valley,
Mt. Olympus and Lake Crescent. Total mileage can be adjusted
Chair: Mike Kretzler; mkretzler@comcast.net
Website: www.olympiamountaineers.org
Webmaster: webmaster@olympiamountaineers.org
TO SIGN UP FOR AN OLYMPIA TRIP, CONTACT THE LEADER
Branchwide
Membership information
If you have any questions about joining The Mountaineers,
if you want a membership brochure sent to a friend, or if you
have moved and don’t want to miss an issue of the monthly Go
Guide, please send an e-mail to olymountaineers@gmail.com.
Please include your mailing address in any messages so that
 March 2010 Go Guide
to the group’s desires. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Poulsbo Church of
the Nazarene. Contact leader to sign up: Mark Thibault, 360-860-
1037, mark.a.thibault@gmail.com. (s2/15-3/12)
Hikes
Be sure to check the www.kitsapmountaineers.org website for an up-to-date
list of current hikes.
March 3, Wed. - Mt Zion (E) (GT Tyler Peak, CC Buckhorn
Wilderness) 3.6 mi., 1350’ gain. Hiking to the summit of Mt.
Zion, the trail ascends through remnants of long-ago fires, sec-
ond-growth fir and cedar, blooming rhododendrons in spring,
Oregon grape, salal and leafy ferns. The top offer views of Puget
Sound, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier and the Cascades. Sign up online
or at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors. Meet 9 a.m. at Poulsbo
Church of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug Terry, 360-550-7911,
doug@dougterry.net. (s2/15-3/2) DHOP 61
March 10, Wed. - Mt. Walker S. Lookout (M) (USGS Mt.
Walker) 7 mi. 2000’ gain. A winding uphill hike with occasional
peek-a-boo views of Hood Canal, topped off with view of the
entire canal from the N. and S. lookouts. Great views of the in-
terior peaks from the N. lookout. Returning hike via closed road.
Parking is at the locked gate at Hwy 101 in the winter. Sign up
online or at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors. Meet 9 a.m. at Poulsbo
Church of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug Terry, 360-550-7911,
doug@dougterry.net. (s2/15-3/9) OPDH 18 or OM 79
March 13, Sat. - Marys Falls Camp (VS) (USGS Mt. Angeles)
17.8 mi. 1625’ + gain. Limit 8. A long invigorating hike along
the pristine Elwha Trail from Whiskey Bend to Marys Falls
Camp, with plenty of elevation gain both ways over Difficulty
Hill between Lillian Camp and Marys Falls Camp. Pace will be
brisk, at over 2.5 mph due to the distance to be covered. USGS
Mt. Angeles. Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Poulsbo Church of the Naza-
rene. Sign up online. Leader: Greg Thies, mtngreg@msn.com,
360-710-5308. (s2/15-3/12) OM 10
March 17, Wed. - Lena Lake #810 (M) (USGS The Brothers)
6.4 mi. 1150’ gain. A wandering hike through second-growth and
old-growth forest while crossing bubbling or invisible creeks. We
will have lunch above a beautiful 55-acre lake. Sign up online or
at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors. Meet 9 a.m. at Poulsbo Church
of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug Terry, 360-550-7911, doug@
dougterry.net. DHOP, 11 or OM, 96
Snowshoe
March 14, Sun .- Heather Park (VS) (USGS Mt. Angeles; CC
Hurricane Ridge; GT Mt. Olympus, Mt. Angeles) 8.2 mi. 3500’
gain. The trail starts through thick understory, climbing steeply at
times, easing up momentarily at Halfway Rock before launching
into more switchbacks. Trail levels out at a small basin at about
5300’ and tucked between First and Second Tops. This trip of-
fers views of the craggy country in and around Mt Angeles and
Klahhane Ridge. Hard to say at what elevation snowshoes or
traction will be required. Be sure to bring them. Sign up online
or at meetup.com, Kitsap Outdoors. Meet 9 a.m. at Poulsbo
Church of the Nazarene. Leader: Doug Terry, 360-550-7911,
doug@dougterry.net. DHOP, 80
Photography
Chair: John Davis jmdbwd@wavecable.com
Do you have great pictures of your last hike? Was the view
from that summit unbelievable? Have you shown people how
much fun you have on your outings? The Photography Committee
wants to help. Send a few of your best photos to John Davis and
he’ll have them posted on the website for everyone to enjoy.
SeaKayaking
Sea Kayak Committee
Chair: Diane Hamerman, dhamerman@comcast.net
Vice-chair: Volunteer needed
Treasurer: Rich Weixler, Weixler@wavecable.com
Basic Course Training: Violette Fitzgearald, violettefitzgerald@msn.com
Or 360-377-9670
Equivalency: Dan Montgomery, djmontg@gmail.com
Secretary: Volunteer needed
Pool Sessions: Derek Zimmer, derek.w.zimmer@gmail.com
Meetings are for socializing, having fun with fellow paddlers and planning. If
interested in attending, contact Diane Hamerman, 360-782-1412, dhamer-
man@comcast.net, for details. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Trips
Our trips are listed on the activities page of The Mountaineers website and also
announced by e-mail to Kitsap members. If you would like to be included on
we can send you a membership packet. New and prospective
members are invited to attend the monthly branch potluck/slide-
show to meet local members and learn more about the club. You
may also contact one of the activity coordinators listed in the
Olympia section of the Go Guide if you have questions about
hiking, scrambling, climbing, kayaking, conservation or any
other branch activity.
Magazine deadline
Submissions for the monthly Go Guide, listing branch out-
our e-mail list, let Diane Hamerman know at dhamerman@comcast.net. To
sign up for a trip you must contact the leader listed in the trip description. To
participate in Mountaineers-sponsored kayak trips, you must be a graduate
of The Mountaineers Basic Sea Kayak Course (from any branch) or have
passed equivalency (see below).
Equivalency: Mountaineers members who have kayak training and paddling
experience, yet have not completed a Mountaineers Basic Sea Kayaking
Course, may apply for equivalency. Contact Dan Montgomery, djmontg@
gmail.com, for details. You should have taken a fundamental sea kayak
course that teaches the basic skills, strokes, bracing, rescues, safety and
clothing, and be able to demonstrate your skills and abilities. There is a
$20 processing fee.
Basic Sea Kayaking Course
Would you like to learn to sea kayak? How often have you
watched others paddling on Puget Sound and said to yourself,
“That looks like fun. I should try it.” Well, here is your chance.
The Kitsap Mountaineers is offering a Basic Sea Kayaking
Course right here in Kitsap County. After completion of the
course you will be qualified to join in any Mountaineer SKII
(skill level II) sea kayak trip, offered by any branch.
The goal of the course is to give students a firm foundation
on which to build their skills. Whether you are interested in
calm-water touring or rough-water play, this course will give
you a great start toward meeting your goals. Among the topics
the course will address are: boats, gear, navigation, tides and
currents, and weather. Self and assisted rescues will be taught
and practiced both at a pool session and on the open water. Boat
handling and various strokes will also be taught.
Enrollment process: No prior sea kayaking experience is
required to participate in this course, but you must be a member
of The Mountaineers to participate. Contact Violette Fitzgerald,
violettefitzgerald@msn.com, 360-377-9670, for more informa-
tion and to request registration materials.
Course structure: The course consists of three classroom
sessions, one pool session, and two open saltwater training ses-
sions. Attendance is required at all sessions (we are not able to
offer make-up sessions) and you must also complete one club-
sponsored paddle on open saltwater of at least 7 mi. by Sept. 30.
Any other branch student paddle will qualify, but you must have
the leader contact the basic course coordinator for verification of
completion. Please be sure that your schedule will allow you to
complete all the sessions before signing up for the course.
Course schedule:
Thu., April 29, 7-10 p.m. Classroom Instruction
Sat., May 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pool Session
Mon., May 3, 7-10 p.m. Classroom Instruction
Thu., May 6, 7-10 p.m. Classroom Instruction
Sat., May 8, 8:30 - 4 p.m. Open-water Training
Sun., May 9, 8:30 - 4 p.m. Open-water Training
All classroom instruction will be held at the Manchester
Library.
The pool session will be held at South Kitsap Pool in Port Or-
chard. Kayaks and gear for the pool session will be provided.
Both days of open saltwater training will be at Manchester
State Park in Manchester. Kayaks and gear are not provided for
the open-water training and dry-suits are required. It will be the
student’s responsibility to provide an approved kayak and gear
for open-water activities (no doubles allowed, only singles with
approved flotation). However, kayak and dry-suit rentals can be
arranged, at additional cost, for those students who do not have
their own. Students will also be required to provide their own
approved kayak and gear for the one required student paddle.
Course fees: The price for the course is $175, which includes
a kayak and equipment only for the pool session. Additional costs
will include renting a boat, gear, and a dry-suit for the open-water
training, and a kayak and gear for the student paddle if the student
does not have them. Rental prices for boats, gear and dry-suits
delivered to the open-water sessions are estimated to be:
—Kayak and gear, $65 plus tax for both days
—Dry-suit, neoprene boots and cap, $55 plus tax for both
days
Graduation Requirements:
• Attend all three lectures
• Successfully complete pool session
• Successfully swim 50 yards without flotation device (com-
pleted at the pool session)
• Successfully complete the two open-water sessions
• Successfully demonstrate the ability to perform cold-water
exits and recoveries
• Successfully complete one Mountaineers student paddle
of at least 7 mi.
ings and activities, are due by the fifth day of the prior month.
Please send input for the April issue no later than March 5 to
Don Taylor, 6316 Tamoshan Dr. N.W., Olympia, WA 98502. Call
360-866-2262 (evenings) for e-mail address or if you need help
transmitting materials.
Olympia Branch Library
The library is located at Maxine Dunkelman’s house, 5418
Lemon Rd. N.E. Contact Maxine, 360-352-5027, maxdunk@
comcast.net, if you’d like to come by to browse or check out
books. Feel free to drop off books at any time, either at Maxine’s
or at Alpine Experience store (box behind the front counter).
Books, DVDs and maps owned by the branch are listed on the
branch’s website. Directions to Maxine’s: N. on Sleater-Kinney;
left (S.W.) on South Bay; right (N.) on Schinke; left (W.) on
46th; right on Lemon.
Radical Reels coming
The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings its latest tour,
Radical Reels, to Olympia on Fri., March 12. Doors will open at
6:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theater, 206 E. 5th Ave., in downtown
Olympia. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be sold at Alpine Experience and Olympic
Outfitters or at the door. Cost is $12 with a $2 discount for
Mountaineers members.
Branch officers’ meeting
The next monthly meeting of the Olympia Branch Board
will be held on Wed., March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Olympia
Center.
Kitsap-Olympia
Potluck meeting to host Alan Bauer
Professional photographer Alan Bauer will present the adven-
ture and beauty of day hiking in Washington on Tue., March 2.
He will discuss his experiences while working on “Day Hiking:
South Cascades” and “Best Desert Hikes: Washington.” He will
also spotlight some of the beautiful areas in our state that may
be unfamiliar to many people.
Join us at the Olympia Center on the first Tuesday of each
month at 6 p.m. for a shared potluck and social hour, followed
by the Outdoor Adventure Presentation at 7 p.m.
The center is located at 222 Columbia St., N.W., and the meet-
ing is held in Rooms 101-102. All members and those interested
in learning more about The Mountaineers are welcome. This is
a great opportunity to meet fellow Mountaineers, share ideas,
learn about other escapades and adventures, while connecting
with our great community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Please bring a dish to share, your own plate and flatware. A
prize for the best dish will be awarded and there will be door
prizes. Librarian Maxine Dunkelman will make available a
selection of books for members to check out; contact her for
special requests.
Future programs: April 6 - Mike Kretzler on backpacking
on the Snake River Trail. May 4 - Dominique Bachelet on cycling
adventures in France.
Please note that from June through August there are no
monthly potluck meetings. For more information about the meet-
ings, call the coordinator, Carolyn Burreson, 360-705-2055.
Alpine Scrambling
Committee: Shannon McCary, Robert Arnsdorf, Doug Hutcheson, Steve
Thompson.
Scrambling Course
Remaining lectures:
March 2, Tue., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Knox Center, snow lecture
May 4, Tue., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Knox Center, rock lecture
Remaining field trips:
March 13, Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mt. Rainier, Snow I (alterna-
tive March 20)
April 3, Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mt. Rainier, Snow II (alterna-
tive TBA)
May 8, Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Little Si, Rock
Climbing
Basic Climbing Course
Remaining lectures:
March 2, Tue. - Intro to Climbing: Belay Skills 2, Knox
Center
March 16, Tue. - Intro to Climbing: Snow Travel, Knox
Center
April 6, Tue. - Climbing Hazards, Knox Center
April 21, Wed. - Rock Climbing, Knox Center
Remaining field trips:
March 7, Sun. - Intro to Climbing Field Trip: Belay Practice,
Priest Point Park, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 20, Sat. - Intro to Climbing Field Trip: Snow 1, Mt.
Rainier, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 10-11, Sat.-Sun. - Glacier Module Field Trip: Snow
weekend, Mt. Rainier
June 1, Tue. - Z-Pulley Workshop, Location TBD
June 5, Sat. - Glacier Travel Field Trip, Mt. Rainier, 8 a.m.-
5 p.m.
April 26, Mon. - Rock Gym; Warehouse Rock Gym, 6
p.m.-9 p.m.
May 1, Sat. - Rock Field Trip: Rock Fundamentals, Spire
Rock, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 15, Sat. - Rock Field Trip; McCleary Cliffs (may be a
two-day weekend trip, depending on class size).
Beyond Basic Rock Course
This course is designed to teach rock climbing skills that will
enable you to climb safely in the backcountry. You will improve
on the skills learned in the Basic Climbing Course, which in-
cludes belaying, rappelling, and basic rock climbing. In addition,
you will be introduced to more advanced climbing techniques,
placing protection, building anchors, and lead-climbing. The
module will be taught in a series of four lectures combined with
hands-on climbing at Warehouse Rocks. We then move outside
to four different rock-climbing areas.
The course fee is $90. Students must have completed the
basic climbing rock module to be eligible for this course.
Lectures at Rock Gym:
March 13, Sat. - Successfully complete a sport climb
March 27, Sat. - Face climbing skills
April 3, Sat. - Crack climbing skills
April 17, Sat. - Building anchors
Field Trips:
May 22, Sat. - Sport climbing at Fossil Rock, Yelm
May 29, Sat. - Sport climbing at Exit 38, North Bend
June 12, Sat. - Sport climbing/crack climbing at Frenchman
Coulee
June 19, Sat. - Crack climbing at Royal Columns, Tieton
River area
To register for the Beyond Basic Rock Course, send a climb-
ing resume to Doug Souliere, 1617 Groves Ave. N.W., Olympia,
or send it via e-mail to doug@gcprint.com.
Hiking
For information on leading hikes and other hiking-related questions, contact one
of the Hiking Committee co-chairs: Carla Jonientz, 360-359-8412, carlajo-
nientz@yahoo.com.; Darlene Dickinson, 360-357-3527, darlenedickinson@
hotmail.com; Vera Sutton, 360-426-0231, vsutton@hctc.com.
Monthly hiking coordinators for the remainder of 2010 are:
April - Vera Sutton
May - Leroy Gay
June - Darlene Dickinson
July - Eric Quinn
August - Mary Jo Buza
September - Peta Henderson
October - Mary Jo Buza
November - Nancy Lloyd
December - Eric Quinn
Olympia
Hikes
March 6, Sat. - Big Creek Loop (E) (CC Mt. Skokomish-Lake
Cushman) 4.5 mi. 1000’ gain. Family hike, especially for chil-
dren, but anyone is welcome on this hike in the N. Fork Skokom-
ish River Valley. Starting near Big Creek CG, the forested trail is
almost always within earshot of tumbling creeks. Children’s pace.
Contact Anne Whitney, 360-753-6526, alobe75290@aol.com.
March 6, Sat. - Ruby Beach to Kalaloch (MS) (CC S. Olympic
Coast) 8 mi. No gain. Enjoy a spectacular beach hike (one-way,
shuttle) from Ruby Beach to Kalaloch and share dinner at Ka-
laloch Lodge. Contact Carla Jonientz, 360-359-8412 (preferred),
carlajonientz@yahoo.com.
March 13, Sat. - Priest Point Park Park (E) (Map: Google
“Priest Point Park Map”) 3 mi., 200’ gain. We’ll hike some of
the trails and shorelines at a relaxed pace with stops for views
and beachcombing. Meet at 10 a.m. near the restroom by the
parking lot on the W. side of the East Bay Drive overpass. Look
for the orange bike flag. Bring lug-soled boots or shoes (no court
or street shoes because parts of the trail are steep and slippery).
Optional lunch at a nearby restaurant after the hike. No regis-
tration required. Leader: Allen Mote, 360-970-8943 (7-9 p.m.),
allenmote@gmail.com.
March 14, Sun. - Lower Lena Lake (M) (USGS: The Brothers/
Mt. Washington; GT The Brothers) 6.4 mi. 1300’ gain. Pleasant
hike on moderately-graded trail through lush forest with lots of
old-growth trees. Our destination is a beautiful sub-alpine lake
formed by a massive rock slide 5,000 years ago. Giant moss-
covered boulders provide interesting mid-trip scenery where
Lena Creek “mysteriously” vanishes before getting to the bridge
that crosses it. Be ready for rain. NWFP. Leader: Nancy Lloyd,
360-628-4237, (preferred), nancylloy@yahoo.com.
March 20, Sat. - Little Mashel Falls, Pack Forest (E) No map
needed. 5.4 mi. 300’ gain—with optional step-scramble to the
falls. This series of falls is very dramatic and a beautiful place to
hang out in good weather. A short 45-min. drive from Olympia.
This is a nice introduction to the UW’s Pack Forest with easy
route-finding and scrambling. Great beginner hike. Contact Dixie,
360-943-2734, HavlakRD@comcast.net.
First Aid (MOFA)
Spring MOFA class
Come prepared to have fun and be challenged while learn-
ing mountaineering-oriented first aid (MOFA). This class offers
essential skills for those who enjoy climbing, hiking and other
Mountaineers activities.
We will be spending time outside, rain or shine, so please
dress appropriately. Bring your daypack as it would be packed
for the trail. Include extra clothing, trekking poles, your current
first aid kit and the rest of your Ten Essentials. We have a lot of
material to cover, so the pace will be fast.
The class will be more meaningful if you cover the reading
prior to class. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Please
bring a lunch to all weekend classes.
Graduation requirements: attend all classes, pass written
exams and practical scenarios, assemble a full MOFA kit, and
complete CPR training no more than three months prior to the
first day of the course.
Attendance at all classes is mandatory. All classes will be
held at the Griffin Fire Department, 3707 Steamboat Loop N.W.,
Olympia. Directions from I-5: N. on Hwy. 101 about 7.5 mi.,
right on exit ramp to Steamboat Island Rd. Immediate left then
follow signs straight to Steamboat Island Rd. The fire department
is to the left on the corner.
Schedule of classes:
April 17, Sat. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
April 24, Sat. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
April 25, Sun. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The course fee is $80 for Mountaineers members and $100
for non-members. The textbooks are included in the cost: “Moun-
taineering First Aid,” 5th edition, and American Red Cross First
Aid/CPR for Schools and Communities,” 3rd edition.
Paid registration must be received by March 30. We cannot
provide refunds for cancellations after March 30. Register online
at www.olympiamountaineers.org/courses.htm or by phone at
800-573-8484. Processing fees may apply to refunds for online
registration. Textbooks can be picked up at the Alpine Experi-
ence after March 30.
For details and registration information, contact the course
chair, Eric Quinn, traileq@urdo.com, 360-556-4969, or the co-
chair, Tom Eckhout, teckhout@msn.com, 360-556-9898.
Spring MOFA Refresher Course
Is your MOFA card about to expire? Then this class if for
you. The MOFA Refresher Course is a great way to practice your
first aid skills and learn the most current first aid methods. There
are no fees for the Refresher Course. A current MOFA card is
required for registration. Students will need to provide their own
copy of the text: “Mountaineering First Aid,” 5th edition. The
other text, “American Red Cross First Aid/CPR for Schools and
Communities,” 3rd edition, will be provided.
Graduation requirements: attend all classes, pass written
exams and practical scenarios, assemble a full MOFA kit, and
complete CPR training no more than three months prior to the
first day of the course.
Attendance at all classes is mandatory. The first two classes
will be held at the Olympia School District Knox Center, corner
of Legion and Eastside. The third class will be held in conjunc-
tion with the regular MOFA course (see above). Sign up online
at www.olympiamountaineers.org/courses.htm or contact Eric
Quinn, traileq@urdo.com, 360-556-4969.
Schedule:
April 8, Thu., 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at Knox Center
April 15, Thu., 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at Knox Center
April 25, Sun., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Griffin Fire Dept.
For more information, contact Eric Quinn, traileq@urdo.
com, 360-556-4969, or Tom Eckhout, teckhout@msn.com,
360-556-9898.
CPR Course
This class is intended to help MOFA and refresher students
meet the CPR requirement. Students may meet the CPR require-
ment by taking other CPR courses within three months prior
to the first day of the MOFA or Refresher Course. The CPR
Course will be held at the Olympia School District’s Knox
Center, corner of Legion and Eastside. The course is held on
two different days (your choice): Thu., April 1, or Thu., April
22, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Eric Quinn, traileq@urdo.
com, 360-556-4969, or Tom Eckhout, teckhout@msn.com,
360-556-9898.
Sea Kayaking
Co-Chair: Ron Jones, 360-359-3395
Co-Chair: Henry Romer, 360-357-7638
Basic Course: Will Greenough, 360-508-0456
Committee meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, Sep-
tember through May. This is where all the brainstorming and planning takes
place. The committee plans the annual basic kayak course, trips, special
events, training and other fun activities. We welcome your enthusiasm. The
next meeting will be on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Alpine Experience. Call
Ron Jones, 360-359-3395, or check the Olympia sea kayaking community
section at www.mountaineers.org for details about the committee.
Olympia Sea Kayaking on the Web: To improve communications among
paddlers, we’ve developed an Olympia Sea Kayaking section in the com-
munities area of the main Mountaineers website, www.mountaineers.org.
Here you’ll find meeting minutes, trip reports, photos, and much more. You’re
going to like it. If you need help getting in, call Tim Nagle, 360-561-5504, or
Ron Jones, 360-359-3395.
Sea Kayak Equivalency: Mountaineers members with previous kayak training
and experience, but who have not completed a Mountaineers Sea Kayaking
Course (offered in Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle) are encouraged to apply.
Olympia Branch members should contact Steve Gorton, 360-866-2788, for
an application. The process may take 3-6 weeks.
Trips
Trips are open to all Mountaineers who have graduated from the basic course
or been granted equivalency. Trips are classified by the sea kayak (SK) rat-
ing system. Check with the trip leader to see if the trip is right for you. Some
trips are scheduled too late to make it into the Go Guide, so also check The
Mountaineers website (www.mountaineers.org). If there is a particular trip
you would like to see offered, contact Tim Nagle, 360-561-5504, tnagle@
stmartin.edu.
March 5, Fri. - South Sound Night Paddle (SK II-III) (NOAA
Chart 18448) 11 nm. Destination to be decided, based on weather.
Launch at 5 p.m. with an expected return at 8 p.m. Contact Will
Greenough, 360-508-0456, kayakwill@yahoo.com.
March 13, Sat. - Ketron Island (SK II+) 13 nm. Circumnavigate
Ketron Island from Nisqually’s Luhr Beach. This trip qualifies
as one of the Paddle Pin Island Series. Henry Romer, 360-357-
7638, hromer@aol.com.
March 14, Sun. - Pool Play 3-5 p.m. If the Sound is too cold,
how about some chlorine up your nose? Warm water is perfect
for practicing braces, wet exits, rescues and rolls. New members
are encouraged to join the fun, practice old skills and learn new
ones from the experienced paddlers. Bring a clean kayak and
$5 if you’re a Mountaineer ($10 for non-members) to the River
Ridge High School pool in Lacey.
March 14, Sun. - Intro to Kayak Rolling 3-5 p.m. Private kayak
rolling lessons to continue at the open pool session on March
14. $15 includes your pool entrance fee and 30 minutes of roll
coaching. Great refresher or an opportunity to pick up some more
details. Limit of 6 participants. You must contact the coordinator
for details and to sign up: Bob Burreson, 360-705-2055.
Midweek trips: Are you on a non-standard work schedule or no
schedule at all? Want to paddle midweek? Let Henry know a date,
and he’ll see what can be done: Henry Romer, 360-357-7638.
Intro to Sea Kayaking Course
The Basic Sea Kayaking Course begins in April and is open
to all members of The Mountaineers. The course provides a
basic introduction to sea kayaking. Graduation from the course
permits members to sign up for all Mountaineers sea kayak trips.
No prior knowledge or experience is required.
All instruction will be in single kayaks. If you do not own a
kayak, rentals will be available. The course will be limited to 18
students. Please note the dates carefully and confirm that your
schedule will permit you to attend all of the sessions. There will
be no opportunity to make up missed sessions.
Sea kayaking, and the course, involve a level of strength,
flexibility and endurance possessed by most physically-active
individuals. If you have any questions or concerns about your
ability to participate, please contact Will Greenough, 360-508-
0456, juniwill@q.com, or Tim Burke, 360-866-4286.
The course fee is $175. Students who do not own or have
access to a kayak and the required equipment will be required to
rent on three occasions: the open-water session, the wet paddle,
and one additional Mountaineers-sponsored trip. Kayaks will be
provided for the pool session. You may also have other expenses
for appropriate clothing and equipment.
Typically, the course fills quickly. The registration form/
questionnaire is available in the archives section of the Olympia
Mountaineers sea kayak community page on The Mountaineers
website (www.mountaineers.org), or by contacting Will Gre-
enough or Tim Burke.
Course Structure and Schedule: The course consists of
three lectures, one pool session, one open-water session and
one wet paddle.
Lectures:
(All lectures are at the Coach House, 211 W. 21st Ave.,
6:30-9:30 p.m.)
April 28, Wed. - Introduction, orientation, equipment over-
view, safety, introduction to basic techniques.
May 6, Thu. - Hypothermia, first aid equipment, introduction
to tides and currents, weather for kayakers.
May 12, Wed. - Boat handling, leadership/followership,
wilderness ethics, volunteerism, the next steps.
Pool session: April 30, Fri. - River Ridge High School, 8929
Martin Way E., 6-9 p.m.
Swim test, entry and exit, rescue techniques, fitting your
kayak, bracing.
Open-water session: May 8, Sat. - Keneydell Park, Black
Lake, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Boat loading and tie down, forward paddling,
braces, turning strokes.
Wet paddle: May 15, Sat., or May 16, Sun. - Boston Harbor,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Two sessions; each student must attend one of
these). Four-hour paddle, and self- and assisted-rescue clinic in
cold water. Plan to get wet in cold water.
One additional Mountaineers-sponsored paddle trip is re-
quired to graduate.
Go Guide March 2010 
Singles
Social activities are organized for the enjoyment of all adult Mountaineers. Par-
ticipating in activities provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy our Northwest
outdoors, while getting acquainted with people who have similar interests.
Singles Coordinator: Linda Hayes, lhayes1961@comcast.net
E-mail Updates: The Olympia Singles Yahoo group is a great way to learn
about last minute activities and get reminders of upcoming events. If you
would like to be invited to join the Olympia Mountaineers Singles Yahoo
Group, send a request to Linda, lhayes1961@comcast.net. Include a brief
message that you heard about the group from the Go Guide.
TO SIGN UP FOR A SEATTLE TRIP, VISIT WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORG
OR CALL 206-521-6000, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Chair: Courtland Shafer Ph: 206-763-1510
E-mail: courtland@seanet.com Website: www.seattlemountaineers.org
(cancellation fees may apply for fee-based events and classes; contact leader)
Branchwide
Information, new members meeting
The Seattle Branch new members’ meeting is held on the
first Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at club headquarters. The
meeting allows new and prospective members an overview of
all the activities that the branch offers. Activity representatives
are also on hand to answer questions about particular programs
and courses.
Alpine Scrambling
See the Seattle scrambling website: http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/
scramble
Committee Chair: Ed Dominguez, 206-322-9343, edomino.ed@gmail.com
Course Attendance & Equivalency Questions: Deborah Walker, 206-285-
8444, deborahw@eskimo.com
Workshop Questions: Mary Panza, 206-236-8801, makinanoise@hotmail.
com
Field Trip Questions: Mike Sweeney, 425-417-3081, michael.m.sweeney@
boeing.com
Leadership Questions & Advanced Scramble Course: Randy Nelson, 206-
328-9465, grandjubile@usa.net
Winter Scramble Questions: Johnny Jeans, 425-746-2328, jjmtnjoys@
yahoo.com
Alpine Scrambling Course
The Alpine Scrambling Course teaches skills used to reach
non-technical snow and rock summits. Alpine scrambling in-
volves off-trail travel on moderately exposed rock and snow. It
does not include roped climbing. The scramble course will give
you access to hundreds of peaks in the Cascades and Olympics.
The skills, conditioning, gear and experience you acquire will
also serve you well should you continue on to technical climb-
ing courses.
Graduation requirements:
• Attend each workshop, pass all quizzes, and satisfactorily
complete each field trip.
• Reach the summit in a competent manner on three separate
alpine scramble trips.
• Complete the separate Basic Navigation Course (November,
February, or March).
• Complete the separate Mountaineering-Oriented First Aid
(MOFA) Course.
• Apply for graduation. Date TBA.
Course workshops and field trips are sequential and must
be taken in order to advance to the next activity. Students who
miss the first workshop will be dropped from the course without
refund. Missing other workshops or any field trip may force a
student to complete the course as a second-year student.
Seattle workshops (7-9:30 p.m. at Mountaineers Program
Center):
March 29, Mon. - Snow Travel
April 26, Mon. - Rock Scrambling
Eastside workshops (7-9:30 p.m. at a Redmond loca-
tion):
April 5, Mon. - Snow Travel
May 3, Mon. - Rock Scrambling
Field trips (students may choose one of the dates for
each field trip):
April 24 or 25, Sat. or Sun. - All-Day Snow Field Trip (ad-
ditional dates available in conjunction with Seattle Basic Alpine
Climbing Course: May 1 or May 9)
May 15 or 16, Sat. or Sun. – All-Day Rock Field Trip
Jun. 5 or 6, Sat. or Sun. – All-Day Scramble Experience
Field Trip
Note: Smaller class enrollment may cause some field trips
to be offered one day only.
See www.mountaineers.org/seattlescramble for current
course information. If you have questions, come to a new mem-
bers’ presentation at The Mountaineers Program Center on March
3 or contact Mary Panza, makinanoise@hotmail.com.
Advanced Scramble/Leadership
(Event #7866) Experienced scramblers wanting to develop
 March 2010 Go Guide
Winter Travel (Nordic ski, snowshoe)
Cross-country ski trips
March 14, Sun. - Blewett Pass: Wenatchee Ridge (E) (GT-210
Liberty) 6 mi.. 460’ gain. A scenic ridge tour with long, gradual
slopes on a nice, easy forest road. This is usually the leader’s
most popular trip. Leader: Leroy Gay, 360-280-0450, leroian@
yahoo.com.
March 28, Sun. - Amabilis Mountain (Intermediate) 8 mi.
2154’ gain. Partially groomed. Great views of Kachess Lake,
Mt. Catherine, Mt. Rainier and opportunities on open slopes to
advanced scrambling and leadership skills are invited to apply
for the Advanced Scrambling and Leadership Course. The course
is flexible, and we expect enrollees to provide input on what
they want to learn.
Admission can be done at any time, but is open only to
Mountaineers members and depends on an interview with the
course chair or Alpine Scrambling Committee chair.
Course summary
There are six independent modules. We expect most students
to take two years to develop the skills and experience required
to graduate from the course.
A) Rock and Snow Protection: Rope protection techniques for
rock, hard snow and ice. Emergency rope use, belayed lowering,
and running belays.
B) Winter Scramble: Winter scrambling and emergency
bivouac techniques.
C) Avalanche: American Avalanche Association Level 1
training.
D) Hard Snow: Hard snow self-arrest. French crampon and
ice ax techniques. Emergency belay and lowering methods.
E) Leadership Training: Preparation to become a scramble
trip leader. Trip planning and scramble party management; safety
and emergency procedures.
F) Backcountry Navigation: Route-finding, map-reading, and
GPS skills beyond the basic navigation course.
Cost: The complete course with all modules is $175. Quali-
fied members may take an individual module (except for the
avalanche modules) separately for $50.
Questions: Contact the course chair, Randy Nelson, grand-
jubile@usa.net.
Alpine Scrambling Committee
Alpine Scrambling Committee meetings are held each month,
September through May, at club headquarters from 7 to 9 p.m.,
typically on the third Monday of the month. If you have ques-
tions about the committee’s work or are interested in attending,
presenting an issue, or submitting an agenda item, contact the
committee co-chairs.
The committee welcomes input from scramblers on how to
improve the alpine scrambling program. Send your ideas, sug-
gestions, or complaints to the committee co-chairs.
Trips
Alpine scramble trips: Alpine scrambles are strenuous off-trail trips to a
summit. Scrambles often travel over snow and rock, and through brush.
Most routes will cross some exposed areas. These trips are open only to
Mountaineers members who are Alpine Scrambling Course students or
graduates, Basic Climbing Course graduates, or those with Alpine Scrambling
or Basic Climbing Course equivalency.
No trips were listed as of the Go Guide deadline. Please check www.moun-
taineers.org for any late-breaking trips.
Exploratory scrambles: These trips investigate new scramble routes. Scram-
bling students are not eligible to participate.
After-hours scrambles are denoted in the listing by “AHS.”
Winter scrambles: Scramble trips between December and March are winter
scrambles, and others may be too as conditions dictate. Winter scramble
trips involve snowshoe travel and significant exposure to cold weather and
avalanche hazard. Scramble students are NOT eligible to go on winter
scrambles. We strongly recommend participants have winter snow travel
experience and training in avalanche avoidance and rescue. Snowshoes and
ice ax must be brought to the trailhead and poles are recommended. Leaders
may also require avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Please contact the
trip leader if you have questions about your preparation or equipment.
Registration procedures: The preferred registration method is through the
“Activity Search” area of www.mountaineers.org. Before committing to a
trip, please check the trip details online. Contact the leader well before the
trip if you have questions.
March 6, Sat. - Camp Muir 10,000’ (Winter Scramble) (USGS
Mt Rainier E.), 8 mi. 4600’ gain. Meet 8:30 a.m. Paradise. Leader:
Frank Jesseph, 206-300-2168. (s2/22-3/02)
March 14, Sun. - Granite Mtn. (Winter Scramble) (USGS Sno-
qualmie Pass). Meet 7 a.m. at 65th St. P&R. Leader’s permission
required. Leader: Tab Wilkins, 206-782-3666. (s2/1-3/12)
Backcountry Ski/Snowbd.
Committee Chair and Contact: Cindy Hoover, cyn@zipcon.com, 206-783-
4032.
