BULLETIN January/2014 • Vol. 96 • No. 1 The Mazamas promotes mountaineering through education, climbing, hiking, fellowship, safety and the protection of mountain environments.
nesika klatawa sahale— we climb high
Ice in the Gorge!
SPECIAL ICE CLIMBING & HIKING ISSUE! Pages
8–10 & 16–26.
Steve Heikkila on Crown Jewel. Photo: Wim Aarts
In this Issue
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Monthly Columns p. 5 Volunteer Opportunities p. 11 Programs p. 12 AYM Activities p. 12 Lodge News & Notes p. 12 Mazama Benefits p. 13 Old Timers p. 14 Video of the Month p. 24 Trail Trips p. 28 Outings p. 31 Membership Report p. 31 Executive Council Notes
Features p. 7 The 70-year Road Trip Continues p. 8 A Frozen Jewel p. 9 Gorge Ice p. 15 Getting S.M.A.R.T. in 2014 p. 16 Special Hiking Section p. 16 Let’s Hike p. 17 Get Dirty, Try Trail Tending p. 18 Mazama Street Rambles p. 19 Beyond the 10 Essentials p. 20 Hike Leader: Richard Getgen p. 20 Larch Mountain Crater p. 21 Hiking as a Life-Changing Experience p. 22 Get Your Kids on a Hike p. 23 Winter Hiking Blues p. 26 Book Review: Backpacker & Hiker’s Handbook
Cover Image: Climb on the side of the Trans Canadian Highway while waiting for the roads to clear. Photo: Andrew Holman.
Todd Eddie on Mist Falls. Photo: Topher Dabrowski
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Upcoming Events and Classes Expedition Training Course
AR Applications Due
Jan. 6., Application deadline
Jan. 21
Advanced Rock (AR) Assistant Update Session
Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) Information Night
Jan 9.; 6–9 p.m. at the MMC
Basic Rock Skills–Rock Review Jan. 17; 6 p.m. at the MMC
Jan. 23, 7 p.m. at the MMC
Monthly New Member and Volunteer Orientation Night Jan. 29, 7 p.m. at the MMC
BCEP Leader Orientation Feb. 21; 6–9 p.m. at the MMC
AR Assistant Update Session Feb. 27; 6–9 p.m. at the MMC
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Executive Director’s Report Focusing on Relevancy: A Recipe for Success In early 2007, shortly after starting my employment with Mazamas as your Membership Services Manager, I was talking with lifetime member Vera DaFoe about the history of relevancy at Mazamas. She made the point that decades ago if you lived in our part of the Northwest and you wanted to climb mountains, the Mazamas were one of the only places you could go to get the information, training and partners you needed. Back in the 60s and 70s we had a virtual monopoly on the training, people (partners) and services an aspiring mountaineer needed to be successful. The focus of my conversation with Vera, who founded the Mazamas wonderful museum at the MMC, was really about our information services and how the inexpensive availability of guidebooks and training books, as well as online resources were making our library and archives less relevant. She also pointed out that there were now many more organizations, even just in Portland, teaching mountaineering skills and taking people out on their first trips than there were in 1970. Vera’s case statement was that this lack of relevancy was why our membership hadn’t grown in over 30 years. (Mazama membership in March of 1977 was 2,715 and in May of 2007 it was 2,760). As a percentage of population, she pointed out that our membership had actually been decreasing. Today, the Mazamas are growing again and membership is nearing the 3,500 mark. In large part this is due to increased communications with our members and also due to increasing the number and diversity of classes and events we hold annually. Fundamentally though, relevancy is still a major area of risk and opportunity for the Mazamas. At the December
Contact Us Mazama Mountaineering Center 527 SE 43rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97215 Phone: 503-227-2345 Email: adventure@mazamas.org Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m–7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mazama Lodge 30500 West Leg Road, Government Camp, OR 97028 Phone: 503-272-9214 Email: mazama.lodge@mazamas.org Hours: Thu. noon—Mon. noon
Executive Council meeting I discussed our annual staff goals with the board, and we looked critically at these goals in regard to our mission and strategic plan. The major theme of that discussion centered on ensuring that our human (staff and volunteers), as well as financial resources, are being focused on the most important areas of work for the Mazamas. Most of our staff goals are focus on increasing our program capacity so that when we receive new members we can easily find the right programs to meet their needs and engage them in relevant volunteer projects. We’re also continuing our efforts to engage more with the community and are working to improve the value of membership through events and several non-profit partnerships. Our primary areas of focus for the year ahead are investments in information systems, leadership development (in a broad sense—not just activity leaders), financial systems and resources and stewardship (both of the organization and public lands). Through all of this we need to be thinking about relevancy. Providing the right resources and services is contingent on us understanding what our prospective, new and old members want. To understand our program relevancy we start with trying to understand our prospective members. If we think about those individuals that are interested in mountaineering, or a related sport, and ask what they need to become successful alpinists we can create
something like a recipe for success. My current understanding of this recipe is this; in order to climb mountains safely throughout your lifetime and truly enjoy it you need these things, usually in this order: 1st: Training and Mentorship: Creating competent alpinists requires skills training and mentorship through your early experiences in the mountains so that you not only build a breadth of knowledge about how to move safely in the mountains, but you start to learn how to asses risk, to understand objective dangers and when to turn around. Our education programs and most of our activity programs provide training and mentorship
Providing the right resources and services is contingent on us understanding what our prospective, new and old members want.
Mazama Staff Lee Davis—Executive Director (lee@mazamas.org) Kati Mayfield—Volunteer Manager (kati@mazamas.org) Adam Baylor—Stewardship & Communications Manager (adam@mazamas.org) Sarah Bradham—Marketing & Publications Manager (sarah@mazamas.org) Jamie Anderson—Member Services Manager (jamie@mazamas.org) Rick Craycraft—MMC Facility Manager (rick@mazamas.org) Charles Barker—Mazama Lodge Manager (mazama.lodge@mazamas.org) Amanda Richards—Mazama Lodge Caretaker (caretaker@mazamas.org)
through our members first few years of activity in the mountain environment. This represents the core of our operations at the Mazamas. 2nd: Information: Even with the right skills and mentors we all need current and accurate information to go hiking, scrambling, climbing, skiing or on expeditions. Guidebooks, current route information, maps, how-to books and inspirational stories are all required to get us going. This time of year we see many of continued on next page
MAZAMA (USPS 334-780)
Editor: Sarah Bradham (mazama.bulletin@ mazamas.org). Advertising (mazama.ads@mazamas. org). Subscription: $15 per year. Bulletin material may be emailed to the editor. Paper submissions will be accepted only by prior arrangement with the Bulletin’s editor. All material for printing is due by noon on the 14th of the preceding month. If the 14th falls on a weekend, the deadline is the preceding Friday. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, OR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MAZAMAS, 527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97215. The Executive Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members. The Mazamas is a 501(c)(3) Oregon nonprofit corporation organized on the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894. The Mazama Bulletin is printed on recycled paper with 10 percent post-consumer content. The Mazamas is an equal opportunity provider.
Executive Director Report, continued from previous page you strolling down to the library and visiting our website to research or find inspiration for your next trip. Mazamas also promotes scientific research through a grants program to increase the breadth of available information. 3rd: Access: Once you have the skills, partners/mentors and information you need to actually get TO the trailhead and find the mountain, trail or crag open for recreation. If the road is washed out or closed, if there is a new permit required that you weren’t aware of or if the entire resource is closed, say due to a government shutdown or legal dispute, you don’t get to recreate in the mountains. Ensuring our members have access to the places they want to go recreate is key. 4th: Conservation: Finally, even with skills, mentorship, partners, information AND easy access to public lands when we get out there, we expect and actually need the mountain environment to be pristine, healthy and beautiful. Ensuring the health and sustained beauty of the alpine environment both for ourselves and our children is critical to the relevancy of not just the Mazamas but all forms of alpine recreation. We specifically go to these remote high mountain environments to experience their pristine beauty, to see flora, fauna and geology largely untouched by mankind. As Vera pointed out though, these days the Mazamas is far from the only place you can go to obtain or ensure these four things. Commercial guiding companies, shops, climbing gyms and schools are responding quickly to the increase in popularity of climbing with more outside classes and organized trips. Most of us these days also do half or more of our information gathering online, and we all know we can go to Powell’s or Amazon.com and get the latest guidebook for just a few dollars. Organizations like the Access Fund, Outdoor Alliance and the Wilderness Society are making a name for themselves
in working to ensure access to public lands, and all of us are aware of the huge diversity of organizations dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our environment. Strategically, the Mazamas long term success lies in ensuring that we’re the very best place to go to either obtain or ensure that these four basic ingredients are supported. We can’t be all things to all people, but we can and should be the place that prospective mountaineers in our region go to first for training, mentorship and information, and to ensure their voice is heard around access and conservation of the mountains. I’m excited every month to see our increase in membership because it means to me that we’re doing the right things and we’re becoming more relevant. I want to thank you all for continuing your memberships into 2014 and for supporting our mission. In the year ahead you’ll be seeing much more information about our development strategies to improve our relevancy. We already know that we will be investing heavily in program development (Training and Mentorship), IT systems (Information) and Stewardship (Access and Conservation). In order to aggressively pursue these strategies of improvement we will need your continued help and support. Thank you,
Lee Davis Executive Director
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Volunteer Opportunities
by Kati Mayfield • Volunteer Manager • kati@mazamas.org
Publications Committee Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. Your Publications Committee is charged with preparing, editing and publishing all four of our Mazama publications: the Bulletin, Online Bulletin, Mazama Annual and Directory. This year we plan to continue making changes to our publications to make them more readerfriendly, interesting and colorful. We will contnue the special topic issues of the Mazama Bulletin a few times each year and will be looking for special contributors. Come help us in these endeavors. Join us at our next meeting if you are interested, you will be more than welcome! Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month.
Risk Management Committee Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.
at the MMC. Contact Mazama. firstaid@ mazamas.org, for more information or to rsvp.
Expedition Committee Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Support the adventurers! Help review expedition committee applications and determine grant recipients. Also help plan and/or assist with skill-builder classes (crevasse rescue, snow camping, wilderness navigation). New committee members can take our classes for free! Join us for our next meeting, or contact Ron Fridell, ron.fridell@comcast.net.
Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) Info Night January 23, 7 p.m. at the MMC Are you looking to take your hiking or backpacking skills off trail so that you can scale the heights of the mountain peaks? Perhaps you are in good physical shape and would like to learn the fundamentals of alpine climbing? Are you looking to connect with other like minded-people? If any of these fit what you are looking for, the Mazama Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) may be just for you. The class is very popular and often sells out. In fact, the class is so beloved that many graduates return to give back and improve their own skills. Get more info at tinyurl.com/mazamasbcep.
Education Committee
Request For Proposal
The Risk Management Committee works to keep Mazamas safe in the mountains. The committee meets monthly to review incidents that occur during Mazama activities and to develop strategic plans to prevent incidents. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Mazama activities and/or experience in risk assessment and analysis. Contact Sandra Volk, svolk55@ gmail.com, or join us the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
The Education Committee is looking for someone to assist with maintaining, updating and analyzing results of online forms used for class registration and evaluation. Prior experience with online forms would be a plus but is not required. We will provide training in the use of the software. Contact education@ mazamas.org.
Strategic Plan Committee Thursday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m.
Do you love native plants? Come plant with Portland Parks and Recreation at River View Natural Area to improve the ecological health of this area, Saturday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m.–noon. Tools, gloves and snacks provided. To register, contact Stewardship Coordinator Mary Verrilli at mary.verrilli@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-9423. Registration is required and space is limited so reserve your spot today! This is a family-friendly event.
The Mazama Research Committee is now accepting proposals for possible funding in the spring of 2014. The Mazamas are dedicated to the exploration and preservation of mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest. Mazama activities include gathering and disseminating scientific information concerning the natural features of mountains, forests, rivers and lakes. Investigations of geologic features, biotic communities, and human endeavors pertaining to the enjoyment and safety of outdoor recreation are all relevant research topics. The Request for Proposal instructions can be found here: http://www.mazamas.org/your/ adventure/starts-here/research-grants.
Strategy is sexy! Help shape the strategic initiatives that support our mission by joining the Strategic Plan Committee. Members help with the implementation of the strategic plan by collaborating and cooperating with members of the Executive Council and other committees. If you have a background in strategic planning or organizational change management, OR if you are interested in developing these skills, join us at our next meeting. Email Paul Steger, acting chair, with questions, paulsteger@q.com.
First Aid Committee Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. If you have a medical background or if you’d like to learn about wilderness medicine, we want YOU for the Mazama First Aid committee. The Committee is currently looking for volunteers to support the February MFA course and to help the committee get organized for 2014. Join us for a volunteer open house on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
Partner Opportunities Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m. Join the Trailkeepers of Oregon in supporting your local trails by helping to improve a section of trail at Jenkins Estate in southwest Beaverton. Learn to design, install, and check dams and drainage structures on a trail that is becoming badly eroded. Learn about trail design, support your local trails and have fun! No prior trail work experience is needed. TKO provides the tools, safety equipment, and instruction. The work party is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the picnic shelters near the Camp Rivendale section of the Estate. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/tkosignup.
Winter Climb Leaders The Mazamas has a limited supply of avalanche beacons available for use by the ICS, Ski Mountaineering and winter climbs. If you plan to lead a winter climb, please check beacons out only as needed for specific dates and not for the entire season. Thank you.
MAZAMA Bulletin
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January/2014—5
Photo credits: © 2013 John Granen.
