Reports from the Field 2009
Club members, send your reports to: bwcc_information 'at' bushwhackerclimbingclub.org
BWCC Revegetation Work at MRNP
Posted October 3, 2011Here is a trip report from Patrick S, who spearheaded club participation in a trail work / revegetation effort at Mount Rainier National Park. Thanks to everyone that participated, and thanks Patrick for your leadership!
Several Bushwhackers and families began the activity Friday night around the campfire. Joining in the outing were Rachel and Mark H with Elizabeth and Clara, Patrick and Celese S with Ian, and Jim P. We fueled ourselves with s’mores for the next day's work ahead.
Saturday AM began with a dedication by
the Mt Rainier superintendant of the rebuilt Glacier Basin trail, which many club members have used on the approach to Camp Shurman. It was constructed with thousands of volunteer hours, after the original trail was wiped out by the flood of 1996. After the ceremony, Jim Powell headed out for trail maintenance on the Wonderland, the rest of us to Sunrise to reveg an area that had once been a drive in campground (above)
The Rainier staff trained us in planting alpine plants - you bust up the soil a bit, then install 7 plants per square foot, of mixed varieties (left). The plants came in flats of 49 - the greenhouse folks germinate thousands of seeds from the same area over the year, then grow them
in individual pots. It's a huge effort. The 50 + people on our volunteer crew that day put in 10,000 plants. Occasionally Clara would remind us - "NEVER GIVE UP!" Right on, Clara.
It was a beautiful day out, and great fun to join in with the folks for such an accomplishment. The plants have a 90% survival rate - we hope to get back to see
the difference we made (right). It's a small step - it will actually take 10 years or more to return the area to its natural state.
We saw Jim again when we returned to camp. While we had spent the day digging holes with trowels, Jim had spent the day in a hole with a shovel. Nice effort! Be sure to think of Jim kindly as you walk the Wonderland Trail.
West MacMillan Spire
Posted August 15, 2011
Chris K. led a fun scramble outing to West MacMillan Spire this past weekend. This was the first official club outing to the Southern Pickets! On the team along with Chris were Sandy W, Ronda B, Champagne X, and Laura A.
Chris said,
This team preformed great, everyone was strong and pulled together when needed, had a great time laughing at ourselves. I don't think there was a bad part of the trip.
All but one went to the summit. She turned back when the scramble got a bit out of her comfort zone but she was almost there and waited at the saddle for the rest of the team. We got to kick a few steps and glisade a bit so that was great.
Here are some more photos. Way to go Bushwhackers!
Eldorado Club Climb
Posted August 5, 2011 Fred R put together a great climb of Eldorado. Fred reports:All seven of us, Fred R. Patrick S. Elena, Lynne, Michael, Philip and Ken, were standing on the summit at 8,800 feet. We had great views to Glacier Peak and Mt. Baker and Shuksan. Photos, ohs, ahs and congratulations ensued. Weather was near perfect and we had the summit to ourselves.
Wenatchee Crest Trail
Posted March 7, 2011 Club members had another great day in the mountains on Saturday, February 26th. A group went out snowshoeing on the
at Blewitt Pass and enjoyed some amazing fresh powder and even some blue sky! We had all this splendor to ourselves as we broke trail, enjoyed the views and good company. Good times!Mazama Ridge Ski Tour 12/19/10
Posted December 21, 2010
Philip, Carla and Chris skied Mazama Ridge/skyline trail on Sunday, the weather was blue bird. We found lots of powder and got some great turns in. After we left Pan point we had the entire ridge route to ourselves.
Mt. Rainier Fourth of July Success
Posted July 7, 2009
What better way to celebrate the Forth of July than a successful summit on a beautiful day? We had 8 Bushwhackers (3 first timers!) get up the mountain via the Emmons route. We then got back to Camp Schurman in time to catch a nap before most of the fireworks north of the mountain. Thanks to Chris K for leading everyone.
Good times in J-Tree
Posted March 20, 2009
photo © Seth
hiking on shuksan arm
Posted February 26, 2009
Photo © Mike Mallahan
The mountains were so clear and detailed that you could see the individual crevasses and snowfields on Baker and Shuksan. The climb was certainly strenuous but goes down in my top ten of best outings.
Looks like they had a great time out there. See more of Mike's pictures here.
Winter ascent of The Tooth
Posted February 22, 2009
We started the day wandering around in full-on whiteout. In the basin below the Tooth, it finally cleared, revealing four (yes four) other parties five to twenty minutes in front of us. I guess we should have gotten up a half-hour earlier? No worries, the sun came out and by the time we ate our lunch we were clear to climb.
One would expect it to be quite chilly out there. Keith said,
It was far from a foregone conclusion with near-total whiteout conditions lower down and burr-cold up in the basin. But the sun came out and we made it!