Join us: The Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Committee invites skiers and
carve some turns. May move to another location after scouting
it. For drivers, parking requires Groomed Trails and Sno-Park
permit. Sign up with leader by 8 p.m. on Fri., March 26: Doug
Hutcheson, 360-870-9793, dhutcheson360@comcast.net.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski trips
March 27, Sat. - Mowich Lake Road (M) (GT Mt. Rainier
W.) 8-11 mi. 1400’ gain. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers
travel a lonely forest road for a spring tour through the trees to
frozen Mowich Lake. The hill is gentle but steady. Terrain is not
technical but endurance is needed to get to the lake. Drivers need
a high-clearance vehicle. Please sign up by March 13. Leader:
Eric Quinn, 360-556-4969, traileq@ubrdo.com.
snowboarders to join in putting on a great ski and snowboard program. This
is an opportunity to meet other skiers and snowboarders, learn new skills,
and update current ones by helping in our education program. If interested in
getting involved in any way, please contact the chair, 206-783-4032 (evenings
before 9 p.m.), or at cyn@zipcon.com.
Ski & Snowboard leaders wanted: If you don’t see a trip that you would like to
go on, or you know of areas to ski or snowboard that you would like to share
with others, then become a trip leader! We particularly need leaders to lead
easy and moderate-level Nordic (N-rated) or mountain (M-rated) trips. The
process for becoming a leader is not difficult, and you will soon be out on
the snow with new skiing and snowboarding friends. The required leadership
seminar, field trip and avalanche Level 1 training are offered every winter.
Prospective leaders who would like assistance can request mentoring to
help them get started. Interested skiers and snowboarders should contact
Cindy Hoover, cyn@zipcon.com, 206-783-4032, for more information or for
an application to become a trip leader.
Trips
Please check the website for last-minute trip listings. Frequently trips are added
throughout the month.
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
Feb. 27-28, Sat.-Sun. - Snow Camping For Beginners
So you’re already backpacking and want to break into the 4th
season? Come “chill” with us at our Snoqualmie Campus and
learn how to build a leave-no-trace campfire in the snow, make
winter furniture, and how to have more fun than a group of
poofy grownups should be allowed to have. Folks already used
to backpacking are most appropriate for this outing, and a gear
list will be available upon request. Camping gear can be shared
or rented, and most three-season backpacking gear will suf-
fice. Don’t hesitate with questions. Contact Ken Hahn, kenh@
mountaineers.org, 206-595-7237. Event fees: members $15,
non-members $25.
Feb. 28, Sun. - N. Fork Tieton River Trails (N2) (White Pass
GT 303) Up to 10 mi., 500’ gain or more. Meet at 8 a.m. in Pack-
wood. Ski for the day at N. Fork Tieton, or make it a weekend
on the snow by combining with the Feb. 27 snowshoe/ski trip
at Yellow Jacket Road (White Pass). Motel options available in
Packwood. The Saturday trip at Yellow Jacket Road (leader is
Eric Quinn) is listed under snowshoe activities, and participants
have a snowshoe or ski option. Limit 12. Leader: Linda Moore,
425- 347-7650, abenteuerbc@yahoo.com. (s/2/1-2/25)
March 4, Thu. - Amabilis Mtn. (N3) (Snoqulamie Pass GT
207) 9 mi., 2200’ gain A classic trip with great views. Limit 7.
Meet at Preston P&R at 8 a.m. Leader: Jon Struss, 206-244-2669,
jonstruss@comcast.net. (s/2/17-3/2)
March 7, Sun. - Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners So
you’re intrigued by the idea of gliding gently through the woods,
gawking at the snowshoers as you silently drift past, but feel the
need for a good coaching session? This clinic is for you! We’ll
spend half-a-day in a casual atmosphere working on the basics
of classic XC skiing on groomed trails. The event will run from
morning to roughly noon (exact times TBA). Ski rentals are avail-
able at REI, and a clothing/gear list will be provided after you
sign up. A Sno-Park permit (also available at REI for $20 a day)
will be required per car; fees can be divided among carpoolers.
Guests or members who need assistance with signing up should
contact the leader: Ken Hahn: kenh@mountaineers.org or 206-
595-7237. Event Fee: Member $30, Non-Member $40.
March 13, Sat. - Copper Creek Hut (N2) (Mt. Rainier W. GT-
269) 8 mi., 1200’ gain. On the Mt. Tahoma Trails System. Meet
at Whittaker’s Bunkhouse Cafe in Ashford at 8:30 a.m. Limit
12. Leader: Linda Moore, 425-347-7650, abenteuerbc@yahoo.
com. (s/2/8-3/11)
March 14, Sun. - Leader’s Choice (N1-2) This will be a good
trip for those relatively new to XC skiing and non-groomed
routes. Need some speed control skills for going downhill? We’ll
go where we can find snow—within a 2-hr. drive of Seattle—and
will meet at a P&R at 8:30 a.m. for carpooling. Details will be
posted on website, or call leader. Limit: 10. Leader: Cindy Hoover
206-783-4032, cyn@zipcon.com. (s/3/1-3/11)
Backpacking
Backpacking involves overnight hiking trips. Most trips are two or three days,
but some are more than a week. Each participant carries his or her own
overnight gear (tent, stove, sleeping bag, etc.) Sharing of equipment is
encouraged to distribute weight. An annual backpacking class, open to all,
is offered each June. The class is not required to participate in backpacking.
Backpacking trips are for adults. No children or pets.
Website: http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/backpack
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
Feb. 27-28, Sat.-Sun. - Snow Camping For Beginners
So you’re already backpacking and want to break into the 4th
season? See Backcountry Skiing for full details.
March 18, Thu. - Backpacking Basics Bridge the gap be-
tween day trips and truly experiencing the wilderness overnight.
Tips on gear and technique to spend a comfy night in mountains.
Learn what works best in particular situations and what is spe-
cifically applicable to Pacific Northwest backpacking. Guests or
members who need assistance with signing up should contact the
coordinator: Ken Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, 206-595-7237.
Event fees: $10 members, $15 non-members.
Climbing
Web pages
The Climbing Committee’s web pages are accessible for the
convenience of members from The Mountaineers home page or
directly at: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/climbing.
Olympia-Seattle
Basic Alpine Climbing Course
Basic Alpine Climbing Course registration is currently
closed. Registration for the 2011 course will open in the fall. For
more about this intensive and thorough program, please visit our
website (listed above).
Remaining schedule:
Fri., March 5 - Lecture #2 7-9 p.m. in Goodman A & B of
Mountaineers Program Center. Leadership and what to expect on
a Mountaineers climb; safety policies of The Mountaineers; the
sources and consequences of awful mistakes in the mountains.
March 8, 9, 14, Mon., Tue., Sun. - Field Trip #3 For the
8th or 9th, check in by 6 p.m. For the 14th, check in by 7:30
a.m. for the morning, noon or afternoon session. Prusiking,
belaying, and belay escape. Refer to the basic student handbook
for required reading and equipment. March 9 leader - Walt Reis-
sig, crusty.snow@verizon.net, 425-357-1813; March 10 leader
- Barbara Dekeyser, 206-920-4993, barbaradekeyser@gmail.
com; March 14 leader - Mike Maude, mjm000@msn.com.com,
425-485-8727. Instructors and students register online at www.
mountaineers.org (s2/15-3/11). Go to “activity search” and select
“any date is fine,” then indicate “field trip 3” in the destination
name window.
April 10-11 or 24-25 - Field Trip #4 Students check in by
7:30 a.m. The final rock skills evaluation field trip. Climbing,
belaying, belay escape, rappelling, and knots. Refer to the basic
student handbook for required reading and equipment. April 10,
24, 25 leader - Hadi Al-Saadoon, bluehadoo@comcast.net, 206-
595-1836; April 11 leader - Walt Reissig, crusty.snow@verizon.
net, 425-357-1813. Instructors and students sign up on-line at
www.mountaineers.org (s2/22-3/22). Go to “activity search”
and select “any date is fine,” then indicate “field trip 4” in the
destination name window. More info: mark_scheffer@yahoo.
com, 360-805-6420.
Basic climbs
March 13, Sat. - Mt. Hood, S. Side (BG) Limit 9. Very strenuous
pace; weather dependent. Conditions permitting we are on the
summit in 5 hrs. Don’t sign up if you can’t keep up; we can still
have fun! Leader’s permission required. Leader: Hadi Al-Saa-
doon, 206-721-3031, bluehadoo@comcast.net. (s2/22-3/10)
April 3, Sat. - S. Early Winter Spire, SW Couloir (BA) Limit
8. Snowshoes required. Leader: Mark Scheffer, 360-805-6420,
mark_scheffer@yahoo.com. (s3/15-4/1)
Equivalency
If you possess significant and current climbing skills, as
well as experience, you can apply for Basic Alpine Climbing
Course equivalency to participate on club climbs and events. To
find out more, contact the program coordinator, Joe Dumelin,
basic.equivalency@gmail.com.  highly dependent on you for training.
Intermediate climbing
Intermediate Climbing Course registration is currently
closed. Watch for information about next year’s program offer-
ing late this year or visit www.mountaineers.org/seattle/climb-
ing/Courses/IntermediateCourse.html. The course consists of
classroom and field instruction designed to teach techniques of
safe lead-climbing on rock, snow, ice and mixed alpine terrain.
Remaining lecture schedule:
March 3, Wed. - Rescue Methods & Safety
March 12, 14, 15, or 17, Fri., Sun., Mon., Wed. - Rock
Climbing at Vertical World, Redmond, and Mountaineers Pro-
gram Center.
June 28, Mon. - Alpine Ice Climbing
Remaining field trip schedule:
March 6-7 or 20-21, Sat.-Sun. - Rescue Methods (2 days)
March 27-28, April 3-4 or 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Rock 1 (2
days)
May1, 2 or 15, Sun, or Sat. - Rock 2 (1 day)
July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, Aug. 14-15, Sat.-Sun. - Ice 1 (2
days)
Aug. 28, 29, Sept. 11, 12, Sat. or Sun. - Ice 2 (1 day)
Intermediate climbs
March 6-7, Sat.-Sun. - Mt. Rainier, DC Route (winter) (IM)
Limit 6. This is a very strenuous climb. Climbers on this trip
should be prepared for the potential of a -10 to -30 degree wind-
chill (or colder). Participants should have some previous winter
climbing experience at altitude prior to signing up for this trip.
Sign up with leader: Mark Scheffer, 360-805-6420, mark_schef-
fer@yahoo.com. (s2/1-3/4)
Crag Climbing Course
The 2010 Crag Climbing Course is full; additional applica-
tions will be put on a wait list in the order received.
The course teaches the skills, knowledge, and techniques
needed to safely lead traditional and bolted routes on outdoor
crags. It fully covers proper use of active and passive protection
needed for lead climbing in the crag environment, construction
of safe anchor systems for top-rope/leading, swinging leads on
mid-5th class (5.4-5.8), single and multi-pitch climbs, and other
pertinent crag climbing skills.
Remaining schedule (tentative):
March 13, Sat. - All day at Mountaineers Program Center
TBA - Vertical World Seminar
April 3 or 4 - Vantage (half of class each day)
April 24-25, Sat-Sun. - Leavenworth
May 15-16, Sat-Sun. - Leavenworth
May 22 or 23, Sat. or Sun. - Leavenworth and elsewhere
Crag climbs
SIG = Small instructional group
March 13, Sat. - Leavenworth - Playground Point (RG) Limit
16. Climbing and rappelling practice for Wes Cooper’s SIG.
Leader’s permission required: Wesley Cooper, 206-229-4101,
wcooper06@yahoo.com. (s1/28-3/12)
March 20, Sat. - Leavenworth - Roto Wall (RG) Limit 12. More
details to come. Leader’s permission required: Colt DeWolf,
206-352-9113, colt0045@gmail.com. (s3/8-3/15)
March 20, Sat. - Vantage: Feathers, Various (RG) Limit 12.
Peter Heinz SIG. Leader’s permission required: Scott Heinz,
206-799-9637, scott.d.heinz@gmail.com. (s2/15-3/18)
March 21, Sun. - Leavenworth, Roto Wall (RG) Limit 12.
SIG rock leader: Tina Nef, 206-784-7288, tinanef@aol.com.
(s3/3-3/19)
Seattle
March 27-28, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth, Playground Point
(RG) Limit 2. Seattle intermediate Rock 1 field trip. Sign up
with leader: Mark Scheffer, 360-805-6420, mark_scheffer@
yahoo.com. (s3/25-3/26)
March 27, Sat. - Leavenworth - Roto Wall (RG) Limit 12.
Basic climbing. SIG outing. Sign up with leader: Douglas Smart,
206-517-2800, d.j.smart.seattle@gmail.com. (s3/25-3/26)
April 10, Sat. - Leavenworth, Playground Point (RG) Limit
16. Peter Heinz basic SIG outing. Leader’s permission required.
Leader: Scott Heinz, 206-799-9637, scott.d.heinz@gmail.com.
(s3/8-4/8)
April 10, Sat. - Vantage: Feathers, Various (RG) Limit 12.
Rock experience field trip for Art Freeman’s SIG group. Leader’s
permission required. Leader: Brett Dyson, 206-527-9842, hhik-
ing@hotmail.com. (s1/20-4/2)
April 17, Sat. - Tieton: Royal Columns, Various (RG) Limit
8. Crack climbing. Leader: Thomas Lewis, tnlsea@gmail.com.
(s3/8-4/14)
April 17, Sat. - Vantage: Feathers, Various (RG) Limit 8. A
one-day, crag-climbing seminar for learning how to safely break
down an anchor and rap off a bolted route. Open to basic grads,
crag students, and intermediate students of any level including
first year. Students do not need to know how to lead a bolted route.
Bring rock shoes, climbing rope if you have one, quick-draws
if you have them, at least two double-length slings and/or two
daisy chains (personal anchor), at least two locking carabiners,
harness, helmet (required), lunch, and water. No other climbing
pro needed. We’ll also be top-roping for fun! Meet at the up-
per parking area (by the Feathers) at 8 a.m. A WDFW permit
is required for parking at Vantage. Contact the leader, Colt de
Wolf, with questions: colt0045@gmail.com, 206-352-9113.
(s3/29-4/12)
April 18, Sun. - Tieton: Royal Columns, Various (RG) Limit
8. Crack climbing at Royal Columns. Leader: Thomas Lewis,
tnlsea@gmail.com. (s3/8-4/14)
Sport Climbing Course
The technical skills, as well as physical and mental strength,
acquired in sport climbing can be applied to all types of climbing
adventures, from sport routes to multi-pitch traditional routes
and even to ice climbing. Figure out what you need to do to start
leading into the 5.10s and beyond on sport routes. Learn new
techniques, how to belay and fall safely, assess risk, reflect on
your climbing and improve your physical and mental strength.
To accomplish these things, you will partner with another
person in the course for 10 weeks of training towards a targeted
red-point sport route at Vantage. Because you will be working
closely as a team with another person in the course, they will be
Applicants should be comfortable leading 5.9 sport routes.
Please be sure that you can commit to the full training program,
or make other workable arrangements.
Course fee: $150 plus Vertical World session ($35 members,
$45 non-members). Required reading: “How to Climb 5.12,” by
Eric Hörst, “The Rock Warrior’s Way,” by Arno Ilgner.
Important dates:
March 4, Thu. - Meet the Sport Climbers Potluck, 7 p.m. at
Mountaineers Program Center
March 12, Fri. - Physical Training for Sport Climbing, 7 p.m.
at Mountaineers Program Center.
Before field trip #1 - 2-hr. Falling & Belaying Session at
Vertical World
April 4, Sun. - Video Taping & Route Selection
April 5, Mon. - Field Trip, Technique in Sport Climbing, 7
p.m., Mountaineers Program Center
April 16, 17 &18, Fri.-Sun. - Optional Field Trip to Smith
Rock
April 28, Wed. - Mental Training for Sport Climbing, 7 p.m.,
Mountaineers Program Center
May 16, Sun. - Red-Point Field Trip
Contact: Jenn Carter, jennecarter@gmail.com, or Deb Sand,
sebdand@gmail.com.
Intro to Alpine Climbing
Intro to Alpine Climbing (IAC) is a program designed as a
refresher for climbers whose skills might be a bit rusty and to give
anyone new to climbing a taste of alpine techniques in a casual,
hands-on environment. A different topic is scheduled each month
from March through June as stand-alone events.
Some events are scheduled at the Mountaineers Program
Center and others will be held in the field. You may attend one,
some or all sessions. Space is limited, so register early for the
topics you want to attend. Gear lists and other questions should
be directed to the program coordinator, Jeff Panza, 206-755-9962,
scramblebear@speakeasy.net.
IAC outings
April 17, Sat. - Snow & Glacier Climbing Skills We’ll spend
a day in the field reviewing and practicing snow-climbing skills.
Included will be ice ax skills and roped climbing techniques.
Class fee: $20 members; $35 non-members. Questions? Con-
tact Jeff Panza, 206-755-9962, scramblebear@speakeasy.net.
(s1/11-4/15)
May 2, Sun. - Rock Climbing 101 Rock climbing at The
Mouuntaineers Program Center. We’ll get as many laps in as
possible and work on technique, as well as belaying and rappel-
ling. Class fee: $20 members; $35 non-members. Questions?
Contact Jeff Panza, 206-755-9962, scramblebear@speakeasy.
net. (s1/11-4/29)
June 12, Sat. - Crevasse Rescue & Belay Escape We’ll review
and practice the skills for crevasse rescue and belay escape in
the warmth of a city park setting. Class fee: $20 members; $35
non-members. Questions? Contact Jeff Panza, 206-755-9962,
scramblebear@speakeasy.net. (s1/11-6/10)
Intro to Rock Climbing Course
The Intro to Rock Climbing Course is designed for those
who have little to no outdoor rock climbing experience. In this
course you will learn the basics of top-roped outdoor climbing.
This includes learning basic climbing knots, belaying skills,
climbing techniques and converting to rappel.
At the end of this course, you will be able to safely follow a
lead climber on sport/crag climbs as well as know the basics for
top-roping on your own. Note: this course is a top-rope course
only. It does not prepare you for an alpine environment or lead-
ing rock climbs.
Schedule:
April 21, Wed. - Kickoff lecture at Mountaineers Program
Center, 7 p.m.
April 28, Wed. - Vertical World gym night
May 8, Sat. - Field Trip at Mountaineers Program Center
May 22-23, Sat.-Sun. - Location TBD
Note: Attendance is required for all dates as there will be
no make-up sessions.
You may sign up online at www.mountaineers.org or call The
Mountaineers Program Center at 206-521-6001. Registration will
start on March 1 and go through April 19.
Course fee: $150.
For more information: Amy Hardie, amylh4@hotmail.com,
or Susan Sayers, susanjsayers@gmail.com
Aid & Big Wall Seminar: spring
March 9, Tue. - Seminar meeting, 7 p.m. Introduction, basic
techniques, gear and fundamentals, in Conference Room of
Mountaineers Program Center.
March 13 or 14, Sat. or Sun.- Practice session, 7:30 a.m. for
continuing students, 8 a.m. for first year students, North Wall at
Mountaineers Program Center.
March 24, Wed. - Seminar meeting, 7 p.m. Racking, anchor
management and techniques, in Conference Room of Mountain-
eers Program Center.
March 27 or 28, Sat. or Sun. - Practice session, 7:30 a.m. for
continuing students, 8 a.m. for first-year students, North Wall at
Mountaineers Program Center.
April 7, Wed. - Seminar meeting, 7 p.m., Cascade Room at
Mountaineers Program Center. Hauling, hammering, hooks, and
route beta & ratings.
April 10-11, Sat.-Sun. - Practice session. 7 a.m. at Vantage.
Contact: Takeo Kuraishi takeo.kuraishi@attglobal.net (or
425-273-3856)
All new: Intro to Bouldering
The Seattle Branch climbing program now offers a beginner’s
course in safe and fun bouldering, the Introduction to Boulder-
ing Course.
Students will learn what it takes to move confidently through
a boulder route. Elements taught: correct techniques for safe spot-
ting, learning to read a route, and basic climbing techniques.
The course will consist of two Thursday evenings at The
Mountaineers Program Center boulder on June 3 and June 10,
6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., followed by an outdoor field trip to Leaven-
worth on Sat., June 19.
The cost for this is $35 for members of The Mountaineers
and $50 for non-members. The class will be limited to 10 stu-
dents and will be filled with the first 10 who enroll. Enrollment
starts April 1. No experience is required. Students must be able
to provide their own pair of rock shoes to participate. A chalk
bag is recommended and a bouldering pad would be helpful but
not required.
To enroll, visit www.mountaineers.org or call The Moun-
taineers Program Center at 206-521-6001. Online, see “activity
search,” then indicate “crag climbing” and see “Intro to Boul-
dering.” Instructor for the course is Dave Kimber and the crag
leader is Loni Uchytil.
Trailhead event
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
March 28, Sun. - Rock Climbing: Beginner’s Rock
Day That’s right folks; explore the thrill and grace of out-
door rock climbing in a controlled and safe setting. Your
pals with The Mountaineers would like to take you out
for a day of easy climbing to give you a taste of what it’s
like. You’ll work with experienced leaders and instructors
who’ll teach you the basics of rock climbing. Bring your
hiking boots (stiffer the better); rock shoes welcome but
not necessary. We’ll provide the climbing gear (but feel
free to bring what you already own). So come on out and
enjoy this opportunity to have a blast and learn a new skill.
Prerequisites: None. Course fee $25 members; $35 non
members. Questions? Call or email Ken Hahn, 206-595-
7237 0r kenh@mounaineers.org.
Seminars
Colin Haley slideshow
March 21, Sun. - 7 p.m. at Mountaineers Program Center.
Colin started his climbing career in the Cascades and is currently
climbing with the best alpine climbers, setting up new, hard, first
ascents. Some of these include: The Entropy Wall (VI, 5.9, A2,
WI4+), 33 pitches on Mt. Moffit in Alaska’s Hayes Range, with
Jed Brown; The First Linkup, with Kelly Cordes of the Mar-
signy-Parkin and West Face of Cerro Torre, establishing a new
route to the summit (VI, M5, AI6+, A0); The First Ascent, with
Rolando Garibotti of the “Torres Traverse,” a ridge traverse of
Cerro Standhardt, Punta Herron, Torre Egger, and Cerro Torre;
The First Ascent on Mt. Robson’s Emperor Face (VI, AI5, M7)
with Steve House. Colin has also presented many slideshows of
his great achievements. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Ultra-light packing for hikes, climbs
March 11, Thu. - 7 p.m. at Mountaineers Program Center.
No registration necessary. No fee. Members and non-members
are welcome. Lose 25 pounds in one evening!
Whether you want to hike from Mexico to Canada in one
summer, climb Rainier, or simply hike with a light pack and
overnight gear; this evening is for you. Climb leader and long
distance hiker Paul Griffith sets out on a Rainier climb with a 25
lb. pack, including a rope and other party gear. That’s about half
the average pack weight. He began an 11-day, 270-mi. Montana
hike with a 22-lb. load, including food for the entire hike. On a
500-mi. Appalachian Trail hike, pack weight, without food and
water, was pared to 5 lbs.
Most climbing talks feature added gear you should buy and
carry. Now hear the other side. You can go farther, faster and
more comfortably with a lighter pack. Paul will discuss and dem-
onstrate ultra-light packs, shelter and sleep systems, cook sets,
clothing, other essentials, and lightweight climbing gear. Even
if you do not want to be an extreme ultra-light hiker or climber,
you will pick up valuable new ideas to unburden yourself.
Go Guide March 2010 
Weather for Mountaineers
March 18, Thu. - 7 p.m. at Mountaineers Program Center.
No registration necessary. No fee. Members and non-members
are welcome. Weather is the biggest limiting factor for outdoor
recreation in our marine climate. Understanding and—more
importantly—predicting our mountain weather is a critical skill.
Come learn from an expert. Mike Fagin is founder of Washington
Online Weather (www.wowweather.com), a Mountaineers Alpine
Scrambling Course grad and a professional weather forecaster.
Mike will give us an overview of “machinery” of Western
Washington weather—what forces give us wet or dry conditions?
He will share his favorite sources of accurate mountain forecasts
to check before leaving home. Then he will talk about forecasting
in the field. What do various cloud formations portend? Does
that shift of wind direction mean anything? Is that gray sky okay
or is it time to turn tail and scat? If it’s wet here, will it be better
east of the passes?
Mike Fagin forecasts not only in our area but also for major
Himalayan expeditions. Reduce your mountain misery quotient.
Learn skills to help you keep dry and happy.
Bolted anchors seminar at Vantage
April 17, Sat. - A one-day crag climbing seminar for learning
how to safely break down an anchor and rap off a bolted route.
Open to basic grads, crag students, and intermediate students
of any level, including first-year. Students do not need to know
how to lead a bolted route.
Bring rock shoes, climbing rope if you have one, quick-draws
if you have them, at least two double-length slings and/or two
daisy chains (personal anchor), at least two locking carabiners,
harness, helmet (required), lunch and water. No other climbing
pro needed. We’ll also be top-roping for fun! Meet at the up-
per parking area (by the Feathers) at 8 a.m. A WDFW permit
is required for parking at Vantage. Contact Colt de Wolf with
questions, colt0045@gmail.com, 206-352-9113.
Crack seminar at Tieton Royal Columns
May 8, Sat. - We will focus on technique while top-roping
crack climbs at Royal Columns. This area offers a variety of
single-pitch crack climbs which are sustained in their difficulty.
Limit 6. Seminar fee: $35.
Top-ropes will be set up on 5.5 to 5.9 old school alpine rat-
ings. This level of climbing is not ideal for beginners. Students
should be comfortable leading at the mid-5th class level. This
will give the students the opportunity to focus on their technique
and push their abilities while on top-rope.
This seminar is ideal for intermediate and crag students or
grads. Leader: Ken Dungan, Kendungan@comcast.net. (s3/1-
5/5)
Friday nights on the wall
Visit Mountaineers Program Center on most Friday nights
for a social and physical workout on the indoor rock and ice
walls. Bring your indoor climbing gear for the rock wall. Colored
chalk will be provided. If you want to use the ice wall, bring
your boots, crampons and helmet, but leave your ice tools at
home; loaner tools with filed teeth will be provided. Check The
Mountaineers activity listings or Mountaineers Program Center
schedule to verify for a specific Friday. The walls will be waiting
for you from 6-9 p.m.
5.9 in the Alpine Group
May 1, Sat. - The 5.9 in the Alpine Group is hosting the
group campsite at Eightmile Campground in Icicle Creek near
Leavenworth. If you are in the area hiking or participating in a
rock field trip and want a place to camp Sat. night, please contact
5-9Alpine@googlegroups.com.
For more information about the 5.9 in the Alpine Group go
to http://groups.google.com/group/5-9Alpine.
Winter Mountaineering Group forming
The climbing program is excited to introduce the Winter
Mountaineering Group. This group is part of the set of advanced-
level climbing groups (others include water ice, aid, rescue, 5.9
in the alpine and others). However, a basic climbing skill set is
a good starting point to follow on some climbs.
The purpose of the group is simply to build a community
around winter mountaineering. This includes enabling people
to find other winter climbers, and hopefully share their winter
climbing adventures with the rest of us.
We have created an online group that you are welcome to
join. You can send and receive forum messages all within your
e-mail client. The group website also has some files and pages
of general interest, like a list of interesting winter climbs to get
you excited about, and a schedule of events and activities we
will be organizing.
The group website is http://groups.google.com/group/winter-
mountaineering.
Dancing
Co-Chairs: Dennis Bayer, 206-784-4011; Ivan Sleveland, 206-522-1316.
Website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/folkdance.
International Folk Dancing
The Seattle Mountaineers International Folk Dancers have a new home in War-
ren G. Magnuson Park at Sand Point; we are dancing in the Brig (Building
406). The Brig has beautiful hardwood floors, plenty of free parking and is
located a few buildings NE of The Mountaineers Program Center located
in Building 67.
Every Tuesday - Folk dancing Dance just for the fun of it in
the Brig at Magnuson Park from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Your favorite
dance is waiting for you. We have informal lessons taught by our
experienced dancers. There’s always something for everyone.
Mountaineers members, $5; non-members, $6. Free admission
for dancers age 30 and under. Drop-ins are always welcome.
No partners necessary; there are plenty of delightful ones here!
We’re the friendliest outfit in town. For more information, driv-
ing directions, or a map of Magnuson Park, please visit our new
website listed above.
Rock & Roll Dance
Please visit the Rock & Roll Dance website, www.dbmechanic.
com/dances/rock.htm. Still have questions? Contact Karen Lud-
wig, 206-484-9187, www.karenludwig2000@yahoo.com.
10 March 2010 Go Guide
Family Activities
These are opportunities for families with children to get outside together and
enjoy the great outdoors with other families. Kids learn best from being
around other children.
Committee chair: Courtenay Schurman, court@bodyresults.com.
Guidelines: See pg. 19, “Sending you on your way,” (first paragraph) for pro-
cedures and rules regarding participation in family activities. If you need to
cancel your attendance, please alert the activity leader ahead of time.
Updated information: For impromptu offerings that don’t make it into the
Go Guide in time, join the Family Activities group on Yahoo! To receive an
invitation, send a request to court@bodyresults.com and you can be alerted
to any changes or new listings throughout the winter.
Events
Please see procedures and guidelines for family activities on pg. 19, “Sending
you on your way.”
Want to help? See “Go Volunteer” (pg. 20) if you are inter-
ested in sharing your expertise with families this spring and
summer.
March 3, Wed. - St. Edward State Park Early release in Se-
attle public schools! Join us for a great early season conditioner
for the kids. Parent must accompany child. No dogs, please.
Depending on age of children, we’ll do north-south loop or
shorten the destination, with rock toss, nurse-log exploration
and playtime at the playground afterward. Come dressed for
wet conditions. Plan B will follow if day-of weather is really
crummy. Meet at hiker’s kiosk at 2:30 p.m. Leader: Courtenay
Schurman; if you have questions or need more details contact
her at court@bodyresults.com. Registration required online or
through program center.
March 6-7, Sat.-Sun. - Meany Spring Carnival Fun and games
at Meany Lodge for children of all ages and sizes. See “Lodge
Going,” pg. 17, for details.
March 14, Sun. - Snoqualmie Falls Don’t forget about Daylight
Saving Time change on this outing! We’ll meet across from the
lodge in parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and stop first at the falls vista
for pictures, then continue down toward the base of the falls.
Please no dogs. Bring picnic snacks, we’ll eat at the base and
then make our way back up the hill. Great first hike for young
children. Leader will have almost-6-year-old along. Leader:
Courtenay Schurman; court@bodyresults.com. Registration
required online or through program center.
March 19, Fri. - Carkeek Nature Walk Public school is out for
the day! Depending on age of children (leader will have almost-6-
year-old along) meeting place and destination/ duration of nature
hike will vary. Beachcombing, train spotting, playground and
trail walking all possible, adult must have child along and vice
versa. Hiking distance not more than 2.5 mi. Bring a picnic lunch
or snacks and come dressed for mixed weather. Plan B will be
determined day beforehand if weather looks unreliable. Leader:
Courtenay Schurman; court@bodyresults.com. Registration
required online or through program center.
First Aid (MOFA)
Website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/mofa
The Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) Course is
a 24-hour class for the wilderness traveler. The course meets the
requirements for the American Red Cross (ARC) Standard First
Aid Course with 18 hours of additional wilderness-focused first-
aid training. The volunteer instructors are certified by the ARC.
The class is often held two evenings a week for four weeks, or for
one Saturday plus a full weekend, though some other schedules
are sometimes available.
Course fee: $90 for Mountaineers members and $125 for
non-members. The fee includes textbooks, which are available
the first night of class. MOFA courses held on weekends at
Mountaineers lodges cost an additional $70, which covers room
and board. When held at Meany Lodge, a Sno-Park permit and
a Groomed Trails sticker are required.
Course attendance: Participation is required at all class
sessions. The class involves hands-on, interactive learning.
Wear casual clothes suitable for working on the ground and
outdoors. Arrangements cannot be made to make up class ses-
sions. Please do not register for a class unless you can attend
all class sessions.
Registration: To register, call member services at 206-521-
6001 or sign up online using the activity search, then indicate
“First Aid” and don’t limit the dates or the branch. MOFA courses
are popular and fill up fast.
Being on a wait list: If a course is full, you may be placed
on a wait list. It is your responsibility to check the activity da-
tabase or call The Mountaineers to see if you have made it off
the wait list. Those people still on the wait list by the last day of
enrollment will not be enrolled in the course and will be issued
a full refund. If you are enrolled in the class from the wait list,
but then wish to cancel, you must notify The Mountaineers at
206-521-6001, or forfeit your course fee entirely.
Cancellations: In order to receive a refund for a MOFA
course, the cancellation must be made by the last day of regis-
tration. There is a $10 handling fee for cancelled reservations.
There are no refunds for no-shows or dropouts. No partial refunds
will be given.
MOFA waiver: Currently licensed doctors of medicine,
RNs, EMTs and certified wilderness first responders may be
eligible for a waiver of the MOFA requirement for Mountaineers
courses. Enrollment has closed for the spring waiver session.
Check back later.
Next courses: All open courses are listed on The Mountain-
eers website, www.mountaineers.org.
Hiking
Hiking Committee: Our next meeting is Tue., March 9, 7 p.m. at Mountaineers
Program Center. All members are welcome!
Hiking Website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/seahike. This website has lots
of good information on hiking leader registration, seminar schedules, hiking
trails, carpooling, and how to sign up for a hike.
Hikes Schedule: Please refer to www.mountaineers.org for late-breaking hikes
that are listed on the website but not necessarily in the Go Guide. More and
more hikes are being listed only on the website.
Hike Leaders: Sign up to lead hikes at www.mountaineers.org. Directions on
how to sign up can be found at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/seahike/lead-
ers/PostingTrips.html. Trips posted by March 5 will appear in the April Go
Guide. Trips posted after March 5 will be on the website, but not necessarily
in the Go Guide.
After Hours Hikes (AHH): Join us for midweek fun and conditioning from March
through October. The hikes will be generally offered every other Wednesday
starting at 4:30 p.m. More info at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/seahike/Af-
terhours/Afterhours.html.
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
Courses/workshops
Basic Wilderness Travel Course (BWT)
Are you ready to go hiking but aren’t sure where to start? The
Basic Wilderness Travel Course (BWT) is a fun way to practice
key outdoor travel skills and spend time exploring the mountain
trails you’ve read about in guidebooks.
Sponsored by the Seattle Hiking Committee, BWT provides
an introduction to topics including backcountry navigation,
mountain weather, and conditioning for mountain travel. Our
activities and hikes will support and encourage you to develop
outdoor skills that will help you enjoy hiking and backpacking
in the Pacific Northwest. The course hikes will be organized to
go hiking with fellow course students.
We schedule the hikes from April through August (2-3 hikes
each month). The easy and moderate hikes (distances 4-9 mi.
RT, elevation gains under 2400’) may challenge you physically,
and/or provide the opportunity to summit some of the smaller
peaks in our beautiful Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
There will be opportunities for more activities with fellow
BWT students and Conditioning Hiking Course students during
the summer, too. Graduation certificates will be given to students
who complete the classroom sessions, required field trips, and go
on six Mountaineers hikes by the end of September.
What to expect: The course activities include a shakedown
hike, two evening classes with potluck, three field trips (one is
