The 2010 Basic Wilderness Travel Course   (BWT)

 

  Informational Meeting - Seattle Clubhouse Wed. February 24th 6:30 p.m.: We have a information meeting scheduled to review the Condition Hiking and Basic Wilderness course activities, expectations, and answer your questions.  A great way to decide which course is for you and set goals for getting out hiking this summer.

Basic Wilderness Travel Course:    Are you ready to go hiking but aren't sure where to start? This course 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, the Basic Wilderness Travel (BWT) course 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 (distance 4-9 miles RT, elevation gain <2400') may challenge you physically, and/or provide the opportunity to summit some of the smaller peaks in our beautiful Cascade and Olympic Mountains. There will be opportunities for more activities with fellow BWT students and CH students during the summer too. Graduation certificates will be given to students who complete the classroom sessions, required field trips, and go on six club hikes by the end of September 2010.       What to Expect: The course activities include a shakedown hike, two evening classes w/potluck , three field trips (one is optional), a student handbook, and BWT course hikes scheduled from April through August. See the table below for the course activity date details        How to Enroll: You must be a member of The Mountaineers 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 February 25 through March 14, 2010. Register online (www.mountaineers.org) or via telephone (206-521-6001) Course fee: $75.00. As with all club hikes, participants are expected to pay the carpooling per mile allotment set by the club guidelines 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  .

  Course Outline 2010 - tentative schedule - dates to be finalized in February:

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March 20 or March 21   - Shakedown Hikes w/gear check -  Day Hikes.    Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose only one hike.

Tuesday March 23rd , Class 1 & Potluck -  Introduction, orientation & gear checklist, first aid review. Topics include: Course Orientation, First Aid, Backcountry Ethics/Leave No Trace. Classroom instruction at Seattle clubhouse.

Sunday March 28 ,  — Field Trip 1 (optional) - Gear shopping. Topics: Time to get your gear, volunteers will be available to ask questions while visiting some of the local retailers in Seattle. Meet at Seattle REI.

Thursday April 1st: ,   Class 2 & Potluck w/CH  -  Focus on essential systems review, map and compass orientation, nutrition and conditioning for hikes.

April (various dates)   - Hikes w/handbook review -  Day Hikes.  Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose at least one hike.

Saturday April 24th ,  — Field Trip 2 - Map & Compass practical skills.  Field exercises with mentors at Magneson Park/Kite Hill area 8:45 a.m. - 1 p.m..

May (various dates)   - Hikes w/handbook review -  Day Hikes. - review Backcountry Ethics, Nutrition & Weather.  Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose at least one hike.

Saturday June 5th ,  -— Field Trip 3 - Trail work party  All day: Introduction to trail maintenance, work parties and stewardship. Celebrate trails day and join organized work parties. Various locations.

June (various dates)  - Hikes w/handbook review -  Day Hikes. - review First Aid and Leave No Trace.  Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose at least one hike.

July  (various dates)  -  Day Hikes.  Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose at least one hike.

August  (various dates)  -  Day Hikes.  Sign up on-line or call clubhouse. Choose at least one hike.