CLUBWIDE    

Timmy O’Neill to host BOEALPS event

Timmy O’Neill, rock climbing speed demon and humorist, will host a fundraiser for the Index Lower Town Wall at a BOEALPS (Boeing Employees Alpine Society) event to be held at Mountaineers headquarters on Fri., Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.O’Neill will discuss amazing and inspiring climbs throughout the world with his wheelchair-athlete brother, Sean. Tickets are $10 at the door. There will be a raffle for outdoor gear and a hosted bar (ID required). All the evening’s proceeds will go toward the purchase of the Index wall by the Washington Climbers Coalition. More details may be found at www.boealps.org and www.washingtonclimbers.org.

Board of trustees to meet

The Mountaineers Board of Trustees will meet Thu., Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at club headquarters and is open to all Mountaineers members and the public. Meetings are normally held on the first Thursday of each month.

Office to close for Thanksgiving

The Mountaineers headquarters, including the bookstore and library, will be closed on Thu. and Fri., Nov. 26-27, to observe the Thanksgiving holiday.

Conservation

Conservation calendar

Nov. 18, 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.

SEATTLE BRANCH

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 Co-Chairs: Ed Dominguez, 425-743-5192, edomino@hotmail.com; Mary Panza, 206-755-1254, makinanoise@hotmail.com

Course Attendance & Equivalency Questions: Deborah Walker, 206-285-8444, deborahw@eskimo.com

Workshop Questions: Glen Ferguson, 425-836-8650, fergusong1@gmail.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

Scrambling reunion, potluck

The Seattle Alpine Scrambling Committee will host its annual reunion and potluck on Mon., Nov. 9. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m. and the awards program about 7 p.m. All scramble students, instructors, leaders, their friends and family are invited.

This year’s graduates will receive certificates, peak pins will be presented, and leaders and instructors will be recognized. The committee will provide utensils, paper plates and some beverages for the potluck. Bring food and your drink of choice. If your last name starts with N-Z, please bring a main dish; H-M, a salad; A-G, a dessert. See you there!

Alpine Scrambling Course

The Alpine Scrambling Course teaches skills used to reach non-technical snow and rock summits. Alpine scrambling involves 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 climbing courses.

Enrollment: Online registration for the 2010 Alpine Scrambling Course opens Nov. 2 and continues until the course is full or the first workshop in January. We will offer workshops in both Seattle and the Eastside again this year. The workshop and field trip schedule are still being arranged, so check the website for updates.

If you have questions about the course, come to a new members presentation at the club headquarters at Magnuson Park or contact Mary Panza at makinanoise@hotmail.com.

The Alpine Scrambling Course is open only to club members. The minimum age is 14 years old. An Alpine Scrambling Committee member must interview applicants younger than 18. Contact Ed Dominguez, edomino@hotmail.com, 425-743-5192, to schedule such an interview.

Course fee: $175. There are additional fees for the Mountaineering First Aid (MOFA) and Basic Navigation Courses for students who do not already have current MOFA and navigation cards. We encourage anyone planning to take the Alpine Scrambling Course to also register for the MOFA and navigation courses.

Advanced Scramble/Leadership

Experienced scramblers wanting to develop 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 give 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.

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. Qualified members may take an individual module (except for the avalanche modules) separately for $50.

Questions: Contact the course chair, Randy Nelson, grandjubile@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 questions 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, suggestions or complaints to the committee co-chairs.

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 graduates, or those with alpine scrambling or basic climbing equivalency.

Exploratory scrambles: These trips investigate new scramble routes. Scrambling 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 http://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.

Backcountry Skiing

Committee Chair: Cindy Hoover cyn@zipcon.com or 206.783.4032

Join us: The Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Committee invites skiers and 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 pm), 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 Avy Level 1 training are offered every winter. Prospective leaders who would like assistance can request mentoring to help 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.

Classes and clinics

Please see the October Go Guide or the website for detailed info on this season’s ski courses.

Offerings include Nordic cross-country ski lessons—three-week courses all beginning Sun., Jan. 10:

Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing

Intermediate Cross-Country Skiing

Hills, Hills, Hills: Mastering Hills on Cross Country Skis

Introduction to Skate Skiing

Intermediate Skate Skiing

Nordic Cross-Country Ski Lessons – one and half-day lessons beginning Sun., Jan. 31:

Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing

Hills, Hills, Hills: Mastering Hills on Cross Country Skis

Introduction to Skate Skiing

Intermediate Skate Skiing

Advanced Nordic Cross-Country Half-Day Ski Clinics

Advanced Classic Cross-Country Skiing Technique

Advanced SKATE Cross-Country Skiing Technique

Notes on multi-week and 1-day lessons

Location: Nordic (XC) courses are taught at the Crystal Springs Sno-Park located S. of I-90, Exit 62. A Sno-Park permit with groomed trail endorsement is required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Deadlines: Nordic registration deadline for classes starting Jan. 10 is Jan. 6. For Jan. 31 classes/clinics, the deadline is Jan. 27.

Ski equipment: Students provide their own ski gear and equipment.

Refund policy: Class fees will be refunded minus a $15 cancellation fee up until the first class. No refunds will be issued after the first class.

Class size: See course website for maximum and minimum enrollments.

Age requirements: Students must be 14 years or older.

Instructors are PSIA certified Mountaineers.

Trips

Please check the website for last-minute trip listings.

March 6-14, Sat.-Sun. - Purcell Range: Jumbo Pass Cabin, B.C., Canada (M2) British Columbia’s Purcell Range receives cold, dry, powder snow. Jumbo Pass Cabin sits at 7,710’ and has great views. The small hut has a wood heat stove, gasoline lantern, propane cook stove, equipped kitchen, bunk beds with foam mattress pads for six people, and toilet outside. Terrain includes alpine bowls, peak ascents, and great tree skiing. March 6 - drive to Radium and sleep at the hostel; March 7 - snowmobile in and ski up 2,210’ 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, 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, 206-285-2399.

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

Climbing

Web pages

The Climbing Committee’s web pages are available for the convenience of members and are accessible from The Mountaineers home page or directly at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/climbing.

Basic Alpine Climbing Course

The Seattle Branch Basic Alpine Climbing Course has undergone substantial change again this year. The course sessions and field trips will run from mid-January through spring, with climbs scheduled throughout the summer and graduation in the fall. A full schedule will be posted here when available.

The Basic Alpine Climbing Course is an intensive and thorough training program that will instill the necessary skills and knowledge for you to become a competent climbing partner on technical rock, snow and glacier climbs in the Pacific Northwest.