optional), a student handbook, and BWT hikes scheduled from
April through August. See the table below for the course activ-
ity date details
How to enroll: You must be a member of The Mountain-
eers to register for this course. There will be one session of this
course held this year, and enrollment is limited to 35 people.
Register early to reserve your space and get ready for a great
spring/summer of hiking. Registration is from Feb. 25 through
March 14. Register online, www.mountaineers.org, or via tele-
phone, 206-521-6001.
Course fee: $75. As with all club hikes, participants are ex-
pected to pay the carpool rate of 12 cents per mile as set by The
Mountaineers, if they are riding as a passenger to trailheads.
You will need to be a member of The Mountaineers to register
for this course. For more info, contact Susan at mudonmyboots@
hotmail.com.
BWT tentative schedule:
March 20 or March 21, Sat. or Sun. - Shakedown hikes w/gear
check. Sign up online or call Mountaineers Program Center.
Choose only one hike.
March 23, Tue. - Class 1 and potluck at Mountaineers
Program Center. Intro orientation and gear checklist, first aid
review. Topics include: course orientation, first aid, backcountry
ethics/Leave No Trace.
March 28, Sun. - Field Trip 1 (optional). Gear shopping.
Time to get your gear. Volunteers will be available for ques-
tions while visiting some of the local retailers in Seattle. Meet
at Seattle REI.
April 1, Thu. - Class 2 and potluck with Conditioning Hiking
Course. Focus on essential systems review, map and compass
orientation, nutrition and conditioning for hikes. 
April/May (various dates) - Hikes with handbook review of
backcountry ethics, nutrition and weather.
June 5, Sat. - Field Trip 3. All-day, trail-work party. Introduc-
tion to trail maintenance, work parties and stewardship.
June (various dates) - Day hikes. Review first aid and Leave
No Trace. 
July/August (various dates) - Day hikes. Sign up online or
call Mountaineers Program Center.
Conditioning Hiking Series (CHS)
Are you an existing hiker who is interested in challenging
yourself to go on day hikes of 15-plus miles? Have you seen Go
Guide trips describing long-distance day hikes and wondered
how you could get into shape to participate in those types of
hikes? Well, wonder no more!
The Seattle Hiking Committee offers the Conditioning Hik-
ing Series starting in April. This course is designed to prepare
existing hikers currently experienced at the upper easy/moderate
level for the challenges of strenuous, long-distance day hiking.
It is also designed to provide a group trip environment in which
hikers can build friendships by hiking with many of the same
people on each trip.
All hiking trips are limited to the participants in the course.
If you have hiked before and already are in fairly good shape
(easily able to do hikes rated as “Easy” and “Moderate”), would
like to progress to longer and harder hikes as a challenge, are
willing to build physical fitness and spend time outside of the
course keeping yourself in shape, are able to commit to a sum-
mer-long course, and would like to be part of a small group that
hikes together, then this is the course for you. Several graduates
of the CHS course have said that this is the best course they’ve
ever taken with the club, and some have even been inspired to
become hike leaders.
What to expect: The CHS course consists of one evening
class on Thu., March 25, an optional skills refresher class (date
TBD) at The Mountaineers Program Center, and hike offer-
ings several times per month from April through August. The
classes are designed to teach information needed for longer
hike preparation. The hikes are composed of progressively more
difficult and longer day hikes, culminating in a graduation hike
in September.
Prior to your first hike, you will choose a “track” of fast-
paced or moderate-paced hikes, subject to class size and input
from the hike leaders. If you are uncertain which level suits
you best, a weekend of pacing hikes will be offered in March.
A tentative hike schedule for the course will be provided at the
first evening class, but past destinations have included season-
appropriate hikes in the North Cascades, the Mt. St. Helens area,
Eastern Washington, the Olympics, and everywhere in between.
Graduation certificates will be given to those who complete the
classroom sessions, ten CHS day hikes (two per month), and one
CHS graduation hike. One day of trail work will also be required
of each participant.
Enrollment: You must be a member of The Mountaineers to
register for the course. Registration for the 2010 CHS course is
March 1-14. The course fee is $95. As with all club hikes, partici-
Seattle
pants are expected to pay the carpooling fee at 12 cents per mile
as set by The Mountaineers, if they are riding as a passenger.
Online or telephone registration will be available. Mail-in
registration forms will not be accepted—no exceptions! Enroll-
ment will be limited to 70 participants. If the number of enrollees
exceeds 70, then we will use either a lottery or member number
system to cut the roster to 70 participants. There is no advantage
to signing up at the beginning of the registration period. Those
not selected will be notified by e-mail and will receive a full
refund of the course fee.  gain. Limit 12. Meet at 9 a.m., at TH. Hike #6: Beyond Mt. Si.
More information: Contact Kelly Cleman, 360-563-
0320, masterhiker@gmail.com, or Steve Payne, 253-315-
0426, stevepayne@mindspring.com. An information session
about CHS and the Basic Wilderness Travel (BWT) Course
will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 24, at The Mountaineers
Program Center. Please attend if you would like to find out more
before enrolling.
Beginning Hiker Seminar
March 18, Thu. - At Mountaineers Program Center,
6:30-9 p.m. Learn what to put in your pack, how to dress for
comfort and safety, and what to expect on a Mountaineers hike.
Experienced Mountaineers hiking leaders will discuss clothing,
boots, pack, the Ten Essentials, seasonal trail hazards, where
to shop for equipment (and save money), and how to research
your hikes.
This seminar is designed to answer questions a beginning
hiker or new Mountaineers member may have about how to
get started. We will show samples of our equipment and show
pictures of some of our favorite places to hike. Informational
handouts are included. There is no fee for this seminar. You don’t
have to be a Mountaineers member to attend.
Though there is no fee, we strongly encourage you to register
for this seminar so that your instructor can make enough handout
materials available. You may register either through the on-line
registration system or by calling The Mountaineers Program
Center directly, 206-521-6001.
For more info contact Kelly Cleman, masterhiker@gmail.
com, 360-563-0320 (12/21-1/19)
Potluck, slideshow
March 25, Thu. - Hiker Potluck & Slide Show Europe’s
mountains, Switzerland & Romania: Inn-to-Inn or Hut-to-Hut:
two choices for through hiking. Join us for a fun information-
filled presentation by John and Amy Osaki, former park rangers
turned hiking leaders for Mountain Hiking Holidays.
Begin with inn-to-inn hiking in Switzerland, and hike from
Meiringen across alpine passes with views of the Eiger, Monch,
and Jungfrau peaks, and create classic Swiss Alps memories of
flower-filled meadows, glacier-clad peaks, and family-run com-
fortable mountain inns. For a more rustic and rugged experience,
traverse Romania’s Fagaras Mountains on a hut-to-hut trek.
Hike in the land of Dracula on a five-day continuous route
climbing from the valley, through thick forest, into sub-alpine
and alpine meadows, to gain an open ridge that includes the three
highest peaks of Romania.
Shelter each night in basic mountain huts, and reward
yourself with day after day of 360-degree panoramas of a sea of
peaks and ridges dotted with alpine tarns. The event will be held
6:15-9 p.m. at The Mountaineers Program Center. No registration
or fee. Open to members and non-members. Anyone who is a
hiker, has thought about hiking, enjoys good company or wants
to find out about or share good places to go hiking, is invited to
the potluck and show.
The potluck starts at 6:15 p.m., the presentation at 7 p.m.
Bring a dish and something to drink. Plates and utensils will
be provided. Contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net for more
information.
Hikes
Feb. 27, Sat. - Big Soos Creek (E) 6 mi., no gain. Meet at10
a.m., Meeting Place: Gary Grant Park, Drive Time: 15 mins..
Footsore 1 We should see some early signs of spring activity
along the trail. Social pace. Meet at Gary Grant Park in Renton at
10 a.m. Leader: Sylvia Cavness, 253-939-6912, sylviacavness@
juno.com. (s2/15-2/25)
Feb. 28, Sun. - Lord Hill Regional Park (EM) 8 mi., 500’ gain.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at TH. 3/4 hr. Hike a lush urban wilderness,
home to a wide array of wildlife, including bears, cougars and
bobcats (not to mention a beaver or two). Leader: Gregg Pilgreen,
425-485-2686, stevetahoma@verizon.net. (s2/16-2/25)
March 4, Thu. - Bivy Basics: Avoiding the Wet Match Ca-
tastrophe You know you need the Ten Essential Systems, right?
Take them to where the rubber meets the road. This hands-on,
two-part series will consist of one evening clinic to review gear
and present a show-and-tell, plus a day hike with a destination
that to serve as a testing ground for your emergency gear. The
hike is listed separately on March 13, and sign up for this clinic
is independent of signing up for the hike. Sign up for one or
the other, or both. Feel free to bring your gear for discussions
and opinions. For more details contact instructor Jack Nichols:
jmongol@yahoo.com, 206-755-1511. Event fees: $10 members,
$15 non-members.
March 7, Sun. - Middle Fork Snoqualmie River (M) 12 mi.,
800’ gain. Limit 10. Meet at 9 a.m. at Tibbett’s P&R, Issaquah.
Leader: Chris Caviezel, 425-434-0899, chris.caviezel@gmail.
com. (s2/22-3/6)
March 13, Sat. - Bivy Basics: Avoiding the Wet Match
Catastrophe Part 2 of the event listed for March 4. This outing
is designed to provide a hands-on test of your emergency gear
while enjoying a moderate daly hike. Learn what experienced
folks use and have done. Lots of fun, and maybe a few reality
checks on what it really means to implement an emergency bivy
in a controlled setting. Note: There will be nothing hardcore
about this test of essentials, but we’ll explore issues such as, “how
well will that fire starter really work?” or, “will all my clothes
plus an emergency blanket keep me warm?” and, “how well can
I set up that makeshift shelter?” The focus here will be on safety
and fun; no misery required. Also: Leave No Trace ethics will
be closely followed during this event. For more details contact
instructor Jack Nichols: jmongol@yahoo.com, 206-755-1511.
Event fees: $10 members, $15 non-members.
March 13, Sat. - Cowiche Canyon (E) 6 mi., 100’ gain. Meet
at 7:30 a.m., at Preston P&R. 2 hrs. Break out the wildflower
books, binoculars and cameras for this hike through a pristine
canyon. Wildflowers begin to bloom here from mid- to late-
Seattle
March, and Cowiche Canyon is one of the sites found on the
Audubon Society’s Sun & Sage Loop of the Great Washington
State Birding Trail map. If the flowers disappoint this year, the
geology of Cowiche Canyon will not. The RT hike through the
canyon with side-trips to the uplands is approximately 8 mi. with
a 400’ gain. Cowiche Canyon is on the outskirts of Yakima. Meet
at Preston P&R at 7:30 a.m. Leader: Mary Rohlman, 206-523-
1243, MRohlman@gmail.com. (s3/1-3/12)
March 14, Sun. - W. Tiger Rambler (M) 11 mi., 2000’
Leader: Chris Caviezel, 425-434-0899, chris.caviezel@gmail.
com. (s3/1-3/13)
March 18, Thu. - Seven Hills of Seattle (M) 8 mi., 800’ gain.
Limit 12. Meet at 5 p.m. at Ross Playground. Hike seven hills of
Seattle: Queen Anne, Denny, Capitol, Renton, First, Yesler and
Beacon. A different version of the normal ‘Seven Hills’ route.
Bring warm clothes/raingear and $ for dinner along the way. Will
be visiting Woodland Park, Ravenna Park, Union Bay Nature
Area, Montlake Cut, Interlaken Park, Volunteer Park, South Lake
Union Park, Queen Anne and Fremont Hill Park. Approximately
15 mi. and 1200’ elevation gain/loss. Leader: Dave Morgan, 206-
659-9833, go.climbing@gmail.com. (s1/3-3/17)
March 20, Sat. - Lake Youngs Perimeter Trail (EM) 9 mi., 900’
gain. Leader: Sylvia Cavness, 253-939-6912, sylviacavness@
juno.com. (s3/8-3/18)
March 21, Sun. - Rattlesnake Grand Traverse (S) 12
mi., 2600’ gain. Limit 10. Meet at 9 a.m. at TH near Exit #27.
One-way car shuttle from Rattlesnake Lake to Winery along
Rattlesnake Ridge. Leader: Chris Caviezel, 425-434-0899, chris.
caviezel@gmail.com. (s3/8-3/20)
Midweek Hikes
Chair: Joe Toynbee, 425-228-6118. Questions? Call Joe or Kathy Biever,
206-283-9047, or Ruth Godding, 425-836-9873.
Note: Registration instructions are included with each trip descrip-
tion. Opening and closing dates are shown in parentheses fol-
lowing each trip. Trip classifications are the same as those list-
ed under Hiking. For trail guidebooks, see pg. 1 of the Go Guide.
Hikes in the Issaquah area will meet at the Issaquah Trail Center (ITC) in
Issaquah instead of Tibbett’s Field. Directions to the center are as follows:
Take I-90 Exit 17 and turn right. Go about 1 mi. to the light on Sunset, then
go two more blocks to Bush St. and turn left. Go two blocks and you will see
the yellow ITC building and parking area on your left.
March 1, Mon. - Everett to Issaquah, Part 1 (M) Everett to
Ash Way P&R. 10 mi., 300’ gain. Limit 20. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at
Everett Transit Center, 3201 Smith Ave. We’ll walk on Everett
City sidewalks and Interurban Trail from Everett Transit Center
(3201 Smith Ave.) to Ash Way P& R (164th St. SW & Ash Way).
are co-leaders. Sign up online or via the program center. Bring
or buy lunch. Busing to and from hike strongly recommended.
Co-leaders: Ron McConnell, 425-451-2142; Kathy Biever, 206-
283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net. (s2/16-2/25)
March 3, Wed. - E. Tiger Mtn. Loop (S) (Tiger Mtn. 204S-
GT) 10 mi., 3400’ gain. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at E. end High Point
frontage road (Exit 20 on I-90). We’ll follow a combination
of well-known and little-traveled trails on this cherry-stem
loop to Tiger’s highest peak. No registration, members only.
Leader: Ralph Owen, 425-746-1070, hiker99ralph@comcast.
net. (s1/5-3/3)
March 5, Fri. - Sundial Search: Four Timely Treks, Trek #4
(M) 10 mi., 1000’’ gain. Limit 20. Meet 10 a.m. at Lakeside High
School gymnasium (N. 145th St. & 1st Ave. N.E.). Meander on
streets and paths to see sundials at Lakeside School, Richmond
Beach Park, and Edmonds Woodway High School. Bring lunch
to consume at Richmond Beach Park. Sign up online or with the
program center. Busing to and from hike strongly encouraged.
Leader: Kathy Biever, 206-283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net.
(s2/22-3/3)
March 9, Tue. - Lower Tiger Traverse (EM) (Tiger Mtn. 204S-
GT) 7 mi., 1000’ gain. Meet 9 a.m. at the ITC (see preamble).
One-way hike from Preston to Issaquah with car shuttle. No
registration, members only. Leader: Suzanne Stockton, 425-643-
0395, hikingrandma@yahoo.com. (s1/30-3/9)
March 10, Wed. - Echo Mtn. (E) 5 mi., 1000’ gain. Meet 9 a.m.,
at ITC (see preamble), 25 mi. RT drive to TH. A loop hike with
an easy climb to the mossy bald summit of Echo Mtn. (Cedar
Mtn.). We’ll enjoy views of Mt. Rainier and Tiger Mtn. from the
top (weather permitting) and visit two little lakes en route. No
registration, members only. Leader: Peggy Owen, 425-746-1070,
hikerpeggy38@comcast.net. (s1/30-3/10)
March 11, Thu - Squak Mtn. Loop (MS) (Cougar Mtn. 203S-
GT) 9 mi., 1500’ gain. Meet 9 a.m., at Squak Mtn SP. May Valley
Rd, . Mad Mtn. Beaver Way, Bullitt Gorge Tr., Perimeter Loop
Tr., Chybinski Loop Tr., East Side Tr., Thrush Gap, Phil’s Creek
and Equestrian Loop Tr. Register with leader: Patricia Osterholm,
206-817-5372, poster@holdenvillage.org. (s2/26-3/10)
March 16, Tue. - Rattlesnake Mtn. (E) (Rattlesnake Mtn.,
205S-GT) 4.5 mi., 800’ gain. 9:30 a.m., at ITC (see preamble).
Nice hike out to western edge of Rattlesnake with views of Tiger
Mtn. Slow pace. No registration. Leader: Fred Zeitler, 425-882-
3435, MarianZZZ@comcast.net. (s2/2-3/16)
March 17, Wed. - Everett to Issaquah, Part 2 Ash Way to
Aurora Village P&R (EM) 7.5 mi., 300’’ gain. Meet 9:45
a.m., at Ash Way P&R (164th St. S.W. & Ash Way). Hike the
Interurban Trail from Ash Way P&R to Aurora Village (Hwy.
99 & N. 200th). Bring or buy lunch. Sign up online or with the
program center. Busing to and from hike strongly recommended.
Co-leaders: Ron McConnell, 425-451-2142; Kathy Biever, 206-
283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net. (s3/4-3/15)
March 19, Fri. - Grand Ridge Park (EM) 6-7 mi., 1000-1200’
gain. Meet 9 a.m. at TH parking lot off of I-90 Exit 20 (across
from High Point; at exit, turn left under I-90 and then left into
the parking lot.) Winter hike up and past Highlands development,
then possibly to Issaquah Fall City Rd. Possible car shuttle de-
pending on trail conditions. Sign up with leader: Ruth Godding,
425-836-9873, rhgodding@comcast.net. (s3/4-3/17)
March 26, Fri. - Light-footing to Lighthouses—Hike #3 Point
Robinson (M) 10 mi., 800’’ gain. Meet 9:15 a.m., at Fauntle-
roy Ferry Dock. We’ll take 9:25 a.m. ferry from Fauntleroy to
Vashon, then bus to Vashon Hwy S.W. & S.W. Quartermaster
Dr. Bring lunch to eat at the lighthouse. Sign up online or with
program center. Co-leaders: Julie Miller, 206-283-1406, miller.
jz@comcast.net; Kathy Biever, 206-283-9047. (s3/15-3/24)
March 30, Tue. - Discovery Park (EM) 5.5 mi., slight’ gain.
Meet 9:30 a.m., at N. side of Discovery Park, Environmental
Learning Center. We’ll walk the perimeter of the park to explore
the bluff, woods, beach and historical housing. Sign up online
or with program center. Leader: Janice Miller, 425-746-7870,
lvs2garden@earthlink.net. (s3/15-3/29)
April 1, Thu. - APRIL FOOL’S DAY HIKE (EM) 6 mi., 1000’
gain. Meet 7:45 a.m. at ITC (see preamble). Leader is not disclos-
ing the destination. Come prepared with your Ten Essentials and
lunch—it will take the whole day. Make no other plans for late
afternoon! Don’t push it. Sign up online or with the program
center. Leader: Rosie Bodien, 425-828-0170, rosie@bodien.
org. (s3/20-3/31)
Naturalist Hikes
Naturalists website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/naturalists (updated
monthly)
Study Group
Registration for the 2010 Naturalists Study Group remains
open. The Study Group is for members who want to keep learning
about plants and animals in the Northwest. Study group members
who enrolled in prior years do not need to re-register. For more
information, check the Seattle Naturalists website, or contact
Don Schaechtel, don.safety@verizon.net.
Intro to the Natural World Course
Enrollment is open for this course, in which you will
learn how to identify common plants and animals with the
aid of a field guide. With practice, you will be able to iden-
tify many common species from memory and anticipate
finding them based on when and where you are traveling.
There are four lectures and four field trips. Check the Naturalists
website for additional details.
Classroom dates (Tuesdays):
May 18
June 8
June 22
July 20
Field trips are typically held the following weekend but
some evening sessions may be arranged. The first two field trips
are local half-day trips, and the second two are full-day trips to
Teanaway and Mt. Rainier.
Trips
Leaders are organizing trips for March. Frequently check the activity database
for upcoming trips. The Naturalists web page has a direct link to the activity
database and returns all upcoming trips.
Navigation
Committee chair: Lynn Graf, lynn.graf@gmail.com.
Navigation website: For the most up-to-date information on navigation,
including instructor registration, details of required homework assignments
(which you must complete before attending the workshop), navigation card
replacement, and compass requirements, see the website: www.mountain-
eers.org/seattle/navigation.
Basic Navigation Course
The Basic Navigation Course is offered every year in No-
vember, February and March. (See current course dates below.)
Learn how to get more info out of your map. Learn how to
figure out the proper bearing for your destination and learn how
to follow them in the great outdoors. Get a head start on your
course requirements.
The course consists of a map and compass workshop (one
full evening) and a challenging field trip (one full day at Hey-
brook Ridge, about 1500’ of elevation gain and considerable
off-trail travel). Participants who successfully complete the
course will receive a navigation card. Basic Navigation Course
is required for courses in basic climbing, snowshoe and alpine
scrambling, as well as some ski classes. The course is strongly
recommended for all hike leaders and backcountry skiers, and
is useful for hikers.
Fee: $35. See the Navigation website for additional informa-
tion or contact info.
How to register: Members can enroll online. This is a three-
step process: Register online and pay for “Basic Navigation
Course-Seattle,” then register for one workshop, and finally,
register for one field trip (workshop needs to be completed prior
to field trip). Non-members of The Mountaineers should enroll
via the program center at 206-521-6001.
Workshops—All workshops are held at The Mountaineers
Program Center in Magnuson Park, Seattle. Arrive at 6:45 p.m.
to prepare for the 7 p.m. session. Have maps and compass dec-
linations ready. The dates are:
March 10, Wed.
March 15, Mon.
There will be one Eastside workshop this spring in Redmond,
date TBD.
Field trips—All day events at Heybrook Ridge. The remain-
ing dates are:
March 20-21, Sat.-Sun.
There are no more classes or field trips until November of
this year.
What you need to bring to the workshop:
• USGS Mt Baring 7.5’ topographic map
• USGS Index 7.5’ topographic map
• Pencils & paper
• A working familiarity with the book, “Wilderness Naviga-
tion,” by Burns and Burns.
• Read it before the first workshop.
• Appropriate compass with declination adjustment (17° E).
See the navigation website for acceptable models.
Instructors needed
Experienced navigators and those who have completed the
Basic Navigation Course in previous years are welcome to help
us instruct the course. We welcome both new and experienced
instructors at the workshops and field trips. It's a great way to
renew your navigation skills and get to know others in The
Mountaineers community. If you have any questions, contact
Lynn Graf, lynn.graf@gmail.com, 206-632-8117. Thanks to all
of you who volunteered this season.
Go Guide March 2010 11
Photography
Photography course
The Basic Photography Course is designed for the begin-
ning and intermediate photographer. Four weekly evening
classes offer instruction in film and digital camera operation,
exposure settings, light direction and quality, composition, and
design. Optional half-day classroom workshops on Saturdays
will feature “Getting to Know Your Camera,” “Introduction to
Digital Photography,” and “Close-Up Photography,” all at no
additional cost.
The course also provides optional half-day weekend field
workshops which give students hands-on experience relating
to the course topics and provide opportunities for individual
instruction. A potluck is held on the final Sunday, when students
can share their work. A course notebook is provided.
Schedule: The Basic Photography Course meets Tuesday
evenings from 7-9:15 p.m. on March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Moun-
taineers headquarters in Magnuson Park. Doors open at 6:30
p.m. for check-in, coffee, socializing and exhibits. Class begins
promptly at 7 p.m. The final student review and potluck meal
will be held Sun., March 28,
A complete schedule of the weekend workshops and outdoor
workshops will be provided with your registration confirma-
tion.
Registration and course fee: The course costs $115 for
Mountaineers members and $125 for non-members. Online
registration is available. Enrollment officially closed on Feb. 26
but walk-up registration is available for individual sessions.
For more information, visit www.mountaineers.org/seattle/pho-
tography or contact course coordinator Rick Good, r_good_jr@
yahoo.com, 206-542-5085.
Events
Potluck and Image Presentation Postponed: There will be no
potluck meeting in March due to our Basic Photography Course.
Potluck meetings resume again in April. Leader: Herb Johnson,
206-523-4544, wherbjohn@msn.com.
Retired Rovers
Chair: Wally Walton, 206-417-6385, wallywalton72@msn.com. All Moun-
taineers are welcome at Retired Rovers events. For information contact
the chair.
Note: In addition to events listed below, our Retired Rovers also enjoy participat-
ing in Midweek Hikes and Naturalists trips (check those sections). If you need
advice on the best hikes for you, feel free to call any of the hike leaders.
Events
March 9, Tue. - Brown Bag Lunch Meeting, Program and
Walk 11 a.m. at club headquarters. Bring your own “brown
bag”—we will provide coffee and tea. Enjoy lunch with your
friends, and also meet new ones. If the weather is good enough,
all who want to can walk a part of Magnuson Park. At this meet-
ing you will hear about upcoming events. The program will be
given by longtime Mountaineer and frequent Midweek Hikes
leader, Kathy Biever, and her husband, Keith. To celebrate her
70th birthday last April, Kathy walked the 237 mi. from Boston
to New York in 18 days. Keith planned her route based on the
Boston Post Road that John Adams followed on horseback in
l776 on his way to Philadelphia to create the Declaration of
Independence, as described by David McCullough in his book,
“John Adams.” Much of the route is on the National Register
of Historic Places.
March 16, Tue. - Golden Gardens to Chittendon Locks 10:30
a.m. Meet in picnic area near Golden Gardens Bathhouse, 8498
Seaview Pl. N.W., served by Metro bus No. 46, Shilshole. We’ll
walk about 2 mi. to the locks to check out the garden and perhaps
spot some salmon in the fish ladder. The walk is on level ground
and all paved. Bring a sack lunch and we can eat at the locks
before walking back. For questions, contact hike leader, David
Biek, 206-518-1855, davidbiek@clearwire.net.
March 25, Thu. - Explore Edmonds Waterfront and Histori-
cal Museum Meet at 10 a.m. at leader Nedra Slauson’s house,
19715 83rd Pl. W., Edmonds, to drive together to the area S. of
the ferry. We will walk the beach as far as the group wants and
then return. Please bring a brown-bag lunch for a picnic along
the beach. The Historical Museum, which opens at 1 p.m.,
includes a reconstructed room of the Stevens Hotel of 1894, a
model shingle mill like many that once filled the waterfront, and
a diorama of the original townsite of 1910. Exquisite paper dolls
from the past 100 years will be the featured temporary exhibit.
For driving directions, call Nedra, 425-771-4532. Carpooling is
encouraged. Significant rain will cancel the morning walk, but
we’ll still go to the museum at 1 p.m.
Sailing
Check out our website at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/sailing.
Basic Crewing Course
Register now for the Basic Crewing Course. Graudation from
the course will place you on the crew list, thus enabling you to
sail without cost on any of The Mountaineers sails.
The course consists of classroom lessons, on-the-dock train-
ing and actual sails, and assumes little or no knowledge of sail-
boats. There will be four evening classes, held on Wednesdays:
March 31, April 7, April 21 and April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.
After completion of the course, you will:
– Be able to rig a basic sloop-rigged sailboat
– Be able to assist in departing from and arriving at a dock
under power
– Have a basic understanding of sail trim and sailboat ma-
neuvering
– Understand basic personal gear requirements and safety
practices for sailing under conditions which may be encountered
during Mountaineers sails
– Have a basic understanding of charts and navigation aids
– Be able to function as a crew member during a sail.
Register online or through The Mountaineers Program Cen-
ter. Course fee is $95.
Day sails
First sign up online or via a call to the program center, the contact the skipper
12 March 2010 Go Guide
on the following sails.
March 6, Sat. - Noon. Shilshole Marina, Slip E-19. To Puget
Sound. Catalina 42’ Blue Fin. 6 crew + skipper. Skipper: Alan
Vogt, 206-295-8788. (s2/23-3/4)
March 13, Sat. - 11 a.m. Shilshole Marina. To Port Madison
for raft-up with Blue Fin. Beneteau 30’ Ca Va! 4 crew + skipper.
Skipper: Hal Tobie, 206-242-9658. (s3/2-3/11)
March 13, Sat. - 11 a.m. Shilshole Marina, Slip E-19. To Port
Madison for raft-up with Ca Va! Catalina 42’ Blue Fin. 6 crew +
skipper. Skipper: Alan Vogt, 206-295-8788. (s3/2-3/11)
March 20, Sat. - 11 a.m. Shilshole Marina, Slip E-19. To Port
Madison for raft-up with Ca Va! Catalina 42’ Blue Fin. 6 crew +
skipper. Skipper: Alan Vogt, 206-295-8788. (s3/9-3/18)
March 20, Sat. - 11 a.m. Shilshole Marina. To Port Madison
for raft-up with Blue Fin. Beneteau 30’ Ca Va! 3 crew + skipper.
Skipper: Hal Tobie, 206-242-9658. (s3/9-3/18)
March 21, Sun. - noon. Shilshole Marina, Slip E-19. To Puget
Sound. Catalina 42’ Blue Fin. 6 crew + skipper. Skipper: Alan
Vogt, 206-295-8788. (s3/9-3/18)
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking Committee: The committee normally meets at 7 p.m. the first
Tuesday of the month at Mountaineers headquarters.
Chair: George Swapp, 206-770-9099
Co-Chair: Annette Brigham, 206-322-3922
Secretary: Alice Laird
Basic Class: Kim Frasher at, 206-465-6175
Equivalency: Dede Chinlund, dchinlund@comcast.net, and Kim Frasher, Kim.
Frasher@gmail.com,
206-465-6175.
Naturalist: Sarah Miller, 206-361 6301, sarah@seanet.com
Leadership: Sharon Rindal at sharon.rindal5@comcast.net
Policy: Kirt Leonard
Safety: Bob Laird
Social: Felicia Wibowo, 206-525 2490
Special programs: Felicia Wibowo, 206-525-2490
Training: Mike Kennedy and Carol Asplund, 206-633-3948
Treasurer: Carol Asplund, 206-633-3948
Trips: Leslie Carpenter, 206-417-0729, acarpntr@aol.com; Sharon Rindal,
sharon.rindal5@comcast.net.
Web Page: Brian High chikakluk@gmail.com
Related websites
Seattle Mountaineers Kayak: www.mountaineers.org/Seattle/kayak
Marine Weather: www.seawfo.noaa.gov/products/CWFSEA
Puget Sound Shoreline Aerial Photos: www.ecy.wa.gov/apps/shorephotos
Puget Sound boat launch sites: www.boat.iac.wa.gov
Equivalency
If you are interested in obtaining equivalency from Mountaineers Sea Kayaking
(Seattle Branch), please contact Dede Chinlund or Kim Frasher (contact
information above) for an application. Equivalency usually takes 3-4 weeks
to process after your application is received. In order to receive equivalency,
you must have taken a fundamental sea kayaking course that teaches
basics in such skills as paddling, bracing, rescues, safety and clothing, or
have significant experience and knowledge to demonstrate such skills. A
demonstration paddle is required for applicants whose skills or experience
are not clear to the equivalency team.
Basic Sea Kayaking Course
If visiting some of the most dynamic places on the planet,
bird watching, or just slipping onto a lake after work with new
friends interests you, then the Seattle Branch Sea Kayaking
Basics Course is for you.
To participate in Mountaineers-sponsored kayak trips, you
must be a graduate or continuing student of this course or have
received equivalency. No prior sea kayaking knowledge or ex-
perience is required to participate in this course.
Course Overview: The Sea Kayaking Basics course is
offered once each year by the Seattle Branch. All instruction
is offered in single sea kayaks. Most of the instruction in this
course is based on the principles developed by the American
Canoe Association; an increasing number of our instructors are
certified by that nationally acclaimed organization. Through a
series of lectures and on-water instruction the following topics
are covered:
• Equipment used in coastal kayaking
• Cold water - and how to dress for it
• Knowledge of the sea: weather, waves, tides and currents
• Rescues and the importance of teamwork
• Safety at sea: charts, navigation, buoyage, communication,
and marine rules of the road
• Paddling and maneuvering skills - the effects of wind,
waves and current
• Physical conditioning
• Protection of the marine environment
This course consists of four classroom sessions, one 3-hour
pool session, and an all-day open-water session.
Registration: To register you must be a current member of
The Mountaineers. Registration is open. Enrollment is limited to
72. This course typically fills promptly, so please register early.
Please review the course dates carefully and confirm that your
schedule will permit you to attend all activities. Make-ups are not
possible. No refunds will be made after the course starts.
Classroom Sessions:
Class #1: Wed., March 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Class #2: Tue., March 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Class #3: Thu., April 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Class #4: Wed., April 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Pool Session (3 hrs.; choose one of following times):
Sun., March 28 – 8-11 a.m., or 11 a.m.-2 p.m., or 2-5 p.m.
Juanita Pool, Kirkland. Ability to swim 50-yards without
flotation is required. Students must have adequate physical ability
to re-enter a kayak after capsize (instruction provided).
Open-Water Session (full day; choose a date)
Sat., April 10 or Sun., April 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Matthews
Beach, Seattle. Paddling and maneuvering skills.
Graduation requirements (successfully complete the fol-
lowing by Sept. 30, 2010):
• Attend all four classroom sessions in their entirety.
• Successfully complete the pool session, including 50-yard
swim without flotation. Note: You must have adequate physical
ability to re-enter a capsized boat.
• Successfully complete the open-water session, demonstrat-
ing cold-water exit and boat re-entry.
• Successfully complete two club-sponsored paddles of at
least four hours; one must be on saltwater.
• Student demonstration of cold-water exits and kayak re-
entries required.
• Two Mountaineers qualifying paddles to be completed by
Sept. 30. At least one qualifying paddle must be on saltwater. Quali-
fying paddles are at least four hours.in duration, or about 8 nm.
Qualifying paddles will be posted on The Mountaineers
website and Go Guide beginning in April.
Course Fees: $195 payable upon registration. The course
fee covers boat and equipment rental for the pool session, dry-
suit rental for the open-water session, guest lecturers during the
classroom session and some classroom materials. No refunds
will be made after the course starts (an exception will be made
for the dry suit rental fee if you furnish your own).
Additional Costs: For the open-water session, each student
is required to have a single sea kayak with bulkheads or approved
flotation. For those needing to rent a boat, arrangements will
be made to have kayaks brought to the open-water sessions.
Students will be required to pay for kayak rentals separately
from the course fee. Kayak rental fees will be approximately
$65 including tax for the day.
For the two qualifying paddles, students will be responsible
for providing their own kayak. Those who do not own or have
access to a single kayak with bulkheads or approved flotation
will need to rent one. Single kayaks are required throughout the
course, because kayak skills are best learned in singles.
While the club will schedule some qualifying paddles at
locations where rentals are available, it will be the student’s
responsibility to arrange for a rental for each trip. Students will
also be responsible for transporting boats to and from the launch
site if rentals are not available there.
Immersion gear, typically a dry-suit or a wetsuit with paddle
jacket (at the trip leader’s discretion), is also required for Moun-
taineers paddles.
Kayak rental (including PFD, paddle, spray skirt, bilge
pump and paddle float) is approximately $65/day plus tax. Dry-
suit rental is approximately $35/day plus tax. Wetsuits may be
acceptable for some warm-weather paddles. Rental cost is ap-
proximately $15/day plus tax.
For more details about the Basic Sea Kayaking Course, send
an e-mail to SeattleMountaineers.SKBasics@gmail.com, or call
Kim Frasher, 206-465-6175, or Barbara Stein, 206-633-1793.
Trips
Trips are open to all Mountaineers who have graduated from our course
or have been granted equivalency. Contact Dede Chinlund, dchinlund@
comcast.net, if you think you might qualify for equivalency. Sign up with the
designated trip leader unless otherwise indicated. The sea kayaking group
follows the procedures listed in the “Sending you on your way” section on
pg. 19 of this Go Guide when signing up through club headquarters. Please
contact the leader as soon as possible to cancel if you are unable to attend
after signing up. The “sea kayak essentials” as listed on pg. 19 are required
and the trip leader may require additional equipment. Call the trip leader if
there are any questions.
Late Breaking Trip Announcements: Some trips may not make it into the Go