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The 70-Year Road Trip Continues By Adam Baylor
I first met Fred Beckey on a trip to the North Cascades to climb the West Face of North Early Winters Spire in 2011. Fred originally climbed the route in 1965 with Dave Beckstead and 47 years later he was on the road again to revisit the mighty granite spire. This first interaction with Mr. Beckey would have a lasting impression on me. The constant climber and genius writer was still going for it after all these years. How could he remember so much about his climbs? The immense details of the moves, approaches and descents boggle the mind. I now realize that this is one of the many effects of a 70-year road trip and especially one with high-elevation destinations. Another effect of the 70-year road trip is having a grand list of climber dirtbag friends throughout the Western States that one can call on to climb with and ask for a place to stay. After the Washington Pass road trip and a jaunt to Squamish, Fred called me about a trip to the Dolomites in spring of 2013. I’d somehow made his dirtbag list but couldn’t join him on the trip to Italy. However, I did promise a trip to Smith Rock at some unknown point in time. Not much of a trade-off but a promise nonetheless. As the 2013 holiday season approached and my voice mail and email inboxes showed messages from Beckey, I thought that I needed to stay true to my word and go climb at Smith Rock. The road trip continues. It’s an honor to spend time with the legend, with the man who has more first ascents than any human ever. There at Smith Rock after a slow, quiet and sunny hike into the canyon, we reached the base of the climb. Fred’s hands and footwork broke through time and joined a natural order of the rock. He is at home near the elemental and that is the whole point of the road trip, a constant returning to a beginning. I feel lucky to be able to add a few observations of this lifelong adventure. Fred is generous, which must be another effect of the 70-year road trip. The cosmic reward of giving to others has probably helped him along the way. In just the short time that I’ve known Fred, his generosity is obvious whether he’s asking if
Another day in the sun as Fred Beckey climbs some welded tuff at Smith Rock on November 30, 2013. Photo: Jarib Porter.
Fred told me once after a bit of climbing in Squamish, “don’t do it if you’re not having fun.”
you’d like more food or unknowingly giving you sage advice about climbing. Fred told me once after a bit of climbing in Squamish, “don’t do it if you’re not having fun.” I do believe that advice is road-tested. Fred started climbing when he was 17 and never looked back. Colin Haley, who joined Fred on the Dolomite’s trip last spring, said it best that “These are hands that have climbed ten times more rock than Chris Sharma, feet that have kicked Fred Beckey hikes into the canyon at Smith Rock with Picnic Lunch Wall in the up ten times more ice than Will Gadd and legs that have background on November 30, 2013. Photo: crossed ten times more crevasses and bergschrunds than Ueli Adam Baylor. Steck.” At 90 years old, Fred made it to Smith Rock again and climbed some volcanic mud. Fred eloquently describes in the foreword to his latest book, 100 Favorite North American Climbs, his early days of mountaineering and his attraction to wild places. He writes that “While standing on the summit and surveying the surroundings with a sense of awe, I felt a kinship with the noble, almost unbelievable peaks and tumbling glaciers.” The 70-year road trip and Fred’s mastery of mountaineering is absolutely inspiring. Now get out there and climb! This “trip report” was published with consent of Fred Beckey. His 100 Favorite North American Climbs is available at Powell’s Books, or in the Mazama Library.
January/2014—7
A Frozen Jewel by Wim Aarts
The Crown Jewel is the waterfall that plummets down the cliffs to the East of Crown Point. Once you’ve seen it frozen over, it’s something that any ice climber cannot resist. From the very first time I saw this gem with an ice sheet, I had the idea that some day ... Unfortunately, our climate is not exactly like Cody or Hyalite Canyon,Wyo. or the infamous Ouray Box Canyon, Colo., which have secure ice every winter and can be relied upon for ice climbing trips. I’ve probably seen the Gorge ice conditions in good shape four or five times in the 17 years I’ve lived in Portland. As a long-time alpine ice climber, at first I did not feel confident enough to lead natural water ice. Being introduced to Ouray in 2000 and fairly regularly returning there to build my steep ice climbing skills, I have become more confident in the skills needed to safely lead this type of ice. Of course the stretches of deep freeze needed for setting up good conditions are often relatively short and timing is of the essence. You can imagine how desperate I got when the ideal weekend for Gorge ice fell right on the Intermediate Climbing School avalanche class weekend that I was already
committed to assisting. Turns out that the choice to take Tuesday, Dec. 10 off to climb the Crown Jewel likely was a perfect when I saw the meager bushes that they match. Folks were still posting that the ice had slung I knew I was not going to rappel was either not too fat or that due to the from those sticks. I set a solid three-point very cold temperatures on the weekend, the ice screw anchor, backed that up with the ice was shattering into dinner plates. Two sturdiest stems I could find and gave the compadres-in-crime, Leora Gregory and rest of the team the “belay-on” signal. Steve Heikkila, also thought that a Tuesday Turns out that the re-direct and heading wasted hanging on some cold, wet medium over to the exit gully had increased friction was really the best thing to do. in such a fashion that Steve climbed up The team was set, a time was arranged, twice and I did not manage to pull the rope and off we went. Doing the research and slack out. Fortunately I was able to pull almost continuously scanning Facebook, Leora’s strand and after she climbed up a Cascade Climbers and all other possible ways and removed some of the intermediate resources for chatter on conditions yielded protection, Steve’s rope strand started a surprising result. A team had climbed the moving as well. This was very well handled Crown Jewel on Dec. 8 and posted a trip by both following climbers, since at that report on Cascade Climbers. The weather point I had no visible contact with them. forecast was for considerable warming Being a bit late in the day and seeing the towards the evening and we wanted to temperature going over freezing for the last get the climb done early. Well, early is a hours of our climb, we admired the rappel matter of definition: Leora got stuck in setup of our predecessors and decided to Hillsboro traffic, we both managed to get in walk off the climb. The main reasons for the Portland morning commute, picked up this were the marginal quality of anchor Steve and left the Rooster Rock parking lot material as well as the conditions that on foot at the bright alpine hour of 10 a.m. had become increasingly wet and warm. We walked across I-84 on the ramp, Now that is of course always easier said ignoring the highway sign that clearly stated than done in the Gorge. After another 45 wrong way, and on to the start of the ice minutes of steep Gorge moss climbing we climb. Coming in view and hiking up to the ended up on the old scenic highway and climb, the Jewel did not disappoint. There trotted towards Crown Point. was still water flowing under the ice and Rumor had it, according to Tim Olson’s the edges were not exactly the best place to NW Oregon Rock, that there is a steep climb, unless you really like cold and wet gully to the west of Crown Point that you conditions; however there was a nice fully can use for the descent. It is steep indeed formed fat ice-line through the middle. and of course exists of frozen mud. We still Having the most experience in ice felt that this was the better alternative and leading it was agreed that I would put the dicey rappel anchor we left unused. On up the lead and Leora and Steve would a good note, the gully does not cliff out and follow on half ropes. Feeling strong and dropped us 500 ft. from our starting point in the groove I led pitch two up to a large on the train tracks. ice ramp and to my surprise found that Tired but very satisfied and happy with the remaining third of a rope length was the climb of the Crown Jewel we picked very wet. I ended up redirecting the rope up Leora’s and Steve’s packs and made and climbing an easier gully to the west, our way back to the car. We agreed that it probably not too much drier, but since it was a Portland adventure of a lifetime and was easier, it certainly was faster to climb. when such an opportunity can be put into After getting up to the exit gully proper practice some moss scrambling and frozen and finding a flat spot for an anchor, I mud scaling is a price worth paying. Watch spotted the rappel anchor the climbers on for the next freeze; you might just find us Cascade Climbers had mentioned. I leave looking for the next ice waterfall to scale. all judgment up to the eye-of-the-beholder: Leora Gregory climbing the exit gully. Photo: Wim Aarts Wim Aarts leading pitch 2 on Crown Jewel. Photo: Leora Gregory
Gorge Ice by Topher Dabrowski
Although this is only my second winter in Portland, I know the drill fairly well when the temperatures head south of freezing for a relatively semi-extended period here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s pretty much the same operation up in Seattle, my previous haunt on my “tour du planet earth.” So in anticipation of the local region revisiting the Cryogenian Period this winter I took careful note of the potential waterfalls which might freeze into suspended motion and offer up a place for us to punctuate our pointy bits. Returning from a Thanksgiving climbing trip to Red Rocks Canyon we were greeted by great news. The weather bureau had announced that starting December 3 Portland and surrounding regions were under a cold weather advisory. We would be experiencing sub-zero (think metric folks) temperatures over the next week and this meant one important thing for climbers … Gorge ice might just be coming early this year! The Monday of freeze week we started with some moderate precipitation that would help provide some hydration to the seeps since we hadn’t seen much in November and our fall had been quite dry and pleasant. By Tuesday evening the temps really began to fall but I had to fly out of town to an even colder Minneapolis so I wasn’t able to track the formation of routes as closely as I wanted. However, the fever or should I say freeze for ice routes caught on quickly with the local climbing community and via text, Facebook and the forums I was able to keep up on what was forming and might be ready for the weekend. During my flight back to Portland on Friday morning I received a text and picture from Jason Lee showing him climbing ice somewhere in the Gorge. A bit of prying and inquiry and I discovered he was at Mist Falls with Hannah Seebach making quick work of the offerings and getting laps in on the frozen ramps. With my flight scheduled to arrive around 1 p.m. I quickly texted Laura Pigion to see if she was free that afternoon: Me: Ice911 Me: Looks like Jason and Hannah have found some early frozen goodies in the Gorge Me: Flight lands ~1 p.m. Me: Can you schedule an offsite meeting and pick me up at PDX? Me: Bring ice gear Sure enough Laura rearranged her schedule around these priorities and headed to the airport to meet me with a slew of gear loaded in her van. Mist Falls is a popular and fairly reliable area for Gorge ice and forms up relatively quickly when the temperatures are right since the waterfall is fairly low in volume and gets blown about by even slight breezes. This creates a misting effect over the rocks below and the water freezes easily over a large area providing ample lines which can accommodate a number of groups. After arriving at the trailhead off we suited up and made a quick approach to the base. Once there we bumped into Todd Eddie Photos (from upper right) by Topher Dabrowski: running about, camera in hand Todd Eddie, camera man and ice climber, on Mist Falls. and snapping photos of what was Todd Eddie strapping in for 70m of technical steepness. forming; this is what ice fever does Base of Mist Falls, Laura Pigion putting her crampons on. to climbers. He didn’t have any gear
Gorge Ice, continued from previous page with him since he was returning from a work trip in Eastern WA or he could have joined us. With the light fading I started up a line on the left side of the formation and we ended up finishing the day by headlamp. On the drive out to Mist Falls I noticed that some of the lines across the river near Cape Horn looked interesting. A few days later Todd and I found ourselves standing at the base of Catch of the Day in the early morning light. A super setting places this route right next to the Columbia River. The line itself was rather steep for the first 80-100 ft. and from the base to the anchor it’s a full 70m. Todd did an excellent job leading and reading the ice given its thin nature. Stubbies (10cm screws) are the name of the game for early Gorge ice and this route definitely epitomized that fact. We felt this route was in a WI5 condition for the lower section and WI3 for the upper section. A good tree belay can be found up top.
Unfortunately our cold spell ended so soon but that’s how it is in these parts. We were fortunate to get what we did and it was great to see so many climbers and Mazamas out playing on the various frozen landscapes for the weekend. A number of climbers did get on Crown Jewel, including Steve Heikkila who I believe made the final ascent before things really began melting out. Gorge ice is fickle and it’s easy to get caught up in the fervor of getting out and climbing before it’s gone. When ice forms quickly, like it did in this last cold spell, be aware that these routes will be thin and much different than climbing at Ouray or the Rockies, where ice has plenty of time to consolidate and grow thick. Gorge ice can tend to be more technical, sparse on pro and require tight technique. Climb safe and have fun.
Right: Frozen gear demonstrates the conditions on Mist Falls. Topher Dabrowski on Mist Falls as the mist continues to fall from above. Photos: Todd Eddie
Evening Programs Programs are held at the MMC (527 SE 43rd Avenue) and begin at 7 p.m. Shows are free and open to Mazama members and the general public. We do appreciate a voluntary contribution at the discretion of each attendee. Carpooling, public transportation, biking and walking to the MMC are encouraged. Thank you for supporting our successful series by your regular attendance. Program Committee: Nancy Bentley, Dave Grodle, John Leary, Sharon Leary, Gail O’Neill, Barbara Russell, Rick Russell and Paul Winther.
Trekking in the Mustang Region of Nepal: January 8 The region of Mustang lies north of the main Himalayan range in the area known as the transHimalaya. Called “Lo” by the locals, Mustang was only opened to trekkers in March 1992. The Tibetan influenced area north of Kagbeni is known as Upper Mustang. A vast high valley, arid and dry, it has a barren desert-like appearance similar to the Tibetan Plateau and is characterized by eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. Mustang was once an important route for crossing the Himalaya between Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang. Join Joe Whittington and his group as they trek for twelve days and experience the wonders of the architecture, language, culture and traditions which are almost purely Tibetan in this onceupon-a-time mystical kingdom.
Mountains and Nomads: Climbing, Hiking, and the Cultures of Central Asia: January 15 Central Asian cultures are as diverse as the landscape of the region. The five former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are host to many ethnic groups from the Tajiks and Turks to Siberian peoples whose languages and cultures overlap and diverge, depending on the mountain ranges they inhabit. The remote mountain valleys are still host to the seminomadic herdsmen whose families live in yurts during the summer months while they graze their sheep, ride horses and drink fermented mares’ milk as they have for millennia. It is here that the wide-open arid grassland plains of the Asian Steppe, including the fertile Ferghana Valley, dramatically bump into the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains whose peaks soar to over 24,000 feet. These peaks and the big wall climbing in the Karavshin Valley have attracted world class climbers including Alex Lowe, Lynn Hill, Conrad Anchor and Tommy Caldwell, among others. Eric Brainich lived in Kyrgyzstan for four years and worked, travelled, and climbed throughout the Central Asian ‘stan countries. Join him for this rare adventure with a look at the culture and history of the region along with selected hikes, climbs, and a tour of some of the ancient cities and caravansaries along the Silk Route.