Included in the curriculum are belaying and rope handling, rappelling, fifth-class rock climbing, snow/glacier climbing, basic technical rescue, first aid, map and compass (separate programs and prices), backcountry camping, snow camping, emergency survival skills, guidance on gear purchases, conditioning, basic risk assessment, weather, avalanche assessment and more.

Participants are trained to become solid and competent participants in the realm of alpine climbing on rock and glacier summits in the Pacific Northwest.

Course schedule:

Jan. 6, Wed., 7-9 p.m. at club headquarters

March 10, Wed., 7-9 p.m. at club headquarters

Field trips, TBA—watch for December Go Guide

Enrollment: Through Nov. 15, 2009

Course fee: $400. No refunds beyond the first lecture.

You must be a member of The Mountaineers before registering for the course. Details on applying for the course are on our website. Select “Activity Search” and then search for the key word of “Climbing” in the destination or activity name field using the January 2010 time frame. ONLY FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

Details: Priscilla Moore, altiprima@gmail.com.

Alpine climbing equivalency

If you possess significant and up-to-date climbing skills, as well as alpine climbing 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, joe[dot]dumelin[at]gmail[dot]com, 425-422-3992. 

Peak pin awards

To qualify for peak pin awards, climbs must be made in accordance to the Climbing Code (see “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 6th Ed.”). Applications for a peak pin award is made by sending a letter containing information as to the type of climb (basic experience, private, etc.), name of peak, name of leader, date of climb and names of other members of the party to show compliance with the Climbing Code.

A full list of peak pins can be found on The Mountaineers website: www.mountaineers.org/climbing/PDF Files/PeakPins.pdf.

Six Peak Pin: This pin is awarded for climbing the six major peaks—Mt. Rainier (14,411’), Mt. Adams (12,276’), Mt. Baker (10,778’), Glacier Peak (10,528’), Mount St. Helens (9,677’)ah and Mt. Olympus (7,954’).

Five Peak Pin: This ‘post-eruption’ pin is awarded for climbing five major peaks—Rainier, Baker, Glacier, Adams, and Olympus.

Cascade Classic Peak Pin: This is awarded for reaching the summits of 18 of the 20 highest non-volcanic Cascade peaks as listed—Bonanza Peak, Gardner Mtn., Mt. Maude, Mt. Fernow, Eldorado Peak, Mt. Spickard, Mt. Shuksan, Dragontail Peak, Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Logan, Mt. Stuart, Dome Peak, Jack Mtn., Mt. Goode, Silver Star Mtn., Black Peak, Mt. Buckner, and Forbidden Peak. A specially designed Cascade Classic Peak Pin is now available for members who have climbed those peaks. Past recipients are invited to receive their pins.

Snoqualmie Peak Pins: These pins are awarded at the reunion for climbing the prescribed peaks. A climber must have received the First Ten Pin before receiving the Second Ten Pin.

First Ten          Second Ten

Chair   Alta

Denny Bryant

Guye   Granite

Kendall           Hibox

Red     Huckleberry

Silver   Lundin           

Snoqualmie     Roosevelt

Thompson       Rampart

The Tooth        Tinkham

For more information and instructions on the application process, visit www.mountaineers.org/climbing/Reference/ReferenceTool.htm.

’09 Basic Climbing Course grads

Basic grads

Thomas Baron Stacey McConaughy

Christopher Bookey    Brian McFarlane

Steve Brain     Jacob Miner

Allison Caldwell         Colleen Murphy

Chris Chapin   Daniel Newell

Ryan Cronk     Jack Nichols

Bernard Deconinck     Elizabeth Nielsen

Michael Donofree       Kirk Peterson

Radka Enriquez          Jenney Porterfield

Russell Gambill           Tristan Roth

Amanda Giles Lauren Shaw

Salvatore Guarnieri     Amol Shukla

Elizabeth Heinz           Matt Simerson

Amy Hughes   Chris Snow

Mike Iem         Jovica Spasic

Brian Keller     Amarnath Srinivasan

Erich Knaak    Tony Standefer

Vlad Krupin    Kenneth Starlin

Deborah Kukreja         John Waldhausen

Rich Leggett   Andrew Weygandt

John Leigh      Steve Yi

Moa Lim         Sam Young

Jessica Livingston       JJ Zeng

Murray Macpherson    Xiaodong Zou

Dean Margell

Luke Martinkosky

Pending

Jan Abendroth            David Maloney

William Adams           Sharon Palubinskas

Deanna Alvarez          Sarah Ruether

Jeremy Butkovich       Jordan Tursi

Brendan Gamb            Gavin Woody

Hang Hau        Sara Woody

David Huntoon           Han Yan

Carrie Johnson            Miaomiao Zheng

Robb Landis   Xuan Zheng

Special

Lindsey White

Second year

Yangxin Deng Charles (Tom) Lienesch

Matthew Eads Deling Ren

William Forristall        Jerome Velosky

Kim Frasher    Bryce Wood

John Hamilton Zhao Yinan

Joshua Hawkins

Intermediate Climbing Course

The Intermediate Climbing Course is a program of classroom and field instruction designed to teach techniques of safe climbing on rock, snow, ice and mixed alpine terrain. Technical and non-technical aspects of leadership and safety are also major components of the program. The typical student completes the course in 2-5 years. Graduation from this course also requires Avalanche Level 1 AIARE.

Prerequisites:

• Be a Mountaineers member, 16 years of age or older (applicants under 18 must have an approval signed by their parent or guardian)

• Completion of The Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course or equivalency

• Possess a current Mountaineering Oriented First Aid or Wilderness First Aid card (or complete by the intermediate Rock I field trip)

2010 lecture dates (tentative): Jan. 11, kickoff, introduction and leadership overview; Feb. 16, winter mountaineering: trip planning, winter climbing and camping, glacier leads; Feb. 24, rescue methods & safety; March 22, rock climbing at Vertical World; June 28, alpine ice climbing

2010 field trips (tentative): Jan. 23 or 24, intermediate review (1 day); Jan. 30 or 31, ropes and anchors (1 day); Feb. 27-28, winter mountaineering (2 days); March 6-7 or 20-21, rescue methods (2 days); April 3-4 or 17-18, Rock 1 (2 days); May1,2 or 15, Rock 2 (1 day); July10-11, 17-18, Aug. 7-8, or 14-15, Ice 1 (2 days); Aug. 21, 22, 28, 29 or Sept. 11, Ice 2 (1 day)

Level I Avalanche Course: The Seattle Mountaineers will offer an AIARE-certified Level 1 Avalanche course in February that includes 24 hours of instruction. Please sign up separately for that course.

