Upcoming events and highlights from around The Mountaineers - March, 2005


Welcome to the first issue of Routefinder, a monthly guide to the best offerings from around the club. Below you'll find a list branch-by-branch of events, courses and outings we don't want you to miss. In addition, we'll give you photos from members, tips on using the website and much more.
We'd like to hear your comments about Routefinder, so use the email addresses located in the Contact Us section to tell us what you think.
Enjoy!

Trail Maintenance
March 19, Sat. - Mt. Erie. Cleanup of an old dump site at Mt. Erie and other assorted tasks. All volunteers must wear long pants, leather boots and bring leather gloves as there is broken glass in the area. Bring lunch and raingear. We will assemble in the lower parking lot at the bottom of Mt. Erie. For carpooling and other details contact Randy: rawal@earthlink.net. Members from all branches are welcome.



Membership Meeting
Wed., March 2 . 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in downtown Everett, 2624 Rockefeller.
EVEREST in '05! Member Brook Alongi will discuss his upcoming Everest expedition. There is room available on the expedition, if you aspire to climb the world's highest mountain!

Wilderness Navigation Course
Now enrolling! Learn about getting around in the wilderness without getting lost. The Everett Scramble Committee is offering the opportunity for a limited number of persons to join us at our navigation class on Saturday, April 2. You will learn about maps, compasses, taking bearings and using these to navigate or to simply answer the question: What is that peak over there? The cost is $20 for Mountaineers members and $30 for non-members. E-mail Larry Ingalls at l_ingalls@msn.com to sign up.



Volunteering
One of the most fun things to do is also one of the most important. It is our major community service project, Volunteers in the Park (VIP). Here we get to work with the staff at Olympic National Park on conservation, environmental and trail maintenance tasks. We end the day with a pizza party where we can tell our war stories and pat ourselves on the back. This month it happens on March 12. Contact Jimmy James at jjames2@centurytel.net for more information or to sign up.

Conditioner
March 11, Fri. - Vertical World. Whole Body Conditioner. Chris Peele: cpeele@harbornet.com, or Laura Rightmyer, lauramtntrekker@aol.com.

Hike
March 12, Sat. - Tubal Cain Mine Moderate hike, moderate pace. (USGS or GT Tyler Peak, CC Buckhorn Wilderness) 7.2 mi. RT, 1050' gain. A moderate hike to the site of a historic mine. In the Olympic Rain Shadow, this is an excellent choice in damp weather. Meet 8 a.m. Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene. Al Manz: amanz1@msn.com. (OPDH 25; OM 67)

2005 Basic Sea Kayaking Course
Now enrolling! To participate in Mountaineers-sponsored kayak trips, you must be a graduate or continuing student of this course or have received equivalency. The course begins on March 31, so don't wait to register! No prior knowledge or experience is required. If you don't own or have access to a kayak, you will need to rent a boat on three occasions. Enrollment is limited to 12 people, and registration can be made by calling Richard Weixler, 260-769-2258. For more information and the schedule of class sessions, see the Go Guide or visit www.kitsapmountaineers.org.



March potluck - Scenic Bhutan
March 24, Thu. 6:30 p.m. at the Olympia Community Center, Rooms 101-102. The Olympia Branch potluck/slideshow is a monthly opportunity to get together, meet other members and share ideas and information. New and prospective members and guests are always welcome. The center is located at 222 Columbia St. N.W. in downtown Olympia. Please bring a potluck dish to share and your own table service, or you may also come at 7:15 p.m. for just the program. If you have questions, please contact Elaine Fischer at ElaineMFischer@msn.com.
Program: Bhutan, nestled in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerized by the pristine environment, the awesome scenery and architecture, and the hospitable and charming people. Photographer Sally Vogel will present images from her trip to Bhutan in the spring of 2004. She'll feature the forests, the people, and Buddhist djongs of this most scenic and unspoiled country.

Conservation/stewardship
March 5, Sat. - Percival Creek restoration project, 10 a.m. - noon. The Olympia Mountaineers have adopted the City of Tumwater's Percival Creek salmon restoration site. Native plants have been reintroduced and maintained while non-natives have been removed on or near the creek's banks. Winter and spring weather is ideal for this riparian restoration, rain or shine (pouring rain amounts to cancellation). Wear work or hiking boots, gloves and clothing appropriate for the weather. Tools are provided. To sign up or obtain additional information, contact Debbie Smith, 360-754-4148. Please contact Debbie prior to participating, so that we know how many people to expect.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking
Now enrolling! The course runs from April 26 to May 15 and provides instruction in basic kayak skills. Graduation from the course permits members to sign up for Mountaineer Sea Kayak trips with any branch. 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 is limited to 18 students. Please note the dates carefully and confirm that your schedule will permit you to attend all the sessions.
The course fee is $150, and you may have other expenses for appropriate clothing and equipment. To enroll you must be a current member of The Mountaineers. Call Lynn Fleming, 360-866-8140, or Will Greenough, 360-785-4166, to register.