Climbing in Alaska’s Stikine Ice Cap: January 22 In August 2013 Katie Mills and her team took a helicopter into the Stikine Ice Cap in Alaska and climbed an elusive 50 Classic, the East Ridge of the Devil’s Thumb. They will be presenting photos and videos of the climb as well as sharing what they learned from the newly offered Mazamas Alpine Climbing Class and how they prepared to realize this goal.
Trekking In Jordan: January 29 Ranked by National Geographic as one of the 15 best hikes in the world, Donovan Pacholl—owner of Embark Adventures & Expeditions—will share his experiences trekking to Petra, the historical and archeological treasure of Jordan. Taking a 50-mile remote Bedouin trail, Pacholl will highlight what it’s like approaching Petra from the backdoor: a unique route to access the ancient Nabatean city. Additionally, he will share pictures and experiences trekking in the desert of Wadi Rum, also known as Valley of the Moon, made famous by T.E. Lawrence in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. This talk will also highlight the city of Amman, the Dead Sea, and Mt. Nebo.
Hiking in the Julian Alps of Slovenia: February 5 In September of 2012, Dick Meissner and a friend traveled to Slovenia to hike in the Julian Alps. Slovenia is situated in the northwest corner of former Yugoslavia. The Julian Alps border Italy and Austria, and are not as developed as those in Western Europe. We spent eight nights in the small village of Mojstrana at a B & B. Our hosts wrote the hiking guides for the area. The first few days, we did a couple of short hikes to orient. Then we went up into the higher and more scenic areas of Triglav National Park. On our non-hiking days, we visited Piran, a Venetian city on the Adriatic, and Lake Bled, a beautiful lake situated at the foothills of the Alps.
January/2014—11
AYM Activities The Adventurous Young Mazamas leads activities year round targeting those in their 20s, 30s, early 40s, and of course anyone who is “Young at Heart.” All of our activities are open to all regardless of age.
To ring in the New Year, AYM has two fun Climb Nights to choose from, as well as a Pub Night and the spectacular Winter Weekend! Mark your calendars now and check the website frequently for any additions to the schedule. Climb Nights Monday, Jan. 6—ClubSport (Tigard); 6:30–11 p.m. ($12/person)
Thursday, Jan. 16—Portland Rock Gym; 6:30–10 p.m. ($10/person) Questions about Climb Nights? Email Beth Copeland (beth.a.copeland@gmail. com). No RSVP required! Monday, Jan. 20—Pub Night: Lompoc Tavern Lompoc Tavern, 1620 NW 23rd Ave. Come join us for an evening of new friends, adventure planning, and malted beverages! This is also a great time to find out what we’re up to, plan your next adventure, and see what the Mazamas are all about in a more informal atmosphere. Bring your stories and photos from your recent adventures; extra points for pics from Mazama events. How will you find us? Look for the ice axe! Friday, Jan 24–Sunday, Jan. 26—AYM Winter Weekend! Winter Weekend is almost here! Get ready for a fun weekend out in the snow. We’ll have snowshoeing, nordic skiing and backcountry skiing at all levels. After a full day of outdoor winter fun,we’ll return to the warm and comfortable Mazama Lodge. There will be a lot of fun folks, great food, socializing, board games, late night films, sledding and camaraderie around a roaring fire—and possibly even some igloo building! Go to tinyurl.com/mazamaaym for more details. Sign up now—this event will sell out!
Membership Benefits Columbia Sportswear (911 SW Broadway) 20% Eddie Bauer (online and all locations) 40% off First Ascent Line with their Pro Discount card (see our website) Climb Max (628 NE Broadway) 10%; climb leaders 15% Icebreaker (1109 W Burnside) 10% non-sale items only Mountain Hardwear (722 SW Taylor) 15% The Mountain Shop (1510 NE 37th) 10%; 15% for climb leaders and students currently enrolled in classes; 30% on rentals
Mountaineers Books (www. mountaineersbooks.org use code MZORE) 20% Next Adventure (SE Grand and Stark) 10% Oregon Mountain Community (NE 29th and Sandy) 10% non-sale items only Portland Rock Gym (21 NE 12th) 10% off regularly-priced memberships Prana Portland (635 NW 23rd Ave.) 15% off all regularly-priced items Redpoint Climbers Supply (Terrebonne, OR) 10% U.S. Outdoor Store (219 SW Broadway) 10%
12 —Mazama Bulletin
Lodge News Manager: Charles Barker; Caretaker: Amanda Richards 503-272-9214 mazama.lodge@mazamas.org
Mazama Lodge is ready for your winter visit. Here are a few reminders when visiting Mazama Lodge this winter. 1. Mazama Lodge is open to members during the day for free. Nonmember rates (this includes guests) are $5/day or $15/family. Guests can purchase lunch for $8.40 adults/$5.25 kids—in that case we waive the day fee! 2. If you forget to bring a snow park permit we sell one and three-day snow park permits. $6 one-day/$11 three-day pass. 3. Please enter and exit through the basement to keep our lodge warm. 4. Mazama Lodge and our ski hill are pet free. 5. Hill grooming occurs every week start Dec. 27—through the end of March. Please don’t leave sleds or skis outside overnight so the groomer won’t run over your skis. 6. Have a great stay and remember we don’t require lunch reservations for groups smaller then 4. Lunch is served from Noon–1:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday on MLK Day and Presidents Day. New Years Day—A Terrific Brunch for Lunch! New Years Day Brunch is served from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Rates: Adults $8.40/kids $5.25. Wednesday, Jan. 1—Free evening program presented by wildlife biologist and thru hiker, Sage Clegg; 8 p.m. Sage was recently featured on NPR, promoting the Oregon High Desert Trail that goes from Bend to Owyhee State Park near the Snake River. Sage hiked over 850 miles in this beautiful section of Oregon. See some incredible scenery and learn about this often overlooked section of Oregon. Come early and join us for dinner too. Dinner is $12.60 and will be served at 6:30 p.m. Friday Night Sledding Every Friday night throughout the winter we will be featuring night sledding from 5–10 p.m. The one exception is Friday, Jan. 24. We have AYM using the lodge that night. Lunch at Mazama Lodge served every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (MLK and Presidents Day) • Vegetable du Jour • Hot Soup—Vegan options • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches • Whole Fruit • Rice Crispy Cookies $8.40 for Adults and $5.25 for kids.
Old Timers 25 years or more of Mazama membership Monday, Jan. 13, Noon Old Timer’s brainstorming meeting. Bring a picnic lunch and join us to discuss the future of the Old-Timer’s Committee. We will meet at noon at the MMC. Our Executive Council liaison, Kate Evans, will facilitate a conversation discussing important questions, “who are the Old Timers, and what do they want from their committee?”. This is an open conversation and anyone may join, though if you have questions or ideas that you would like to share beforehand, please communicate with Kati Mayfield, Mazama Volunteer Manager, kati@mazamas.org or 503-227-2345.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m. Join fellow Old Timers as we enjoy Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography. This special exhibit was created by the Grand Canyon Association and is being displayed at the World Forestry Center. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the World Forestry Center. Afterwards we will head over to the Zoo Grill for lunch, and then, depending on the weather, we may take a stroll in the park. Admission to the exhibit is $9 regular, $8 senior (62+). Riding the MAX is a convenient option; if you choose to drive, note that parking meters are being installed and will likely be in place at this time. No RSVP required. Contact Kate Evans, kateevans97@gmail. com, 503-635-6540, if you have questions.
Winter Climb Schedule: Dec. 1, 2013–April 30, 2014 The summer climb season may have ended on Oct. 31, but do not despair: the winter climb season is almost here! The Mazama winter climb schedule runs from Dec. 1 through April 30. The calendar is now available on-line on the website and will also be printed in subsequent Bulletins as climbs are added. Leaders will be adding climbs shortly so keep checking back for new additions. Here is the link: tinyurl.com/mazamawinterclimbs Review the winter climb schedule for details about signing up for and participating in winter climbs as they differ from summer climbs due to the uncertain nature of winter conditions. Climbs are not scheduled for a particular day; the day of the climb will be determined by the leader depending on weather and conditions. Winter climbs are bumped up a climb grade and avalanche beacons are required for all winter climbs. Thank you leaders for scheduling winter climbs and to climbers for participating. Climb safely this winter!
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Therapeutic Massage speeds recovery & improves balance LMT 16438
Eugene Lewins January/2014—13
Video of the Month This video is from Andrew Holman, and is comprised of video taken while climbing, shooting, and teaching in the mountains. Locations include: the Bugaboos (Canada), Ouray, Colo., Mazama Lodge, Mt. Shasta, Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and more. Link: https://vimeo.com/79997196
14 —Mazama Bulletin
Advanced Rock Applications Accepted DEC. 2–JAN. 21 Applications will be accepted soon for the Mazama Advanced Rock/ Beginning Trad (AR) class. AR runs from March–May 2014. Learn more at tinyurl.com/MazamaAR. The class consists of: • Series of 11 lectures given by knowledgeable speakers with hands-on demos or exercises where appropriate. • Eight weekend field sessions coordinated by skilled, experienced climbers. • Opportunities to meet new and experienced rock climbers. • An invitation to two to four rock climbing outings (spring through fall); no climb card required. • A chance to learn about local climbing areas. • Involvement in a supportive group that will facilitate learning new skills and challenging yourself through climbing. • FUN!! And lots of it. Questions? Contact the leadership team at mazamas.ar@gmail.com or the Mazamas Office at 503-227-2345.
Getting S.M.A.R.T. in 2014 by Alissa Lesperance, ACE Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor With the new year on the horizon, the general trend is to start making resolutions. It seems, though, that this word has negative associations for a lot of people. So instead, for 2014, let’s get SMART! SMART is an acronym for a method of goal setting that is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebased. LET’S BREAK IT DOWN Specific: You are much more likely to reach a goal that is specific rather than general. For example; saying, “I want to climb Leuthold Couloir on Mt. Hood in March of 2014, “ is specific as opposed to “I want to climb a mountain.” To be specific, you need to know the who, what, when, where and why. Measurable: This helps you establish clear results or progress toward your goal. If the goal is to be able to climb 5.10, you will be able to see concrete progress when you can send 5.8, 5.9 and finally 5.10. Attainable: Almost any goal is attainable when you allow yourself the proper amount of time to reach it and implement the proper training regimen for the skills involved. If you have a big goal that seems daunting or overwhelming, a lot of people fail to launch. Don’t let that happen to you. Break the larger goal into smaller “bite-sized” goals and each smaller success will add up until you have achieved the larger goal. Realistic: To say that you want to climb WI5 next weekend, if you have never picked up an ice tool in your life, would be an unrealistic goal. To be realistic, you must be willing and able to do the work involved. This is not to imply that tough goals are unrealistic. Sometimes the tougher goals are the ones that pan out because there is a more significant amount of motivation behind them. Time-based: A goal needs a time frame to give it a sense of urgency. Without the time frame, it is easy to continue to push it to the back burner. If you are unsure about whether your goal time frame is reasonable, talk to other people who have done it and see what their experience was. If you have an outdoor based goal, take the season for the sport into consideration when setting up a training plan. You need to allow yourself ample time to train for your goal. So there you have it, the framework to get SMART in 2014. Try writing out a SMART worksheet for yourself and see how much you can accomplish in the coming year. Alissa Lesperance has been a member of the Mazamas since 2011. She is a personal trainer and yoga instructor with a love for the great outdoors. She has co-led the annual Mazama Yoga Retreat for the past two years. Feel free to contact her with questions on SMART goal setting at: alissalesperance@gmail.com
January/2014—15
Special Hiking Feature Let’s Hike
by Jim Selby and Rex Breunsbach, Trail Trips Co-Chairs Whether you are just beginning to hike or doing conditioning hikes, there are hikes to meet your individual needs. Each month in the Bulletin you will find the printed hike schedule and it appears at Mazamas.org continuously. Included with the description of hikes is information on the difficulty level and any unusual aspects of the hikes. If you have not hiked in awhile you might start with a Street Ramble. The Rambles are typically on Tuesday and Thursday nights and leave from REI in the Pearl at 6 p.m. Hikers are grouped with leaders based on the speed and difficulty level. All Rambles are completed in two hours. Hikes are rated A, B, C or D depending on the length and elevation change. Additionally, there is a speed rating on how many miles per hour you will hike; a 2 means 2 mph, typical for many hikes and a fairly moderate speed. If you are not an experienced hiker or have not hiked in years, an A hike would be the place to start, with a 1.5 or 2 mph rating. The complete hiking legend accompanies the monthly hike schedule.
Hamilton Mountain hike. Photo: Richard Getgen
16 —Mazama Bulletin
Eight pages of hiking-related content including: Preparing for the Unexpected, Trail Tending, Rambles, Book Review, and the upcoming hiking schedule. We hope to see you out on the trails!
For example, an A hike represents up to 1,500 ft. of elevation gain and just shy of 8 miles. But not all A hikes are created equal! For example, Lacamas Lake Trail is 7 miles with 50 ft. of elevation change while Wind Mountain is 2.7 miles with 1,220 ft. of elevation change, short but steep and a much more strenuous hike than Lacamas. Pay attention to the details of the hike. In many cases the hike leader will request that you call them ahead of time; if so, do not plan to show up at the departure location without calling as you may be turned away. Always show up at least 10 minutes before the depart time listed in the description; we want to leave on time. If you have any questions about a hike, call or email the hike leader. Be sure to read the article the accompanying article by Regis Krug, entitled “Beyond the 10 Essentials” on the next page. Pack and dress as described in the article and you will have a dry, warm, safe hike. Come hike with us!