Course details: Please see details on the Intermediate Mountaineering Course at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/climbing/Courses/IntermediateCourse.html as well as upcoming editions of the Go Guide.

Intermediate course contact: SeattleIntAdmin@mountaineersforums.org

2010 Annual Continuation: This activity is only for intermediate students who started the course in 2005 or earlier and serves as a means of paying the $35 annual continuation fee online. Previously, students had five years to complete the intermediate course with the possibility of applying for a single one-year extension. In 2008 the Intermediate Administration Subcommittee amended the Climbing Committee policies and procedures to eliminate the five-year limit. There is no longer a limit on the number of years a student may take to complete the course; however, an annual continuation fee is required to remain enrolled. If you have any questions about the new policy or whether you should pay the fee please contact the Intermediate Administration Subcommittee: SeattleIntAdmin@MountaineersForums.org.

Intermediate equivalency

Climbers with extensive alpine rock and ice experience may apply for intermediate equivalency. Contact Joe Dumelin, joe[dot]dumelin[at]gmail[dot]com, for more information.

2010 Crag Climbing Course

The Crag Climbing Course teaches the skills, knowledge, and techniques needed to safely lead traditional and bolted routes on outdoor crags. The course consists of one hands-on skill assessment/review, one indoor gym climbing session, and four weekend field trips.

The field trips are located at popular climbing areas in Washington. The course will teach 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.

Schedule (tentative):

Feb. 18, Thu. - kickoff crag potluck dinner at club headquarters

March 13, Sat. – club headquarters

TBA - Vertical World seminar

April 3-4. Sat.-Sun. - Vantage or club headquarters

April 24-25, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth (Roto, Mountaineers Dome, Clamshell, etc.)

May 15-16, Sat.-Sun. - Leavenworth (Mountaineers Dome, Castle Rock, Tree Route, R&D)

May 22 or 23, Sat. or Sun. - Leavenworth (multi-pitch climbs at usual locations)

Eligibility requirements::

• Be a Mountaineers member of at least 18 years old and in good standing

• Must have training, experience, and competence in climbing knots, safe belay technique, and rappelling. These skills are taught in The Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course and equivalent courses in the climbing community. Students must know these skills BEFORE beginning this course

• Minimally, must be climbing at least 5.7 or better, cleanly, on top-rope outside, or 5.9 or better inside. Previous leading experience is not required but is recommended

Participation in ongoing climbing training/practice independent of this course is strongly advised.

Registration: Applications will be accepted on an open-enrollment (first come, first served) basis starting Dec. 1. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 15 or until the course is filled. Applicants will be notified of their application status via e-mail when possible. See details in next month’s Go Guide for specifics on applying, course fees, etc.

Questions? Contact seattlecragcourse@gmail.com.

Water Ice Climbing

Introduction to Mixed Climbing

If you are interested in sport or alpine mixed climbing, join us to learn and practice dry-tooling techniques in a top-roped setting. This is also a great way to improve your skills and conditioning for ice season—even without the ice.

This seminar is intended for members of The Mountaineers with prior ice climbing experience, but anyone with the ability to safely belay and rappel and comfortable with the idea of climbing rock with crampons and ice tools can join. The course is limited to 12 participants (six per field trip).

Schedule

Class Meeting – Tue., Oct. 27, 7 p.m., at club headquarters, Goodman C.

Field Trips – Option 1: Sat., Nov. 7; Option 2: Sun., Nov. 8, Cougar Mtn., dry-tool crag, Issaquah.

Enrollment: Oct. 6-23. Course Coordinator: Anita Cech, acech@aol.com.

Course Leader: Rex Andrew, 206-230-8431, rx.andrew@ieee.org.

Course Fee: $50.

For more information about any of the Water Ice Courses and activities, visit www.mountaineers.org/seattle/climbing/Courses/WaterIce.html or contact Anita Cech, chair, of the water ice subcommittee, acech@aol.com.

Climbing clinics

The following are Trailhead climbing events. See pg. 1

Nov. 12, Thu. - Rock Climbing: Beginner’s Rock Night A casual, fun evening of climbing on the walls at Magnuson Park. No prerequisites necessary. 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). Come and enjoy this opportunity to have a blast and learn a new skill. Fee: $20 members; $35 non-members. Questions? Contact Ken Hahn, 206-595-7237, kenh@mounaineers.org.

Nov. 21, Sat. - Anchor Basics 8 a.m.-12 p.m. An introduction to basic climbing anchors. We’ll cover the basics of redundancy, equalization, and ways to connect multi-point anchors. Sport anchor building and cleaning will be covered as well. While this clinic is open to all, the format assumes that participants have a basic understanding of climbing, including gear and references to leading. For hands-on practice, bring harness, belay device and carabiners—several regulars and a few lockers. Also bring some webbing, including singles and doubles, and a cordalette—25’ of 7mm cord works well, tied together with a double-fisherman knot. Fees: $20 members, $35 non-members. Contact coordinator Ken Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, with questions.

Nov 21, Sat. - Learn To Belay 12:30-3 p.m. This class is designed for beginners, people wanting a review of belay skills, and parents who want to belay their children. It will be taught on-site at club headquarters in Magnuson Park, on the indoor or outdoor wall (weather depending). All participants will come in for one 2-1/2 hr. teaching session (although it may be shorter depending on the number of participants). After the lesson, folks will leave and wait seven days to return for a belay test in order to get their certification. Goals:

—To teach casual climbers, beginners and parents the basics of belaying a climber in a top-rope setting

—To ensure that all belayers at Mountaineers events are properly trained, safe, and competent

—To open access for beginners and community members to The Mountaineers programs.

Registration requirements: This class is open to anyone 13 and over. The Mountaineers will provide all necessary gear. However, it is preferred that you learn on your own harness/gear if you have your own. Event fees: $20 members, $35 non-members. Contact coordinatorKen Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, with questions.

Friday nights on the wall

Visit club headquarters on a Friday night for a social and physical workout on the indoor rock and ice walls. Bring your indoor climbing gear and boots or crampons if you want to try out the ice wall. Loaner tools and colored chalk will be provided.

The walls will be waiting for you from 6-9 p.m.

Timmy O’Neill to host event

Timmy O’Neill, rock climbing speed demon and humorist, will host a fundraiser for the Index Lower Town Wall at a BOEALPS (Boeing Employees Alpine Society) event to be held at Mountaineers headquarters on Fri., Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. See  pg. 1 of this Go Guide for more details.

Dancing

Co-Chairs: Dennis Bayer, 206-784-4011; Ivan Sleveland, 206-522-1316.

New website: www.mountaineers.org/seattle/folkdance.