Climbing: Basic Climbing Course Equivalency
Experienced climbers or graduates of a comprehensive climbing course may qualify for basic equivalency. Basic equivalents may participate in activities open to basic course graduates. This includes basic level club climbs, basic experience climbs, appropriate climbing seminars, alpine scrambles, and snowshoe tours. They are also eligible to apply for the Intermediate Climbing Course and (after appropriate experience) the scramble leaders list. Applicants must have adequate alpine climbing experience and demonstrate satisfactory and safe climbing skills at the basic equivalency field trip on April 9. Applications must be at club headquarters by Fri., March 25. Applicants with sufficient climbing experience will be invited to attend the field trip April 9. There is a $25 fee for the field trip.
Call the club office, 206-284-8484, for an information packet and application. For further information contact Kirk Alm at kirk-alm@hoffmancorp.com (e-mail preferred).

MOFA class
Now enrolling! The March MOFA class takes place at the Bitterlake Community Center (13035 Linden Ave N., Seattle) and is open for registration through March 8. Class sessions are Mondays and Thursdays, March 14 through April 11, no class April 4. The cost is $90 for members, $125 for non-members. Register online or by calling Member Services at 206-284-8484.

Hiking: Basic Wilderness Travel Course
Now enrolling! Are you a new or inexperienced hiker looking for an opportunity to learn some basic mountaineering skills, make new friends, and have a great time? Co-sponsored by the Seattle Hiking and Under the Hill Rovers Committees, the Basic Wilderness Travel Course provides an introduction to topics such as backcountry navigation, mountain weather, and conditioning for outdoor activities. As a student in this class, you will develop skills that will help you enjoy hiking, while providing a basis for other Mountaineers classes such as snowshoeing and scrambling.
There are two sessions of this course. The first is open for registration until March 11, with the first session beginning on March 21. The second session registers until April 8 and begins on April 18. See the Seattle Hiking website for more information on schedules. You must be a member to take this course, which is $45 and includes a student handbook. Registration is not taken by phone, but you may mail in a registration form or sign up online. Any questions regarding the course may be directed to Kelly Cleman , masterhiker@hotmail.com or Sabrina Oesterle, soe@earthlink.net, or club headquarters at 206-284-8484.

Navigation
Now enrolling! The Basic Navigation Course is next offered in March 7 or 15. It consists of a map and compass workshop (one full evening) and a challenging field trip (one full day at Heybrook Ridge, about 1,500' of elevation gain and considerable off-trail travel). Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a navigation card. As well as being required for basic climbing, snowshoeing and alpine scrambling courses, using a map and compass is a usefull skill for anyone who hits the trail.
Students can pick from two dates for the navigation workshop - March 7 or 15 - and pick one of two dates for the field trip - March 19 or March 20. Registration is through Member Services, 206-284-8484 or online. The course fee is $30 for members, $50 for non-members. More info is available at the Navigation website.

Photography
March 31, Thursday - Robert Stahl - The Art of Travel Photography: Developing a Poetic Eye - Award-winning photographer Robert Stahl has spanned the globe in search of compelling imagery. This inspiring program will explore the benefits of using an interpretive approach to capture feeling, mood and spirit. You will learn ways to creatively photograph people, architecture, and landscapes by using the "grace of good light." Share in the enthusiasm Robert has for remote cultures and see how travel can stimulate the "poetic eye" that each photographer possesses.
The Robert Stahl presentation kicks off the Photo Lecture Series, four sessions where you learn photo tips and techniques from the professionals. The Photo Lecture Series fee is $90 for members or $100 for non-members. Register for the entire series online or by calling 206-284-8484. Single evening enrollment is available at the door for the Photo Lecture Series at $25 per session.

2005 Basic Sea Kayaking Course
Now enrolling! The course runs from March 30 to April 27 and provides instruction in basic kayak skills. Graduation from the course permits members to sign up for Mountaineer Sea Kayak trips with any branch. 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. Please note the dates carefully and confirm that your schedule will permit you to attend all the sessions.
The course fee is $150 and participants can register online or by calling 206-284-8484. Any questions concerning the course may be directed to George Swapp, gswapp@hotmail.com or Mary Lou Johnson, mloujohnson@msn.com.

Under the Hill Rovers (20- and 30-somethings)
March 2, 9, 16, 23 or 30, Wednesdays - Rock Climbing Night. Meet at the Vertical World in Magnolia on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. to do some indoor rock climbing. (You must pass Vertical World's knot & belay test before you can climb.) Fee is $15 if you have your own harness and shoes; renting harness or shoes is extra. For more information, contact Brad Henshaw at thebrad2002@comcast.net, or Amy Hardie at ahardie@seanet.com.