Get Dirty, Try Trail Tending by Rick Pope
It’s a beautiful spring day in Oregon and you’ve gathered a group of friends to take a hike deep into the upper reaches of the Columbia River Gorge. After an hour of driving, and much time spent lacing boots, adjusting packs and checking gear, you start up the trail in anticipation of an epic day. Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you encounter a large tree across the trail on a side slope. The steep hill makes a bypass risky, while crawling over the tree requires threading bodies and packs through a thicket of stout branches. After assembling everyone on the far side of the obstacle, you resume the hike only to encounter a slid-out section of trail five minutes farther on. A slip here could be serious, and beyond it you can see the trail continuing but choked by wet brush making it a car wash. Your dreams of completing a 15 mile loop by day’s end are starting to fade. At this point, most people would start vocalizing “Why doesn’t the [insert land manager here] come out and fix this trail?” That line would have described me many years ago (and at times I still grumble). Then I learned about how the system is changing. The sad fact is this: most government land agencies these days are struggling with budget cuts, reduced staff, and a hopeless backlog of work. I attended a volunteer appreciation meeting about eight years ago, and then Mt. Hood Forest Supervisor Gary Larson, in addressing the crowd, envisioned a future where all trail work was done primarily by volunteer workers and contractors. That day is nearly here. If it weren’t for the Northwest Forest or Interagency Pass programs, which partially fund trail maintenance on Federal lands, we’d probably be there already.
There are still many trails in the region that are in need of care but the volunteer statistics that I came across in writing this article are encouraging. Through early November, the Washington Trails Association, one of the most successful trail maintenance groups in the country, had tallied over 100,000 volunteer hours of trail labor on 190 trails. The Pacific Crest Trail Association, caretakers for the 2,600 mile PCT from Mexico to Canada, reported 115,000 hours in their most recent annual public report. The PCT’s Mt. Hood Chapter alone has racked up over 6,800 hours during 66 work parties and kept 190 miles of trail open. Trail Keepers of Oregon has run numerous trips this season and helped provide skilled instruction at a big Smith Rock work party as well. Have you hiked the Cape Horn trail lately? I remember my first trip trying to follow the trail on my own. No signs, sketchy tread, skirting private property, I finally gave up and turned back. Thanks to efforts by Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the Cape Horn Conservancy and WTA, the trail is slowly being brought up to proper standards, has signage along the full length, and a fancy new pedestrian underpass for crossing highway 14 (no more dodging cars!). Nearly all of these improvements are the result of volunteers with over 30 trips this year alone.
Within the Mazamas, we are also making efforts to help maintain trails. The Trail Tending committee, working under the umbrella of Trail Trips, has been taking care of two main adopted trails on a regular basis. The Mazama trail, on the north side of Mt. Hood, was rebuilt by Mazama work parties starting in the early 90s under the supervision of the USFS. Dedicated and named for us in 1994, thanks to Ray Sheldon we have kept this trail open and maintained for 20 years now. It would be hard to find a BCEP group that hasn’t used the Elk-Kings traverse in the Coast Range as a conditioning hike. Recognizing our use of the trail, and figuring we were hard core hikers, the Tillamook State Forest approached the Mazamas in 2003 with a proposal to adopt the trail. I scouted the undulating loop with trepidation but enjoyed the challenges and views and agreed to help with the adoption. Papers were drawn up and signed, and we are now in our 10th year of service. One bit of trivia about the loop: our agreement doesn’t include the connecting Wilson River trail which is usually maintained by the NW Trails Alliance (a mountain biking group). While I’m proud of the public service work Mazamas do on our trails, our annual tallies are declining. This comes at a time when most volunteer groups continued on next page
January/2014—17
Trail Tending,
continued from previous page
are growing. Something is amiss. The most obvious factor is a lack of qualified leaders. One doesn’t need a high powered degree to lead a work party (take me, for example: I still have to count on my fingers and toes). But it does take a little training and experience to get a handle on the best practices. Any Mazama member who is a hike leader can easily become a trail tending leader by learning a bit about trail maintenance and doing one provisional lead under an experienced leader. Having a few more leaders will greatly help us expand our program, which now only has two leaders left in an organization of over 3,000 members. A great resource for training new leaders is the Cascade Locks Trail Skills College which is attended by over 100 individuals and is staffed by volunteers and professionals from all over the region. The cost is free and the college runs over a three day weekend. Individuals can choose to show up for just one day or all three. The only requirement is advance registration. What kind of work can you expect to do if you come out on a trail tending trip? Sometimes we have specific projects to tackle which may include logging out downed trees, or improving drains to keep the paths from eroding in the rainy season. Most trips involve a variety of tasks, including cutting back brush, improving tread, fixing slides, repairing bridges, and rerouting in addition to the logging and drains mentioned above. The nice thing about these trips is that there is a range of work available for people of all strengths and experience levels, and the opportunity to trade off using tools. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with one tool and one task all day, which only leads to quick burn out. Who should consider coming on a maintenance trip? Many of us who do this kind of volunteer work have a common dream. If everyone who hikes on a regular basis were to donate just one day a year of their time to help keep trails open, we would have hundreds (if not thousands) of people available instead of the few that come out time after time. An oft quoted statement that is heard throughout the volunteer world is: Many hands make for light work. To get involved, watch the Mazama hike schedule for events marked “TT.” There are no trip fees, all tools and instruction are provided, and any special requirements are posted for each trip. Feel like honing your skills or learning more about techniques? Watch for the Cascade Locks sign-ups to be announced in February for the April 25–27 event. Or contact Rick Pope for information on helping to lead a trip.
18 —Mazama Bulletin
Mazama Street Rambles by Marty Hanson Begun in 1987 by Bob Miller, Rambles have become a significant portion of our hiking options and have served to introduce thousands of Portlanders to the Mazamas. We estimate that over two-thirds of those participating in rambles were non-members. In the last ten years, Rambles have accounted for over 70 percent of the number of people participating in Trail Trip events. Last fiscal year, there were 6,185 signed in for rambling. Year round, on nearly every Tuesday and Thursday evening from the downtown REI (and now on Wednesday evening during daylight saving time from the MMC) a group of dedicated hike leaders go out on the streets and trails leading ramblers on a two hour walk in town. A typical Tuesday night ramble from REI will have at least five leaders and they are set up to provide a variety of destinations and paces for participants to choose from. Pace options range from a 2.5 mph walk up to a 4.5 mph trot. Destinations have included the Waterfront Esplanade, Rose Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Pittock Mansion and Forest Park. That means that some of our Rambles can provide 800 to 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss in addition to the 5 to 8 miles of distance over the two hour span. Group sizes vary depending on the weather, time of year and destination. We try to have enough leaders so that no group has more than two dozen participants, although some leaders often take more. During winter hours, we tend to be more on the streets and sidewalks and encourage participants to have a flashlight or headlamp. When daylight savings time kicks in, most Rambles head for the trails. Currently, Bob Smith handles the coordination of leaders and expedites the collection of fees ($2 for under 55 years old, $1 for 55 years old or over). Richard Getgen is our treasurer and statistician. Leaders with over 20 Ramble leads last year were Tom Guyot (86), Dave Braem (69), Marty Hanson (77), Terry Cone (70), Terry Sherbeck (62), Wayne Lincoln (75), Bob Smith (29), and Meg Linza (23).
An urban hike Oct. 19, 2013; a group in front of the Artillery Building in the Ft. Vancouver Historic Reserve, part of a hike through Officers Row, the Academy, downtown farmers market, military murals, along the Columbia River, then back to the Reserve.
Beyond the 10 Essentials—Preparing for the Unexpected by Regis Krug The Mazamas preaches that your pack should always contain the 10 essentials: 1. Whistle (ON, not in your pack) 2. Water 3. Fire starter 4. Navigation: Topo Map—know how to read it/Compass—know how to use it 5. Knife 6. First Aid Kit 7. Sun Protection (lip balm, sunscreen and a hat) 8. Extra Clothing (hat, socks, gloves) 9. Flashlight (with extra bulb and batteries) 10. Extra food (energy bar or gel) If you hike in the Northwest, it’s easy to get injured or lost on what might seem the most benign of trails—it happens every year. Most trails are rocky, have steep dropoffs, and depending on the time of year, can be slicker than the back of a banana slug. What can you do to ensure that you are ready for an unexpected night or two in the wilderness? First—ALWAYS let several local people know where you’re going. I email them a map with my trail route highlighted, along with a route description. Tell them when you expect to be back and email or call them when you return. Include the phone number for the sheriff’s office where you’re hiking. I keep numbers for Portland area sheriff and ranger stations in my wallet. Leaving notes in your locked car isn’t really all that helpful. Leaving one visible on the dash just tells the crooks how long they have to break into your car. Inventory your gear before leaving home. Replace or charge the batteries in all of your electronic devices. My GPS and locator beacon get fresh batteries. Carry spare batteries for each powered device. Even the iPhone, which doesn’t have a replaceable battery, can be recharged from an external USB battery pack or Mophie case. Make sure that your topo map covers the area you plan to hike and beyond. I usually have a large Columbia River Gorge or Mt. Hood map with me. Green Trails and National Geographic have great detailed trail maps for most of the Northwest. Study the map before you head out on the trail to get the big picture of where you’re going. A free, online map source is GMAP4. The maps are detailed and generally more up-to-date than paper maps. Bonus - you can upload and overlay GPS tracks on them. In addition to my area map, I print a detailed map of my specific hiking trail from GMAP4 and email a screen shot of it to myself so I have it
in my smart phone. Knowing how to use your map and compass is important, but hiking dense Northwest forest trails can render that compass useless if you can only see 50 feet around you. I also believe in having backups. I also carry a GPS and spare batteries. It’s great for quick checks to make sure I’m where I think I am. The GPS can keep a “track” of where you’ve been, which you could follow back to the trailhead if you got lost. Many smart phones have GPS built into them, but they aren’t as accurate, and suck your battery dry. I came across a hiker on the PCT last year who had been using his phone’s GPS, ran the battery down, got injured, and was unable to call for help. I also carry a SPOT locator beacon that lets me send GPS coordinates, text messages and call for help in an emergency if there is no cell service. Don’t depend on a single fire starting method. I carry waterproof matches, a lighter, magnesium block, sparking tool, and clumps of waxed sawdust. Vaseline soaked dryer lint or a couple of drops of hand sanitizer gets your fire going in almost any weather. Bring plenty of water and sports drinks to get you through your hike. If it’s an extended hike, consider bringing a water filter, chlorine tablets, or a SteriPEN to treat water available from streams and lakes. In the summer, I toss in extra powdered sports drinks packets that I can mix in a bottle on the trail. Make sure you know what’s in your first aid kit and how to use it. I’ve added a SAM splint, Coban Tape, bee sting treatment, Benadryl, Tylenol, Advil, Tums, Imodium and Pepto-Bismol tablets. Put your kit in a sealed storage bag to keep it dry. Toss in a couple of maxi-pads to absorb blood in the event of a serious cut. The most common first aid items you’ll use are for treating blisters, so store those items in a separate, easy-to-get-to bag. If you haven’t purchased a headlamp yet, get one of the newer LED versions so you don’t have to worry about light bulbs. I carry two headlamps with spare batteries for both. I’ve had to hike 8 miles of the Eagle Creek trail in the dark and I was really glad that I had my headlamp so I could watch for the cougars that I knew were stalking me that night. Bring appropriate clothing. Summer or winter, I always carry a spare pair of socks and two extra base layers in my pack, as well as a light puffy, rain pants, jacket, and pack cover. Even if it doesn’t rain, the rain gear will cut the wind and help conserve body heat if you have to spend the night. I know I’ll be warm and dry wrapped in my
bivy sack under my tarp. Carry multiple pairs of gloves in the winter because they WILL get wet. Neoprene diving gloves are great because even when wet, they will keep your hands warm in the cold winter rain. In addition to food and water to get you through your hike, carry a small emergency food supply. I have a few snack bars in a vacuum sealed pouch that I replace once a year. They’ll be enough to get me through an extra night out on the trail. Don’t forget about those nature calls. A small roll of toilet paper and some wet wipes can really come in handy. Carry a small shovel to bury it all (where allowed). If you’re hiking in an area where you have to carry it out, go to the post office and get a couple of Tyvek mailers instead of a Ziplock—they are light, strong and won’t tear. A multi-tool is even better than a knife in case you need to repair your gear. A big knife does come in handy for a chance bear encounter, but bear spray eliminates having to get up close and personal. Several feet of duct tape wrapped around each trekking pole can repair a ripped jacket or pants or secure a splint for an injured limb. Don’t buy cheap stuff, get good gaffers tape. It’ll last a lot longer without the adhesive drying out. Put your name, address, & phone number on your gear in case it gets lost. A guy from Oklahoma returned a trekking pole of mine that he found at the base of Coopey Falls. Toss in a couple of hand-warmers in winter. Fifty feet of 5mm prussik or paracord is handy when building an emergency shelter or hauling an injured climber down the mountain like I did on Mount St. Helens in 2013. Make sure you know where every item is in your pack so you can get to it quickly. It sucks when you’ve got only a few minutes for a break and you can’t find your snacks or spare gloves. If you hike and climb long enough, you, one of your friends, or even a stranger will need every one of these items. So be safe, be prepared, and don’t be the lead story on the six o’clock news.