International Folk Dancing

The Seattle Mountaineers International Folk Dancers have a new home in Warren G. Magnuson Park at Sand Point; we are dancing in the The Brig (Building 406). The Brig has beautiful hardwood floors, plenty of free parking and is located a few buildings southeast of The Mountaineers new club headquarters in Building 67.

Every Tuesday - Folk dancing - In the The Brig at Magnuson Park from 7:30 until 9:45 p.m. Dance just for the fun of it. 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, driving directions or a map of Magnuson Park, please visit our new website listed above.

Rock & Roll Dance

Rock & Roll Dance website: www.dbmechanic.com/dances/rock.htm. Have questions? Contact Karen Ludwig, 206-484-9187, www.karenludwig2000@yahoo.com.

Oct. 30, Fri. - Halloween Rock & Roll Dance. This is the big one! Join RON BOLIN, THE DANCIN’ DJ for one of Seattle’s most popular annual parties (400 people attended last year). See details in the Seattle Singles social section for details.

Nov. 20, Fri., Rock & Roll Dance Gary’s Tunes will be the DJ at the Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98125. See Seattle Singles social section for details.

Family Activities

Events

Nov. 4, Wed. - Family Activities Planning Session Come out for an evening with fellow outdoor enthusiasts who have young children so that we may plan and brainstorm on events for the upcoming year. Leadership information will be available for any parents interested in leading outings next season. Everyone who has children is welcome. Feel free to bring snacks to share. Meeting at club headquarters, 6:30-8 p.m. SIGN UP online, through leader, or with club headquarters for a head count. For more details contact leader: Courtenay Schurman, court@bodyresults.com.

First Aid

MOFA Course

Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) is a 24-hour first aid course 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 held two evenings a week for four weeks, or for one Saturday plus a full weekend.

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 trail 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 sessions. Please do not register for a class unless you can attend all class sessions.

Registration: To register, refer to the MOFA course grid for current course offerings and registration dates, then either mail or hand-deliver the MOFA registration form, or follow the online registration directions and make the payment to The Mountaineers within the enrollment dates listed for each class. MOFA courses are popular and fill up fast. Listing an alternative course date will increase your chances of getting into a class. Registration forms received early will be held until the first day of enrollment or mailed back unprocessed.

Being on a wait list: If a course is full, you may be placed on a wait list. It is your responsibility to 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 (see below) 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 registration. There is a $10 handling fee for cancelled reservations. There are no refunds for no-shows or dropouts. No partial refunds will be given.

Committee contacts: Student or committee questions should be addressed to Carol Sue Ivory-Carline, carolsic@umich.edu, 206-522-5347 (please speak slowly and clearly). Instructor or course questions should go to Karl Brackmann, k.brackmann@verizon.net, 425-788-8947.

Instructor courses

Join a winter MOFA and ARC Lay Responder FA/CPR/AED Instructor Course to be held on weekday evenings and Saturdays.

Schedule:

Mon., Nov. 2, and Wed., Nov 4, 7-10 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 11, 6-10 p.m., and Sat., Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue., Nov. 17, 6-10 p.m., and Sat., Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue., Nov 24, 6-10 p.m., and Tue., Dec. 1, 6-10 p.m.

The course includes fundamentals of instructor training (11/2-11/4); American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid skills certification and MOFA skills testing (11/11, 11/14); and the ARC/MOFA Instructor Course (11/17, 11/21, 11/24, 12/1).

Location: Mountaineers headquarters, 7700 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA 98115. The course tuition of $80 will be reimbursed after you teach your first course for the Seattle Branch. (If you are already an American Red Cross instructor you may be excused from the Nov. 2 session and part of the Nov. 4 session.)  Register through The Mountaineers website, www.mountaineers.org.

Next courses: All courses available for registration are listed on The Mountaineers website at www.mountaineers.org.  Look in the “Activity Search” then indicate “First Aid” and don’t limit the dates or the branch.  Other information is available in the “First Aid” section of the site; select the branch section you are interested in. The next schedule for the Seattle Branch courses will be listed in late January or early February.

For more information: Carol Sue Ivory Carline, carolsic@umich,edu, 206-522-5347. Note that courses require minimum enrollment numbers to be offered.

Intro to Wilderness First Aid

 Nov 19, Thu. - CLINIC: Intro to Wilderness First Aid Have you ever wondered what to do should a serious injury or illness strike while you or your partner are in the backcountry? This Trailhead clinic addresses the basics of how to respond to and manage a backcountry incident or accident. Learn how to effectively address these situations with a set of organizational tools designed to steer you through the emergency without wasting time or skipping vital steps. While some basic first aid practices will be included, this is in no way a replacement to the club’s larger and more inclusive MOFA program. Leader: Ken Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, 206-595-7237. Fee: $20 per member, $35 per non-member.

Hiking

Hiking Committee: Our next meeting is Tue., Nov. 10, 7 p.m. at club headquarters. All members are welcome! For more info, contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net.

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.

Volunteers needed! Want to help? We need volunteers to help update the hike database, assist with trip scheduling, help with the website or participate in member orientation meetings. Contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net.

Hikes, events

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/leaders/PostingTrips.html. Trips posted by Nov. 5 will appear in the December Go Guide. Trips posted after Nov. 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 generally will be offered every other Wednesday afternoon and have an “AHH” before the description of the hikes. More info at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/seahike/Afterhours/Afterhours.html.

Hikes schedule: Refer to www.mountaineers.org for hikes. Many hikes are being listed only on the website.

 Represents a Trailhead event. See pg. 1 for more about Trailhead.

Hikes

Oct. 29, Thu. - Beginning Hiker Seminar Club headquarters, 6:30-9 p.m. No registration. No fee. Open to members and non-members. 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 Essential Systems, seasonal trail hazards, how to shop for equipment (and save money), and how to research your trips. This seminar is designed to answer questions 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. Contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net for more information or just show up.

 Nov. 1, Sun. - Oyster Dome (M) 7 mi., 1700’ gain. Leisurely pace. Travel along the famous Chuckanut Drive to the Oyster Dome TH. Scenic hiking up to glacial dome, passing bat caves, boulder fields and forested canopies. Atop there are spectacular views of Puget Sound and beyond. Car camping in Moran SP on Orcas Island optional for two days of hiking along with Mt. Constitution on 10/31. New members welcome! For more details contact leader: Ken Hahn, kenh@mountaineers.org, 206-595-7237.