Guide. We suggest visiting the activities search page at www.mountaineers.
org for late-breaking trips.
Advance notice
May 1-2, Sat. -Sun. - Hanford Reach National Monument
(SK II/III). Paddle the last free-flowing stretch of the Colum-
bia River. This will be a scenic trip. We will start at the Vernita
Bridge and paddle down to the Ringold Fish Hatchery take-out
and camp. An optional hike at the Wahluke National Wildlife
Refuge, White Bluffs, and/or Saddle Mountains will be offered
Sunday. Sign up with leader, Felicia Wibowo, feliciawibowo@
hotmail.com. (s4/2-4/24)
May 8, Sat. - Everett Harbor, Jetty Island and Vicinity (SKII)
Student-oriented paddle around Jetty Island and vicinity. Birds
and marine life to observe, plus an opportunity to practice skills
and rescues. Immersion gear (wetsuit or dry-suit) required. Sign
up with leader only (s4/15-5/5). For additional details, contact
leader: Kirt Lenard, kirlen2000@yahoo.com, 425-894-7790.
May 29, Sat. - Seahurst Park to Lincoln Park (SKII) 8 nm.
Want to practice the skills you were introduced to at the open-
water session? This is your chance! Join the best instructors
available for a fun day of paddling, practice and play. We will
launch from Seahurst Park and paddle to Lincoln Park to have
lunch and paddle back. Dry-suit is required. This is a qualifying
paddle for graduation. Kayak Academy will deliver your boats,
dry-suits and safety gear to the launch site. Contact Barbara
Gronseth, 206-527-1825, to reserve and make your payment. We
need your reservation no later than May 15. Don’t wait. This trip
fills up fast! Contact trip leader: Alice Laird, 253-856-1016.
Volunteer opportunities
Class mentor: Attend mentor training on Wed., March 17.
Be a class mentor at all four evening classroom sessions, 6:30-
9:30 p.m. at club headquarters (March 24, March 30, April 8,
and April 14). Work with your mentor-partner to bring specified
gear and clothing to relevant class sessions. Respond to student
questions for the duration of the course. Continue working with
the students in your group through summer/early fall and until
they have completed their two required paddles. Possibly arrange
for a student paddle with your mentor group.
Pool instructor: Attend train-the-trainer session on Sat.,
March 20, from 1 to 5 pm, at the Juanita Pool, Kirkland. Instruct
at least two sessions at the Juanita Pool on Sun., March 28.
Shore helper: Provide on-shore support for the open-water
sessions on Sat., April 10, and Sun., April 11. Help check-in
students, issue gear, assist with dry-suits, and unload/load boats,
assemble; help count gear at end of session.
To volunteer: Send an e-mail to SeattleMountaineers.
SKBasics@gmail.com, or call Kim Frasher, 206-465-6175, or
Barbara Stein, 206-633-1793.
Singles
All Mountaineers members are welcome at all Singles events. Carpools are
encouraged to save the environment and reduce global warming. A restaurant
stop after hikes is normal.
For a complete updated list of hikes and social events that may not be
listed in the Go Guide and for online registration, go to www.mountaineers.
org and the “Activities” link.
Activity Information Website: Also, for further information about the singles
section, see our website: www.mountaineers.org/ssingles. 
Singles Committee leaders
(contact between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.)
Chair: Lawrence Landauer, 425-844-4330, lawrenceglennlandauer@yahoo.
com
Seattle
Secretary/Webmaster: George Liu, 206-320-1136, kayaker@war-is-hell.com
Treasurer: Steve Sears, 425-821-5945, SMSears@comcast.net
Hiking: Jerry Wheeler 206-242-9344, born2hike@hotmail.com
Social Events: Karen Ludwig, 206-484-9187, karenludwig2000@yahoo.com
Lodges/ELC: Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405, eldonball@juno.com
Dancing: Karen Ludwig, 206-484-9187, karenludwig2000@yahoo.com
Leader/Work Party Incentives: Earn annual trailhead
parking or Sno-Park permits by leading five or more Go Guide
listed, Seattle Singles hikes and/or cross-country ski outings, and
recording trip reports on the website or leading two trail work
parties. Permits will be awarded for the season following partici-
pation. Contact Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405, eldonball@juno.com,
for details. Sign up now to lead and earn your permits.
Fellow Mountaineers—If you enjoy the activities and events
that the Singles Committee presents, then it is time to help. This
is a volunteer organization. The more who help, the better we can
do. Volunteers are needed for the committee, the R&R Dance
subcommittee, and to lead hikes and social events. Contact the
committee members listed above.
Outings
Leaders needed for hikes or outings in May. By March 25, contact Monty Pratt,
206-718-8812, westseattle207@yahoo.com.
March 7, Sun. - Oyster Dome (M) (USGS Bow/ Bellingham
S.) 6 mi., 1900’ gain. Meet 9:30 a.m. at TH off Chuckanut
Drive.1-1/2 hrs. Visiting bat caves is an option. This is a nice,
simple wilderness hike. We hike to a butte with beautiful views
including the San Juan Islands. Robert Pankl, 206-729-0162,
pankl@earthlink.net. (s2/26-3/4) F3
March 13, Sat. - Middle Fork Snoqualmie River (M) (Sno-
qualmie Pass/Skykomish) 13 mi., 800’ gain. Meet 9 a.m. on
S. side QFC parking lot in North Bend. 1/2 hr. Craggy peaks,
rushing river and old-growth cedars. NWFP. Jerry Wheeler, 206-
242-9344, born2hike@hotmail.com. (s3/4-3/11) AL
March 20, Sat. - Spada Lake (M) 10 mi., 500’ gain. Meet 8
a.m. at Brickyard P&R. 1/3 hr. From Olney Pass, hike the roads
in either direction around Spada Lake. Road hike in the city of
Everett watershed. Brian Carpenter, 206-324-6140, brianc110@
earthlink.net. (s3/1-3/18)
March 20, Sat. - St. Edward State Park (M) 7 mi., 1100’ gain.
Meet 8:30 a.m. at seminary parking lot. Come explore this gem
of a state park. Located on the grounds of a former seminary,
this hike winds through a beautiful, quiet forest of fern-covered
ravines down to one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on
the shore of Lake Washington. Gregg S. Pilgreen, 425-485-2686,
stevetahoma@verizon.net.
March 27, Sat. - Mt. Si via Old Trail (S) (Mt. Si/Bandera/
USGS North Bend) Meet 9 a.m. at location TBD. Plan to do
a loop trip: up via old Si trail, back down the new trail then a
detour via the Talus Loop trail (maybe we’ll see the waterfall).
Lawrence Glenn Landauer, 425-844-4330, lawrenceglennland-
auer@yahoo.com.
April 4, Sun. - Dungeness Spit (M) (USGS Dungeness) 11 mi.,
120’ gain out. Meet 9:30 a.m. at TH. 1.5 hrs. plus ferry. Check
the tide tables before going on this trip: www.saltwatertides.
com/dynamic.dir/washingtonsites.html. A low tide of 1 ft. or less
(minus tide is even better) at the midpoint of your hiking day is
recommended. Hike along a narrow beach to a lighthouse and
views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The spit is a wildlife sanctu-
ary and home to several bird species. $3/day use fee per person
or family. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access, Federal
Duck Stamp, the Dungeness NWR Annual Pass, “America the
Beautiful,” Annual, Senior, Volunteer, and Access passes are
accepted. NWFP is not accepted. Map is available at the TH.
This is a great spring conditioning hike in a tranquil area overrun
with people during the summer. Robert Pankl, 206-729-0162,
TACOMA
See Tacoma Branch official contacts in box on this page
Clubhouse: 2302 N. 30th St., Tacoma, WA 98403
Website: www.tacomamountaineers.org
TO sign up for a tacoma trip VISIT WWW.MOUNTAINEERS.ORG
OR CALL 206-521-6000, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED (cancellation fees may apply
for fee-based events and classes; contact leader)
Branchwide
Tacoma Branch website: www.tacomamountaineers.org. Our goal is to provide
information on current and coming activities. Constructive feedback and ideas
about the website are gladly accepted.
The Mountaineers Club Website. Check it out. You should log on and check
your profile to be sure that your contact information (e-mail, phone, address)
is correct. Then click on the “Activities” tab and go to “Advanced Search” to
search for trips by type, by branch, by date, etc. The “Communities” tab will
take you to the various communities set up by different activities at the various
branches. Be sure to check the website for late breaking events.
‘Irate Birdwatcher’ to be featured
March 19, Fri., 7 p.m. - Branch New Member Show and
Program: Come see our great orientation show of programs
and courses offered by The Mountaineers, Tacoma Branch. We
welcome new members, prospects, and friends! Bring the family
to see what we do including hiking, climbing and scrambling,
sea kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, first aid, navigation,
Seattle-Tacoma
pankl@earthlink.net. (s3/26-4/1)
Social
Events
March 12, Fri. - Games Night and Snacks. 7 p.m. at the Phin-
ney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., #3. Bring a
snack or beverage (with cups) to share and a game if you want. No
registration. Eldon Ball, eldonball@juno.com, 206-366-8405.
March 17, Wed. - Singles Committee Meeting 7 p.m. in the
Mountaineers Program Center Conference Room. The committee
seeks input from all members and prospective members. Come
find out what the committee is up to and offer your suggestions
and comments. Join us on the third Wednesday of the month to
see your committee in action. Please bring your suggestions and
ideas on what activities and causes you would like us to pursue.
Feel free to send questions or get info: Lawrence Landauer, 425-
844-4330, lawrenceglennlandauer@yahoo.com. (s12/1-3/17)
March 26, Sat. - Rock & Roll Dance Join Ron Bolin, The
Dancin’ DJ at The Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th
Ave N.E., Seattle (2 blocks W. of Lake City Way) from 7:45 to
11:30 p.m. Dance to a mix of rock & roll, swing, Latin, and waltz
music. Ron will teach an East Coast swing lesson at 8 p.m. and
there will be mixers. Swing-amajig, a professional dance team
full of vitality, will be performing a dynamic Swing/Lindy dance.
Enter a couples swing dance competition for $10 per couple.
Three experienced swing-dance judges will pick winners who
will split the cash jackpot. Please bring a snack item to share.
This could be as simple as a bag of chips, cookies, fruit, veg-
gies, a dessert, etc. $9 for Mountaineers members with card, $12
without. For more information contact Karen, 206-484-9187,
karenludwig2000@yahoo.com.
Weekly events
March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, Wed. - Evening Outdoor Inline
Skate 7 p.m. Have fun and keep in shape year-round! If it rains
we may walk. Optional restaurant socializing later. Questions?
Call Mark Olsoe, 206-937-7454, or Jenefer Huntoon, 206-632-
8804. No registration. Skate the Alki Beach Trail with beautiful
views of downtown across Elliott Bay. Take the Harbor Ave. exit
off the West Seattle Freeway and go about 1 mi. N. to meet on the
sidewalk just N. of Salty’s Restaurant. Questions? Call Mark Ol-
soe, 206-937-7454, or Jenefer Huntoon, 206-632-8804. Leader:
Mark Olsoe, mark.e.olsoe@boeing.com, 206-937-7454.
March 4, 11,18 & 25, Thu. - Indoor Volleyball 8-10 p.m. at
Ingraham High School gym, 1819 N. 135th St., Seattle—SW
corner, N.135th St. & Meridian Ave. N. (W. of I-5) From the S.,
take the N.130th St. exit, (#174). From the N., take the N.145th
St. exit (#175). $4 with Mountaineers card, $5 without. Guests
with waiver on file, 206-521-6001 or 1-800-573-8484, may play.
Gym shoes required. Questions? Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405,
eldonball@juno.com. No registration.
March 5, 12, 19 & 26, Fri. - Eastside Indoor Tennis Intermedi-
ate and Above Limit 12. 7 p.m. at Robinswood Tennis Center,
2400 151st Pl. S.E., Bellevue. Join us for a Friday evening of
intermediate and above doubles tennis. Skill level is a minimum
intermediate (3.0 to 4.0) and above. Play from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration begins on Thursdays, eight days before we play,
and closes the following Wednesday. $11 for members, $12
for others, $5 cancellation fee. Call 425-452-7690 for direc-
tions. Questions? Greg, 425-828-8590, or Fay, 206-281-5029.
Leader: Gregory Kidd, 425-828-8590, Gregory.Kidd@comcast.
net. (s1/13-2/24)
March 6, 13, 20 & 27 & April 3, Sat. - Green Lake Walk Meet
at 11 a.m. outside the Urban Bakery, 7850 E. Green Lake Dr. N. at
Wallingford Ave N. for a walk around Green Lake. After the walk,
and social and family activities. This will be a chance to visit
with representatives from numerous activities.
8 p.m. - “The Irate Birdwatcher:” Crest Pictures’ newest
film about wilderness preservation as told in the words of Harvey
Manning. Harvey was the legendary Northwest writer, famous
for Mountaineers publications, the “101 Hikes” series, “Freedom
of the Hills” and more.
A staunch conservationist in the early 1960s, Manning (us-
ing his pen name the “Irate Birdwatcher”) became the voice of
a dedicated band of hikers and climbers turned conservationists.
They spearheaded the grassroots movement that brought us
the North Cascades National Park, as well as other designated
wilderness areas throughout Washington.
The filmmakers adapted quotes from his dozens of books
to follow Manning through decades as he unveils the beauty
of Washington’s wildest places, and discovers the need to fight
for their survival.
While extolling wilderness preservation, encouraging citizen
we will lunch at a nearby restaurant. No registration. Questions?
Contact Karen Nordal, 206-366-2736, knordal@mac.com.
Snowshoeing
Please visit our website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/snowshoe
Co-chairs: Linda Sheehan, lindasean1@hotmail.com, and Susan Murphy,
smurph1@comcast.net
General student questions: Larry Metzger, snowdog.48@hotmail.com
Lectures and leader development: Larry Metzger, snowdog.48@hotmail.
com
Leader applications and course equivalency: Johnny Jeans, jjmtnjoys@
yahoo.com
Snowshoe Lite chair: Bryan Stennes, bryan.stennes@googlemail.com
Winter Camping co-chairs: Rich Lawrence, richlawrence@comcast.net, and
Tim Lawson, timlawsonwild@msn.com
Instructor/Leader Clinic Coordinator: John Hurr, johnhurr@gmail.com
Webmaster: Johnny Jeans, jjmtnjoys@yahoo.com
Kudos to graduates
Congratulations to all students who completed Snowshoe
Lite, Winter Skills, and Winter Camping Courses this season.
We encourage graduates of the Winter Skills Course to pursue
the Winter Travel Certificate.
The Winter Travel Certificate may be earned by completing
the Winter Skills Course, Navigation Course, and a minimum
of three Mountaineers snowshoe tours, two of which must be
rated either moderate or strenuous. Submit applications by March
19. Applications are available on the Seattle Branch Snowshoe
website. Click on “courses” to find the grad application. You can
print it and mail the completed application to Seattle Snowshoe
Committee, The Mountaineers, 7700 Sand Point Way N.E.,
Seattle, WA 98115, or you may submit your application online
to Susan Murphy, smurph1@comcast.net.
For snowshoe tours, please visit The Mountaineers website
and click on “activity search” to register for the current tours
offered by all Mountaineers branches.
Snowshoe tours
Indicates Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for details about Trailhead.
Feb. 27, Sat. - Commonwealth Basin, Up and Down (E)
(Snoqualmie Pass USGS) 6 mi., 1500’ gain. Limit 10. Meet at
8:30 a.m. under the I-90 overpass on Alpental Rd. (Exit 52). 1
hr. Goal is to go far enough up the basin to where the views of
Kendall, Lundin, Red and Snoqualmie peaks, as well as Cave
Ridge, are spectacular. Leader: Jim Gross, 206-283-5154, jg@
att.net. (s2/15-2/25)
Feb. 28, Sun. - Kendall Peak Lakes (M) (Snoqualmie Pass
USGS) 6 mi., 2000’ gain. Meeting at 9 a.m. at Gold Creek
Sno-Park. Leader: Barbara Powrie, 425-333-0535, bpowrie@
centurytel.net. (s2/16-2/25)
March 7, Sun. - Artist Point (M) (Shuksan Arm USGS) 5 mi.,
1100’ gain. Limit 8. Meet 7:30 a.m. at Ash Way P&R. Changed
destination to Artist Point since higher trips are doing better this
year. Leader: Lawrence Landauer, 425-844-4330, lawrenceglenn-
landauer@yahoo.com. (s2/22-3/4)
Trailhead events
Feb. 27-28, Sat.-Sun. - Snow Camping For Beginners
So you’re already backpacking and want to break into the
4th season? See Backcountry Skiing for full details.
March 6, Sat. - Paradise Area Join us for up to 5 miles
round trip and up to 600’ of gain, depending on party ambi-
tions. A nice trip to a beautiful area exploring the terrain
around the Paradise area at Mt Rainier. New members
welcome. Leader: Ken Hahn kenh@mountaineers.org or
206-595-7237.
Tacoma Branch Contacts
Chair: Darin Brekke, mtn_nav@earthlink.net, 253-549-4245
Chair-elect: Geoffrey Lawrence, glawrence_98@yahoo.com,
253-627-1619
Secretary: Jim Harvey, 425-432-9575, jim5car@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Marian Shepherd, 206-355-0141, marian.shepherd@
tacomamountaineers.org
Trustee on Mountaineers Board: Tom Shimko, tshimko@peoplepc.
com, 253-272-0656
Branch Trustee: Jim Feltus, jimfeltus@msn.com, 253-468-4787
Branch Trustee: Gretchen Roosevelt, tagtacoma@mac.com,
253-759-3810
Branch Trustee: Karen Turner, karen-turner@comcast.net, 253-
202-74588
Branch Trustee: Bill Goodman, bbgoodman@harbornet.com,
253-564-8337
Branch Trustee: Don Thompson, donteleski@msn.com, 360-
692-8236
Social Division Chair: Karen Turner, karen-turner@comcast.net,
253-202-7458
Outdoor Division Chair: Gary Peniston, ghpghp@earthlink.net,
253-851-8348
Climbing Division Chair: Joel Edwards, edwards_joel@msn.com,
253-732-4231
Clubhouse Sec.: Helen Engle, 253-566-6965, hengle@iinet.com
activism and stewardship, the film serves also as a moving tes-
tament to Manning and his lifework. His words reveal his wit,
charm and experiences over the years—quintessential Harvey.
The event is free and open to all.
Photographers’ works published
Congratulations to Photography Committee members Don
Geyer and Joe Becker. Photos they took are being published
on National Geographic’s new Central Cascades geo-tourism
map. For more information, see the Tacoma photography sec-
tion on pg. 16.
Clubhouse schedule to be mulled
March 4, Thu. - Tacoma Clubhouse scheduling meeting,
7 p.m., at the clubhouse. We will be scheduling the clubhouse
through December 2011. Every activity should send a repre-
Go Guide March 2010 13
sentative to this meeting. This is not a long meeting but it is a
very important one. Questions? Contact Amy Mann, agmann@
comcast.net, 253-759-2796.
Trail food round table set
March 7, Sun. - Dehydrating & Trail Food Round Table,
1-3 p.m. Get ready to get out on the trail this spring with your
own dehydrated treats in your pack. See “Hiking” section on
pg. 15 for details.
Dinner for new members: March 18
March 18, Thu. - New Member Dinner, 6-8 p.m. Are you
a new or fairly new Tacoma Branch member (joined in the last
year)? Want to enjoy a nice meal, meet some of your fellow new
Mountaineers, hear a comprehensive explanation of what’s go-
ing on in Tacoma Branch, talk about your interests, have your
questions answered, win a free copy of “Freedom of the Hills?”
Attend one of the new member dinners. Registration information
and restaurant location is located on The Mountaineers website
under “Activities - Social/Singles.” For more information contact
Tacoma board members/co-hosts Karen Turner, karen-turner@
comcast.net, and Jim Harvey, jim5car@yahoo.com.
Leadership seminar: March 27
March 27, Sat. - Outdoor Leadership Seminar, 8 a.m.-5
p.m. The Tacoma Branch one-day leadership seminar, held at
the Tacoma Clubhouse, is for current and prospective leaders of
Mountaineers trips and activities. We’ll spend the day solving
problems with scenarios based on actual trips—the good, the
bad, and the ugly. The discussion is always thought provoking
with the mix of everyone’s own experiences, the scenarios, and
the outstanding text. The $50 fee includes a copy of the text,
“Outdoor Leadership,” by John Graham, breakfast, lunch and
refreshments throughout the day. Register online for this event
through March 11 at www.mountaineers.org. Questions? Check
out the online listing or contact Amy Mann, agmann@comcast.
net, 253-759-2796, or Kathleen Brammer, brammerka@comcast.
net, 253-896-4849.
Branch board to meet
March 29, Mon., 7 p.m. - Tacoma Branch Board Meeting
at the clubhouse. Members are invited to attend and observe the
branch board at work. Meetings typically run about two hours.
Those wishing to receive advance copies of the agenda, copies
of the minutes or suggest an agenda item should contact Branch
Chair Darin Brekke, mtn_nav@earthlink.net, and Branch Sec-
retary Jim Harvey, jim5car@yahoo.com.
New singles meet-up community
Tacoma Branch Mountaineers have posted a new website
listing social and outdoors activities for current and potential
Mountaineers. In one week this site went from 1 to 80 members,
and it’s still growing! Concerts, bike riding, wine tasting, nature
walks—after one week we had hosted three social activities
(average attendance two dozen-plus) and listed nine more for
the next few weeks. If you have questions contact Karen Turner,
karen-turner@comcast.net, or visit www.meetup.com/Tacoma-
Mountaineer-Singles.
Publicity opportunity
If you’ve ever been hiking you’re amply qualified to give us
a hand with our ongoing branch publicity program, the popular
“Hike of the Week” feature, in the News Tribune and The Olym-
pian on Fridays. Help us keep this effort going by detailing some
of your favorite day hikes. All levels of hikes are needed, from
easy family hikes to strenuous conditioners. Contact Amy Mann,
agmann@comcast.net, 253-759-2796.
New member mentoring/membership
Contacts: Donna Bisogno, 253-922-4147, jmjrejoice@gmail.com; Kathleen
Brammer, 253-896-4849, brammerka@comcast.net; Jim Harvey, 425-432-
9575, jim5car@yahoo.com.
Are you new to the club or thinking about joining? You
can contact Donna, Kathleen or Jim (contact info above) with
questions. There are several ways you can find out if this club
is the one for you. Are you interested in a specific activity? The
chair or leader of each of our activities is ready and willing to
talk to you. See specific activity listings in this Go Guide for
contact information.
Tacoma new member meetings are a great way to meet
some of the club members, see a presentation of the various
activities and have your questions answered. They’re held at
Tacoma Clubhouse on the third Friday of most months.
And finally, for those ready to jump right in, try one of
the hikes (under “Hiking”), especially one noted as “slow” or
“moderate” pace (if you prefer). Some leaders note that their trips
are great beginner hikes, and all leaders are willing to share tips
about gear if you’re still accumulating things. Other activities
you might try out are photography meetings, backpacking trips,
singles events/volleyball, social events, one-evening seminars
like hiking/backpacking. The expression in The Mountaineers is,
“so many activities, so little time!” Join us and get out there!
Trip registration procedures, guidelines
Please read the preamble on Page 19 of this Go Guide for Ten Essentials, travel
cost-sharing (Note: now 12¢ per mile RT) and guest participation.
To register for a Tacoma branch trip, register online at www.mountaineers.
org, or call the leader listed for that activity. If you need additional details
about the trip ask the trip leader. Advance registration is necessary unless
otherwise noted. The leader may cancel a trip if too few registrations are
received by the deadline for the trip, so register earlier rather than later to
reserve your spot.
P&R = Park & Ride
6 Ave P&R = 7100 block at 6th & Skyline, Tacoma.
th
CR = Charlie’s Restaurant, Highway 410, Enumclaw.
T-112 = Behind Wells Fargo Bank, 112th & Pacific Ave., Tacoma.
T-56 = P&R, E. of I-5 on south side of 56th St., Tacoma.
TCC P&R = NE corner of Tacoma Community College campus at 19th &
Mildred St.
512 P&R = Behind McDonald’s, south of I-5 & 512 interchange on S Tacoma
Way.
MTTA = Mt. Tahoma Trails Assoc. at Rainier Overland, 1 mi. past Ashford
on SR 706.
Southhill P&R = NW of Southhill Mall, Puyallup, at 104th St. E & 9th St. SW.
Tacoma clubhouse = N 30th St. & Carr St.
Bonney Lake P&R = South of Hwy. 410 on 184th
410 Cafe = Hwy. 410, Buckley
Classifications for Hikes: (E) = Easy, (M) = Medium, (S) = Strenuous
Classifications for Climbs: (C) = Conditioner (A) = Alpine Climb (R) = Rock
Climb (G) = Glacier Climb, (I) = Ice
Trail Guides: AL = 100 Hikes in the Alpine Lakes; BHWC = Best Hikes With
Children; BSHS = Best Short Hikes in the South Cascades; F1 (2, 3, 4) =
Footsore 1 (2,3,4); GP = 100 Hikes in the Glacier Peak Region; MR = 50
14 March 2010 Go Guide
Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (MRNP); NC = 100 Hikes in the North
Cascades; SCO = 100 Hikes in the South Cascades & Olympics
Climbing Division
Chair: Joel Edwards, 253-732-4231, edwards_joel@msn.com
Feel free to contact course leaders for more information about the programs. If
you can’t get your questions answered through them please e-mail Joel.
Alpine Climbing/Scrambling
Co-chairs: Margot Tsakonas, 425-208-2165, mvtsakonas19@comcast.net;
Jeff Wilhelm, 360-871-4701, TheStonyman@gmail.com
Critical Skills: Mike Bujnowski, mikeb@reliancenetwork.com, 253-850-1806
Records: Becky Hines, rebeccalhines@yahoo.com; Marla Pelowski, zoh@
earthlink.net
Field Trips: Gary Zink, garyzink@comcast.net, 253-631-4004; Robyn Singh
robynsingh@hotmail.com
The 2010 Alpine Climbing and Scrambling Course (ACSC)
started on Feb. 10; registration for this year is closed. If you
are a second-year student, be sure to sign up online for the
“second year” class in order to be able to attend any field trips
or lectures you need to complete. There is no additional fee for
the second year.
Keep an eye on the website next fall for news about the 2011
ACSC enrollment.
Remaining schedule:
The lectures are on weeknights in the Tacoma Clubhouse and
begin promptly at 7 p.m. They last until approximately 10 p.m.
Please arrive at 6:45 p.m. to help with room setup if needed. The
one-day field trips are offered on Saturdays and may be offered
Sundays for scheduling flexibility if class size requires. You will
also have one required weekend overnight field trip. Dates are as
follows and are subject to change based on conditions.
Field Trip (Rock 2): March 6 or 7, Sat. or Sun.
Lecture: March 16, Tue.
Field Trip (Snow 1): March 20, Sat.
Lecture and Exam: April 7, Wed.
Exam Review: April 28, Wed.
Field Trip: (Overnight) May 15-16, Sat.-Sun.
Field Trip: June 12 or 13, Sat. or Sun.
Advanced Scramble/Leadership
Chair: Larry Dunn, mtnhiker06@juno.com
Registration opens in July for the Advanced Scrambles/Lead-
ership Course that starts Sept. 13. Alpine Scramble and Basic
Climbing Course graduates who would like to continue their
climbing education and raise their leadership skills are invited
to register for this course.
Course focus is on safety, leadership, trip planning and alpine
rescue. The curriculum is designed to provide an achievable yet
challenging learning experience for all participants.
Classes are a mix of presentations, skill learning and testing.
Clubhouse sessions are broken down into two parts: one hour
of lecture and one hour of skills training. Field trips are active,
scenario-driven events based on trips that have not gone well.
Due to course volume, current year make-ups for a missed
class or field trip will not be possible. Students may register for
a second year to complete the course.
Course fee is $100 and registration is online. Class dates,
field trip dates and equipment requirements will be posted online
prior to registration opening in July.
Graduation Requirements:
1. Successful participation in all Advance Scrambles classes
and field trips
2. Score 80% or higher on all written and hands-on testing
3. Instruct at Tacoma Rock I or II
4. Instruct at Tacoma Snow I or II
5. Plan, list and lead a mentored conditioner
6. Assistant lead a scramble trip
7. Plan, list and lead a mentored scramble trip
8. Current Mountaineers Basic Navigation
9. Basic GPS course graduate
10. Current MOFA.
11. Avalanche Level I certification
12. Tacoma Leadership seminar participant
13. Submit completed graduation packet.
For more information: Larry Dunn, mtnhiker06@juno.
com
Basic Climbing Course
Chair: Mike Lund, enzolund@yahoo.com, 425-271-5891.
The Basic Climbing Course is a one- or two-year course of
classroom instruction, field instruction and climbing experience
designed to provide the basic skills necessary to safely climb
rock, snow and the glaciated peaks of the Pacific Northwest.
This course covers selection and care of equipment, wilder-
ness travel, roped and glacier travel, belaying, rappelling, rock
climbing, crevasse rescue, and many other topics. During field
trips and actual climbs the student will put these skills to practical
use with experienced mountaineers. Solid physical conditioning
and psychological commitment is essential.
Past BCC Graduates: Graduates of the course are encour-
aged to participate on BCC climbs, particularly alpine and glacier
outings. Review all the climb listings, call the leader if you find
something of interest. The intent is to create opportunities for
you to be involved, to share your knowledge and experience with
others, and to improve or maintain proficiency in your skills.
2009 Records: Graduation materials (forms for completed
MOFA, trail maintenance, etc.) should be sent to: Bill Wood,
wwood999@gmail.com, 206-878-0438.
Basic Climbing registration closes March 3. Our next basic
course will commence in February, 2011.
Eligibility Requirements: Experience in off-trail hiking
and camping is helpful; you should want to learn technical
mountaineering skills. Prospective participants should be aware
this course requires a significant investment in time, energy, and
money. The dropout rate for this course is often 30%. Schedul-
ing conflicts, inadequate physical conditioning, and inadequate
experience contribute to participants dropping out. Solid overall
physical conditioning and psychological commitment, to enable
the student to carry a heavy pack in difficult terrain with vertical
exposure and adverse weather conditions, is essential.
Juniors: Members under 18 years of age must complete the
Junior Application Supplement and attend an information night
for a Junior Interview. A parent or legal guardian must accompany
you. To receive the Junior Application Supplement contact Mike
Lund by phone or e-mail.
Registration: Registration should be completed online at
www.mountaineers.org. The course size is limited to 100 par-
ticipants. If the course has already filled before your registration
is received you will be notified and will receive a full refund
for course fees.
BCC Course Fees: Course fee is $300 for members and $400
for non-members. A credit card can be used only if registering
online. If registering by mail, this fee can be paid by check or
cash. Non-members who are considering applying for the course
should join The Mountaineers without delay. Non-members may
call the clubhouse secretary (253-566-6965) to request a “New
Member Packet”. The packet is also available for download
below. The required text for the course is “Mountaineering, the
Freedom of The Hills,” 7th Edition.
Refunds, less $50 handling and materials fees, can be made
if you withdraw from the course and notify the chair in writing
prior to the second lecture. In order to receive a refund your
written statement of withdrawal must be received by the close
of business on March 31 by Mike Lund by e-mail, enzolund@
yahoo.com. The BCC fee does not include the cost of the required
Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) or Navigation
courses, which are required for graduation.
Getting off to a fast start: As you prepare for the course,
take a look at your conditioning program. If you are not in-
volved in some strenuous aerobic activity, 3-4 times weekly,
now is the time to start. Your conditioning is important for your
safe enjoyment of basic climbs and for the safety of your team
members. Another crucial ability is tying basic knots used in
Mountaineering. Find time before the course starts to practice
the knots depicted in “Mountaineering - Freedom of the Hills.”
Navigation and MOFA courses are required for graduation from
the BCC. You are encouraged to schedule and complete these
courses as soon as possible.
Controlled Risk: Participants must be aware that mountain
climbing can be a very hazardous activity, and that participation
in course field trips, conditioners, and experience climbs does
expose you to hazardous conditions and a possibility of serious
injury or death.
2010 Course info: Lectures are Wednesdays at the Tacoma
Clubhouse. They will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and run until
about 10 p.m. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. to Lecture #1 for distribution
and review of course materials. All lectures and field trip preps
are required as prerequisites to attend field trips.
Lectures:
March 3 – Lecture 1: Conditioning, Equipment, Knots
March 31 – Lecture 2: Snow Travel, Avalanche Hazards
April 21 – Lecture 3: Rock Climbing
May 5 – Lecture 4: Accident Response, Mountain Rescue,
Health, and Nutrition
May 26 – Lecture 5: Glacier Travel, Crevasse Rescue
Field Trip Schedule:
March 10 or 17 - FT 1 Preparation: Fundamentals, Prusik-
ing and Knots
March 20 or 21 - FT 1: Fundamentals, Prusik Test, Knots
and Belaying
April 10 and 11 – FT 2: Winter Overnight
April 24 or 25 - FT 3: Belay Test
May 8 or 9 – FT 4 Rock I: Knots, Rock Climbing, Rap-
pelling
May 22 or 23 – FT 5: Rock II: Rock Climbing, Rappelling
June 2 – FT 6 Preparation: Crevasse Rescue
June 12 and 13 - FT 6 and 7: Crevasse Rescue and Hard
Snow
June 16 – Final Exam
June 30 – Course Review and Critique
Oct. 3 - Graduation and Course Potluck 6:30 p.m.
Throughout the course there will be opportunities for ad-
ditional skills practice with a mentor both at the clubhouse and
in the mountains. For more information, contact Mike Lund,
425-271-5891, enzolund@yahoo.com.
Graduation Requirements:
• Attend all lectures and field trip preps, and pass final
examination.
• Satisfactorily complete all field trips.
• Satisfactorily complete one Conditioner, four Basic Climbs,
including one Rock and one Glacier climb.
• Successfully complete the Navigation course.
• Participate in one day’s conservation activity/trail main-
tenance offered by The Mountaineers or another recognized
organization or agency.
• Possess a current Mountaineering Oriented First Aid
(MOFA) card by the date of graduation.
• Apply for graduation as described in the course manual
You have two years to complete the course (there is an ad-
ministrative fee for returning second-year students, see above).
Participation is subject to students completing required
activities in accordance with the Basic Course Manual and
leader’s permission.
Climbs are open for registration for Tacoma basic students
at 8 a.m. on the date of the climb, one calendar month prior to
the climb, and open to students from other branches two weeks
prior to the climb. Register with the climb leader directly (before
9 p.m.).
Hiking and peak awards
To promote interest in trails and climbs across Washington
and into California, Oregon and Canada, The Mountaineers has
established Hiking and Peak Awards. The awards are available
to members that complete the requirements listed for a particular
group of destinations. To view the awards visit www.tacoma-
mountaineers.org/activities/peak_pins.cfm.
Intermediate Climbing Course
The Intermediate Climbing Course began on Jan. 20. Our next intermediate
course will commence in January, 2011. If you have any question about our
intermediate course, please contact one of the committee members:
Co-Chair: Tom Labrie, ayankeehousewright@hotmail.com, 360-710-6577
Co-Chair: Joel Edwards, edwards_joel@msn.com, 253-732-4231
Manual: Bud Truitt, truittbltjt@comcast.net, 253-503-3814
Field Trips: Frank Neumann, neumannfrank@mac.com, 425-503-2803
Lectures: Jeremiah Woods, jeremiah.woods@gmail.com, 206-931-6723
Critical Skills: Dan Lauren, dan.lauren@weyerhauser.com, 253-279-7421
Website: tacomamountaineers.org/activities/intermediate_climbing.cfm
Climb Leader Promotions and Requests for Basic Equivalency: Climbers
who would like to be placed on the Intermediate Climbs Leader List, or
request Basic Equivalency, should contact Joel Edwards, edwards_joel@
msn.com, 253-732-4231 or Tom Labrie, ayankeehousewright@hotmail.com,
360-710-6577, for information on submitting the application.
Tacoma
Intermediate Climbs: If you’d like to lead an intermediate climb and are not
familiar with the new database, contact Joel Edwards, edwards_joel@msn.
com, 253-732-4231 or Tom Labrie, ayankeehousewright@hotmail.com, 360-
710-6577 for assistance. Check the Internet database for current listings
Lecture Schedule Remaining:
March 11, Thu. - Expeditions & Logistics
March 25, Thu. - Climb Leadership
March 27, Sat. - Outdoor Leadership Seminar, separate
program
April 8, Thu. - Leading on Rock
April 22, Thu. - Advanced Rock Leading & Self Help
July 29, Thu. - Hard Snow and Introduction to Ice Climb-
ing
Aug. 12, Thu. - Ice Climbing
Oct. 14, Thu. - Exam
Field Trip Schedule Remaining:
March 6-7, Sat.-Sun. - Winter Overnight and Avalanche Field
Trip 2, separate program
April 17-18, Sat.-Sun. - Rock Climbing 1
May 1-2, Sat.-Sun. - Rock Climbing 2 and Self Help
Aug. 7-8, Sat.-Sun. - Hard Snow and Introduction to Ice Climb-
