Upcoming events and highlights from around The Mountaineers

June 2005


Welcome to Routefinder, our monthly guide to the best offerings from around The Mountaineers. Below you'll find a list branch-by-branch of events, courses and outings we don't want you to miss. In addition, we have photos from members, tips on using the website and a few other interesting items.

In June, two branches in particular will highlight families in the outdoors. The Everett Branch, with one of the more active family groups, is hosting both a "Hiking for Families" seminar and a "Family First Aid" event. These are both great ways to get your kids started on the path to enoying the outdoors. Also, the Kitsap Branch is attending the Kid's Safety Day sponsored by Kitsap Fire and Rescue in an effort to give kids information on staying safe while hiking, and will be giving away free safety whistles.

As the rain pounding The Mountaineers' windows reminds me, the summer hasn't gotten into full swing yet, so it might be a good idea to ease into the season by taking a MOFA-Lite course (Tacoma), an Intro to Hiking seminar (Tacoma and Seattle), or just go on a few warm-up hikes (all branches). And if you live in the Snoqualmie Foothills, be sure to check out the activity smorgasbord offered during Mountains-to-Sound Greenway Days on June 11-12.

All in all, June promises a good start to the fair weather season. Enjoy!

Rich Barringer
Webmaster

We'd like to hear your comments about Routefinder, so use the e-mail addresses located in the Contact Us section to tell us what you think.

Burke Museum exhibits Subhankar Banerjee's ANWR photographs
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land
June 25 - December 31, 2005
Forty-nine extraordinary photographs of the landscapes, wildlife, and people of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska by renowned photographer Subhankar Banerjee. The first person to document the life and land of the refuge through four seasons, Banerjee covered 4,000 miles to create a comprehensive portrait of the land the Gwich'in people call "The Sacred Place Where Life Begins." The artist traveled by foot, raft, kayak, snowmobile, and small plane to complete a project of a lifetime.

The ANWR exhibit opening on June 25 also marks the reopening of the Burke Museum's newly expanded Special Exhibits gallery space. We are doubling the size of this gallery-and the Burke is looking forward to providing a beautiful new gallery in which to showcase ANWR: Seasons of Life and Land!

The ANWR exhibit will be complemented by an equally beautiful exhibit featuring Arctic art. Half the gallery will be devoted to traditional and contemporary Arctic wildlife art from the Burke Museum's renowned Native American art collection and from a private collection. On display will be carvings in ivory, stone, wood, and bone; and colorful contemporary prints, depicting Arctic art primarily from the Yu'pik, Inupiaq, and Inuit people.

In tandem with these exhibits, the Burke Museum is hosting a number of events including a family weekend, lectures, and films addressing issues relating to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mark your calendars:

Sat. & Sun., June 25 - 26 - Family Weekend - Celebrate the opening of the exhibit with two days of activity offered for families, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., including Gwich'in storytelling, arctic art and environmental science activities, and information tables hosted by local environmental groups.

Hiking for Families - Free Seminar
June 3, Fri. - 6:30-8:30 p.m. at PUD Building in Everett, 2320 California St. The Everett Mountaineers Family Activities is hosting an evening for the whole family. Children are welcome. Topics will include: ten essentials, basic first aid, protecting nature, where to go, etc. All children will receive a free first aid kit. We will also have refreshments and door prizes. Space is limited. Leader: Sherri Chisarik, sherric4u@yahoo.com.

Family First Aid & Search and Rescue (SAR) Event
June 18, Sat. - 9 a.m. to noon. This event will include lessons in basic first aid aimed for children. We'll provide practice first aid kits, and demonstrate the cleaning and dressing of a scrape along with other basic first aid steps. This would include basic precautions to avoid disease transmission. The kids will have the opportunity to demonstrate skills on a parent. We will also have a SAR presentation on what to do if a child gets separated from their parent/group, along with a show and tell of some equipment (maybe even a helicopter). Location: Taylor's Landing Search and Rescue facility (5506 Old Machias Rd., Snohomish). Cost is $5/family. Sign up with families@everettmountaineers.org



Monthly meeting, potluck and hike
June 9, Thu. - On the second Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m., Kitsap Mountaineers and their friends get together for a social hour, business session and feature program at the Kitsap Cabin, 3000 Seabeck Highway, Bremerton. Directions are available at www.kitsapmountaineers.org. These meetings are for all members and anyone interested in learning more about The Mountaineers or the program.