Nov. 7, Sat. - Granite Mtn. (VS) (USGS Snoqualmie Pass) 8 mi., 3800’ gain. Moderate pace. Some people will meet at Tibbetts P&R at 7:45 a.m. for carpooling. Meet 8:30 at TH. Leader: Chris Caviezel, 425-434-0899, chris.caviezel@gmail.com. (s9/20-10/30)

 Nov 7, Sat. - Tiger Mtn. (M) (GT #204S Tiger Mt) 10 mi., 1800’ gain. Leisurely pace. Route is leader’s choice. This loop hike will take us to two of the best viewpoints that Tiger has to offer—Poo Poo Point and West Tiger 3. New members welcome! For more details, contact leader: Steven Payne, stevepayne@mindspring.com, 253-315-0426.

Nov. 7, Sat. - Mt. Constitution (M) (USGS Mt Constitution) 8.5 mi., 3800’ gain. Moderate pace. Beautiful moderate loop hike summiting Mt. Constitution in the rain shadow of Olympic Mtns. Spectacular views of Mt. Baker, Canadian Cascades and entire Puget Sound area. Meet at 9 a.m., place TBD. Leader: Dave Morgan, 206-789-4284, go.climbing@gmail.com. (s10/21-11/4)

Nov. 8, Sun. - Deception Pass State Park—Goose Rock (E) (USGS Deception Pass) 8 mi., 800’ gain. Moderate pace. Meet at 9 a.m. at West Beach parking lot. Leader: Linda Moore, 425-347-7650, abenteuerbc@yahoo.com (s10/19-11/5)

Nov. 14, Sat. - Fort Ebey (M) (USGS Deception Pass) 8 mi., 800’ gain. Moderate pace. Eagles, orcas, and otters—oh, my! Come explore the beaches and bluffs of Whidbey Island. Rich in wildlife, beauty and history, this hike never fails to please. Meet at 9 a.m. at Ebey’s Landing parking lot. Leader: Greg Pilgreen, 425-485-2686, stevetahoma@verizon.net. (s11/3-11/12)

Nov. 17, Tue. - Green Lake-UW-Gasworks Park Loop (M) 9 mi., 500’ gain. Moderate pace. Meeting at and returning to Ross Park Playground. Bring warm clothes and rain gear plus money for dinner along the way. Meet: 5 p.m. at Ross Park Playground. Leader: Dave Morgan, 206-789-4284, go.climbing@gmail.com. (s11/2-11/16)

Nov 19, Thu. - Beginning Hiker Seminar Club headquarters, 6:30-9 p.m. No registration. No fee. Open to members and non-members. 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 Essential Systems, seasonal trail hazards, how to shop for equipment (and save money), and how to research your trips. This seminar is designed to answer questions 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. Contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net for more information or just show up.

 Nov 19, Thu. - CLINIC Intro to Wilderness First Aid Please see the Seattle First Aid (MOFA) section for details.

 Nov. 21, Sat. - Twin Falls to Rattlesnake Lake/John Wayne Trail (M) (GT #206 Bandera) 11 mi., 1100’ gain. Leisurely pace. We’ll car shuttle and hike one-way from Twin Falls to Rattlesnake Lake. A great way to get your metabolism up for Thanksgiving dinner! New members welcome! For more details contact leader: Steven Payne, stevepayne@mindspring.com, 253-315-0426.

Nov 26, Thu. - Mt. Si (S) (GT Mt. Si) 8 mi., 3200’ gain. Work up that appetite before your evening of gluttony. Meet 9 a.m. at TH. Prefer e-mail for questions: Carly Waterman, carlyw@psbc.org. (s11/1-11/24)

 .Leadership

Nov. 7, Sat. - Seattle Outdoor Leadership Seminar Join us for an all-day seminar for current and prospective leaders of Mountaineers trips and activities. We usually have good diversity of beginning and experienced leaders from a broad spectrum of activities, which makes for a great day. This is a two-part seminar: 1) read the book in advance of the seminar; and 2) come to the seminar to practice applying the new leadership skills from the book to various problem-solving 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. Fee: $40, including a copy of the textbook, “Outdoor Leadership,” by John Graham, plus breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day (if you already have the text, the fee is $28). Register online (select Leadership Committee) for this event by Sat., Oct. 17. PLEASE NOTE: Oct. 17 is a firm deadline for registering. NO EXCEPTIONS. The textbook will be mailed to you after you register so that you can read it before the seminar. Members only.

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 included with each trip description. Opening and closing dates are shown in ( ) following each trip. Trip classifications are the same as those listed under Hiking. For trail guidebook abbreviations, see page 19 of the Go Guide.

Hikes in the Issaquah area will meet at the Issaquah Trail Center (ITC) instead of Tibbetts Field. Directions to the center are as follows: Take I-90 Exit 17 and turn right. Go about one mile to light on Sunset, and then go two more blocks to Bush St. and turn left. Go two blocks and you will see the yellow trail center building and parking area on your left.

Oct. 29, Thu. - W. Rattlesnake Ridge (EM) (Rattlesnake Mtn. 205S GT) 6 mi., 1300’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Preston P&R, I-90, Exit 22. Scenic hike to two viewpoints. No registration. Leader: Joe Toynbee, 425-228-6118, toynbee@comcast.net. (s9/4-10/29)

Nov. 3, Tue. - Annette Lake (M) 7.5 mi., 1700’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at ITC (see preamble). The trail ascends gradually through old forest to a nice lake. No registration, members only. Leader: Eva Syrovy, 206-364-6270, egsyrovy@comcast.net. (s10/4-11/3)

Nov. 4, Wed. - 27 Clocks and Beyond 7 mi., 400’ gain. Limit 20. Meet at 10 a.m. at 5th & Jackson next to International District subway. We’ll visit 27 outdoor clocks in downtown Seattle, have lunch at Olympic Sculpture Park (bring or buy), walk through Myrtle Edwards Park and end the hike at Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. Leader: Kathy Biever, 206-283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net. (s10/16-11/2)

Nov. 6, Fri. - High Point-Poo Poo Point (EM) 7 mi., 1500’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 9 a.m. at IATC (see preamble). Loop trip on W. Tiger 3 from High Point TH to Poo Poo Point with a shuttle return. Register with club headquarters or online. Leader: Ralph Caldwell, 425-836-2610, ralphc520@comcast.net. (s10/28-11/5)

Nov. 10, Tue. - Cougar Mtn. Loop (M) (Cougar Mtn. GT-203S) 9 mi., 1800’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 9 a.m. at Redtown TH. Hike from the Coal Creek Townsite past Coal Creek Falls to Wilderness Peak before returning past De Leo Wall. A nice walk in the woods. To find Cougar Mtn. Regional Wildland Park’s Redtown TH, follow Lakemont Blvd 3 mi. S. from Exit 13 on I-90 until turning into the TH parking area on the left. No registration, members only. Leader: Peggy Owen, 425-746-1070, hikerpeggy38@comcast.net. (s10/4-11/10)