ing
Aug. 21-22, Sat.-Sun. - Ice Climbing
Intermediate climbs
April 10-11, Sat.-Sun. - Mt. Rainier, Fuhrer Finger (IM)
Limit 7. This will be a fun winter climb. Leader’s permission
required. Leader: Carl Duester, 253-565-4322, cdenali@comcast.
net. (s2/5-3/5)
Trad Rock/Crag Course
Course Chair: Marty Babare, mbabare@nventure.com, 253-756-5576
Field trips: Mark Lemon, 253-314-6998
Critical Skills: Ed Lansing, Mindy Nichols, 253-394-4383, mindyrd@gmail.
com
Mentoring: Gregg Gagliardi, 253-566-9490
Are you interested in learning to lead moderate (5.4-5.8) rock routes using trad
gear (no bolts)? Are you interested in enhancing your current trad skill level?
We’re developing a new course to build our climbing curriculum—we have
you in mind. This crag course will cover placing passive and active protection,
building anchors and setting up rappels, as well as hanging belays, swinging
leads and crack climbing techniques. We’ll be outside at some of the local
crags (like Tieton, Vantage, and Leavenworth), but we’ll get started at the
clubhouse and Spire Rock.
April 8, Thu. - Lecture at the Tacoma Clubhouse, 7 p.m.
Date TBD – Field Trip to Spire Rock
April 17, May 1, May 15, Sat. - Field Trips.
Register online: $150 members, $200 non-members.
For details: Marty Babare, mbabare@nventure.com.
Sport Climbing Course
Course Committee:
Chair: Chris Willett, cwillett03@gmail.com
Field Trips: Greg Gagliardi, gagliard@u.washington.edu
Lectures: Bill Hecker
The Sport Climbing Course, which begins this fall, is open
to anyone wanting to learn safe sport climbing, as well as those
already accomplished rock and gym climbers who want to
expand and round out their skills. There are no prerequisites
for the class.
This is a perfect course for new members who have not yet
taken any courses but have an interest in rock climbing; continu-
ing students from scrambles or basic programs who have an
interest in sport climbing; gym climbers who want to transition
to setting up their own top-ropes and anchors, enjoy independent
climbing on great sport routes.
Prospective intermediate climbing students are encour-
aged to take this course: learning to lead sport routes will
help significantly with the learning process for leading the
alpine rock routes you’ll encounter in the intermediate course.
This is a student-centered course: learning objectives will be de-
pendent on students’ interests and skills. We’ll customize teach-
ing to each student’s skills and interests. Topics of instruction
include: climbing sport routes on top-rope, leading sport routes
using bolts and quick-draws, setting up anchors on bolts and
chains, clipping bolts, belay technique, rappel technique, climb-
ing signals and communication, untying from rope at anchor and
transitioning to rappel, lowering techniques, necessary knots, and
safe use of equipment. There will be an emphasis on safety.
Cost: $125 Members, $175 Non-members. Possible camping
fees depending on enrollment.
Required equipment: Helmet, harness, rock shoes, personal
anchor system, several carabiners & slings. Optional but recom-
mended equipment: rope, chalk bag, quick draws. Please contact
the Chair with equipment questions.
Lectures are at 7 p.m. at the Tacoma Clubhouse:
Lecture 1 – Sept. 9, Thu. - Introduction, equipment, climb-
ing, safety
Lecture 2 - Sept. 16, Thu. - Technique, anchors, knots, belay
practice, rappels
Lecture 3 – Sept. 23, Thu. –Leading, cleaning, rappels
Field Trips:
Gym climbing at Edgeworks in Tacoma, Mon. and Wed.
evenings. Optional but highly recommended.
Field Trip 1 – Sept. 25-26 – Vantage Field Trip
Field Trip 2 – Oct. 9-10 - Vantage Field Trip
Course registration is via the website only.
For more information, see the course website or contact
Chris Willett. Website:
http://tacomamountaineers.org/climbing/sport_climbs.html
Navigation
Chair: Jim Harvey, jim5car@yahoo.com, 425-432-9575
Lead Instructor: Steve Frank, stephen.m.frank@hotmail.com
Records Keeper: Chuck Bredl, brewmasterchuck@comcast.net
Communications: Don Campbell, sketcher54@hotmail.com
Field Trips: Gary Zink, garyzink@comcast.net, 253-631-4004.
Navigating through the wilderness, not getting lost, is a
skill - a skill that can save your life. For Spring 2010 Tacoma
Mountaineers offers two sessions of Basic Navigation, required
for graduation from Scrambling and Basic Climbing:
Basic Navigation Courses 2010:
Session One: March 30, April 1, 3 (firm)
Session Two: May 18, 20, 22 (tentative, registration opens
April 10)
Session Three: early September (dates to be finalized mid-
summer)
Basic Navigation provides the skills necessary to safely find
your way through wilderness. During the course you’ll learn
to: use a topographic map; understand orientation and feature
Tacoma
identification; relate features on a topo map to your surround-
ings; use your compass and its various features; use a map and
compass to determine your location and desired direction of
travel; navigate accurately while traveling cross-country through
challenging terrain. Students must use an appropriate compass,
estimated cost $50-75. See Tacoma Mountaineers website for
details, tacomamountaineers.org.
Eligibility requirements: This is an entry-level course. No
prior backcountry experience, or understanding of maps, com-
passes or wilderness navigation is necessary. We’ll teach you
what you need to know! Participants must be at least 14 years
of age; non-Mountaineers are welcome.
Class locations: All classes are held at the Tacoma Club-
house; The navigation field trips are at Irish Cabin property, near
the Carbon River entrance to MRNP.
Course Fees: Course fees are $48 for Mountaineers and
$73 for non-members. The course fee includes any maps used
in class, handouts and/or student field trip booklets. Students
are responsible for website downloads, other readings and field
trip necessities.
Controlled Risk: Participants must be aware the Navigation
field trips have some degree of risk. The courses involve travel
through steep, rugged terrain with fallen trees, slippery logs,
rocks and swampy areas adjacent to streams. Rain, cold and
possibly snow may create challenging conditions.
How to Register: Register online, with a credit card, at www.
mountaineers.org: click “Navigation”, then “Search Now”, to find
all available Tacoma Branch navigation classes.
Basic GPS: The 2009 class has concluded. 2010 classes will
be scheduled mid-2010.
Questions? Visit our club website, www.tacomamountain-
eers.org.
Contact: Jim Harvey, 425-432-9575, jim5car@yahoo.
com.
Outdoor Division
Chair: Gary Peniston, 253-851-8348, ghpghp@earthlink.net.
(MOFA, Hiking/Backpacking, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, Skiing, Mountain Bik-
ing)
Conservation
Contact: Bill Goodman, 253-564-8337, skookum@harbornet.com
Here’s your opportunity to be involved in Conserva-
tion: We’re forming a committee to address conservation
concerns at the local level (primarily Tacoma/Pierce County,
which includes but not limited to the wilderness areas). We
also intend to be a player in protecting the outdoor experience
in the urban/suburban environment where most of us reside.
The vision is for us as a branch to be involved in a hands-on way
at the local level, not a national level. There are already a number
of organizations in our area that are active in preserving our natu-
ral environment for the enjoyment of all and, when appropriate,
we can possibly partner with others who share our concerns.
We are in the formative stage. We need people to help organize
this committee and better define our mission and priorities.
Possible actions we can take include:
• Informing our membership and general public about local
conservation concerns via courses, seminars, guest speakers.
• Organizing and attending local conservation projects and/or
partnering with other similar-minded groups.
• Participate in trail maintenance projects both in the subur-
ban environment (like the Foothills Trails) and in the wilderness
(national forests and parks).
• Advocacy on a local level for bike lanes/trails, hiking
trails, parks, etc.
•Adopting and preserving a piece of the outdoors in our
local region.
We ask that you commit to be on the committee for at least
a year. We might meet monthly for the first year until we get
established. If you want to make a difference, contact Bill Good-
man, skookum@harbornet.com.
First Aid (MOFA)
MOFA Committee
Chair: Leah Munion, 206-200-4715, mountainbutterfly007@gmail.com
Co-Chair: Angela McKee, 253-460-0727, k2teleskier@yahoo.com
Tacoma Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) is a 28-hour first aid
course for the wilderness traveler. The course consists of lectures, dem-
onstrations and practical experience. It includes Red Cross adult CPR and
standard first aid.
MOFA instructors are club volunteers who are also certified
Red Cross instructors. Two or more instructors teach each class,
with final practical scenarios evaluated by other instructors. Our
make-up artists add realism to these final exercises by outfitting
our many volunteer victims with simulated injuries.
No previous first aid or climbing experience is required to
enroll in the course.
Our Tacoma MOFA Refresher Course is condensed
into 20 hours and provides full MOFA recertification, in-
cluding Red Cross Adult CPR and Standard First Aid. It
is open to all who have taken MOFA within the past five
years. Those with advanced medical training (e.g., EMTs,
nurses, physicians) may also take the refresher in lieu of
taking the full MOFA course; contact Angela for details.
If you are interested in taking only CPR/First Aid, contact
Angela or Leah.
Course Attendance: Participation is required at all class
sessions. The class involves hands-on, interactive learning build-
ing on skills learned in previous sessions. Wear casual clothes
suitable for working on the ground and outdoors. Arrangements
cannot be made to make up class sessions. Please do not register
for a class unless you can attend all class sessions.
2010 Refresher MOFA Class: March 14, Sun., 8 a.m.-4:30
p.m.; March 23, Tue., 6-10 p.m.; and March 28, Sun., 8 a.m.-
4:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Clubhouse. Call Angela with questions.
Tacoma Refresher Course fee (includes textbook): $80 members,
$105 non-members.
Sept. Irish Cabin MOFA Class: Sept. 12, 19, Sun., 8:30
a.m.-4 p.m. at the Tacoma Clubhouse; field-trip the weekend of
Sept. 25-26, Sat.-Sun. at our Irish Cabin Property outside NW
corner of Mt. Rainier NP. The last two days of class will be
conducted during a car/tent camp in forested mountain terrain,
typical surroundings in which wilderness first aid is used. We’ll
ensure class participants have the proper equipment during the
first two class sessions. Course fee (includes textbook): $85
members, $110 non-members.
Fall weekends MOFA Class: Oct. 23, 24 and Nov. 6, 7,
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Tacoma Clubhouse. Course fee (includes
textbook): $80 members, $105 non-members.
Registration: Online self-registration at www.mountaineers.
org, or call registration lines, 206-521-6001 or 800-573-8484.
Hiking/Backpacking
Chair: Amy Mann, 253-759-2796, agmann@comcast.net
Tacoma Hiking Web Guru: Catherine Kwon Walters, 253-759-1127, kwon
1962@yahoo.com
Committee members: Dick Bacon, Donna Bisogno, Kathleen Brammer,
Nancy German, Arden Gudger, Joan Hays, Lyn Higaki, Gordon Jenkins,
Diane Malone, Nancy Mooney, Mike Waiss, and how about you? Give Amy
a call if you’d like to help out.
Website Alert - for leaders and hikers: All Tacoma hikes and backpack
trips are listed on the Club interactive website, www.mountaineers.org.
Check the website for late breaking events that didn’t make the Go Guide
deadline. If you haven’t done so already, you should log on and check your
profile to be sure that your contact information (e-mail, phone, address)
is correct. Then click on the Communities tab and check out the Tacoma:
Hiking & Backpacking Community on the website. Click on the Activities
tab to search for trips. You can sign up for most trips on line.
Fundrai$er: Write up your favorite hikes for the Hike of the Week feature in
the News Tribune to help us raise $$$ to support the Hiking/Backpacking
Committee and the Branch. Contact Amy, agmann@comcast.net, 253-759-
2796, for a list of hikes that have been submitted so far and for a copy of
our easy-to-use fill-in form.
Hike Sign-Up Etiquette: Mountaineers trips, led by volunteer leaders, are
group activities, intended to provide a mix of exercise, enjoyment of our
wilderness backyard, and an opportunity to spend the day with like-minded
people. Everyone is responsible for being at an appropriate level of con-
ditioning before signing up for a trip and is expected to wear appropriate
clothing and carry adequate gear – for the trip and for any unplanned
overnight bivouac in the mountains. Check the Outdoor Essentials icon
on the website http://www.mountaineers.org/. If you find you are unable
to participate in a trip for which you are signed up, you need to notify the
leader ASAP, so someone from the waiting list can be given your spot. If
you are forced to cancel at the last minute a phone call to the leader is
better than an e-mail, so the group will not be delayed waiting for you at
the carpool or trailhead.
Hiker Educational Opportunities/Confidence Builders: The Tacoma
Branch regularly offers three courses of interest to hikers. (1) Map and
compass work is taught in the Navigation Course. (2) MOFA (Mountaineer-
ing Oriented First Aid, see First Aid above) offers invaluable information
and skills training to help you deal with emergency situations and to better
prepare yourself and your equipment before each trip. (3) Basic information
on equipment and conditioning for hiking and backpacking is offered by
the Hiking/Backpacking Committee in our evening introduction sessions
held throughout the spring and summer. Dates are posted after the first
of the year, with details and registration online at www.mountaineers.org.
Search for “Introduction to Hiking”.
Hiking Participation Award: A fabric Mountaineers patch is awarded for
participating in five or more Tacoma Branch hikes and/or backpacks in
any twelve-month period. Eligible trips must be Branch-approved trips, led
by Tacoma Branch leaders, to different destinations. One Tacoma Branch
Mount Rainier Trail Maintenance Work Party Trip (see Tacoma Conserva-
tion section of the Go Guide) can be substituted for two hikes or backpack
trips. Send your list of trips to Amy to get your patch.
Leaders – Hike Submission Deadline: Trips need to be listed on the website
by the 9th of the month to be included in the Go Guide for the next month.
If you want help listing your trips on the website, please send your trips to
Amy, agmann@comcast.net, by the first of the month.
Leaders – Miscellany: Save yourself some paperwork and postage hassles
by having non-members sign waivers on the website and by filing your post
trip report on the website.
New Leaders – A Continuing Opportunity: Curious? Thinking about it, but
not sure if you’re ready to lead? Get in touch with Amy and we’ll find the
right hike, and a mentor, to get you started.
Outreach: The third Friday Branch meetings include a new and prospective
member slide show and Q&A session. Join us to greet people and answer
questions about what we do when we “get out there.”
Trip classifications: See pg. 19, “Sending you on your way.”
Hikes
March 6, Sat. - Swan Creek Canyon (E) (City of Tacoma map)
5 mi., 600’ gain. Meet at 9 a.m. at location TBD. This is a good
hike for new members as well as those well seasoned. The area
offers 250 acres of old-growth forest and wildlife habitat set
in a quiet East Tacoma area. Bring water, snack, dress for the
weather and remember, no cotton clothing. Leader’s permission
required. Leader: Diane Malone, 253-565-2080, mypaldiane45@
yahoo.com. (s2/20-3/4)
March 13, Sat. - Point Defiance Park (E) (download map at
www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=239) 5-7 mi., 200-800’
gain. Limit 9. New members welcome! Map and understanding
of basic navigation recommended for this trip—there are lots of
trail junctions. Rhododendrons blooming in April, huckleberries
in August-September. This is a great beginner hike (found in
“50 Trail Runs in Washington”) for an introduction to hiking
with The Mountaineers. Join us to shake the winter kinks out
of your joints, check out new boots or see how your new pack
works on the trail. We’ll hike through the park to eat our lunch
by Fort Nisqually. Lots of great views on this trip and we’ll take
time to enjoy them. We’ll hike as a group at a slow pace, doing
a loop around Pt. Defiance Park. Rain does not cancel. Leader
will e-mail meeting time, location, carpool suggestions and
other last-minute information. Contact leader with any ques-
tions. Leader: Amy Mann, 253-759-2796, agmann@comcast.
net. (s2/10-3/10)
March 20, Sat. - Point Defiance Park (E) See March 13 for
details. (s2/10-3/17)
Events
March 7, Sun. - Dehydrating & Trail Food Round Table, 1-3
p.m. Get ready to get out on the trail this spring with your own
dehydrated treats in your pack and start to make plans for what
you are going to do with the bounty from your garden (or from
your neighborhood farmers’ market) this summer. Learn how to
select a dehydrator and how to use it to remove all that heavy
water from your food to minimize weight while maximizing
flavors and culinary experiences on the trail. The Tacoma Hik-
ing and Backpacking Committee’s own trail-food dehydrating
mavens, Marse and Amy, will cover meals, snacks and mistakes.
Yes, we’ll have samples of our favorites (quinoa, pasta, toma-
toes, coleslaw, chocolate pudding, apple pie —all dehydrated).
If you’ve tried your hand at dehydrating, plan to share stories
of your successes and disappointments, and bring samples of
your own dehydrated foods to share. We’ll start promptly at
1 p.m. at the clubhouse, 2302 N. 30th St. There is no charge
for this event but participants are asked to register in advance
online or by calling Amy so that we will have enough copies of
the handouts and samples for everyone: agmann@comcast.net,
253-759-2796. (s1/21-3/4)
Advance notices
May 2, Sun. - Spring Hiking/Backpacking Potluck 1-4 p.m.
Go Guide March 2010 15
Kick off the hiking season with an afternoon of good food and
good friends, old and new, at the Berry home (Carol, Dennis
and Hiker) in Puyallup. New members and new hikers are
most welcome! Bring your favorite dish to share, a beverage
and your stories and pictures (albums or computer ready) from
your favorite and most memorable hikes. To let us know you’re
coming and get directions, contact Amy Mann, agmann@com-
cast.net, 253-759-2796, or Carol Berry, busbuster@aol.com,
253-845-9297.
May 4, Tue. - Introduction to Hiking and Backpacking, 7-
8:30 p.m. If you’re not sure what you need to do to start hiking
with The Mountaineers, or just need a kick-start, join us at the
Tacoma Clubhouse (2302 N. 30th, Tacoma) for this informa-
tion-packed evening. Register online at www.mountaineers, or at
the door at 6:45 p.m. with exact change or check for the $5 fee.
Non-members welcome! Repeat performances of this program
will be held on the first Tuesday of the month through August:
June 1, July 6, and Aug. 3.
May 8, Sat. - Potluck Brunch 9-11 a.m. Hosted by the Tacoma
Branch Hiking & Backpacking Committee and the Mt. Rainier
Volunteers in the Park.
June 2, Tue. - Introduction to Hiking and Backpacking 7-8:30
p.m. This is a repeat of the May 4 program listed above.
Sailing
Committee co-chairs: Robert and Laura Crews, 253-677-6949, lacrews06@
msn.com (when e-mailing, please write “Mountaineers-Sailing” in subject
line).
Skippers: Jerry Stephenson, 253-381-7859, USMC_js@msn.com, Ron
Broekemeier, Tom Davis, Stew Renn and Frank Thorpe.
Basic Crewing Course
The days are getting longer and the May 1 official start of
boating season is just around the corner. If you have wanted to
learn about sailing now is the time; the spring Basic Crewing
(Sailing) Course will teach you to:
• Rig a sloop-rigged sailboat
• Assist in departing from and arriving at a dock under
power
• Have a basic understanding of sail trim and sailboat ma-
neuvering
• Understand basic personal gear requirements and safety
practices for sailing under various conditions which may be
encountered during Mountaineers sails
• Have a basic understanding of charts and navigation aids
• Function as a crew member during a sail
Course Graduation Requirements:
• Attendance at all three classroom sessions; April 5, 12 and
19, Mon., 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the clubhouse
• Attendance at one on-the-dock First Training Sail session
April 10 or 11
• Attendance at a second training sail, April 17 or 18
• Attendance at two experienced sails-dates to be determined
after course starts.
Mountaineers membership is encouraged, but not required.
Course fee is $95. Register online at www.mountaineers.org.
Sea Kayaking Course
Committee Chair: Christine Burris, 253-651-6610, christineburris@centurytel.
net
Secretary: Alex Otto, tacomakayaker@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Peggy Gablehouse, 253-884-2987, gablehousep@aol.com
Leadership Subcommittee Chair: Barbara Mitchell, 253-853-3399, bbmitch-
ell2000@gmail.com
Training Subcommittee Co-chairs: Bob Burnett, 206-321-0011, sktraining-
coordinator@yahoo.com; Christine Burris (above).
Equivalency Subcommittee Chair: Mike Everett, 253-905-0613, mikeedvm@
aol.com
Pool Play Subcommittee Co-Chairs: Bob Burnett and Christine Burris,
above
Basic Course Subcommittee Chair: Laurie Davis, 206-403-6924, lauriein-
seattle@hotmail.com
Roll Class Subcommittee Chair: Gary Peniston, 253-851-8348, ghpghp@
earthlink.net
Safety Subcommittee Co-Chairs: Gary Peniston, above, and Jurgen Herweg,
253-853-3399, jurgenherweg@gmail.com
Sea Kayak Committee Meetings: The Tacoma Mountaineer Sea Kayaking
(TMSK) Committee meets over dinner the first Wednesday of every month
at 6:30 p.m., usually at the Club House Grill, 6501 6th Ave., Tacoma. This
is where the brainstorming takes place as well as plenty of socializing.
Come and join us as we plot and scheme new things to do. If you’d like to
be a part of the fun and learn about becoming a valued volunteer on the
committee, or if you’re just looking for something enjoyable to do on first
Wednesdays, contact Christine Burris, above (please confirm the meeting
date and location).
To participate in Mountaineers sponsored sea kayak trips: You must be a
graduate or continuing student of the Basic Sea Kayaking Course or have
received equivalency (see below).
Trip Reservation: To sign up for paddles contact the trip leader listed in
the trip description. Feel free to ask the trip leader any additional ques-
tions/concerns about the trip. Leaders give preference to TMSK members
for all Tacoma trips.
Equivalency: Mountaineers members who have significant kayak training and
experience, yet have not completed a Mountaineers Basic Sea Kayaking
Course (offered in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and Kitsap), are encouraged
to apply for equivalency. There is a $20 processing and evaluation fee. To
apply for equivalency contact Mike Everett, 253-905-0613, for an applica-
tion form.
About the course: No prior kayaking knowledge or experi-
ence is required to participate in the course. Single kayaks are
required throughout the course because kayak skills are best
learned in singles. If you don’t own or have access to a sea kayak
you’ll need to rent a boat on three occasions (see additional
costs below).
Enrollment process: Enrollment is limited to 36 students.
To register contact Peggy Gablehouse, gablehousep@aol.com.
She’ll answer your questions and direct you to the online regis-
tration site at www.mountaineers.org. The course typically fills
early, so register promptly.
Course structure and schedule: The course consists of
three lectures, one pool session, and two open-water sessions.
To graduate students must also complete two club-sponsored
paddles by Aug. 31. Attendance on the course dates listed below
is required. Please review the course dates carefully and confirm
that your schedule will permit you to attend all sessions. If you
cannot commit to all these dates you will not be able to complete
the course and graduate.
April 13, Tue., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Basic Sea Kayaking Class-
room Instruction: Pierce County Chambers Creek Environmental
Services Building, University Place.
April 15, Thu., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Basic Sea Kayaking Class-
room Instruction: same location as above.
16 March 2010 Go Guide
April 18, Sun., noon-4 p.m. Pool Session: swim test and res-
cue techniques at Clover Park High School Pool, Lakewood.
April 21, Wed, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Basic Sea Kayaking Class-
room Instruction: Pierce County Chambers Creek Environmental
Services Building.
April 24, Sat., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Open-water session: wet
exit/recovery and paddling/bracing skills-instruction, practice,
and critique at American Lake.
April 25, Sun., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Open-water session: wet
exit/recovery and paddling/bracing skills-instruction, practice,
and critique at American Lake.
Graduation Requirements:
• Attend all three evening classes
• Successfully complete the pool session, including a pool
swim of 50 yards without flotation
• Successfully complete two open-water sessions, includ-
ing demonstrating cold-water exit, solo re-entry and assisted
re-entry
• Successfully complete two club-sponsored paddles, which
must be at least four hours on saltwater. Demonstration of a suc-
cessful wet exit and solo re-entry is required on each paddle.
Course Fee: $199 for Mountaineers members, $249 for
non-members.
Additional Costs: While boats are provided at no extra cost
for the pool session, each student will be required to provide
a single sea kayak or rent one for both open-water sessions
(April 24 & 25). The committee will make arrangements to
have kayaks brought to these day-long, open-water sessions for
those who wish to rent. Kayak rental costs will be $70.60 for
the weekend.
Students also will be required to have a wetsuit or dry-suit
for the open-water sessions. We’ve made arrangements for dry-
suit rental, if you want one, at a cost of $57.16 for the weekend.
For the two qualifying club-sponsored paddles students will be
responsible for providing their own boats. For those who do not
own or have access to a kayak, this will mean renting boats two
additional times. It will be the student’s responsibility to make
arrangements to rent a boat and transport them for those trips.
Each student will be forwarded a copy of The Mountaineers’
sea kayaking student manual via e-mail for use throughout the
course, at no cost.
Finally: students are encouraged to purchase the optional
book by Derek C. Hutchinson, “The Complete Book of Sea
Kayaking,” fourth edition, The Globe Pequot Press (approxi-
mately $20). Please direct any questions to Peggy Gablehouse,
gablehousep@aol.com.
Paddles, events
It’s that pool session time of year: We have pool sessions
at Peninsula High School every second, third, and fourth Wed.
of March from 7 to 9 p.m. $10 admission for long boats and $5
for whitewater boats. Season passes are available at a reduced
rate. Contact Christine Burris, 253-651-6610, christineburris@
centurytel.net, for information on season passes.
March 3, Wed. - Tacoma Sea Kayak Monthly Social. This
is our monthly meeting at the Club House Grill on 6th Ave. in
Tacoma. Please come promptly; meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. For
additional information contact Christine Burris, above.
March 6, Sat. - Seminar: SK 4+ Incident Management
with Body, Boat, Blade at Deception Pass. Regardless of the
quality of your equipment, or how well you prepare for a trip,
there is always the unpredictability of the sea and the human
factor. Things can go wrong when attempting a journey on the
sea. This full, one-day clinic is designed to put you in situations
you least expected or prayed would never happen. We’ll be deal-
ing with scenarios such as sea sickness, dislocated shoulders, a
trapped paddler, a heart attack, holes in boats, broken paddles,
lost equipment, imploded hatch covers, hypothermia, capsizing
while towing in tidal races, VHF radios with dead batteries, flares
that fizzle and more bad luck! After each incident we evaluate
what went right and wrong. We’ll examine tools to best deal
with each incident and the simplest solution to that particular
problem. We’ll dissect failed equipment and look at ways to
improve its performance in the future. We will learn how to
decrease the chances of calamitous incidents and how to deal
with them if they occur. Limit: 6 students per class. Fee for the
course is $150. A second class may be opened up on March 7
if there is a waiting list. Sign up with leader: Christine Burris,
253-651-6610, christineburris@centurytel.net.
March 6 -7, Sat.-Sun. - Spring Training Weekend at
Beautiful Bowman Bay. $40 will get you four clinics: Intro
to Incident Management, Sea Kayak Navigation, Towing and
Rescues, as well as Paddle Strokes/Boat Control. As always
non-Mountaineers must sign a waiver. Contact Christine Burris,
above, for information.
Many more trips and activities to come!! Keep up with all our
activities by searching the online activities page or visiting the
Tacoma Sea Kayaking community on The Mountaineers website
at www.mountaineers.org.
Like to go someplace not offered? Call Howard Owen, 253-
851-2677, hvo_guitar@yahoo.com, and he will try to incorporate
it into future trips.
Snowshoe/Winter Camping
Chair: Maureen Brekke, 253-549-4245, foxbeacher@earthlink.net
We are in the middle of our snowshoe and winter travel/
survival courses. Come back next fall to get ready for winter
2010-11! For current information please contact Chair Maureen
Brekke, info above.
Skiing (backcountry, Nordic, snowboard)
Chair: Don Thompson, donteleski@msn.com, 360-692-8236
Cross-Country Ski : We offer beginner and moderate ski trips. Make new
friends and skiing partners for the ski season. For trip information, contact
Fred Ostmann, 253-565-7680, ostmann@wamail.net.
To Sign Up: Check the activity “Skiing” on the club website, www.mountaineers.
org, for up-to-date trips and information.
Backcountry Ski, Telemark and Randonee: We offer opportunities for begin-
ners and experienced skiers who want to ski off-piste. Develop knowledge
to go beyond the groomed trails and into the world of untracked lines. Skill
coaching and trip planning will occur at every field trip and outing. Wednesday
night coaching and instruction are held at the Snoqualmie ski area. For cur-
rent ski trips contact Don Thompson, 360-692-8236, donteleski@msn.com,
or Robie Pruden, 253-863-9360, prudenrl@earthlink.net.
Trips
March 6, Sat. - Castle Saddle, Mt. Rainier (M1) 6 mi., 3000’+
elevation gain (with all of the yo-yo runs) Leader: Don Thomp-
son, donteleski@msn.com, 360-692-8236.
March 13, Sat. - Hogback Mtn., White Pass (M1) 4 mi., 1800’
plus any yo-yos. First preference given to this year’s backcountry
students. We’ll purchase a one-ride ticket for $20. Eat out on the
return car ride. Leader: Robie Pruden, 253-863-9360, prudenrl@
earthlink.net.
March 20, Sat. - Cowlitz Rocks. Mt. Rainier (M1) 8 mi RT
2000’ plus optional yo-yos. First preference given to this year’s
Backcountry students. Perhaps the best easy tour up at Paradise.
Leader: Robie Pruden, 253-863-9360, prudenrl@earthlink.net.
March 27, Sat. - Bullion Basin, Crystal Mtn. (M1) 4 mi., 2500’
gain plus additional runs. Leader: Don Thompson, donteleski@
msn.com, 360-692-8236.
Social Division
Chair: Karen Turner, karen-turner@comcast.com, 253-202-7458.
(Family Activities, Folkdancing, Photography, Singles)
Family Activities
Contacts: Kris Paynter, 253-759-4861, kjp4861@hotmail.com; Kathleen
Brammer, 253-896-4849, brammerka@comcast.net.
We will meet sometime soon to plan our 2010 events, which
will go online under Family Activities at www.tacomamoun-
taineers/com. If you have any specific questions, comments or
suggestions, or would like to get involved, contact Kris Paynter
or Kathleen Brammer.
Folk Dancing
Contacts: Ned Raymond, 253-218-5205; Yvonne, 253-640-6359, YBraune@
gmail.com
March 27, Sat. - Potluck Dinner and Dance, 6 p.m. -? Join the
Tacoma Mountaineers folk dancers and friends at Sally’s 15th
Annual March Madness Birthday Party. The fun starts at 6 p.m.
with a potluck dinner, followed by dancing to the Folk Voice
Band. The suggested donation is $4 to cover expenses. You may
also contribute to the charity Family Renewal Shelter. The din-
ner and dance is at Normanna Hall, 1106 15th Ave. in Tacoma.
Directions: From I-5 take Exit 132 to Hwy 16. From Hwy. 16,
take the Sprague St. exit. Follow Sprague to 15th and turn right
on 15th. Follow 15th to Martin Luther King St. and Normanna
Hall. Park on the street, or in the gravel lot across the street.
Contacts: Ned, 253-218-5205, Yvonne, 253- 640-6359, Sally,
253-588-8902.
Photography
Chair: Joe Becker, 253-970-3100, josephebecker@comcast.com
Kudos! Congratulations go to local Mountaineers members
Don Geyer and Joe Becker for having photographs published
on National Geographic’s new Central Cascades geo-tourism
map. The map highlights the history and heritage of the Central
Cascades region, extending south from Tacoma through Oregon.
It includes a large photograph of Mt. Rainier, taken by Don
Geyer, and two smaller photographs, one of an elk and one from
Toppenish, by Joe Becker.
The map is available for download or purchase at http://the-
centralcascades.com/mapguide.
Congratulations, also, to Tacoma Mountaineer Jim Oliver for
his one-man-photographic exhibit at the Tahoma Center Gallery.
Jim’s exhibit, “The Follies Return,” ran through Feb. 28 and
included approximately 50 photographs.
March 9, Tue. - Monthly Photo Meeting 7-9 p.m. at the
Tacoma Clubhouse. We are back on our normal schedule of meet-
ing the second Tuesday of each month. Please join us as we share
photos from our night photography outing and images from our
planned March 6 outing to Deception Pass. We’ll also discuss
the latest photo news and upcoming photo outings. Bring some
photos to share (prints, slides or digital files are all welcome). For
more information contact the chair, Joe Becker, josephebecker@
comcast.net, or see http://www.tacomamountaineers.org.
Singles
Welcoming Committee: Karen Turner, karen-turner@comcast.com, 253-202-
7458; Connie Pyles, conniepyles@hotmail.com, 253-677-4397
The Tacoma Mountaineers social group was organized for the enjoyment of
all adult Mountaineers. The social group plans a wide variety of social and
outdoor activities. Meet people of diverse ages and cultures with a similar
interest in hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, dancing, kayaking,
dining, sailing, snowshoeing and theater - just a few of the activities we
enjoy together.
New This Month - Tacoma Mountaineers Singles Meet-Up Tacoma Branch
Mountaineers have opened a new website, listing social and outdoors
activities for current and potential Mountaineers. Concerts, bike riding,
wine tasting, nature walks and more! Visit us at www.meetup.com/Tacoma-
Mountaineer-Singles.
Events
Thursday Evening Gatherings: Join us for food with good
company from 6-8 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each
month.
March 4 - Cloverleaf Tavern, 6430 6th Ave., Tacoma. 253-
565-1111. Our first time here as a group. The Cloverleaf is
a long-standing monument in tradition, thriving in Tacoma
since 1950. Known best for their great pizzas and beverages.
Join us!
March 18 - Wildside Wine, 608 S. Oxford, Tacoma, 253-
565-0811. A true wine shop off of 6th Ave. $5 buys you four
tastings and goes toward the purchase of a bottle of wine.
We’ll be mingling in the room next door. Bring a small snack
to share.
What's your @ddress?
Help us keep in touch with you! We are
asking all members with email addresses
to make sure we have it in our records. As
the club moves into the future, we rely more
and more on electronic media to communi-
cate.
Log in to your Profile page today and add or
update your email with us. Thanks!
Tacoma
Lodge going
Mountaineers lodges are open year-round for members and guests. Reservations are made through a prepay system which requires payment either with credit card or
a check. If paying by credit card, simply call 206-521-6001 by 5 p.m. for all lodges except Meany (www.brownpapertickets.com; 800-838-3006) on the Thursday prior
to the weekend to reserve a stay at one of the lodges. If paying by check, the payment must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday prior to the weekend you wish to reserve.
When reserving anywhere but Meany, call club headquarters, 206-521-6001, by 5 p.m. on Thursday to verify that payment has been received and that a reservation
has been secured. Cancellations: All cancellations, except for Meany, must be made at club headquarters by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the lodge visit. The cooks
must know how many are staying by this deadline in order to purchase the appropriate amount of food. That is also the deadline for refunds.
To reserve space in advance at all lodges except Meany, log on to www.mountaineers.org, and click on “Lodges” in the top menu bar; for Meany, see contact info above