January/2014—19
Hike Leader Richard Getgen: Miles of Experiences By Jim Selby
In the process of leading over 1,050 Mazamas hikes, Richard Getgen has seen it all, including a couple cleaning chipmunk vomit out of their pack. But more on that later. Richard’s beginnings in hiking were not that unusual—he began hiking in the late 1980s when he got tired of facing headwinds while cycling and a friend suggested he take a hike. Although he had hiked as a teenager, becoming a dedicated hike leader as an adult with the Mazamas did not happen overnight. He describes himself as a “waterfall chaser” during his first years as a hiker. He had heard of the Mazamas but thought it was limited to climbing. A Gorge Weekend flyer with an article on the Mazamas convinced him otherwise. As he hiked with other Mazamas, one commented that he was a good route finder. A friend helped him get up Mount St. Helens so that he could become a member and hike leader. Richard says, “I started leading and hoped one day to get one of those nifty 25-lead patches.” Because he is an avid photographer, being a hike leader fed his appetite for
photography while photography kept up his interest in hiking—a pleasant vicious cycle of support. His photography now focuses on waterfalls, scenic views, wildflowers, and complex compositions. In addition to his hike leads, he has led over 20 outings and helped with a half-dozen other outings. As for his signature hikes, Richard says, “I lead Indian Heaven (backpacks and day hikes) and Catherine Creek for the flowers.” His favorite hikes include Sahalie Arm and Maple Pass in the North Cascades, Grinnell Glacier and Garden Wall in Glacier National Park, and Amphitheater in the Tetons. He calculates he has hiked over 24,000 miles and gained 2.8 million feet on his hikes, including hikes with other groups or on his own. He has encountered more than his share of bears on trails, so was surprised when he and his hiking group encountered a couple leaving Quinault River Trail in the Olympics on a Saturday while most hikers were heading up the trail. The couple had a bear take her sandwich out of her hand, prompting them to leave immediately. Richard and his group peppered the couple with questions about the bear including whether they had gotten pictures of themselves with the bear. The
Larch Mountain Crater: Not That Well Known by Jim Selby
The Larch Mountain Trail from Multnomah Lodge to Sherrard Point is a well-known and popular hike. But Larch Mountain Crater trail, which I typically lead each summer, is not that well known or that well traveled. Hike it and you will be wowed! To get to the Larch Mountain Crater trailhead, take the Historic Columbia River Highway east from Corbett until the highway veers left toward Vista Point. Go straight ahead on Larch Mountain Road for 11½ miles. At a sharp right curve you will see small parking areas on each side of the road. Hike up the narrow forest service road about 0.4 mile to where it intersects with Larch Mountain Trail #441. Head in a clockwise direction on this loop portion of the hike so turn left onto #441. You are now descending into the crater that was formed when this mountain blew eons ago. The trail here can be busy but you are on it for only onehalf mile. Descend about 400 feet to Multnomah Creek Way Trail #444, which heads off of #441 to your right. Take this
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girl exclaimed “You’re all crazy, just plain crazy! Honey, just get me out of here.” Which brings us back to the chipmunk vomit. The couple Richard encountered cleaning out the backpack with water (unusual on a backpacking trip) had climbed Symmetry Spire and left their packs at the base, open so animals would not tear them open. Upon completing their climb they quickly cinched their packs and jogged six miles down to the Jenny Lake boat dock. Once on the boat, one of them went to get a liter of water out of a pack. A chipmunk jumped out of the pack and over the gunnel of the boat. Peering into the pack they saw chipmunk vomit. It must have been quite a ride for that little fellow bouncing down the trail in a backpack full of gear. When you lead over 24,000 miles of hikes you are bound to see about everything!
trail 0.2 mile to a bridge across Multnomah Creek , the lowest elevation level on this hike. Here the trail takes a right turn through marshland and offers occasional views of Sherrard Point on your right and the Columbia River on your left. The trail here is rocky in places and there can still be a bit of snow on this part of the trail in late spring, but the scenery is stunning. After 2.5 miles the trail joins with Oneonta #424. Stay right and after 0.5 mile you will come to Larch Mountain Road, which takes you the final 0.4 mile to the parking lot area. Here there are restrooms, picnic tables, and the trail out to Sherrard Point. From the point you can see seven glaciated peaks on a clear day. If you reach Sherrard point between 1 and 2 p.m., the air is more clear than in the late morning hours, creating a much better view. From Sherrard Point come back down the trail to the restrooms where you pick up our old friend, Larch Mountain Trail #441. Take this downhill 1.5 miles to the gravel road where you entered the loop. Turn left and return to your car. You will have gone 7.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1,550 feet. Except for the portions of the Larch Mountain Trail #441 you use, you will see very few hikers, especially on the eastern half of this loop trail. For a good map of the Larch Mountain Trails use Paul Gerald’s book 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland.
Hiking as a Life-Changing Experience by Marilyn Zigler At 56 after nearly 28 years of marriage I suddenly found myself a widow. Less than two weeks before, my husband had been diagnosed with cancer, and now, 12 days later he was gone. A few months earlier I had read an article in the newspaper about the Mazamas Rambles. My thought at the time was that when Paul is better we should try them. Once it became clear that he would not be better I thought this is something I should still pursue. I had always liked walking and hiking; on my lunch hours I would walk on the Portland waterfront. Over the years Paul and I had hiked the nature trail or scenic waterfall-type hikes as well. One week after Paul’s funeral I showed up at the REI parking garage where the rambles meet. Thank goodness I went with the slowest group that night! I was walking along and talking with Bob Smith, the leader, and everything was going just fine until we hit stairs. I immediately found myself dropping clear to the back of the group. As I listened to people in the group talking it struck me that many of them were 10 or more years older than I was! My thought was that “I hope when I am that age I will be so fit.” I certainly wasn’t yet. That night I met another woman who was also new to hiking and we decided to try a Mazama weekend hike. Three days later, we found ourselves hiking at Lacamas Lake with Jim Selby on the Round Lake Trail and once again everything was going along just fine until we hit a little uphill section. I dropped behind, started breathing heavily and my face turned red. The two women hiking with me wondered if I would be okay. As soon as it flattened out I was. The next Thursday I was back at the Ramble. The uphill was still a struggle, but I kept going. My next Mazama hike two weeks later was Timothy Lake. Bob Smith assured me it was easy and had very little uphill. The day was very hot and the hike ended up at 15 miles when you added in the detour we took to avoid the ultra trail running marathon. It was a long hike for someone who just started a couple of weeks before. Every Thursday I would ramble and two weeks later I was hiking at Falls Creek falls when I found after the first 15 minutes or so I didn’t think I could continue. There was some constant uphill and it was taking a toll on me. I told the leader I would return to the cars and wait. Joey Zarosinski insisted she would wait with me to take a break and we would continue when I could. After a minute or two we started out slowly and with the help of the trekking pole that Joey lent to me I made it up the remainder of the hill. The rest of the day went just fine. Bob and Joey both took extra care to see I was okay and Bob handed me a second trekking pole on an especially steep downhill area. Before my next hike I bought my own trekking poles and hiking pants. No more hiking in jeans. I realized elevation gain
was my real weakness and from then on I read every hike description very carefully before going. Every Thursday I continued to Ramble and once or twice a month I would hike on the weekend with the Mazamas. For the next six months I made sure every hike had less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. I signed up for my first Mazama Outing and in preparation for the Redwoods I started Rambling twice a week. I was able to start increasing the uphill as time went on, and Hamilton Mountain was my first hike with more than 2,000 feet of gain. When a friend convinced me to try Multnomah Falls to Larch Mountain with over 4,000 feet of gain, I found I was capable of a lot more than I had given myself credit for. It was time to join the Mazamas. While in high school I had climbed South Sister so I was able to use that as my qualifying climb. But as time went on I felt that a more current qualifier was in order. So for my 60th birthday I set Old Snowy as my goal. Timing worked out that it was the day after my birthday when a friend and I hiked to the top of Old Snowy and saw the magnificent views of the mountains and alpine meadows all around. For my 61st birthday I became a Mazama hike leader. A lot of trail miles and hikes had passed since my 57th birthday, the day I almost gave up in the first 500 feet of gain on my third Mazama hike. Now just a few months over four years since my first Mazama Ramble I have been on over 60 Mazama hikes, 350 Rambles, 3 Mazama Outings and hiked over 2,400 miles. Since I began hiking I have lost 48 pounds and gained strength, knowledge and friends. I have joined the Trail Trips Committee and become a hike leader with the hope of being able to give back to something that has given so much to me.
Frequent Hiker—Trail Trip Mileage Awards
Mileage awards are presented at the Mazama Annual Celebration to Mazama members that participate in Trail Trip events. Mazama hike mileage accumulated from snowshoes, rambles, backpacks and/or trail tending events. Mileage levels of 250, 1,000 and multiples of 1,000 miles are recognized. Award winners at the 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 mile levels receive a custom numbered “classic” hiking plaque.
January/2014—21
Get Your Kids on a Hike! by Bob Murphy and Andrea McKee
As parents, we need to teach our kids how to appreciate the outdoors in much the same way as we teach them soccer--or just about anything else. We have had some great outdoor trips with our kids and some that we would prefer not to repeat. Here are some lessons learned: Start small. It can be overwhelming to pack all the needed gear, even with good weather. The simpler you keep things, the easier you can break orbit and get outside and develop new routines. For example, it’s best to avoid attempting a big hike or camping the first time out for the year. Be flexible. Be ready to scale back your plans for a given weekend to keep the outing more manageable. This can be especially true for the first outing of the season as you wrap your head around what you need to have some good safe fun. Gear organization. Organization is critical to minimize preparation time. Using gear bins specific to camping, hiking, skiing, climbing, and swimming makes packing a breeze. Without some advanced organization, the energy needed to get out the door for a hike in the Gorge can seem insurmountable. Travel entertainment. You may prefer to maintain a TV free or limited screen time household, but when on the road you can use screen time as way to keep the kids engaged en route to their adventure. Kids can enjoy a movie, book, music, games, or drawing on a tablet computer. It keeps the peace and they see it as a road trip treat. It’s not about you. Hiking with kids, except maybe a baby carried in a backpack or with older teens, is not about the parents getting their fill of exercise. It is about teaching your kids about beauty, the importance of exercise, and spending time interacting and being with each other. Keep it fun! A good day is a day the kids have so much fun they want to go again. Here are some things that have worked for us: • Age appropriate games: hide and seek, I Spy, etc; storytelling, songs • Exploration: rocks, trees, leaves, and animal signs—trying to figure what animal made the marking and which direction they went • Bring a friend: as they get a little older companionship is good on the trail. • Hike with other adult friends or families the kids enjoy having around. Sometimes it seems kids respond better to adults other than their parents, either for instruction or motivation. John Godino, who founded and ran a father-based hiking group for years, gave me some great advice on what makes a good kid’s hike: it should be within a 45-minute drive of town and be a hike shorter hike - length depending upon your kid’s
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age, stamina and enthusiasm (for toddlers maybe a mile, for kids maybe 3-5 miles, teens maybe 7 miles and up if they are experienced). Have a destination for motivation: “Only 10 more minutes to the amazing waterfall!” and follow up the hike with a treat such as ice cream or pizza. Be persistent and resilient. Not every trip is going to be perfect. Don’t push your kids so hard The Mikovsky family, Jennifer, Peter, they never want to and Sophia on a Mazama Families hike go out again. And to Mirror Lake. Photo: Jim Selby find creative ways to engage your kids with the outdoors so that even if they—and you-—have a bad experience, you all will want to go again. Increase slowly. With our 8-year-old last season, our first hike was to the summit of Mt. Tabor with the promise of stopping at the playground on the way back to the car. At the end of the summer, he was able to complete a 7-mile round trip near Spirit Lake that featured incredible views of Mount St. Helens. He said the hike was the highlight of the weekend which had included camping, camp fires, playing in a river, bike riding, and playing a few games on the tablet while on the road. Score one for mom and dad! Try, try, try. Remember that each kid is unique and will be motivated and engaged by different things. Try as many different things as you can to keep them engaged on a hike. For more great ideas, we recommend Jeff Alt’s book, Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun! We have founded a Mazama Families group to help you in this endeavour. In the upcoming year there will be baby backpacking trips, hikes for kids four and younger, a graduated backpack series, and snowshoeing, among other activities. If your family would like to get outdoors for hikes and more with other parents and kids, please visit tinyurl.com/mazamafamilies for more information.
Winter Hiking Blues photos & article by Matt Reeder
Klickitat River Trail
The rain gets to me. Although I moved to Portland from central Illinois more than eight years ago, the winters still affect me greatly. By January, I am ready to be done with the doom and gloom. Thankfully, there is a cure for those who seek sunshine—drive east until you find it! As you drive east into the high desert and rain shadow, showers give way to clear skies near The Dalles. You’ll see it as a one-day vacation, and escape from winter’s dismal grip on the Pacific Northwest. There are a number of fantastic hikes in the eastern Gorge and eastern foothills of the Cascades. Some of these are very long drives from Portland, but are absolutely worth your attention. Here are three of my favorites: Klickitat River Trail Many Mazamas are familiar with Swale Canyon, the upper part of the Klickitat Rail Trail. While the upper trail is remote and gorgeous, the lower trail is beautiful in its own right and far more accessible. Even better, this is a great place to spot Bald Eagles in the winter—sightings are common in the Klickitat River Canyon. Find the lower trailhead in the town of Lyle, just after crossing the Klickitat River. The first mile is paved until you reach a scenic footbridge over the Klickitat River above a series of rapids and cascades. Continue upstream as far as you like on the left bank as the wide river bends through the rugged canyon. I usually turn around after about 5 miles, but you can hike as much or as little as you wish. Before you return to Portland, be sure to check out secluded Balfour-Klickitat Park on the west side of the Klickitat River. A short trail leads to a few picnic tables under a grove of huge Ponderosa pines—a great place for a picnic, even in winter! Deschutes River Trail The first time I hiked the Deschutes River Trail, I led the hike for the Adventurous Young Mazamas at the end of January. It was 48 degrees and misting when we left Portland. When we arrived at the Deschutes River Trailhead east of the The Dalles, it was sunny. By midday it was 65 degrees and clear, and there was almost nobody else on the trail. That glorious day stayed with me the rest of that winter. Hiking the Deschutes River Trail is like the one-day vacation out of Oregon everyone needs in the winter—it’s starkly beautiful, the hiking is easy and the weather is often excellent even in mid-winter. With 40 miles of trail leading to abandoned boxcars and spectacular river views, you’ll have ample to reason to come here again and again. Just save it for when you really need sunshine—it’s just what the doctor ordered!