Nov. 12, Thu. - Mt. Si, Old Trail (S) (Mt. Si NRCA GT-206S) 7 mi., 3400’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 9 a.m. at ITC (see preamble). Up and down the Old Si trail. No registration, members only. Leader: Peter Stevens, 425-483-8851, stevens@u.washington.edu. (s10/4-11/12)

Nov. 17, Tue. - Barclay Lake (E) (Monte Cristo GT-143) 5 mi., 300’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 8 a.m. at Woodinville P&R. This is a beautiful lake at the foot of a huge cliff on the N. side of Mt. Baring. Register online or via club headquarters. Leader: Theodore Katsanis, 206-420-1319, tkatsanis@cs.com. (s11/3-11/16)

Nov. 19, Thu. - Sundial Search: Four Timely Treks, Trek #1 8 mi., 300’’ gain. Limit 20. Meet at 10 a.m. at Gasworks Park parking lot. During the course of this hike we’ll visit 5 sundials: Gasworks Park, Cowen Park, Burke Gilman Park, and two on the U. of W. campus. Hope for sun! Bring or buy lunch and think sunshine. Hike ends on university campus. Busing recommended. Leader: Kathy Biever, 206-283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net. (s11/2-11/17)

Nov. 25, Wed. - Tradition Lake Loop (E) (Tiger Mtn. GT-204S) 4 mi., 600’ gain. Limit 12. Meet 10 a.m. at High Point TH, I-90 Exit 20. Pre-Thanksgiving warmup hike on Lake Tradition Plateau. Leader: Joe Toynbee, 425-228-6118, toynbee@comcast.net. (s10/4-11/25)

Nov. 30, Mon. - Lake Union Circumambulation on Cheshiahud Trail (E) 7 mi., minimal gain. Limit 20. Meet at 10 a.m. at Gasworks Park parking lot. Same route, new name. We’ll walk clockwise, passing by floating homes, Wooden Boat Center, old armory, pea patches and street-end parks. Lunch in Fremont. Bring or buy. Leader: Kathy Biever, 206-283-9047, eskay39@comcast.net. (s11/16-11/26)

Dec. 1, Tue. - Twin Falls (E) (Mt. Si NRCA GT-206S) 3 mi., 650’ gain. Limit 12. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at ITC (see preamble). Popular winter hike to nice waterfalls No registration. Leader: Fred Zeitler, 425-882-3435, MarianZZZ@comcast.net. (s10/4-12/1)

Dec. 2, Wed. - Pt. Defiance Zoo Lights Limit 20. Join us for a fun-filled day. We start with an easy hike around Pt. Defiance Park led by Carol Warner, an expert on the park’s trail system. Then we head down to Anthony’s Restaurant on the Tacoma Waterfront for an early dinner followed by an evening of Zoo Lights at the Pt. Defiance Zoo. Sign up with trip leader: Sign up with leader: Ginny Evans, 360-893-9186. (s11/18-11/30)

Dec. 4, Fri. - Annual Poinsettia Walk (E) 5 mi., no gain. Limit 20. Walk the Sammamish River Trail to Molbak’s Nursery for the display of poinsettias and Christmas decor. Free coffee, tea and Danish pastries! New members welcome. Sign up with leader after 12/1. Leader: Janet Sturholm, 425-483-2151. (s12/1-12/3)

Advance notice

Dec. 7, Mon. - Midweek Christmas Party Details in the December Go Guide.

Naturalists

Chair: Dave Shema, david.shema@gmail.com.

Study Group

Registration for the 2009 Naturalist Study Group is now open. The Study Group is for members who want to keep learning about plants and animals in the Northwest. Graduation from the Natural World Course is a prerequisite, but members with some knowledge of PNW ecology are invited to join. There is a one-time fee of $30, payable online, that funds room rentals, speaker honorariums and other expenses. Study group members who enrolled in prior years do not need to re-register.
The Study Group offers workshops and field trips that explore many facets of natural history. In addition, Study Group members may join Natural World Course presentations and are encouraged to help instruct at course field trips. For more information contact Don Schaechtel, don.safety@att.net.

Events

Nov. 9, Mon. - An Introduction to Lichens - Learn to identify common lichens in the city, forests and high country. This is a hands-on workshop, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at club headquarters, with lichen specimens that participants can examine and take home with them. Bring a magnifying glass if you have one. Please register online to ensure that enough specimens are collected. Free for study group members; $10 collected at the door for others. Enrollment ends Nov. 6. Leader: Don Schaechtel, don.safety@att.net.

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.mountaineers.org/seattle/navigation.

Navigation Courses

Basic Navigation Course - The Basic Navigation Course is offered every year in November, February and March (see course schedule below). Learn how to get more info out of your map. Learn how to figure out what bearing you should be on to get to where you want to be. Learn how to follow bearings 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 Heybrook 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 a prerequisite for graduation from the Basic Climbing, Snowshoe and Alpine Scrambling Course, 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 information or contact info.

How to register: Enrollment is now open for all sessions. Members can sign up online.

Step 1 - Sign up and pay for “Basic Navigation Course-Seattle.”

Step 2 - Sign up for one workshop.

Step 3 - Sign up for one field trip (workshop needs to be completed prior to field trip).

Non-member? Please sign up via club headquarters at 206-521-6001.

Basic Navigation Course workshops are to be held at Mountaineers headquarters in Magnuson Park on Mon., Oct. 26, and Tue., Nov 3, at 7 p.m. Come at 6:45 p.m. to prepare maps and have compass declination checked.

Basic Navigation Course all-day field trips at Heybrook Ridge: Sat., Nov. 7, and Sun., Nov. 8.

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 Navigation,” by Burns and Burns. Read it before the first workshop!

• Appropriate compass with declination adjustment (17° E). See www.mountaineers.org/seattle/navigation for acceptable models.

Navigation instructors sought

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. An optional instructor training session for those who want some extra tips will be offered in early October, date TBD. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Graf, lynn.graf@gmail.com, 206-632-8117. Thanks to all of you who volunteered this season!

GPS Workshop for new users

Nov. 13, Fri., 7-9 p.m. - An evening workshop for those who have recently obtained a GPS receiver (or are thinking about getting one) and would like to learn to use it more effectively.

The workshop includes outdoor exercises in the vicinity of The Mountaineers headquarters at Magnuson Park, so please bring warm clothes, raingear and a flashlight or headlamp. Useful information about GPS receivers and UTM is found under “Navigation Tips” on the navigation website, www.mountaineers.org/seattle/navigation.