Baker Lodge Driving directions guest information page.

Hold on to your skis. There is still an abundant supply of
snow at Mt Baker for all of your downhill or cross-country
sports. Although it is still winter on the ground, the lengthening
daylight above makes for an ideal combination to enjoy one of
nature’s wonderlands.
Winter at Mt. Baker Lodge—Though the lodge is reserved
for events, all are invited to stay at Mt. Baker Lodge during The
Drive N. on I-5 to Bellingham. Take Exit 255, the Mt. Baker
Highway. Drive E. on SR-542 about 54 mi. to the ski area. At
the junction in front of the Firs Lodge, turn right onto the one-
way loop road. The parking lot for The Mountaineers lodge is
on the right side of the road about 0.3 mile beyond the Firs.
Driving time approximately 1-1/2 hrs. from Bellingham and 3
hrs. from Seattle.
Winter Parking Requirements: This year, we’ll need our
Sno-Park permits and groomed trail stickers. The alternative is
the one-day Sno-Park permit for each day you’ll be at Meany.
These are available at retail outlets in town such as REI. The cat
driver has a limited supply, so please buy your parking permits
in Seattle.
The private parking lots next to the Crystal Springs park-
ing lot are closed. This means we will be sharing the Crystal

Mountaineers intermediate climbing field trip, Feb. 19-21, and
the Splitboard Festival, March 26-28.
The rustic Mountaineers lodge is just a few steps from the
downhill ski runs and offers a warm, friendly place for meals,
overnight lodging, and a good social time in the evening. Or,
you can just look out the window at Mt. Shuksan while you plan
more spring skiing trips in this beautiful and challenging area of
the North Cascades. Join us at one of the prime winter recreation
areas in the Pacific Northwest.
The lodge will be open every weekend in March. Openings in
April and May will depend on snow conditions and registration.
Check the Go Guide for more information. Questions about the
lodge should be directed to the weekend chair.
At times during the season, Mountaineers activity groups
have signed up for specific weekends. Though groups may be
scheduled for a weekend, unless otherwise indicated, the lodge
is open to all Mountaineers and non-Mountaineers members on
all dates, with reservations on a first-call basis through online
registration or at The Mountaineers Program Center, 206-521-
6001. Payments can be made at time of reservation with credit
card or by delivering a check to the program center.
Questions about lodge facilities can be directed to Bill
Woodcock, 206-696-6127, or Judy Sterry, 206-366-2750. You
may also visit the Baker Lodge website, www.mountaineers.
org/lodge/baker, for more information.
Winter schedule and hosts
The following schedule lists activities already planned.
Unless otherwise indicated, the lodge is open by 7 or 8 p.m. on
Fridays. If you need a more specific opening time, call the ap-
propriate host. Trail lights from the parking lot to the lodge are
on until 10:30 p.m. and the trail is marked with short flags and/or
poles. If you arrive after 10:30 p.m., be prepared with a flashlight
or headlamp. Each person should bring a sleeping bag, personal
gear, and a flashlight. Equip your car with a shovel and chains.
Feb. 19-21—Seattle Mountaineers Intermediate Climbing
Course. Hosts Arlene Younce and Bill Woodcock, 206-696-6127,
plus Leslye Coe, 206-524-7345.
Feb. 26-28—Winter Weekend, Foothills Branch Telecamp.
Host Judy Sterry, 206-366-2750.
March 5-7—Winter Weekend, Bellingham Mountaineers
Avalanche Class, Hosts Frank Petro and daughters.
March 12-14—Exclusive Use. Host Judy Sterry, 206-366-
2750.
March 19-21—Winter Weekend. Hosts Becky Morgan and
Bob Wavernack, 360-793-4974, plus Leslye Coe, 206-524-
7345.
March 26-28—Splitboard Festival, see www.splitboardfes-
tival.com. Host Judy Sterry, 206-366-2750.
Kitsap Cabin
A fond farewell to our chair
Kitsap Cabin has long benefitted from the excellent manage-
ment skills, personal dedication and clear vision of Kitsap Cabin
Chair Scott Eby. While he will remain a valued part of the Kitsap
Cabin Committee, he has stepped down as chair in order to have
more time to devote to his new position as president of The
Mountaineers Foundation. Thank you, Scott, for your long years
of service to Kitsap Cabin and all the best in your new role.
Meany Lodge
Spring Carnival at Meany Lodge, March 6-7: This fam-
ily-centered weekend will feature fun and games for children of
all ages and sizes. During the day, we’re planning a lot of snow-
related activities, such as snow sculpting, a scavenger hunt and
Meany’s own version of Olympic ski-cross, the Kirkland 500.
As the sun goes down, we turn to more sedate activities, such
as snack time for the ever-popular s’mores and the impromptu
Meany talent show after dinner, featuring the world renown
Meany kids’ chorus, and last but not least, the world premier
of another fantastic video from our own Yeti Productions. This
event needs to be on your “A List.”
To make reservations visit www.brownpapertickets.com/
event/86351. In the window that says, “I wish to buy a ticket for,”
scroll down and select the date you want to visit, either March 5
or 6, then click “begin order.”
After Carnival weekend, Meany will be available for group
rentals. Contact the committee to arrange your group’s use of
Meany Lodge.
If you missed our annual New Year’s Eve party, you missed
a good one. The full moon and fireworks on the ski hill were
spectacular. We hope you were able to attend, but if not, catch
us next year.
Snow Cat Schedule:
Friday: departs, 7 p.m.
Saturday: departs 8:30 & 10 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Departs 8:30 a.m.
Departures are from Crystal Springs Sno-Park
More information: Chuck or Joan Welter, 253-926-0867,
chair@meanylodge.org, for additional information.
Driving directions
Winter Driving Directions to Meany: Go to www.meany-
lodge.org, link to “guest information,” then link to “driving.” If
Springs lot with the residents of the area. Meany guests need to
arrive early Saturday morning or Friday night. Washington State
Parks has advised us that when the parking lot is full, it will be
turning folks away.
Snoqualmie Campus
Historically, March brings the year’s highest volume of snow
to the Cascades. The campus is ready for it. We are still taking
reservations for snow activities, including those for Saturdays
and Sundays. Reserve via www.mountaineers.org. Spring is not
far ahead, however, so contact us now to reserve your summer
camping or picnic events. Please note that advance reservations
are required on most days.
Reservations or site visits can be made by contacting sno-
qulamiecampus@yahoo.com or 425-434-6177.
About the campus: Looking for a beautiful mountain out-
ing close to Seattle? Looking for a private, year-round alpine
wonderland with great views and location, some place for hiking,
camping, group picnics? Looking for a base camp for exploration
east and west of Snoqualmie Pass—the mountains, the rivers, the
lakes? Give us a call and make your reservations now for your
adventures on The Mountaineers’ Snoqualmie Campus!
Facilities: Snoqualmie Campus provides easy year-round
access to nature, with free parking and easy bus access for
group activities. In winter the slopes are great for snowshoeing,
cross-country skiing, avalanche training, snow-cave camping,
LNT, sledding, geo-caching and snow play. In summer and fall
there are picnic and camping areas to accommodate individu-
als, families, small and large groups. There are open areas for
meetings, classes and recreation. The Coleman Memorial Shelter
is equipped with a gas grill (propane and firewood available at
cost), fireplace and picnic table. The old lodge site has water,
electrical hookups and toilets.
Features: The 77-acre campus Snoqualmie Campus is lo-
cated less than an hour from downtown Seattle, two minutes off
Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass. The campus is nestled in the
trees between Summit Central and Summit West ski areas, with
beautiful valley and ridge views. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail,
Iron Horse Trail and Gold Creek are minutes away.
Tall stands of silver fir, many alpine shrubs, grasses, flowers
and numerous wetlands dot the hills and meadows. Visitors often
see elk and nesting birds of prey.
A bit of history: The Mountaineers has maintained a pres-
ence in the Snoqualmie Pass area since 1914 when it built a
lodge on U.S. Forest Service land. The current campus property
was purchased and a volunteer crew built a new lodge in 1948.
Continued on pg. 20