Deschutes River Trail
School Canyon
School Canyon I had a wild idea last February that I’d love to see the east side of the Badger Creek Wilderness in the winter. Located in the eastern foothills of the Cascades, it’s a long drive from Portland— nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. We were in the middle of a long dry spell and I theorized that there would not be a lot of snow, even at 4,000 feet on the east side of the Cascades. We arrived at School Canyon to find a dry trail with a few snow patches and absolute solitude under crystal-clear skies. It was snowing a few miles to the west but we stayed dry the entire day—proof again of the rain shadow effect. Plan your trip here for a dry spell, watch the forecasts for nearby Tygh Valley closely and be sure to pack lots of warm clothing (and perhaps a thermos of soup or coffee). Should you time your visit right, you’ll get to hike into a unique part of the Cascades and enjoy open skies, views of the desert, and almost total solitude. What could be better?
January/2014—23
Trail Trips
Contact Trail Trips Committee chair Jim Selby at 828-508-5094 with any questions. To lead a hike in February, log on to the Trails Trips website at http://www.mazamas2.org. Note: “Wilderness—Limit 12” indicates the hike enters a Forest Service-designated Wilderness Area; group size is limited to 12. Check the website for new hikes and updates: Our leaders may schedule a hike for the current month after the Bulletin is published, or occasionally a hike location may change due to conditions, so please visit tinyurl.com/mazamahikeschedule. AYM is also Hiking: Adventurous Young Mazamas (AYM) offers hikes too, and everyone is welcome. See the separate list at http:// tinyurl.com/mazamaaym. HK A2 Dec 31 (Tue) Forest Park—Roller Coaster. Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. New Years Eve morning warm-up in Forest Park. We will hike down from Skyline to Highway 30 and then back up. Start early, done by noon, in plenty of time to ring in the new year. 7.5 miles 800 ft. Dr. 25 MMC 8 a.m.
one of the steepest climbs around, it climbs almost 3,800 feet in less than three miles. The trail builders seemed determined to stay directly on top of the ridge, creating pleasant, level ridge-top sections and kneebreaking climbs where the ridge gets steeper. Be prepared for snow 8.6 miles 3,800 ft. Dr. 98 Contact leader 7:30 a.m.
The snow mobile clubs lay down a cross country track that is mostly level that’s a ski in and ski out. Outhouse available with plenty of parking. Beautiful area with little congestion on the trail. Four to five miles. Just past Frog Lake ski area. 5 miles 200 feet ft. Dr. 120 RT SnoPark Safeway ATM Sandy Oregon 8:30 a.m.
HK C2 Jan 01 (Wed) Dog mountain. David Zeps (503) 333-7783. Goes great with Dom Perignon Dawg, dawn, day 1, 2014. Leader coming from Trout Lake, to trailhead, meet at Dog Mountain trailhead at 8:30 a.m. Be ready for interesting and snowy conditions. Will cajole hungover hikers to summit. Drive 98 miles form Portland but set up carpools on your own. 7 miles 2,800 ft. Dr. n/a TH no carpool, meet at trailhead or arrange carpools 8:30 a.m. departure from the trailhead
SS A Jan 04 (Sat) Twin Lakes Snowshoe. Joe Whittington joewhittington@gmail.com. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. Snowshoe from Frog Lake Sno-Park to Lower and Upper Twin Lakes and return. Please contact leader by e-mail if you plan to go. 6 miles 700 ft. Dr. 110 SnoPark Gateway P&R 7:30 a.m.
HK B2 Jan 11 (Sat) Dog Mountain Loop. Brett Nair (503) 847-9550. Iconic gorge hike. See you there! 7.2 miles 2,900 ft. Dr. 98 TH Gateway 8 a.m.
Salmon River Hike. Photo: Richard Getgen
HK A2.5 Jan 05 (Sun) Willamette loop. Terry Lawson lawson.terry@gmail.com. We start on the Eastbank Esplanade in front of OMSI and proceed along the Springwater Corridor to Sellwood Riverfront Park. After crossing the bridge, we return along riverside trails on the west side, with an optional coffee shop stop near the end. 8.4 miles 380 ft. Dr. 0 OMSI 9:30 a.m. HK B2 Jan 05 (Sun) Laps Around Mount Tabor. Rick Craycraft (503) 679-2113 or leftfield5@juno.com. Work off the holiday indulgences without leaving town. Get a jump on climbing season. Three miles a lap. You can drop out at any time. Dress for the weather 9 miles 1500 feet ft. Dr. 0 Mount Tabor upper lot 9 a.m. HK C2 Jan 05 (Sun) Horsetail to Multnomah Falls Loop. Sheri Alice Smith (503) 807-9373. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. Car Shuttle leaving from Horsetail Falls. Head up to Franklin Ridge, cross the Multnomah basin and return to Multnomah Falls Come prepare for winter conditions and probable snow travel. Call leader for sign up. 11 miles 2800 ft. Dr. 60 Gateway 7:30 a.m.
HK B2 Jan 04 (Sat) Nesmith Ridge to Corky’s Corner. Rex Breunsbach (971) 8322556. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. We will climb steeply up to Corky’s Corner then on through woods to Nesmith Point. Good winter conditioner, come prepared for any kind of weather. 6 miles 2,760 ft. Dr. 70 Gateway Park & Ride 8 a.m. HK C2 Jan 04 (Sat) Starvation Ridge Trail to Warren Lake. Regis Krug (503) 7046442 regis_krug@mentor.com. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. The Starvation Ridge hike is
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HK B2 Jan 08 (Wed) Gales Creek—To Bell Camp Road. Rex Breunsbach (971) 8322556. At the crest of the coast range, we will follow Gales Creek from where it leaves highway 6 to Bell Camp road and return via the same route. 10.1 miles 1,200 ft. Dr. 75 MMC 8 a.m. HK A2 Jan 10 (Fri) Mt. Talbert Nature Park. Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. Nice hike around and over Mt. Talbert— one of Portland’s close in peaks. 6 miles 1,500 ft. Dr. 20 MMC 8 a.m. HK A2 Jan 11 (Sat) Clear Lake Cross Country Ski. Flora Huber (503) 658-5710.
HK B2 Jan 12 (Sun) Angels Rest. David Zeps (503) 333-7783. Pre-BCEP Hike. Try out your gear, bring questions, start conditioning. Easy ½ day hike to a very scenic overlook. Call leader with any questions. 4.6 miles 1,584 ft. Dr. 42 Gateway 8:30 a.m. HK B2 Jan 12 (Sun) Wildwood-Marquam loop. Terry Lawson lawson.terry@gmail. com. This hike uses the Wildwood and Marquam Trails as well as streets in SW Portland to form a loop past the Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, and Council Crest with many nice views along the way. 7.8 miles 1,750 ft. Dr. 0 SW 18th & Salmon 8:30 a.m. SS Jan 15 (Wed) Chocolate Falls via Climber’s Trail. Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. A close-up look at Mount St. Helens. From Marble Mount SnoPark we will snowshoe the Worm Flows climbers’ route just to timberline. 8 miles 2,200 ft. Dr. 130 TH MMC 8 a.m. HK A2 Jan 18 (Sat) Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Larry Solomon muensterhump@hotmail.com. One loop hike of 2.1 miles and a second of 3.7 miles. Large concentrations of a variety of waterfowl including Canadian geese, great blue herons, cormorants and swans. Bring lunch and binoculars. $ 3 fee/vehicle. 5.8 miles, negligible ft. Dr. 56 Gateway 9 a.m. HK B2 Jan 18 (Sat) Waespe Point. Tom Davidson tedclimbs@gmail.com. Enjoy the Gorge in winter. Hike up Multnomah Falls, then up further and circle east to one of the best viewpoints in the Gorge. Along the way we will check out the Christmas Trail. Bring good clothing and traction devices. 8 miles 1,800 ft. Dr. 45 Gateway 8 a.m. HK B2.5 Jan 18 (Sat) Willamette River Loop. Rick Craycraft (503) 679-2113 or leftfield5@juno.com. Back by popular de-
Rambles Corner Rambles are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening; descriptions are below. Special rambles that don’t conform to this schedule or meet at a different place are listed in the regular hike schedule. Tuesday and Thursday Rambles from REI-Pearl
Snow hiking on Mt. Bourdoin. Photo: Richard Getgen mand. Up one side of the Willamette and down the other. Sellwood Park north to the Steel Bridge then south to Willamette Park. Coffee, treat and bathroom stops guaranteed. Brisk pace but not enough to inhibit conversation. 10.2 miles 0 ft. Dr. 0 Sellwood Park lot (SE Spokane and the river) 8 a.m. SS B Jan 18 (Sat) Trillium Lake Moon Light Snowshoe. David Nelson dkbmnelson@gmail.com. Plan is to snowshoe around Trillium Lake loop road at night, (Jan 15 is full moon.) If the weather and clouds cooperate it will be a great snowshoe. Estimated time back to the park and ride is 2 a.m. The pace will be easy to moderate. Being late at night, bring extra warm clothes and headlamp. Please contact leader via email if you plan to go. Meet at Clackamas Town Center Transit Center- 9225 SE Sunnyside Rd. North end of parking structure, lower level. 8:30 p.m.. 5.2 miles 800 ft. Dr. 100 SnoPark Clackamas Town Center Transit Center 8:30 p.m. HK A2 Jan 19 (Sun) Kenton to Columbia Slough Loop. Paul Steger PaulSteger@q.com. Kenton MAX station alternative meeting location at 9:10 a.m. Walk along Columbia Slough past PIR, Water Treatment Plant, begin loop through New Columbia and return to historic Kenton. 5 miles 50 ft. Dr. 0 SE corner of Kenton Park 9 a.m. HK C2.5 Jan 19 (Sun) Mt. Defiance. Tom Dodson 503-297-7912/dodsontw@msn.com. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. This will be more than a workout in the winter so come in good shape and ready for a long day. If I haven’t hiked with you before be sure and call me. I’ll be bringing wands and some other extras for winter conditions. We’ll go up the western route and then down Starvation Ridge. Poles with ski baskets are an essential along with a full length foam pad. 11.9 miles 4,800 ft. Dr. 98 Gateway 6 a.m. HK B2 Jan 20 (Mon) Russ Jolley to Rock of Ages. Tom Davidson tedclimbs@gmail.com. Pre-BCEP, Wilderness Area–Limit 12. Doing BCEP this year? Just trying to get in shape for climbing? Want a good work-out? This hike will only help: venture up the rugged Horsetail Creek to explore some long forgotten turn-of- the century shelters. Steep and rugged hilly terrain. We’ll follow the Russ Jolley trail up and then hike steeply up to the Rock of Ages trail and then descend (yes, down) the ROA trail to our cars. Off trail travel, and difficult footing. Prepare accordingly—poles, traction devices and spirit of adventure. 8 miles 2,700 ft. Dr. 44 MMC 8 a.m. HK A2 Jan 22 (Wed) Bunker Hill. Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. Scenic Wind River area north of Carson. 11 heart-pounding switchbacks and a secluded summit. We might see a few elk along the way. 6 miles 1,500 ft. Dr. 75 MMC 8 a.m.
Various leaders will lead walks every Tuesday and Thursday starting at REI in the Pearl. Rambles start promptly at 6 p.m. Multiple groups will be lead at different paces. Bring a headlamp. These rambles average 4-8 miles, 500-1,500 ft. and meet at REIPearl NW 14th and Johnson 6 p.m.
HK B2 Jan 25 (Sat) PCT to Greenleaf Overlook. Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. We will hike up the PCT from the Bridge of the Gods to a viewpoint below Table Mountain. 8.2 miles 1,200 ft. Dr. 80 Gateway P&R 8 a.m. HK B2.5 Jan 25 (Sat) Neahkahnie Mountain. Gary Bishop gbish90@hotmail.com. Pre-BCEP conditioning hike starting out at Oswald West State Park we will head down towards the beach and then up along the scenic headlands. Then it’s up to the top of Neahkahnie mountain with wonderful views (if the weather cooperates). 8.6 miles 1,950 ft. Dr. 120 Target/185th 8:30 a.m. SS B Jan 25 (Sat) Twin Lakes Loop. David Nelson dkbmnelson@gmail.com. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. We will snowshoe from Frog Lake Snow Park along the Pacific Crest Trail to the lower Twin Lake and then head north to the upper lake. Have lunch and then retrace our path to the cars. Pace will be easy/moderate. Please contact leader via email if you plan to go. 5.6 miles 700 ft. Dr. 110 SnoPark Gateway 8 a.m. HK A2 Jan 26 (Sun) Silver Falls State Park Loop. Sherry Bourdin (503) 246-8095. Waterfalls lover’s paradise! No vistas to see but there are 10 waterfalls packed into this lush canyon. Very popular hike destination but should expect no crowds as it is winter. Call leader for details. 7.8 miles 700 ft. Dr. 100 Tualatin (Durham) P&R 8 a.m. HK B2 Jan 26 (Sun) Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls. Marilyn Zigler mszhike@gmail.com. Herman Creek TH over the creek past the Pinnacles on the PCT to Dry Creek Falls. Lush forests, lava pinnacles, beautiful creek and waterfalls. If the gorge is too icy we may detour to Forest Park. Email mszhike@gmail. com or call 503-515-8019 8.7 miles 1,858 ft. Dr. 78 TH Gateway 8:30 a.m. HK B2 Jan 29 (Wed) Franklin Ridge —Loop Counter Clockwise Rex Breunsbach (971) 832-2556. Wilderness Area–Limit 12. Begin at Multnomah Falls and end at Horsetail Falls. Car Shuttle 10.1 miles 2,800 ft. Dr. 65 MMC 8 a.m.