Questions? Visit the website or contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net. There are a limited number of GPS receivers for students, so enrollees must bring a GPS receiver with them or contact hikermountaineer@verizon.net to reserve a loaner. Fee: $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is available online or through club headquarters, 206-521-6001.

Photography

Chair: Anne Smart, 206-283-4973, smartmccord@msn.com

Trips, events

Nov. 7, Sat. - Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, B.C. (E) 1-2 mi. No gain. Meet at 7 a.m. at Skippers in Everett (parking lot next to Community Transit P&R on 128th St.). Photograph thousands of snow geese as they migrate south from the Arctic to this Westham Island bird sanctuary near Lander, B.C. Get close to pintails, wigeons, wood ducks, buffleheads, mallards and the sandhill crane family. See owls, raptors, herons, shorebirds and songbirds. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or extended driver’s ID) for border. Leader will e-mail meeting place and time. Carpooling is encouraged. Link to sanctuary is www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com. Admission fees: adults, $4; children (2-14 yrs.) $2; seniors (60 yrs+), $2 (Canadian). They take cash or credit cards, but NO DEBIT CARDS. Leader: Anita Elder, 206-832-1036, (cell 206-330-8124), anita@anitaelder.com. (s8/26-11/1)

Nov. 18, Wed. - Potluck and Image Presentation 6:30 p.m. at club headquarters. Socializing begins at 6 p.m.; potluck at 6:30. Meeting and creative image show starts at 7:15 p.m. Bring a potluck dish and up to eight slides, prints or digital images of your colorful autumn photos to share. See our website, www.mountaineers.org/seattle/photography, for digital image instructions. No registration; just come and bring your photos. Guests are welcome. Leader: Herb Johnson, 206-523-4544, wherbjohn@msn.com. (s8/1-10/21)

Nov. 21, Sat. - Workshop: Photoshop Tips Join us for a four-hour seminar to learn a variety of popular Adobe Photoshop techniques. Photography Committee members will share their knowledge in an informal setting at club headquarters, beginning at 9 a.m. Fee: $5 to be collected at the door. For more details, contact William Butler, 360-668-2630. (s10/20-11/9)

Retired Rovers

Chair: Frank Sincock, 206-366-1884, fvscpamtr@hotmail.com. All Mountaineers are welcome at Retired Rovers events. For information contact the chair.

Note: In addition to events listed below our Retired Rovers also enjoy participating in Midweek Hikes and Naturalist Hikes (check those sections). If you need advice on the best hikes for you, feel free to call any of the hike leaders.

Events

Nov. 10, Tue. - Brown-Bag Lunch, Meeting and Program. 11 a.m. at club headquarters. Bring your own lunch and we will provide coffee and tea. Enjoy lunch with your friends or meet new ones. Our program will include pictures taken by Matt Fleming, of Columbus, Ohio, while backpacking the Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier in August of this year. This will be presented by our own Frank Sincock, who provided some of the logistics for this hiker, and he will include interesting information about Fleming’s background and prior hiking trips.

Nov. 19, Thu. - Discovery Park. 10:30 a.m. Meet at the park visitor center by the park entrance at 3801 W. Government Way. We will take a “new” route to enjoy the forest and vistas in fall, then visit beach and lighthouse at low tide. Wear sturdy shoes and warm rain gear. Bring lunch. Call leader Pat Zeisler, 206-525-5505, for info and registration.

Dec. 1, Tue. - Bellevue Botanical Garden. 10:30 a.m. Meet at the garden’s visitor center at 12001 Main St. After garden tour, we will carpool to stroll Bellevue’s 24-acre downtown park with waterfall and half-mile promenade. We’ll stop for fast food—drink or sandwich, or bring your own. Call our Bellevue leaders for info and to register: Judy Redding, 425-881-3032, Barb Chodakauskas, 425-649-8821.

 Sailing 

Check out our website at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/sailing .

No day sails are scheduled for November as we go to press. Check The Mountaineers website for possible short-notice sails.

 Sea Kayaking 

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.

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: Looking for a volunteer!

Lodges/ELC: Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405, eldonball@juno.com

Dancing: Karen Ludwig, 206-484-9187, karenludwig2000@yahoo.com

Outings

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 then recording trip reports on the website or leading two trail work parties. Permits will be awarded for the season following participation. 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. Thanks.

Hikes

Leaders needed for hikes or outings in January. By Nov. 25, contact Jerry Wheeler, 206-242-9344, born2hike@hotmail.com.

Oct. 31, Sat. - Sun Top Lookout (S) (Greenwater) 11 mi., 2600’ gain. Meet 7 a.m. at S. Renton P&R, S. Grady Way & Shattuck Ave. S. 1/3 hr. We will drive part of the road to shorten the trip to 8 mi. Brian Carpenter, 206-324-6140, brianc110@earthlink.net. (s10/15-10/29)

Nov. 8, Sun. - E. Fork Foss River (EM) (Skykomish/Stevens Pass) 10 mi., 600’ gain. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Brickyard P&R, I-405, exit 22 (NE 160th St.), W. side. 1/3 Hr. Lawrence Landauer, 425-844-4330, lawrenceglennlandauer@yahoo.com. (s10/26-11/5) AL

Nov. 14, Sat. - Tiger Mtn. Five Summits Car Shuttle (VS) (IATC Tiger Mtn.) 15 mi., 3000’ gain. Meet 8 a.m. at Tibbett’s P&R, I-90, Exit 15, go S. three blocks, turn left at Newport Way, turn right after a short block to Tibbetts (S. across the street from the Metro P&R) Lawrence Landauer, 425-844-4330, lawrenceglennlandauer@yahoo.com. (s11/2-11/12)

Nov. 22, Sun. - Annette Lake (M) (Snoqualmie Pass) 7.5 mi., 1700’ gain. Meet 9:30 a.m. at TH. 1 hr. Perhaps it won’t have started snowing seriously yet. Nice, moderate, late-season hike. Serious snow will cancel. Robert Pankl, 206-729-0162, pankl@earthlink.net. (s11/12-11/19) SCO

Nov. 28, Sat. - Wallace Falls Loop (M) (Index) 7 mi., 1700’ gain. Meet 9:30 a.m. at Wallace Falls SP. 1 hr. Jerry Wheeler, 206-242-9344, born2hike@hotmail.com. (s11/16-11/24) WHFL

Social

Weekly events

Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25, Wed. - Evening Outdoor Inline Skate Wednesdays at 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. Mark Olsoe, 206-937-7454, mark.e.olsoe@boeing.com.

Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 & 27, Fri. - Eastside Indoor Tennis for Intermediates and Above 7 p.m. at Robinswood Tennis Center, 2400 151st Pl. S.E., Bellevue. Join us for a Friday evening of intermediate-and-beyond level of doubles tennis. Limit 12. Skill level is 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. Fee: $11 members, $12 others. Cancellation fee: $5. Call 425-452-7690 for directions. Questions? Greg, 425-828-8590, or Fay, 206-281-5029; Gregory Kidd, 425-828-8590, Gregory.Kidd@comcast.net. (s9/21-10/28)

Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21 & 28, Sat. - Green Lake Walk Meet 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, we will lunch at a nearby restaurant. No registration. Questions? Contact Karen Nordal , 206-366-2736, knordal@mac.com.

Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 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). Price: $4 with Mountaineers card, $5 without. Guests with waiver on file at club headquarters may play. Gym shoes required. Questions? Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405, eldonball@juno.com. No registration.

Other events

Oct. 30, Fri. - Halloween Rock & Roll Dance. This is the big one! Join Ron Bolin, the Dancin’ DJ, for one of Seattle’s most popular annual parties (400 people attended last year). There will be great prizes for the best costumes. About 90 percent come in costume, but nice, casual attire is fine. You don’t have to know any dance steps to have a great time. Dance from 9 p.m. to midnight to great hits of the ’60s and beyond, plus some Halloween favorites! Hourly mixers will give you a chance to meet many new people. Tonight’s dance is BYOB and is open to everyone of ages 21 and over. Admission is $9 with Mountaineers card, $12 without, at the door. Bring treats to share! Please note special location: Magnuson Community Center, 7110 62nd Ave. N.E., Seattle (in Magnuson Park). For details contact Karen, 206-484-9187, karenludwig2000@yahoo.com, or visit www.dbmechanic.com/dances/rock.htm.

Nov. 13, Fri. - Games Night & Snacks 7 p.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., #3. Bring a snack or beverage (with cups) to share and a game if you wish. No registration. Eldon Ball, 206-366-8405, eldonball@juno.com.

Nov. 20, Fri., Rock & Roll Dance Gary’s Tunes will be the DJ at the Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98125. (2 blks. W. of Lake City Way) At 8 p.m. Gary will teach a free beginner’s West Coast swing lesson. Charles McGlone will be doing a special West Coast swing dance performance with Sandi Stewart. Then we’ll turn the lights down and turn on special party lights for dancing from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. to a mix of rock & roll, swing, Latin, nightclub two-step, country and waltz music. You don’t have to know any dance steps to have a great time! Open to everyone. Please bring a snack item to share. This could be as simple as a bag of chips, cookies, fruit, veggies, a dessert, etc. Price: $9 with Mountaineers card, $12 without. For details or to volunteer call Karen, karenludwig2000@yahoo.com, 206-484-9187. Information online at www.dbmechanic.com/dances/rock.htm.

Snowshoeing

Website: http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/snowshoe

Co-chairs: Linda Sheehan, lindasean1@hotmail.com; Susan Murphy, smurph1@comcast.net

General student questions: Larry Metzger, snowdog.48@hotmail.com

Lectures and leader development: Larry Metzger, snowdog48@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

Webmaster: Johnny Jeans, jjmtnjoys@yahoo.com

Courses

This winter we offer two Snowshoe Lite Courses, the Winter Skills Course, the Winter Camping Course, and the Winter Travel certificate. Registration will be open Nov. 16-Dec. 29.

Snowshoe Lite Course

The Snowshoe Lite Course is designed for Mountaineers members and non-members, ages 14 and up, who want a solid introduction to snowshoeing skills. In one evening lecture and one weekend day outing, students learn to travel safely on snowshoes in easy terrain, select and use proper equipment and clothing, where to go, what to rent, and how to choose the right outing for their skill level.

Snowshoe Lite Session #1:

Lecture - Tue., Jan. 5, 7-9:30 p.m. at club headquarters.

Field trips - Either Sat., Jan. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., or Sun., Jan. 17, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Stevens Pass. Students will register separately for ONE of the lectures and ONE of the field trips. Carpooling is mandatory.

Snowshoe Lite Session #2:

Lecture: Mon., Jan 11, 7-9:30 pm, at club headquarters.

Field trips: Either Sat., Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., or Sun.. Jan. 24, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Stevens Pass. Students will register separately for ONE of these lectures and ONE of these field trips. Carpooling is mandatory.

Course fees: $50 for Mountaineers members; $65 for non-members.

Winter Skills Course

The Winter Skills Course is for Mountaineers who want to learn to travel safely on snowshoes in moderate and strenuous terrain where necessary skills include avalanche awareness, using ice axes, avalanche beacons, and building emergency shelters. Students must be Mountaineers members and have graduated from the Snowshoe Lite Course or possess equivalent experience. The course offers one evening lecture and one weekend day outing. After course completion, graduates will be eligible to participate in more strenuous club snowshoe tours with confidence. They will also be eligible to enroll in American Avalanche Association level training.

Lecture - Wed., Feb. 3, 7-9:30 p.m., at club headquarters.

Field trip - Sat., Feb. 6. Mountaineers Snoqualmie Campus

Course fee: $60

Winter Camping Course

The Winter Camping Course is designed for Mountaineers members who want to make the most of winter by knowing how to camp overnight in the snow and how to avoid survival situations. Learn to camp safely and comfortably in snow, and use survival skills to spend the night in severe weather. Students learn to identify safe campsites, build snow shelters, stay overnight in a snow cave, stay warm and dry, and have fun.

Lecture - Wed., Feb. 10, 7-9:30 p.m., at club headquarters.

Weekend field trip - Feb. 20-21, Mt. Baker ski area.

Course fee: $50

At their own expense, students may choose to stay Friday night, Feb. 19, at The Mountaineers Mt. Baker Lodge. Register at www.mountaineers.org/lodge/baker. The Winter Travel certificate may be earned by completing the Winter Skills Course, the Basic Navigation Course and participate in a minimum of three Mountaineers snowshoe tours, two of which must be rated either Moderate (M) or Strenuous (S). Submit applications by March 19, 2010.

Under the Hill Rovers

Youth Committee

The Youth Committee is a Mountaineers acitivity open to all youths, ages 14 and up. Its purpose is to provide outdoor experience through activities such as hiking, scrambling, backpacking, rafting, climbing, etc., for all interested youths. It is currently being restructured. If interested in helping reshape this program, contact Leonard Russell, 206 325-1310, leonardr@mountaineers.org, or Sunny Remington, 206-354-8518, sunny9@u.washington.edu.

 

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