Reservation fees, 2010

this is your first visit, please read the FAQ and guidelines on the
April 2-4—Winter Weekend. Hosts TBD and if reservations
are sufficient.
April 9-11—Winter Weekend. Hosts TBD and if reservations
are sufficient.
Saturday and Sunday breakfast, and Saturday dinner, are For all lodges except Meany and Snoqualmie Campus, contact 206-521-6001 or www.mountaineers.org for reservations
served on weekend openings unless otherwise indicated. For Meany, reserve online at www.brownpapertickets.com; see Snoqualmie below for contact info.
Group reservations: members, public Figures are in dollars on a per person basis All overnights include next morning’s breakfast
To ensure that there is room for your group and to avoid
scheduling conflicts, please contact Judy Sterry, 206-296-4916, Baker 145 mi. one way from Seattle Lodge open from Friday eve to Sunday noon. See Mountaineers.org/lodge/baker for more info
jsterry60@comcast.net, for November-May reservations. Con- Capacity 64
Friday night Sat. & Holidays Weekend Extended openings
tact Jim Gipson, 425-985-0616, gipwood@msn.com, for June- Adult member 24 31 55 Same as
October reservations before publicizing the date of your event. Adult guest 32 39 71 “Sat. & Holidays”
Non-scheduled openings may be arranged if hosts can be Child member (-14 yoa) 15 21 36 rates.
Child guest (-14 yoa) 23 29 52 Includes
found, but because most of our volunteer hosts are working full- Meals included (add $3 Sat. bkfst Dnr & Sun. bkfst Sat.,Sun. bkfst., Sat. dnr dinner, breakfast
time, midweek reservations may be hard to staff. The sooner you when lunch is provided)
ask, the more likely it is that someone can be found.
Meany 60 mi. one way from Seattle Call 253-926-0867 (chair@meanylodge.org), for special group and non-profit rates or Fri. overnights
Free weekends at Baker Lodge! Capacity 97 Reserve via www.brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006

The Baker Lodge Committee needs additional help to operate Day use Full Weekend Sat. overnight Holiday Weekends*
and keep the lodge open. We’re looking for energetic individu- Adult member 25 95 80 130
Adult guest 35 105 90 135
als (or couples) from all branches to help host for a weekend Child member (-14 yoa) 12 60 45 90
or two. Committee members generally volunteer to host two or Child guest (-14 yoa) 20 70 55 100
three weekends in the winter and/or summer and frequently with Meals included *MLK, Presidents
other hosts. If you wish, you can host your favorite theme (such Season pass: Day wknds only;
as a holiday or family-oriented gathering) or create an activity Age 14+ - $480 ($430 before Dec. 1) include Fri., Sat.,
focus (e.g., photography, taffy pulling) for your weekend. We Age 5-13 - $350 ($300 before Dec. 1) Sun. nights

welcome new ideas. Snoqualmie 50 mi. one way from Seattle Free off-road parking in lot nearby when property road closed by snow
Hosting duties involve opening and closing the lodge, su- Capacity 77 acres, Group Rates
pervising meal preparation and coordinating other lodge tasks. event dependent Friends and group rates are available. Contact Mary Lynch, snoqualmiecampus@yahoo.com, 425-434-6177, for scheduling group
Duties can be performed in a flexible manner, leaving time for events. For members and guests, check the monthly calendar in the Go Guide, the website at www.snoqualmiecampus.org or con-
tact Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) reservations.
your own enjoyment of the weekend. (Occasionally there are
requests and opportunities for midweek hosting.) Benefits of Stevens 75 mi. one way from Seattle Children under 5 not allowed; Lodge open Friday eve through Sunday afternoon
hosting include free weekends, the camaraderie of other mem- Capacity 55
bers, and the pleasure of creating a memorable lodge experience Friday night Saturday Weekend* Extended openings
for generations to come. For more information contact Bill Adult member 15 30 45
Adult guest 22 43 65 (Extended with Sat. rates)
Woodcock, 206-696-6127, wawoodcock@gmail.com; or Judy Child member (-14 yoa) 8 17 25
Sterry, 206-296-4916 jsterry60@comcast.net. You may arrange Child guest (-14 yoa) 15 20 35
an opportunity to co-host with a seasoned committee member Meals included Sat. bkfst Dnr & Sun. bkfst *2 nights; lunches excluded
to find out if you would like to become a host. No charge for day use

Note: Check the “Lodge Going” news in the Go Guide for special rates and packages offered throughout the year by individual lodges.

Tacoma Go Guide March 2010 17

 About The Mountaineers
Join the Northwest’s premiere outdoor recreation organization -- The Mountaineers. Whether your interests run
to leisurely hiking or alpine mountaineering, the club can take you there. Since 1906, The Mountaineers have pioneered
wilderness exploration in the Northwest and beyond.

Club activities include hiking, climbing, alpine scrambling, biking, sailing, kayaking, all types of
skiing (BACKcountry, telemark, downhill, ski mountaineering, snowboarding), snowshoeing,
NATURE STUDY, backpacking, international travel, All Kinds of dancing, and photography.

To get you started, we offer classes in many of these sports & activities. Every month, hundreds of outdoor activities
are offered for club members -- everything from easy day hikes to trips to Tibet! Most of the local outdoor trips are free
to club members. There are also recreational and social activities for singles, seniors, youth and families. Four
lodges offer our members overnight stays near Mt. Baker, Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass and Stampede Pass.
Join Now! Join The Mountaineers and you also become a member of one of the largest advocates for wilderness
conservation in the Northwest, with opportunities to participate in activism and stewardship projects.

Get on board now for year-round Fun!

■ Hundreds of free or low-cost activities

Benefits

each month: everything from hikes to rock

climbing to bike rides to films

■ Low-cost courses in outdoor skills

(climbing, scrambling, kayaking, navigation,
wilderness travel, first aid, photography &
more!)

■ Discounts in our bookstore

■ Use of The Mountaineers Library

■ Participation in conservation activism and

stewardship programs
Photo: Geoff Pegler

The Mountaineers 7700 Sand Point Way N.E. Seattle, Washington 98115

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Side 1 CCAT

PLEASE PRINT ONE MEMBER PER CARD (206) 521-6000 Phone (206) 523-6763 Fax For office use only

Last Name First Middle

Mailing Address (Street+Apt. or P.O. Box) City State Zip ❑ Previous Member

Birthdate (MM/DD/YY) REQUIRED Home Telephone E-mail Address Member No.