Class A: Easy to moderate; 4-8 miles, under 1,500 feet elevation gain. Class B: Moderate to difficult; 6-12 miles, over 1,500 feet gain. Class C: Difficult to strenuous or rugged; 8 miles or more, typically over 3,000 feet. Class D and Dw: very difficult very strenuous with challenging conditions. Contact with leader for details prior to the day of the trip is mandatory . Numeral after class indicates pace: All pace information is average uphill speed in mph, ex. 1.5 = 1.5 mph. 1 would be a slow, easy pace with 3.5 being a very fast, highly aerobic conditioning pace. Hike fees: $2 for members, each family participant and those belonging to clubs in FWOC; $4 for non-members. No person will be turned away if they are unable to pay. Street Ramble fees: $2 per person; $1 per person if over 55 or 14 and under. Both members and nonmembers are welcome at all trail trips. Trail Tending events are free. Meeting Places: Gateway–SE corner of P&R Garage near 99th and Pacific (I-84 Exit 7); L&C–Lewis and Clark State Park (1-84 Exit 18); Oswego TC–Boones Ferry Rd at Monroe Parkway; SalmonCreek P&R–Vancouver P&R at 134 St (1-5 Exit 7 or 1-205 Exit 36); Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center–Sandy Blvd. and 98th Ave. (1-205 Exit 23A); Durham–P&R at Boones Ferry and Bridgeport (1-5 Exit 290); MMC–Mazama Mountaineering Center, 527 SE 43rd at Stark; Pendleton–Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal; REI–Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson; Target185 –Target P/L Sunset Hwy at 185th. Dr.–round-trip driving mileage. ft–Hike elevation gain. TH Pass–USFS parking pass needed for trailhead; SnoPass–Snow park pass. Trail Trips Hike Rules: Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share costs. The maximum suggested total rate each is a donation of fifteen cents per mile for up to three people per vehicle. Dogs are not allowed except for hikes designated as “dogwalks.” Alcohol and firearms are not allowed. Participants should wear appropriate hiking shoes; carry lunch, water, rain gear (umbrella, parka, or poncho) and the 10 essentials (whistle, extra food and clothing, sun protection, map, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, fire starter). Participants should be in a physical condition appropriate for the difficulty of the hike. Leaders may decline anyone not properly equipped or judged incapable of completing the hike in a reasonable time frame. Hikers voluntarily leaving the group are considered nonparticipants. In case of accident, illness or incapacity, hikers must pay their medical and/or evacuation expenses whether they authorize them or not. Hikes leave the meeting place at the time listed. Adverse conditions, weather and combined circumstances can affect difficulty.
January/2014—25
Book Review: Backpacker and Hiker’s Handbook Author: William Kemsley, Jr. by Barry Maletzky The act of walking is as natural as stopping a fall forward. But it was only by walking that our species first inhabited the distant reaches of our earth, and this was on two, rather than four, feet and without Arc’teryx backpacks and REI superstores. So why do we need multiple guides on how to hike and backpack? It’s easy to blame our overly pliant and usually urban lifestyles, so removed from natural habitats, that we need guidance to re-encounter the wilderness. But there really is more: Simply walking in a forest or a desert may require little but clothing, and that only to be modest. But today’s adventurers want more than a stroll in Forest Park; they desire an experience that will reconnect them to the fundamental elements of our planet: to remember what nature has to give, but also to forget the intrusions of modern time. These require bolder undertakings of camping under the stars and climbing mountains, or at least scrambling up them. Getting into the backcountry has thus become an increasingly popular pursuit, especially for us city-dwelling nature-lovers who may have lost touch with our ancient ancestors’ abilities to thrive apart from modern culture. Many of us do need the advice and experience of a guru, a specialist who’s mastered the art of not just surviving, but enjoying, the outdoors. Thus who better than William Kemsley, Jr. to counsel us in returning to the wild, for a day, a fortnight or for weeks at a time? The founder and long-time editor of the “Bible” journal Backpacker and the cofounder of the American Hiking Society, Kemsley has hiked, backpacked and climbed throughout the world and written two other books in this field. Unfortunately, while Kemsley undoubtedly is to be admired as an experienced veteran, the book he has written suffers from being the opposite of his beloved Grand Canyon: too broad and not quite deep enough, especially for Mazama members. While quite detailed in a minimum of areas, such as how to choose the location of a campsite or even picking your hiking pals, the author attempts to cover so many areas that important details are sometimes missing. For example, even though the book was published in 2008, Kemsley omits mentions of modern backpack styles and how to properly fit a pack. He glosses over boot types and selection and fails to mention, let alone describe, the differences between fleece, hardshells and softshells, or the pros and cons of differing types of tents (dome, single-wall, inside-frame, etc.). Nonetheless, he has found sufficient time to cover separate chapters on women-only
26 —Mazama Bulletin
groups (most of this chapter is filled simply with quotes from his women friends), hiking with kids, taking your pet, over-nighting at inns, and seniors on the trails. All this might be useful but Kemsley seems to prefer telling personal anecdotes rather than doling out specific advice. While it might be charming to some readers to learn about the author’s last hike with his elderly dad, or to hear what other hikers have relayed to him, this type of writing ultimately proved annoying to me and, I suspect, will to many of those hoping to glean information rather than tidbits. Indeed, many of the side comments from other hikers he posts in small corner boxes offer nothing other than their own preferences or stories, offering little general guidance. An even greater irritation is the author’s tendency to appear as a contrarian and modernday curmudgeon. He disdains many of today’s advances in lightweight materials and electronic devices. Advising not to use biodegradable soap on a long backpack is fine if Kemsley offers an alternative, which he does not. When backpacking, he prefers a tarp to a tent; boiling water to a filter; a pocket watch to a GPS; jeans instead of modern synthetics; and advises watching the cloud patterns to relying on what are, today, fairly accurate National Weather Service warnings. Indeed, he claims that if he learns someone with him on a hike or backpack is carrying a cell phone, SPOT-like device or a GPS, he will leave the trip! It appears he also revels in being abstemious: If he must use a tent, it is the $19.88 Walmart special along with a rectangular $18.98 sleeping bag. Good thing he lives in New Mexico. And all this from the former editor of a magazine reviewing $500 rain jackets and $350 boots! When detail is provided, it is often embarrassingly unnecessary. We do not need to read about every bear attack recorded from 2000 to 2006 nor every death (even non-hiking ones) in the Grand Canyon from 1999 through 2000. Separate chapters are devoted to bear, snake and cougar attacks. In the Northwest, dying from hypothermia is 600 times more likely than from a bear and infinitely more likely than from a snake or cougar. However, this is not to deny that Kemsley offers some helpful hints about being on and off the trail, especially about pacing, solo hiking, hypothermia, hyponatremia, and snow camping. Nonetheless, the beginner and even intermediate hiker will not gain much from continued on next page
Welcome to the Mazamas! Monthly New Member and Volunteer Orientation Night Wednesday, Jan. 29; 7 p.m. at the Mazama Mountaineering Center Are you new to the Mazamas and looking to learn more about getting involved? Are you curious about volunteering with the organization but not sure how to get started? Want to learn some interesting Mazama history trivia? Join us for the first monthly Welcome Night, to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 29 (the last Wednesday of the month) at 7 p.m. at the Mazama Mountaineering Center. We’ll give you some background on the Mazamas, talk about all of the different activities and events you can get involved with, give you a calendar of upcoming events and go through the various opportunities to volunteer. Snacks will be provided! Contact Kati Mayfield, kati@mazamas.org, to RSVP.
Book Review, continued from previous page Kemsley’s personal stories on the trail, nor his too-frequent quoting of other folks’ anecdotes. Most hikers and backpackers, through their own experiences and observations, will have worked out their own systems over time that work for them. For the true beginning hiker and backpacker it will be far better to consult the many other helpful texts in this area, including Stevenson’s 2010 The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking (of course my favorite), Goldenberg and Martin’s 2008 Hiking and Backpacking and Townsend’s 2012 update of The Backpackers’ Handbook. The first two are in the Mazama Library. Despite my skepticism, any of these, even Kemsley’s writings, would be helpful to the novice because going slowly through the countryside is the best way to appreciate its wonders. Driving is better than flying, bicycling is better than driving, and hiking is better than bicycling. Perhaps fortunately, our first and most ancient walkers did not have the opportunity to compare. Backpacker and Hiker’s Handbook. Kemsley, William Jr. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2008. Mazama Library number 796.51.K31
January/2014—27
LOCAL • NATIONAL • INTERNATIONAL 2014
outings
Adventure Travel
28 —Mazama Bulletin
Trekking in Patagonia
North to Alaska Outing
February 8–22
March 20–28
At the southern end of the Earth lies a wide, windswept, wonderful land called Patagonia. Though it’s technically in both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a place of its own, a land of calving glaciers, vast lakes, awesome steppes and peaks so jagged and immense they pause the mind and stir the heart. Patagonia calls to the adventure traveler and mainly to the hiker. Once in Patagonia, we will spend two weeks doing both day hikes and multi-day hikes in Chile and Argentina. We’ll day-hike into the mighty range of peaks dominated by Monte Fitz Roy, an 11,020 foot tower whose sheer face of more than 6,000 feet makes it one of the world’s most challenging climbs. We’ll also catch views of the Continental Ice Field and walk on the surface of the sprawling Perito Moreno Glacier. In Chile we will visit the Torres del Paine National Park. Here lie the famous Towers of Paine. In the park, we’ll hike hut-to-hut for five days along the “W” Circuit (named for its shape), winding in and out of spectacular mountain valleys, past Grey Glacier and up the spectacular French Valley, surrounded by hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires. Contact donovan@ embarkadventures.com for more details. $3,995 per person excluding air fare. Need a minimum of eight people to go.
This Outing travels to Talkeetna, Alaska and uses a beautiful log lodge as a base for late winter activities in the foothills south of Denali. The Outing group will fly to Anchorage and after one night in Anchorage, use rental vans to drive to Talkeetna. In Talkeetna and the surrounding area, there will be opportunities for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, aurora watching, dog mushing, photography, meeting locals, learning about Denali mountaineering history and the role Talkeetna plays in modern mountaineering in the Alaskan Range. There will likely be an optional air taxi flight around Denali, with glacier landing in the Ruth Gorge. Basic costs for airfare to and from Portland, van rental, most food and lodging is around $850. Equipment rental if needed ~ $75; dog mushing and kennel visit ~ $75; scenic Denali flight and Ruth Gorge landing ~ $300. Individuals interested in joining the Outing need to contact Tom Bennett <nordlys_2@yahoo.com;> and Alicia Imbody <aimbody@gmail.com> Please let us know why you want to attend and what special skill set you bring to help us have a fun and rewarding trip for all participants. Age 21 and over.
Big Island Adventure Hawaii February 26–March 8 Join us as we explore the Big Island of Hawaii. Our itinerary will include summit attempts on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea as well as exploring Volcanoes National Park, the city of refuge, Waimanu Valley and other cultural and historical areas of interest on the Island. The 6-8 participants will need to be in good physical condition and should have experience on at least one 12,000-foot peak. We will have a somewhat flexible schedule dependent on weather and team interests. Accomodations include hotel/rental home, National Park cabins, and tent camping. The cost of the outing will be between $930 and $1235 and excludes airfare. Contact the leader, Gary Bishop (gbish90@hotmail.com) for more information.
The Mother of All Street Rambles: New York City May 7–15 (date change!) Lodging is in a very desirable location close to Central Park. Hike Central Park and visit sites of interest all over Manhattan, including the Hudson River, East River, and Long Island via ramble and occasional ferry or subway. It is time that New York City learned who the Mazamas are! NYC will seem a lot smaller once it is rambled! Initial registration fee has 3 tiers which include Mazamas fees: 2 to a bed:$532; single bed:$657; sleeping bag (count must match single bed registrations):$407. Airfare ($320–$400) is not included and not required at time of registration. All registration money goes to lodging and miscellaneous refundable fees. Leader John A. Davis (503-358-5900), Co-Leader Steven Watts. For pictures of lodging, itinerary, additional information, and additional costs see outing’s website where no stone is left unturned: http://208.106.134.151/ NYC2014.aspx
Great Smoky Mountains —Hikes & Culture May 10–18 Spend a week in western North Carolina as we explore the spectacular Appalachian scenery and learn about the mountain culture of the area. The hikes will be “B” level—7–8 miles and elevation up to 2,000 feet with options for tougher “B” hikes up to 3,000 feet with up to 10 miles. The typical pace will be leisurely so we can enjoy the beauty of the oldest mountains in North America, at least two sections of the Appalachian Trail as well as favorite trails of the Outing Leader who led hikes in the area for eight years. We will have time in the evenings to enjoy the arts, crafts and music of the area or simply hang out at the Creekside Lodge with its indoor swimming pool, fire pits, micro-fridges, and other amenities. We will take a break Wednesday to visit Asheville, NC, or other places in the area. The Outing cost is $380 and includes all lodging and fees. Participants are responsible for their meals, airline cost, and car rental. Max. 26 participants. Deposit of $100 due by Feb. 15. For more information and an application form, contact: Jim Selby selbyjb@comcast.net, ph. 828-5085094 (leader) or Dick Meissner, dick. meissner@Frontier.com, ph. 503-6929065 (assistant leader).