The next meeting will be June 9 at Kitsap Cabin. This will be our last meeting before a summer recess (no general meetings in July or August) and we want to make it a special one. We're having a potluck and a hike out to Big Tree on The Mountaineers Rhododendron Preserve, the area surrounding Kitsap Cabin. Programs will be by our own Dave Schwab and Jimmy James. Dave has a brief presentation on fun things to do with The Mountaineers and Jimmy will be providing a program on the Bailey Range.

Kid's Safety Day
June 11, Sat. - Kid's Safety Day is a project of the Kitsap County Fire and Rescue that draws approximately 5,000 people. The Kitsap Branch has decided to be a part of this event since it is community service as well as being great publicity that improves our name recognition. Our kid's safety slogan is "Hug a Tree and Whistle for Me." Our message is that kids out hiking should be equipped with whistles so that if they get lost, they can be found more quickly by blowing a whistle while staying in one place. This one-day event runs from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The branch is looking for volunteers who can staff our booth, hand out literature and distribute our safety items. Please contact the branch voice mail or e-mail to volunteer or if you have questions.

Hiking potluck
June 28, Tue. - Monthly Social Meeting & Potluck. The Hiking Committee invites leaders and anyone else interested to the monthly potluck. This month's social will be at the Kitsap Cabin starting at 6:30 p.m. The cabin is located at 3000 Seabeck Highway, Bremerton. Directions are available at www.kitsapmountaineers.org.

Hike
June 19, Sun. - Elwha Loop (E) (Mt Olympus) 6.6 mi. RT. 250' gain. An interesting loop through bottom lands by some of the earliest homesteads in the valley, from before the park was established. Bill Evans: mountainbill@bainbridge.net.

Photography outing
June 11, Sat. - Hansville Greenway. Photographers and those interested in photography should meet at Buck Lake Community Center at 10 a.m. Bring your binoculars, a sack lunch, your camera and bird book, and enjoy a hike to Lower Hack's Pond viewing platform. Notify Dave Schwab by June 4: silverfox1040@peoplepc.com.



Conservation/stewardship
June 4, Sat. - Tolmie State Park. Front-country trail maintenance at Tolmie State Park will include repair and replacement of boardwalks, bridges and benches. Landscaping the high-use, high-visibility areas is an option. Turnout and weather will determine the appropriate assignments. Participants need work gloves, work or hiking boots, lunch and clothing appropriate for the weather. Tolmie SP is located approximately 5 mi. N. of I-5; take Exit 111, travel N. and follow the signs. Meet at the park at 8:30 a.m. Contact Jim French, jimfrenchwa@comcast.net.

June, 4. Sat. - Church Creek Trail. Backcountry trail maintenance in the Olympic National Forest on the Church Creek Trail, Trail #871. Work will include trail clearing, removing fallen trees, brushing and lots of tread repair. This is a beautiful, short connector trail that has been without maintenance for several years. The trail connects the Skokomish watershed with the Wynochee watershed, so it may involve climbing to the drainage divide (800' elevation gain). Backcountry trail maintenance requires your ten essentials, water, lunch, work boots (hiking boots are great) and work gloves (leather or other durable material). Meet at Mud Bay Park & Ride off SR-101 at 7:45 a.m. Carpool to Church Creek. Return around 5:30 p.m. Contact Jim French, jimfrenchwa@comcast.net.

Hike
June 4, Sat. - Cathedral Falls and Goat Creek Trail at Mt. St. Helens Nat. Volcanic Monument (M) (GT: #332 or USGS Vanson Peak) 6 mi. Gain, 800'; highest point, 3200'. This beautiful, old-growth forest trail climbs gently at first, passing behind the stunning Cathedral Fall and grotto, then more steeply in its ascent towards Vanson Peak. Exact distance and elevation gain will depend on conditions of stream crossings and wishes of the group, but the hike will be conducted at a social pace to enjoy this pristine forest. Leader Peta Henderson. Preferred contact by hendersp@hotmail.com after May 20.