Monthly Meeting & New Member Orientation Slide Show
March 18, Friday - All new and perspective members, friends and families are welcome to attend. The Tacoma Clubhouse is located at 2303 N. 30th, Tacoma. The new member presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., potluck at 7:30 p.m. and the program (see below) starts at 8 p.m.
Program: "Rock Climbing in the Pacific Northwest," by Jim Yoder. If you have ever wanted to know about rock climbing, but were afraid to ask, come on out to the clubhouse. Jim has published three guidebooks during his 30-plus years of setting climbing routes in the Northwest. Two of his books, "Frenchman Coulee" and "Tieton River Rocks," will be available for $20 each. His slides and stories give you the feeling you are there, or at least want to be. Even if you have never climbed, come and enjoy a wonderful show. There will be a book signing after the show.

Used Equipment Sale
March 7, Monday - Come visit this all activities - yes, all - sale at the Tacoma Clubhouse (2302 N. 30th, Tacoma) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Last year's sale was a great success for buyers and sellers. And it was a great chance to visit with friends! So bring those old sleeping bags, packs, parkas, gaiters, climbing boots, stoves, skis, kayaks, spray skirts, cameras, lenses, tripods and so on to sell. There is no charge, but you must be a member to sell. If you want to upgrade or augment your equipment, plan to come on down to get some great buys on field-tested gear. It's a once-a-year chance to let the "trickle down theory" work on outdoor gear.
Set up will start at 6 p.m. If you want to sell something, plan to be there at 6 to help with set up and plan to stay at the end to help with closing. Questions? Contact, Amy Mann, agmann@comcast.net.

Introduction to Hiking & Backpacking
March 22, Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m. - Find out how much more fun there is to be had spending a day in the woods than a day at the gym or doing laundry! 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 clubhouse (2302 N. 30th, Tacoma) for this information-packed evening. Don't put it off - the sooner you get out on the trails, the sooner you'll be enjoying our backyard wilderness. $5 fee, exact change or check please. No registration required. Contact Amy Mann, agmann@comcast.net, for more information.

Submit your photo! To see your photo here, send your image in jpg format to webmaster@mountaineers.org. Please include a short description of the image, as well as your full name, and a website URL if you have one.





Those good folks at Mountaineers Books have some great new guides coming out in the next month or two. To help spread the word, they are sending the authors "out and about" to talk. Here's a list of author presentations for March.

Dan Nelson and Alan L. Bauer
Best Desert Hikes: Washington
Date: Wednesday, March 2
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA
Event: Slide show followed by Q&A and book signing
Admission: Free


Alan Bauer and Dan Nelson
Best Desert Hikes: Washington
Date: Tuesday, March 8
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Marmot Mountain Works, 827 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, WA
Event: Slide show followed by Q&A and book signing
Admission: Free


Alan Bauer and Dan Nelson
Best Desert Hikes: Washington
Date: Wednesday, March 9
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Backpacker's Supply, 5206 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA
Event: Slide show followed by Q&A and book signing
Admission: Free






Activity Search
Searching for a Mountaineers event can sometimes seem daunting, so here's a few tips to help you out when you are visiting the Activity Search page.

Date Range: If you don't know the date of an event, or are looking for all occurences of a particular type of event (ex: all upcoming Mofa classes), check the "Any date is fine" box in section 1. All upcoming events that have been built into the system will appear, regardless of whether they are open for registration or not.

Destination name: It's important to remember that this field is not only for outing destinations (Bear Gap, Wallace Falls), but also for course names and event titles (Alpine Scrambling Course, 50-year Member Luncheon, Greenlake Walk). For example, "MOFA" isn't a destination, but to find a class, you will have to type "MOFA" into this field. It also is not necessary to use the entire name of an event. You can find "MOFA - Bitterlake Community Center" by typing "MOFA," "Bitterlake," or "Community" by themselves.

Narrow your search: To avoid getting a long list of activities you don't want to look at, supply as much information as possible to help narrow the results. For example, if you know John Smith is leading a hike in March for the Seattle Branch, you could enter the dates 03/01/2005 and 03/31/2005 in the date range fields, select "Seattle" in the branch pulldown, "hike" in the type of activity field, and enter "Smith" in the leader's last name field.





We would like to hear from you! Tell us what you like and don't like, what types of programs you would like to see and let us know what types of interesting adventures you're having out there.

General inquiries, program suggestions, rants and raves can be sent to clubmail@mountaineers.org

Questions about the website, this newsletter, photo submissions and news items can be sent to webmaster@mountaineers.org