Exploring Bolivia’s Highlands and Jungle May 24–June 7 Join us for a unique trip of extremes in one of South Americas hidden gems, Bolivia. We will spend the first two full days in La Paz (elevation 12,000 feet), to acclimatize and explore the ancient Tiahuanaco and Inca Culture. Then we fly south and join a 4X4 overland tour for the next four days. Expect a land like no other: giant salt flats, lagoons filled with flamingos, pumice plains, Boiling mud pots and ancient plants among some of the oldest on the planet. We first visit the Uyuni de Salar, an ancient sea that has evaporated, leaving the world’s largest salt flat. Then we head to the high desert of southern Bolivia, near the Chilean border. This area is a refuge for Andean animals including vicuna and flamingos. The land is a stark contrast between colorful lagoons and the volcanic desert landscape. Return to La Paz by air, spending
and transportation within the Chamonix-Mt Blanc area for 14 days (all lifts, gondolas, cog trains, and cable cars are included). Also included will be instruction on advanced Join outing leader Paul Gerald for an informal, open-house meeting from 6:30–8 rescue techniques prior to leaving Portland. p.m. at MMC. Find out more about the 2014 Mazama outing to Tuscany and Cinque For those ICS grads who have not done any Terre. Paul will show pictures and answer questions about the hiking and touring trip ice climbing, we also plan to do a one-day that runs from Aug. 31–Sep. 12. Come see if this trip might be for you, or if you’re instruction/review of ice climbing technique on the Mer de glace Glacier when we first already going, this is a chance to meet your fellow adventurers. arrive while acclimatizing. Participants will be expected to bring their own personal climbing equipment, group gear will be the night at our hotel. The following day we fly east tour a museum dedicated to the mountain war and provided. Info night Tuesday, Nov. 19 at to a small airstrip in the borderlands between the explore hidden outposts and see relics of the past 6:30 p.m. at the MMC. Contact Lee Davis, lee@ Amazon and the Pampas. We will spend four days while we walk in the footsteps of the soldiers that mazamas.org (leader) or Lisa Brady, pdxlisab@ exploring both the true jungle and the borderlands, lived and fought in these jagged mountains. gmail.com (assistant leader) for more details. much by dugout canoe. Expect to see all manner For more information, contact outing leader: Website info facebook.com/mazamasinchamonix. of animals such as Alligators, Caymen, and many Ryan Christie at ryandchristie@yahoo.com. The monkeys. With luck, we might even see a puma assistant leader is Kevin Clark at mandrake@ Hiking and Touring in in the jungle and Pink river dolphins when on the europa.com. water. Fly back to La Paz for another two days prior Tuscany and Cinque Terre to departing for home. Corsica Long-Distance Hiking Aug. 31–Sept. 12 Cost is $2,400–$3,000 depending on size. Most You know about the food and the wine and June 14–30 in country costs are included. Minimum of 6 people the beautiful countryside, but Italy is also home The GR20, 125 miles along the crest of the island are needed. Airfare from Portland is approximately to some fabulous hiking. On this outing we will of Corsica, is a rocky and varying high route with $1,300 and not included (plan an additional full sample three kinds of hikes—mountains, coast, scrambling options and both alpine and ocean day/overnight for air travel). Leader: Benjamin and rolling hill country—while mixing in off-theviews. Using a local company as outfitters, we will Vincent, 503-260-0839 (b-vincent@msn.com) and beaten-track touring and simply amazing meals. carry only day packs and sleep in refuges or set Bob Breivogel, 503-297-4284 (breivog@teleport. We meet in Florence to get settled, wander the tents, enjoying simple local cuisine at group meals. com). Deposit $100 due by March 1 2014. bustling streets, and admire some of the world’s 16 days of hiking, with the longest day being 13 finest art, including Michelangelo’s David. Then miles and 3,300 foot ascent, and highest altitude Italian Dolomites Outing we’ll head to the walled city of Lucca, of our base 7,300 feet. Trip leader speaks French and both May 31–June 15 for three days of hiking in and around the Apuane leader and assistant have led European tours and Alps, one of the world’s great sources of marble. This outing will consist of alpine climbing, hiked long-distance trails. Group size 8–10. Outing From Lucca, it’s out to the coast, where spend rock climbing, via ferrata (self-belayed on existing costs $3,000, plus airfare, $500 deposit. two full days walking to all five villages of the anchors and cables with specialized leashes or Leader: Eugene Lewins (eugene.lewins@gmail. legendary Cinque Terre, using trains to return to kits), hiking, mountain biking and exploring. I am com), Assistant Leader: Paul Gerald (paul@ our base each night. Among other treats, this is the proposing a limit of 12 people for a total maximum paulgerald.com) region where pesto was invented! team size of 14 including myself and the assistant We then head into the magical Chianti hill leader. Minimum group size 7. Chamonix—Mt. Blanc country, where we spend several days hiking to We will fly into Milan on Saturday, May 31 and medieval villages, monasteries, wineries, and other Climbing Sunday, June 1—people arriving early have a day to sites. We might even get to see the start of grape spend exploring Milan. We will rent vans and drive July 7–21 harvest! Many meals will be in private homes, to Arco to spend three nights exploring the heart Nestled near the border of Switzerland, arranged by our guide Silvio, a lifelong Tuscan. of Italy’s sport climbing mecca. From there we will Italy, and France, lies the birthplace of alpine The cost of about $4,000 (it all depends on drive to the quaint little town of Antermoia with mountaineering, Chamonix France. We’ll be there trip details, number of people, and the exchange the objective of climbing a fairly easy via ferrata up during peak alpine climbing season for two full rate) covers everything but airfare and souvenirs. the Sass de Putia. Then we move on to our primary weeks. Based at the foot of the Mt. Blanc Massif For more information, contact leader Paul Gerald, base camp of the trip in Cortina d’Ampezzo—this with hundreds of day trip objectives on snow, ice, paul@paulgerald.com or 971-227-2059. is a major base of operations opening up access and rock, this will be a unique opportunity for to some of the coolest terrain in the Dolomites climbers to explore the Alps and stretch their skills. including Tre Cima de Lavaredo, Tofana di Rozes This will be a strenuous outing with climbing and Cinque Torre. Next up is Canazei where we opportunities daily for the duration of the trip. can access the highest peak in the Dolomites, the Participants should be Mazama Intermediate Marmolada, as well as the famous Sassonger and Climbing School graduates other climbing around Corvara and Colfusco. or equivalent. Participants Finally, we will head back to Milan via Lake Como. should also have a good Want to go on an outing? Contact the leader for more information and the forms you This outing will potentially include climbing fitness level as a large portion will need: an application, a liability release and a medical information form. Send of all levels; rock climbing of all grades, all-day of the alpine climbs start at those forms to the leader and then, upon acceptance for the trip, send payments multi-pitch routes, via ferrata levels from 1 to 5, 11,000 feet. Outing cost will directly to the Mazama office with the name of the outing written on the check. As spectacular scenery for hiking and biking, plus be $1,995 per person, airfare a service to our members, we are providing links to the following organizations that waterfalls and plenty of amazing scenery. In not included. Costs include may also offer trips of interest: Seattle Mountaineers—www.seattlemountaineers. addition to all of that, the area is steeped in history org, Colorado Mountain Club—www.cmc.org, Appalachian Mountain Club—www. round trip transportation surrounding World War I and the mountain war outdoors.org, and the American Alpine Club—www.americanalpineclub.org. from Geneva to/from that took place between Austria and Italy. We will Chamonix, and all lodging
Tuscany Outing Info Night—Jan. 9
January/2014—29
Mazama Used Equipment Sale Mark your calendar for Friday, March 21 5–6 p.m. Mazama members and students in climbing classes 6–8 p.m. Sale open to general public Mazama Mountaineering Center SE 43rd Avenue and Stark Street
• BUY “field tested” gear at very reasonable prices! • FRIDAY, MARCH 21. • Come EARLY for the best selection. • Mazamas accepts cash, checks, or Visa®/MasterCard®.
New Items for Sale You can now purchase Mazama hoodies, Mazama t-shirts, stickers, and several new books at the MMC! HOODIES: Navy blue, sizes from youth through 2XL—$25 members/$30 nonmembers T-SHIRTS: Navy blue, gender specific sizing, womens XS–XL, mens S–2XL (very limited number of gray shirts available)—$12 members/$15 nonmembers NEW BOOKS: Weekend Rock Oregon: Trad and Sport Routes from 5.0 to 5.10a. Author: Ron Horton Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness, Second Edition. Author: David Musnick, M.D., Mark Pierce, A.T.C
30 —Mazama Bulletin
SELLERS
BUYERS
Questions? Ask the Mazama Used Equipment Sale organizers: Kathleen Hahn, Lori Coyner (Lambert) & Annie McCartney— team-kals@googlegroups.com. • WHAT: Check your gear closet for saleable equipment or clothing you aren’t using or have upgraded. • PRICE it reasonably and it will sell; you’ll keep 70 percent of all proceeds. • PICK UP price tags and tally sheets at the MMC starting Feb. 15. • DROPOFF: March 20; 4–8 p.m. at the MMC.
Classified Advertising THESE LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. THE MAZAMAS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CONTENT.
SMALL GROUP TOURS OF TURKEY. Competitive prices, fully escorted, meals included. http://turkey.cascolytravel.com HOUSE AND PET SITTING BY BILLIE GOODWIN—Mazama Member since 1986. Call 503-254-6121 or email oriongood@aol.com.
Executive Council Minutes Dec. 10, 2013 Submitted by: Meg Goldberg, EC Secretary In Attendance: Bronson Potter–President; Sojo Hendrix– Vice President; Terry Donahe–Treasurer; Meg Goldberg–Secretary; Judith Baker, Heather Campbell, Kate Evans, Amy Mendenhall, Joan Zuber. Lee Davis, Executive Director. Bronson Potter called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. The minutes of the November 12, 2013 meeting were approved. Membership Report: Oral Report by Meg Goldberg. There were 34 applications for membership and five reinstatements and one resignation. Total membership as of November 2013 is 3,325. This is an increase of 133 members since this time last year. Treasurer’s Report: No written report. Lee and staff are working on a new budget format. Written report will be available for the January meeting. Executive Director’s Report: Oral Report by Lee Davis. Lee’s complete report is available on Page 3. Written Committee Reports Pre-Submitted: • Conservation • CISM • Education • Governing Docs (to be moved to January EC agenda) • Lodge • Programs • Publications • Research The reports were unanimously approved and received on the consent agenda. Committees with No Written Report Submitted: • Library • Nominating Committee Regular Committee Reports Conservation Committee requests action from the EC to approve Ally Imbody as co-chair for the committee. Judith Baker moved to accept Ally Imbody as co-chair with John Rettig. Motion seconded. Motion Passed. Action: Approved. New Business Mazama Families: Request by the group “Mazama Families” for approval of committee status. Terry Donahe moves to accept Mazama Families as a new committee. Motion seconded. Motion Passed. Action: Approved. Mazama Lodge Parking Lot Update: Chris Cardno updated EC on the Lodge Parking Lot. The Project Request Form submitted to the Forest Service will be reviewed in January. Chris is hopeful that the project will be approved by late summer with construction commencing next fall. Decisions will be need to be made as to contractors for the construction. Fundraising will also be needed to pay for the parking lot. Staff Goals FY 2013–2014. Lee Davis provided EC with an updated list of staff goals. Meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Executive Council went into Executive Session. Next Executive Council Meeting: Tuesday, Jan.14, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the MMC.
The Mazama Nordic Committee would like to thank the staff of the MMC and all of our instructors who helped kick the Nordic Ski School off to another great season! We couldn’t do it without your dedication and help. And a special Chair thanks to my fellow Nordic Committee members who make it all possible: Carl Lamb, Jodi Wacenske, Ed Conyngham, Ed Wortman, Byron Rendar, Elliott Mecham and Lia Ribacchi. Thank You!!!
Membership Report January 2014 Applications for membership:.................................................34 Robert Allen—Mt. Fuji Conrad D. Anker—Meru Aina Cabra-Riart—Mt. Adams Don Colburn—Mt. Rainier Ellen Colburn—Mt. Rainier Jeffrey Couttouw—South Sister Topher Dabrowski—Mt. Hood Amy Dawson—South Sister Bryan Dawson—Mt. St. Helens Elizabeth Dawson—South Sister Paul Dawson—Mt. St. Helens Scott Dawson—South Sister Xander Dawson –South Sister Robert Farnes—Mt. St. Helens Phil Friesen—Mt. Hood James Gladish—South Sister Carolyn Hargus—Mt. Adams Karthik Jambunathan—Mt. Baker
Jill Josselyn—Mt. Hood Christopher Keil –Mt. St. Helens Alexander Kelsay—Mt. St. Helens Jennifer Lane—Mt. Whitney Qian Leng—Kilimanjaro Jan Maas—Breithorn Lisa Mellman—South Sister Charles Montross—Mt. Kilimanjaro Chelsea Neilson—Middle Sister Heidi Osako—South Sister Elizabeth Pedersen—Mt. Kilimanjaro Christopher Rall—Mt. St. Helens David Rodebuck—Mt. Hood Christopher Salaz—Mt. Hood Benjamin Stabley—South Sister Marcus Viales—South Sister Bill Wilder—Mt. Shasta
Reinstatements:.........................................................................5 David Dalton (2001), Richard Davis (2004), Peter Greer (1994), Andrew Mason (2002), James Warren (1954)
Resignations:.............................................................................1 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP November 30, 2013:......................................................... 3,458 November 30, 2012:......................................................... 3,325
January/2014—31
Mazamas速
527 SE 43rd Ave. Portland OR 97215 www.mazamas.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Mazama Periodical Postage Paid in Portland, Oregon
Descending Dog Mountain. Photo: Richard Getgen