Catherine Loop Ski

Posted March 5, 2012 by Doxey

Sounds like the Bushwhacker Mount Catherine Ski Loop outing was fun. On the outing were Fred, Celese, Patrick, Lynne and Philip.

Patrick had this to say:

It was fine day in the hills - thanks Fred for putting it together, and to all for an enthusiastic good time!

A few pix are attached, along with the GPS track - amazingly similar to last year's !
See you all next time,
Patrick

Glacier Course Applications due Tuesday

Posted February 26, 2012 by Chris K

I just wanted to let everyone know we have had a great response for this years Basic Glacier Climbing Course. The deadline to get an application in is this Tuesday, if you or someone you know is thinking of sending in an application please have it submitted by Tuesday Feb. 28th.

UPDATE: Registration for the course is now closed.

Ten Years in the Pickets

Posted February 26, 2012 by Doxey

The Bushwhacker Climbing Club is proud to present a slideshow by Seth P, Friday night February 26, Ten Years in the Pickets: A North Cascades Apprenticeship.

The Pickets are a group of rugged peaks in the North Cascades considered by many to be the toughest to access with some of the best climbing in the west. Seth P, one of the founders of the club, a great climber and a wonderful photographer, will show photos from his ten years of visiting the area. You will not want to miss this event!

Club members, watch your email inbox for an evite with details. See you there!

Avy Class Report

Posted January 31, 2012 by Patrick S

Nine club members had a great time and learned lots in an AIARE I (Avy I) course. The club commissioned Pro Guiding of North Bend for the class.

We had two evening classroom sessions - facilities graciously provided by Merrill Design - where we did our book learning. Then on the weekend of January 28-29, we headed for the hills of Snoqualmie Pass to put our knowledge to work.

On Day 1 it was up the Source Lake basin, which gave us a great chance to evaluate avalanche terrain in a popular backcountry destination. We skiied and snowshoed up to the Snow Lake divide at 4500', where we used our transceivers to rescue many a buried backpack. We did well, excavating all within the requisite 15 minutes that enables a high survival rate.

Day 2 took us to Hyak, as it turns out in the torrential rain, where we made snow pits to analyze the complex snowfall over the last few weeks. We took away the message that, while you can look at many details, it is the big picture you want to develop. It includes the NWAC forecast, the weather, the terrain, the snowpack, and the folks you are traveling with.

I think we all agreed we found the lessons valuable in making winter backcountry travel fun and safer. And we had some nice bonuses on our outings - beautiful scenery in the Source Lake basin and a great gear check while weathering the downpour at Hyak!

The course grads are:
Tomas M.
Robert M.
Philip S.
Lynne M.
Peter D.
Brandon H.
Dan S.
Celese S.
Patrick S.

Thanks to all for participating - it's great to have outing buds that are not only enjoyable but well-trained!

Snow Shelters Clinic

Posted January 31, 2012 by Chris K

We will be heading out for an overnight trip where tents are not needed. We will practice building T-type snow caves or A-frame shelters and then to make it more fun we will sleep in what we build. No experience needed but club membership is required.

The clinic will be Saturday Feb 25Th and Sunday Feb 26Th.

To sign up, email us at bwcc_information "at" bushwhackerclimbingclub.org.

Chris K

2012 Leadership Course enrollment opens

Posted January 29, 2012 by Philip

Greetings folks,

Enrollment for this Spring's Wilderness Leadership Course is officially open. The dates are March 6 through April 10. Instructors will be Philip S with Chris K and Cale H.

The Leadership Course is for those of you who have completed either the Basic Glacier Climbing Course, Scramble/Backcountry Travel Course, or equivalent. It is not only a great opportunity to learn the finer points of being a better leader in the wilderness, but it is also a great way to connect with the club, and better qualify yourself to lead club outings and assist with classes.

The application deadline is February 13. Tuition is $250 and includes books, maps and tee shirt. The Course involves 5 classroom sessions, three outings, (including one overnighter), and a graduation night & final discussion

To apply for enrollment email:

"bwcc_information" at "bushwhackerclimbingclub.org"

Questions about the course? Please feel free to email us.

Thanks,

Philip S

January Ski Night

Posted January 22, 2012 by Philip

This past Thursday, the 19th was the official BWCC ski night for January.

Just in time for making some turns, Mother Nature slammed us with a couple feet of new snow on the hill. We braved the elements and were duly rewarded with piles and piles of fresh pow! We cranked tele-turns through the mildly heavy, but heavenly snow until our legs gave out, then caught up over beers back at Whiskey Pete's.

Thanks to those who made it, and almost made it!

Keep an eye on your email for the BWCC February Ski Night. - We're gonna go for it one more time!

Cheers,
-Philip

Skyline Ridge Ski

Posted January 17, 2012 by Chris K

The snow is finally here, Fred R and I will be leading a ski tour on Saturday Jan 28th up at Stevens pass area. The plan is to head up to Skyline Lake and drop off into the back country for a few laps but if conditions change the route might also.

Everyone on the trip will need a transceiver, probes, a shovel, skis and skins.

If you are interested let me know.