Hikes
After Hours Hike! June 15, Wed. - Lake Melawkwa (M) (GT Snoqualmie Pass) NWFP, 9 mi., 2,600' gain. Steady moderate pace. Meet at 4:30 p.m.,, S. side of I-90 at High Point Exit (Exit 20) at stop sign. Sign up online or with club headquarters. NO carpooling. Extra batteries and headlamp/flashlight required. Mary Aulet, mraulet@earthlink.net. (s5/24-5/31) AL

New members special! June 18, Sat. - Naches Peak Loop (E) (GT Mt Rainier E/Bumping Lk) 5 mi., 700' gain. Leisurely pace. An easy, leisurely paced hike with views of Mt. Rainier, Dewey Lakes, and with some luck, wildflowers and critters. An excellent intro to hiking in the Mt. Rainier National Park vicinity. If snow lingers, consider bringing ski poles or trekking poles. Meet 9:30 a.m. near restrooms at Tipsoo Lake parking area off SR-410. Hikers encouraged to contact leader, 2 hrs. Jon Shields, jon.shields@quidnunc.net. (s6/8-6/16) MR Sign up online.

UTHRs Backpack
Note: The Under-the-Hill-Rovers (UTHRs for short) are a new group within the Seattle Branch, offering activities for the 20- and 30-somethings in the club. They have both outdoor (rock climbing, hikes, backpacks) and social (pub nights, barbeques) activities. Check out more of their events online or in the Go Guide.
June 18-19, Sat.-Sun. - Backpack: Point of the Arches (Shi Shi Beach). (E) (Green Trails 98S; Custom Correct, North Olympic Coast), 7mi. Gain: 0'in, 150'out. Join us for an overnight camping trip to Shi Shi Beach. On Sat., June 18, we will be taking the 7:10 a.m. Edmonds Ferry to Kingston and driving to the Makah Indian Reservation. From there, it is an easy 2 mi. backpack to the beach via the Makah Trail. The various fees and permits will be around $15 per person (not including the ferry charges and carpooling mileage). For more information, contact Dave McCrory (borak65@hotmail.com). (s5/25-6/13) 100 Hikes in the South Cascades & Olympics

Photography: The Digital Darkroom
June 25, Sat - Learn how to use the transformative power of Adobe Photoshop with photographic images. See how this robust tool can heighten the presence of an image, enhance interpretation, turn a traditional treatment into a fresh and original expression, or create an entirely new reality. Layers, filters, blending effects, selections, channels, transform, and many other tools are featured as composites, montages, and special effect images come alive. 9 a.m to 1 p.m. in the Pinnacle Room at The Mountaineers Building. $10. For info and to sign up, contact Herb Johnson, wherbjohn1@netzero.net, or Patricia Rogers, progers@drizzle.com.

Beginner Hiking Seminar
June 30, Thu., 6:30-9 p.m. at club headquarters. No registration and there is no charge for this seminar. Learn what to put in your pack, how to dress for comfort and safety, and what to expect on hikes. We will discuss clothing, boots and packs, the ten essentials, seasonal trail hazards, how to shop for equipment (and save money), and how to research your trips. This seminar is designed to answer questions you, as a beginning hiker, may have about how to get started. We will show samples of our equipment and talk about some of our favorite places to hike. Informational handouts are included. You do not need to be a Mountaineers member to attend. Contact Kelly Cleman, masterhiker@hotmail.com




Mountains to Sound Greenways Discovery Days. June 10-12
June 10-12: In conjunciton with the Mountains to Sound Greenways Discovery Days, the Snoqualmie Foothills Branch is hosting a variety of events around the I-90 corridor. Be prepared for paddle trips, hikes, bicycle tours and more! Most events are open to both members and the general public, so you'll want to register soon through the branch's website. The site also has in-depth descriptions of the activities, plus links to the Discovery Days website for a full schedule of the weekend's offerings.



Monthly Meeting & New Member Orientation Slide Show
June 17, Fri. - Monthly Meeting and New Member Orientation Slide Show. All new and prospective members, friends and families are welcome to attend.
6:30 p.m. - New Member Information Slide Show.
7:30 p.m. - Dessert Potluck. Bring a Potluck dessert to share. This is a chance to visit with committee people in the activities of interest to you.

Program: "Bicycling in Europe & Asia" by Deb Hammond, 8 p.m. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take your bike and travel Europe and parts of Asia. Unique slides of cycling around volcanoes in Iceland, hills, canals and coconut groves in India. A refreshing presentation, complete with music, by world traveler Deb Hammond. Bring friends and enjoy this show.

MOFA Lite Class
June 16, Thu., 6:30-9:30 p.m. - You don't really need a first aid course? Not really sure? The Tacoma Mountaineers Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) instructors will make a presentation of first aid fundamentals geared specifically to the non-technical wilderness traveler. This non-certificate presentation will cover the general mindset of wilderness first aid, commonly referred to as "The Seven Steps" and the treatments for many of the common maladies that can befall the hiker or backpacker. MOFA instructors will be available after the class to answer any additional questions you might have about the MOFA program in Tacoma. Fee is $10 at the door, please have exact change or check. The presentation is open to members and nonmembers on a space available basis. Register by e-mailing Chuck Celmer, remlec@lycos.com.