(if known)

Work Telephone Employer

Branch Affiliation (Choose one): ❑ Bellingham ❑ Everett ❑ Kitsap ❑ Olympia ❑ Seattle ❑ Foothills ❑ Tacoma

Name of spouse (if applicable) Check one One-time Initiation Fee Dues Total
Birthdate (MM/DD/YY) ❑ Individual $35 + $73 = $108
If joining as Family please list
❑ Family $35 + $130 = $165
names and birthdates of children:
❑ Child of member(13 and under) none
(you will still need to fill out sepa-
❑ Student (w/copy of Student ID, or ages 14-18) $20 + $48 = $68
rate applications for each child)
❑ Senior (69 and over) $20 + $36 = $56

Payment Method: ❑ Check ❑ Mastercard ❑ Visa ❑ Cash

Dues (from rates above)
Round up and support Mountaineers conservation, programs and lodges!
Card No. Exp. Date ❑ $5 ❑ $10 ❑ $25 ❑ other

Total Enclosed
Signature of cardholder

www.mountaineers.org Important! Complete and sign both sides of this card

Your membership cannot be activated until you have signed the Release and Indemnity Agreement.

Annual Release and Indemnity Agreement - Side 2

I, (print name)
hereby state that I wish to participate in courses and/or activities offered by The Mountaineers, a non-profit corporation. I recognize any
outdoors activity may involve certain dangers, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, accidents or illness
in remote places, force of nature, and the actions of participants and other persons. I further understand and agree that without some
program providing protection of its assets and its leaders, The Mountaineers would not be able to offer its courses and activities.

In consideration of and as part payment for the right to participate in the activities offered by The Mountaineers, I agree to RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS
AND INDEMNIFY The Mountaineers and its members from any and all liability, claims and causes of action arising out of or in any way connected
with my participation, or the participation of any minor that I am signing on behalf of, in any activities offered by The Mountaineers. I personally
assume all risks in connection with these activities. If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY
The Mountaineers and its members from all liability, claims and causes of action which the minor may have arising from the minor’s participation
in activities. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and indemnity agreement for my heirs, personal representative, and for all
members of my family, including any minors. (Parents or legal guardians must sign for all persons under eighteen (18) years of age.)
I have read this release and indemnity agreement and have fully informed myself of its contents before I have signed it.
➔
Signature of Participant Date

➔Signature of Parent or Guardian If Participant Is Under 18 Years Of Age Date

Please submit a separate, signed Release and Indemnity Agreement for each member joining, including all children. This form may be photocopied, or you may obtain
additional membership forms at: http://www.mountaineers.org/join or by calling Member Services at (206) 521-6001.

Optional:
❑ NO ROSTER LISTING - The Mountaineers publishes a roster of member names, addresses and phone numbers. It is distributed within the club only, and
mainly used by volunteers. Check here if you DO NOT wish to be listed.
❑ ANONYMOUS DONOR - Members who make a contribution may be included in donor lists published in The Mountaineer. Check here only if you have
made a contribution and DO NOT wish to be listed.
❑ NO OUTSIDE MAILINGS - The club very rarely loans its mailing list to other nonprofit organizations with common interests in outdoor recreation or conser-
vation. (We do not sell the list.) Check here if you do NOT wish to be included in such mailings.

Registration: www.mountaineers.org; 206-521-6001 or 800-573-8484

18 March 2010 Go Guide
 Sending you on your way
There are seven branches offering Mountaineers activities: Bellingham, Everett, Kitsap, Olympia, Seattle, Foothills and Tacoma. All members may sign up for any activity in any branch,
subject to prerequisites and qualifications as stipulated by the particular activity. The following information pertains to all club outings and activities, no matter the branch. Refer to particular
activity preambles in this Go Guide for trip ratings, classifications and special equipment or skill prerequisites. Trip and course registration can be accomplished online except where
noted.
Participation: The Mountaineers recommends you sign up for a trip online in terrain. The ratings assume optimal conditions. Bad weather, getting off 4. Illumination
most cases. By selecting “Activity Search” from the main page of our website, route or very soft snow, for example, can make a trip more difficult than its 5. First-aid supplies
you will be taken to a search page where you can find a trip on the basis normal rating. Climbs: C = Conditioner; A = Alpine; G = Glacier; R = Rock. 6. Fire
of date, destination, event name, branch, leader or type of activity. All the Scrambles: (These are non-technical, off-trail trips to a summit, often on 7. Repair kit and tools
details will then appear: when registration starts and ends; a brief description snow and/or rock.) Ratings for scrambles consist of a letter, followed by 8. Nutrition (extra food)
of the trip or event, leader contact data and space availability. If you do not two digits. C = Conditioner; R = rock scramble; S = snow scramble; SR = 9. Hydration (extra water)
have access to the internet, you can sign up for an activity by calling club snow and/or rock; O = other—not enough rock or snow to count as R or 10. Emergency shelter
headquarters during the registration period indicated in the Go Guide listing S. Difficulty (first digit) is rated from 1 (easiest) to 5 (toughest). The second
of the event. You will notice in the Go Guide and online that some events digit = technical difficulty, rated from 1 (least technical, least exposed) to 5 Sea Kayak Essentials
require you to only contact the leader to sign up. Unless otherwise noted (most technical and most exposed). Hikes: E = Easy (up to 8 mi. RT, up to additional to Ten Essentials on all sea kayak trips
in the event listing, DO NOT CALL LEADERS AFTER 9 P.M. If you have 1200’ elevation gain). M = Moderate (up to 12 mi., 1200’-2500’ gain). S = 1. Flotation each end of kayak
any questions not answered in the event listing online or in the Go Guide, Strenuous (up to 14 mi., 2500’-3500’ gain). VS = Very Strenuous (over 14 2. PFD (USCG approved)
please call the leader of that event. Some trips include prerequisites: Those mi. and/or more than 3500’ gain). 3. Paddle
trips which involve some technical skills (e.g., climbing, scrambling, skiing, 4. Paddle tether
kayaking, sailing), require that participants either graduate from the relevant
Trail Guides (most recent edition) 5. Spray skirt
courses or obtain the status of equivalent from the particular activity (contacts MR: 50 Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park 6. Bilge pump with flotation
are listed under the activity heading). Children: Family Activities and other NC: 100 Hikes in the North Cascades National Park Region 7. Self-rescue paddle float
family events require that a parent or guardian accompany all children during GP: 100 Hikes in the Glacier Peak Region 8. Whistle or air horn
the entirety of the event. Like all members, children must have a waiver on AL: 100 Hikes in the Alpine Lakes 9. 50 ft. floating tow rope
file with club headquarters. (Children under 14 are automatically included IN: 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest 10. Waterproof flashlight or chemical lightstick
in their parent’s membership.) Keep in mind the child’s ability and interests CW: 55 Hikes in Central Washington 11. Repair kit (duct tape)
when registering for an activity. If you need to take a break or leave due SCO: 100 Hikes in the South Cascades & Olympics 12. Extra clothing in waterproof bag
to issues with the child, always notify the trip leader. Children may not be SCW: Seattle City Walks The following items are recommended for all trips and may be required for
dropped off alone for an event or trip. Adults are responsible for bringing all OM: Olympic Mountains Trail Guide some:
food, beverages, weather-appropriate clothing and Ten Essentials for their BHWC: Best Hikes With Children 13. Spare paddle
family members. The event leader may decide to leave without you if you CAG 1 (2 or 3): Cascade Alpine Guide, Vol. 1 (2 or 3) 14. Rescue sling
are more than 15 minutes late. TC: Teanaway Country, EC: Entiat Country 15. Flares
HSC: Hiking Snohomish County 16. Chart in waterproof case
Preparation: Most Mountaineers trips over land require that you carry the HWC: Hiking Whatcom County
Ten Essentials (see below) and avoid the use of cotton for clothing. Lead- 17. Waterproof wristwatch
HMSG: Hiking the Mountains to Sound Greenway 18. Wetsuit or dry-suit
ers can opt to leave hikers at the trailhead who are clad in cotton or boots GTTM: Guide to Trails of Tiger Mountain
that don’t pass hiking muster (i.e., those without lug soles and as a rule of 19. Waterproof jacket
GTCM: Guide to Trails of Cougar Mountain 20. Hat with visor
thumb, bend so that toe and tongue touch). The safety of the entire group BSHS: Best Short Hikes in the South Cascades
and their objective to reach the destination preclude inclusion of ill-equipped 21. Pogies or gloves
BSHN: Best Short Hikes in the North Cascades 22. Neck strap for glasses
backcountry travelers no matter the season. Defer to the leader for any other WWH: Winter Walks & Hikes
gear requirements. The Mountaineers maintains a maximum participation 23. Sunscreen (water resistant with SPF 25 or higher)
WHB: Walks and Hikes on Beaches of Puget Sound
level of 12 and a minimum of 3; refer to the particular trip listing for maximum WWA: Exploring Washington Wild Areas Sailing Essentials
numbers less than 12. Dogs are only allowed on hikes so designated. SRW: Snowshoe Routes Washington
Carpools: Volunteer carpooling is always encouraged by The Mountaineers,
additional to Ten Essentials on all sails
XCST1: Cross Country Ski Tours — North Cascades Use a soft duffel bag that does not scratch woodwork for easy stowing of
even though it is not coordinated by club headquarters. Individuals may XCST2: Cross Country Ski Tours — South Cascades & Olympics
volunteer as a driver or contact a driver to request a ride when registering your essentials.
1. Non-skid deck shoes (or sea boots) with non-marking soles
online for the particular trip (check after 1 p.m. on the Friday before the Abbreviations 2. Heavy-duty gloves (preferably leather) for line handling (exposed finger-
trip). Each passenger is required to pay the driver 12 cents per mile and CG-Campground NP-National Park (NPF = fee)
contribute equally to any money spent by the driver on passes required for tips okay)
E, W, N, S-East, etc. NWFP-NW Forest Pass 3. Warm clothing head to foot (Note: The ambient temperature on the water
that trip. Carpools are not an undertaking of The Mountaineers. Drivers and FS-Forest Service P&R-Park & Ride
passengers participate voluntarily. The Mountaineers makes no claim as to is usually lower than on land)
GT-Green Trails Rd-Road 4. Foul-weather gear
the worthiness of vehicles, ability of drivers or appropriateness of passengers. HS-High School RS-Ranger Station
No liability will result to The Mountaineers from voluntary carpooling. Drivers 5. Sunglasses
Hwy-Highway RT-Round Trip 6. Sunscreen
must carry the required state minimum of insurance. I-Interstate (eg. I-5) SP-State Park (SPF = fee) 7. Knife on lanyard
The wait list: If you find an event is full, you can opt to be put on a wait list Jct-Junction SR-State Route 8. Whistle on a lanyard
but for only one event (no double-booking). The onus falls completely on Mi.-Miles TH-Trailhead 9. Food and drink
the wait-listed from this point. Check online or call club headquarters to MRNP-Mt. Rainier USGS-US Geo. Survey 10. Flashlight
monitor your status before carpools have been established and before 11. Clothing for sun protection, head to toe
the close of registration for that event. If you become registered for that Ten Essential Systems
The following items are useful but not required:
event after being on the wait list and do not show up for the event, you will required on all Mountaineers trips over land 1. Personal flotation device (life jacket). Skippers carry basic life jackets on
be regarded as a ‘no-show’ and still be subject to any fees relative to the 1. Navigation board
event. It is paramount that you contact the club online or via phone prior to 2. Sun Protection 2. Safety harness and pendant with waterproof flares and/or strobe
the trip if you become registered for an event and cannot attend (see “Rules 3. Insulation
of Cancellation” below).

Anatomy of a trip listing

Cancellations: If you need to be removed as a participant in an event or from
a wait list, you must request removal before registration ends for that event.
This may be done through your online profile page of the club’s website
or by calling club headquarters during business hours (see hours on back
page of this Go Guide). If you cannot do this, it remains essential that you Date, day, Difficulty (M=moderate; Required Length of hike,
at least call the leader of the event, and the driver if you were to carpool,
to notify them that you will not attend. Otherwise you become a ‘no-show’ destination S=strenuous; E=easy) map elevation gain
and are subject to the revocation of some if not all club privileges while

➔
➔

still obligated to pay all fees such as your mileage share for carpooling. All
course cancellations or fee-based event cancellations must be arranged
through club headquarters or the course administrator when stipulated and Meeting time Sept. 9, Sat. - Shannon Ridge (M) (USGS Mt. Shuksan) 6 mi., 2,200’ gain.
are subject to a cancellation fee. and place ➔ Meet 9 a.m. at jct. of SR-20 and Baker Lake Rd. 2 hrs. Martin Mountaineer,
Non-members welcome: The Mountaineers welcomes its friends in the com-
munity to sample our club by registering as a guest for a trip or event. Guests
206-555-1212 (s8/30-9/7) NC
➔
➔
➔

may do this up to twice a year only if a signed Release and Indemnity Agree-
➔

ment (waiver) is submitted to club headquarters or online prior to registering

for the event. (The waiver can be found on our website or by calling club First and last Abbreviated guide Drive time from Leader’s name,
headquarters at the numbers in the upper right corner of this page.) dates to register title (see Trail Guides branch’s major city contact info
Trip ratings above) (approx.)
Rating systems are based on mileage, elevation gain and difficulty of the

Going to the source

Our mission: To enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the
Pacific Northwest.
Mountaineers Headquarters Officers of The Mountaineers Rivers Fran Troje
7700 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA 98115 President Tab Wilkins State Parks Fran Troje
E-mail: clubmail@mountaineers.org President-Elect Mona West Water Norm Winn
Web: www.mountaineers.org V.P. Recreational Properties Dave Claar Recreational Resources Division
Ph: 206-521-6000 Fax: 206-523-6763 Vice President Publishing Don Heck Chair Tom O’Keefe
Accident/Emergency Report 206-521-6030 Treasurer Gavin Woody Recreational Access Ed Henderson, Fran Troje
Signing up for activities Secretary Lorna Corrigan Outdoor Ethics Stephen Summers
206-521-6001 or 1-800-573-8484 Trustees Trail Maintenance Annik Wolfe
(OR LEADER’S NO. IN TRIP LISTING) Kirk Alm, Richard Draves, John Flanagan (Olympia), Dale Advisory/Special Committees
Hours: M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 3-4 p.m. Wed.) Flynn, Steve Glenn (Bellingham), Gerry Haugen (Foothills), Archives Karyl Winn
Phones: Voice messages only from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Ed Henderson, Lynn Hyde, Jimmy James (Kitsap), John Bylaws/Policies Don Schaechtel
M,Tu,Th, F, and 3-4 p.m. Wed. Ohlson, Mark Scheffer, Tom Shimko (Tacoma), Mike Maude Finance Jordan Roderick
Facilities (Seattle), Dave Shema, Rob Simonsen (Everett), Mona History Lowell Skoog
Bookstore: M,Tu,Th,F 9 a.m.-5 p.m. West Library Dennis Sampson
Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. but closed 3-4 p.m. Property Division Risk Management Vacant
Library: (Check hours on website and member services V.P. Recreational Properties Dave Claar Membership Ken Hahn
before visiting) Meany Lodge Chuck Welter Safety Dan Lauren
Business offices: M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mt. Baker Lodge Dale Kisker, Becky Morgan The Mountaineers Books
Room Reservations: 206-521-6005 Players/Kitsap Coordinator Jamie Gordon 1001 SW Klickitat Way, Ste 201, Seattle, WA 98134
Business phones Snoqualmie Campus Mary Lynch Books Governance Board Chair Don Heck
General 206-521-6000 Stevens Lodge Greg Krisinger Publisher Helen Cherullo
Executive Director Martinique Grigg, 206-521-6009 Conservation Division Website www.mountaineersbooks.org
Accounting Eileen Allen, 206-521-6008 Chair Michael Shurgot The Mountaineers Foundation
Bookstore Jeff Bowman, 206-521-6002 Pollution Rodger Herbst President Scott Eby
Controller Blair Cossey, 206-521-6007 Fish & Wildlife Dyche Kinder Vice President Jamie Gordon
Marketing/Outreach Richard Barringer, 206-521-6010 Forest Watch Harry Romberg Secretary Marcia Hanson
Member Services 206-521-6001 Marine & Shorelines Fran Troje Treasurer Jerry Scott
Public Policy Leesa Wright, 206-521-6012 Mountains to Sound Judi Maxwell Website: www.mountaineersfoundation.org
Publications Brad Stracener, 206-521-6013 NW Energy Coalition Rep. Ed Henderson Address: P. O. Box 25590, Seattle, WA 98165—an inde-
NW Environmt’l Issues Course Terri Cloonan pendent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization

Go Guide March 2010 19

Lodge going (cont.)
This second lodge served The Mountaineers for more than 50
years before it burned May 12, 2006. What remains today are
outbuildings and incredible alpine terrain.
All branches welcome: Like all Mountaineers facilities the
Snoqualmie Campus is available for use by groups and individual
members. Need a quiet, central place to escape to for a day or a
week? Want to have a camping trip, a hiking base camp, a travel
base? Putting on a class for hiking, navigation, scrambling, or
any of The Mountaineers’ numerous other outdoor activities?
The Snoqualmie Campus is the ideal spot for you. To discuss
your specific needs, get in touch with us through the contact
information provided below.
Volunteers and donations welcome: The Snoqualmie Cam-
pus, like other Mountaineers lodges and similar facilities, is vol-
unteer operated—supported by user fees and donations. We need
volunteers for campus hosts and work parties; we seek donations
of building materials and supplies for campus activities.
Campus hosts: We are looking for volunteers who would like
to stay on campus this summer, in their own tent or RV, as cam-
pus caretakers. You will provide basic, friendly host services to
campus visitors this summer. The length of stay is flexible. Why
not spend some time in alpine splendor? Be a campus host!
Work parties: The Snoqualmie Campus Committee needs
volunteers to help host on weekends in the winter. Volunteers
can earn work credits toward free skiing via 2010 Summit ski
vouchers—please contact us.
• Snowshoe trail enhancements and marking. We hope to
bring back the old snowshoe route for the 2010 winter season
and will be hosting work parties to brush and mark snowshoe
trails.
• Beacon Basin improvements. Work parties will enhance
the existing avalanche beacon training system.
• Upper tow-shack renovation. Repairs on the former “rope
tow” shack: fix the roof leaks, remove the tow motor, clean or
remove other old equipment to create classroom space.
• Monetary donations to the Snoqualmie Campus operating
fund are needed to repair the storm-damaged road, as well as
Go to the marketplace
Join Crystal Mountain Treks for the journey of a lifetime to
Everest, Nepal, Tibet and other destinations. Nepali owned
and operated for 20 years. Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.
com. Web: www.crystalmountaintreks.com.
Rare, signed K2 book: “The Last Step,” fine with dj, signed by
Go volunteer
Family Activities Volunteers: Help kids and their parents ex-
plore the alpine wilderness while learning safety, stewardship,
and skills in the process. If you are currently on the leader list
for the photography, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, navigation,
naturalist, climbing, or scrambling committees and have an
interest in working informally with families (children aged 3-14
and their parents or guardians), contact Courtenay Schurman
about opportunities to share your expertise on small group
outings (12 and under) with a qualified Family Activities leader
to organize details. A great way to share your enthusiasm in
low-key outings and grow young Mountaineers members from
the bottom up! E-mail court@bodyresults.com to learn more
and join in the fun this spring and summer.
Wilderness Volunteers: Help The Mountaineers work towards
wilderness area protections. Work is under way to 1) scope/
map for new wilderness proposals, and 2) increase support
for current wilderness bills proposed in Washington. This is
exciting and rewarding work that will have lasting effects for
Gone for the weekend
Use this handy guide to target a weekend day that is begging you to get outdoors (see appropriate listing elsewhere for details).
Hikes 3/6 Mt. Muller Tr. (KIT)
3/6 Big Ck Lp (OLY)
3/6 Ruby Beach-Kalaloch (OLY)
3/6 Swan Creek Canyon (TAC)
3/7 Oyster Dome, Sgls (SEA)
3/13 Pt Defiance Park (TAC)
3/13 Mid-Fork Snoqualmie, Sgls (SEA)
3/13 Deception Pass SP (EVT)
3/13 Kloshe Nanitch Tr. (KIT)
3/13 Marys Falls Camp (KIT)
3/13 Priest Pt. Park (OLY)
3/13 Cowiche Canyon (SEA)
3/14 Lower Lena Lk (OLY)
3/20 Pt Defiance Park (TAC)
3/20 Lk Youngs Perimeter Tr. (SEA)
3/20 Pack Forest (OLY)
3/20 Spada Lk, Sgls (SEA)
3/20 St. Edward SP, Sgls (SEA)
20 March 2010 Go Guide
the Coleman Memorial roof, and to transform the tow hut into
classrooms. We are looking for donations or will consider barter-
ing for use of the campus.
Snowshoes and other camping supplies are needed to help
assist courses taught on campus. Also needed: yurt for classroom
and warming spot, shovels, snowshoes, snowmobile, the loan
of a snowmobile for events, clippers, saws, wheelbarrows and
first aid supplies.
Use policy, fees and credits: If you need a readily-accessible,
beautiful mountain site for your event, whether a family reunion,
training session, or similar, call us to discuss your needs or let
us show you around the property.
Our reservation-only policy includes all Mountaineers
members, guests, the general public or any group interested in
using the campus.
Daily user fees are $10/person or $25/family, payable in
advance. No USFS or Sno-Park permits are required to use the
campus, and no more than 12 persons can be in a group. Group
and course rates are negotiable. Persons willing to perform cam-
pus service projects can reduce or eliminate their user fees.
Our future: The Snoqualmie Campus Committee invites
Mountaineers member input to plan and direct the campus’s
future. We appreciate your e-mails, comments and suggestions
about future campus projects and activities. Please e-mail us at
snoqualmiecampus@yahoo.com.
More information: 425-434-6177, snoqualmiecampus@
yahoo.com. You also can gain more details online at www.
snoqualmiecampus.org.
Parking notice
Mountaineers Snoqualmie Campus patrons should note a
change in parking procedures along SR-906 near Exit 53. The
old Washington State Department of Transportation lot located
across from the campus at Snoqualmie Pass has been privately
owned and gated since last fall. Persons parking their vehicles
in the lot without permission of the owners and a visible parking
permit risk impoundment of their vehicles.
19 K2 climbers, including Houston, Bates, Wickwire, Reichardt,
Schoening, etc. $500. maryagreen@comcast.net.
5% discount for Mountaineers! SummitClimb.com and Sum-
mitTrek.com—low prices, good trips. Call 360-570-0715 or e-mail
Daniel Mazur@summittrekcom.
Washington’s wild areas. Contact Harry Romberg, Forest
Watch co-chair, at 206-365-9302.
Conservation Volunteers: Help The Mountaineers fulfill its
mission to protect the natural areas of the Northwest by volun-
teering with the club’s Conservation Division or the Forest Watch
Committee. There are numerous ways you can join in the fun.
No experience required, just an abiding interest in maintain-
ing or promoting a healthy Northwest environment. For more
details, call 206-521-6012, or send an e-mail to conservation@
mountaineers.org.
Stewardship Volunteers: The Recreational Resources
Division would love to work with you in raising stewardship
awareness and involvement (i.e., trail maintenance work
parties) within the membership of The Mountaineers. For
more details, please contact Christine Wolf, 206-328-4890,
glickwolf@earthlink.net.
Kitsap Forest Theater needs your help! The Mountaineers
Players perform at Kitsap Forest Theater every spring and
3/21 Rattlesnake Traverse (SEA)
3/27 Lena Lk (KIT)
3/27 Mt. Si, Old Tr., Sgls (SEA)
Lodges 3/6 Spring Carnival, Meany
3/20 Winter Wknd, Baker
Sails 3/6 Shilshole (SEA)
3/13 Shilshole (SEA)
3/13 Shilshole (SEA)
3/20 Shilshole (SEA)
3/20 Shilshole (SEA)
3/21 Shilshole (SEA)
Sea Kayak 3/13 Ketron Is. (OLY)
3/13 Tow Clinic (EVT)
Skiing 3/6 Castle Saddle (TAC)
Mountaineers should not be using this lot for event parking
without permission from the owners. The campus remains open
for reservations. Questions in regard to accommodations at the
campus, including parking, should be directed to Mary Lynch, the
Snoqualmie Campus chair, snoqualmiecampus@yahoo.com.
Stevens Lodge
Check out our website for events
Visit www.stevenslodge.org to view current activities at the
lodge. If you have questions regarding Stevens Lodge, contact
Angela or Greg, 425-258-4847, greg@stevenslodge.org.
What to bring: a warm sleeping bag, toilet articles and a
towel for the shower, suitable clothing, your snow gear and a
flashlight. Some pillows are available, but feel free to bring your
own if you desire. Bring a padlock if you wish to secure your
ski equipment. There is a short 600-foot walk from the parking
area to the lodge. Stow your gear in a pack suitable for walking
the distance to the lodge. If you have a lot of gear, a small sled
makes the trip more convenient.
Driving directions
Take US-2 to the Stevens Pass Ski area. Turn into the parking
entrance just below Tye Creek Lodge (the old West Lodge) on
the W. side of the summit. Stay left at the entrance and go around
the hairpin turn at the far end of the lot, then continue to the
upper level parking area, Lot #4. Park here along the snowbank
if there is room, or in the spaces in the middle. Look for a steep
Cat track/service trail leading up the bank at the far end of this
parking lot. Grab your gear and follow the Cat track up, then
turn right at the top, staying on the Cat track. Continue uphill
past the lodge on the left (Penguins Ski Club) for 500’ until you
come to a sharp 90-degree bend in the trail. The reddish-brown,
four-story building is The Mountaineers lodge. Come in, stow
your gear, and sign in on the main floor.
Classified advertising rates
Classified ads are 40 cents per word for Mountaineers members;
60 cents per word for commercial ads placed by members; 80 cents
per word for non-members. Ads must be received with payment
by the fifth of the month prior to the month of publication (i.e., Jan.
5 for the February issue). Please send ads and payment to: The
Mountaineers, 7700 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA 98115.
summer. We need help with sewing costumes, building and
painting sets, collecting props, cooking for our crew at Kitsap
Cabin, ushering, parking and working in concessions, as well
as other tasks. If you would like to volunteer your time and
talents with a fun group of people who enjoy producing qual-
ity musical theater in a beautiful forest environment, give us
a call. Please email showinfo@Foresttheater.com or call the
Kitsap Forest Theater info line at 206-542-7815. Visit www.
ForestTheater.com for more information.
Help kids by helping HARK: Hikes and Active Recreation
for Kids (HARK) is an Olympia and Kitsap Branch effort which
provides kids who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to enjoy
the outdoors an opportunity to do so. HARK needs volunteers
for various duties (see respective branch sections of the Go
Guide). Donations to HARK are always welcome. Make checks
out to: HARK, The Mountaineers Foundation, P. O. Box 25590,
Seattle WA 98165.
3/13 Hogback Mtn. (TAC)
3/13 Copper Ck. Hut (SEA)
3/13 Mazama Ridge (FH)
3/14 Crystal Mtn (FH)
3/14 Leader’s Choice (SEA)
3/14 Blewett Pass (OLY)
3/20 Cowlitz Rocks (TAC)
3/20 Tatoosh Slopes (FH)
3/21 Crystal Mtn (FH)
3/27 Bullion Basin (TAC)
3/27 Mowich Lk (OLY)
3/27 Mowich Lk Road (OLY)
3/27 Snow Lk (FH)
3/28 Amabilis Mtn. (OLY)
Snowshoe 3/7 Artist Pt. (SEA)
3/14 Heather Park (KIT)
3/27 Mowich Lk (OLY)