Mountain Biking
June 18, Sat. - Devil's Gulch (Cle Elum) 12 mi. uphill on a forest service road and perhaps the best 13 mi. of smooth single track downhilll ride in the state. Pack plenty of food and water. Leader: Robie Pruden, prudenrl@earthlink.net.

Hike: Lake Dorothy
June25, Sat. - (E) (GT175 Skykomish) 7 mi. RT, 860' gain. SLOW-PACED. This is a great early season hike for beginners. The trail starts off along beautiful cascading rivers to a 2-mile long lake. If it is a hot day, wear a bathing suit under your hike-wear and let's plan for a dip in the lake. At lunch we'll have time to talk about gear and navigation for those who are interested. An after hike stop at the bakery in Sultan is also on the schedule. Leader: Catherine Kwon Walters. Sign up via web is fine if you've hiked with me before; otherwise contact me at kwon1962@yahoo.com so we can talk about gear and such.

Introduction to Hiking and Backpacking
June 29, Wed. - 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 get started 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 Charge, exact change or check please. Prospective members welcome. No sign up required. Contact Amy Mann, agmann@comcast.net for more information.



Leave No Trace Trainer Course
The place to go for quality outdoor activities and training is now the place to go for quality Leave No Trace training!
The Leave No Trace Trainer Course is designed for anyone who leads backcountry trips, or for anyone who wants to sharpen their Leave No Trace skills. Upon successful completion, course participants will be qualified to teach Leave No Trace to others!

Each course provides four hours of classroom instruction at The Mountaineers clubhouse in either Seattle or Tacoma, followed by an overnight backpack trip where participants will learn by doing.

The Mountaineers are offering three Leave No Trace Trainer courses at three destinations this summer - Packwood Lake in the Goat Rocks Wilderness in June, the North Cascades in July, and Lower Tuskohatchi! Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in August.

The course fee is $85.00 for non-members, and $75.00 for all Mountaineers. The fee includes the course text, syllabus and handouts. Group gear will be provided. Participants will supply their own pack, boots and sleeping gear.

For the June 20 course, register here.
For the July 20 course, register here.
For the August 10 course, register here
You may also call The Mountaineers at (206) 284-8484 to register over the phone.

Be sure to check out the individual branch sections of the Go Guide for more conservation, recreation resource and stewardship opportunities in your area.

Submit your photo! To see your photo here, send your image in jpg format to webmaster@mountaineers.org with  "routefinder photo" in the subject line. 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 published some great new guides recently. To help spread the word, they're sending the authors "out and about" to talk. Here's a list of author presentations for May.

Yvonne Prater
Beyond Gorp: Favorite Foods from Outdoor Experts
Date: Saturday, June 11
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Mountaineers Snoqualmie Lodge (I-90 east over Snoqualmie Pass to Exit 53)
Event: Greenway Days festival
Talk based on Snoqualmie Pass: From Indian Trail to Interstate followed by cooking demo and samples from recipes included in Beyond Gorp.
Admission: Suggested donation (to be announced, see below for website)
Hosts: Snoqualmie Foothills Branch of The Mountaineers and the Mountains to Sound Greenway
Note: The Snoqualmie Foothills Branch will be offering a number of outdoor activities in conjunction with this event. For more information on the full schedule of events for June 11 & 12, see www.sfbmountaineers.org or www.mtsgreenway.org


Yvonne Prater and Kerry Smith
Beyond Gorp: Favorite Foods from Outdoor Experts
Date: Saturday, July 16
Time: To be announced (festival runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Trailsfest 2005, Rattlesnake Lake, North Bend, WA
Event: Talk with cooking demonstration (Quick & Easy Indian Dinner) and samples for the
crowd (Eric?s Ugly but Good Choco Chip Cookies)
Admission: Free
Note: The Mountaineers will be attending Trailsfest with a truckload of books in tow! Our bookstore sale starts July 13-15 and continues at Trailsfest! See the July issue of The Mountaineer for details. For more information on Trailsfest programming, see www.wta.org






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Are there places where you think one of these icons should go? Drop the webmaster a line! And don't forget that at the bottom of each page is a link to the Help FAQ. So if you ever have a question and can't get a hold of us, try one of these areas. You might just find the answer you're looking for!



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