And Seth added,
Way to get out there guys!Cold conditions, and windy at times, but the route was in fine shape. Summit City!
Hiking on Shuksan Arm
Posted February 17, 2009The mountains were so clear and detailed that you could see the individual crevasses and snowfields on Baker and Shuksan. The climb was certainly strenuous but goes down in my top ten of best outings.
Looks like they had a great time out there. See more of Mike's pictures here.
Snowshoeing at Mt R
Posted February 14, 2009
Great snow conditions for snowshoeing: 10-12 inches of powder over the base, which meant smiles all around, particularly bombing downhill!
Winter ascent of the Tooth
Posted February 6, 2009 Jared's been getting out. NEB of Chair Peak last week, and yesterday a fine winter ascent of The Tooth. Way to go! Says Jared:It was indeed pretty up there. A little overcast since a weather system was arriving, but the temps were mild and there wasn't much wind. You could make out Glacier Peak despite the cloud cover, and even Stuart appeared through the clouds at times. Rap stations all had fresh webbing and rings, and I donated a sling to make a quick rap down to the basin from Pineapple Pass.Fantastic! Now if only we could get him to remember his camera!
Little Devil Peak, NCNP 01/18-19/09
Posted January 27, 2009
Read more of Yana's and Carla's TR on NWhikers.net
Ruth Mountain, NC 7/12-13/08
Posted January 13, 2009
Read more of Robert's and Kathy's TR on NWhikers.net
Mount Rainier via Emmons!
Posted January 9, 2009
West Ridge of Forbidden
Posted January 9, 2009
The ridge climb was solid and very fun, with only one crux section that really tested our rock climbing skills. The rest was very low fifth class and the weather was perfect up there - short sleeves, sunshine and a mild breeze to cool the heat.
Dox and Seth at Castle Rock
Posted January 9, 2009
Katie climbs NR of Adams
Posted January 9, 2009
Hiked up the loose volcanic scree up spine of the Adams north ridge, taking in awesome views of the very-crevassed Adams glacier, and Mt. Rainier and Mt, St. Helens in the distance. The last mile of the hike is the summit ice cap with an easy grade of snow and ice to the summit. Mark is a geologist so I learned a lot about fumaroles and the cooling patterns of lava. The summit was socked in but all in all it was an awesome climb!
Snowking
Posted January 9, 2009
Eldorado summit!
Posted January 9, 2009
The actual glacier climb was pretty mellow. I liked the ridge up at the summit though. It was just enough to get the adrenaline going bit! Great weather and great climbing buddies made it a great trip!
Fun at Vertical World
Posted November 5, 2006On this rainy Sunday afternoon, there was an impromptu gathering at Vertical World, and lots of Bushwhackers were there, all swapping up partners and climbing with each other. It was so fun to see everyone. Laurie, Doug, Seth, Carla, Jill, Keith, Doxey, Jackie, Frederic, Katie and her friend, Amy and her friend Jen - whew, it was great!
Cragging at Vantage
Posted October 23, 2006Frederic and Doxey made a day of cragging at Vantage. Good times! We climbed Choss Master and other routes. Also, Frederic got to lead his first bolted 5.8, the aptly named Vantage Point. Fantastic!
Seth and Ian visit Index
Posted October 3, 2006On Saturday, Seth and Ian, their friend Dylan, and Dylan's Dad(!), met up for some sunny rock climbing in Index. They climbed a route named Slow Children, a 5.10d finger crack. Wow!
Dylan leads the pitch
Ian ponders the route
In this photo, Ian studies the Bushwhacker Club Articles of Incorporation. 
"Hmmm... how does one become president of this organization?"
More Cragging at Tieton
Posted October 2, 2006Doxey, Doug H, Sandy and Randy K piled into Sandy's car and trekked over to Tieton's Royal Columns Sunday. Sandy led Good Timer and Western Front. Randy led Double Trouble and Slacker. I was feeling really good, and so led Mushmaker, 5.7, and Jam Exam, 5.9. Royal Columns was not at all crowded - two other parties in the morning, and in the afternoon we had the crag all to ourselves. All agreed, it was a great day out.
Cragging at Tieton
Posted September 18, 2006Seth, Frederic, Keith and Doxey took a day to go cragging at Tieton's Royal Columns. Frederic and Doxey stayed on the easier stuff, like Western Front and Nimrod's Nemesis, while Seth and Keith took on more difficult climbs. Seth led the roof on Render Us Weightless - wow! And Keith led the area classic Inca Roads. It was a great day out there!
Here is a photo of Keith leading Inca Roads. It's a butt-shot so it won't win any awards, but hey, its Inca Roads. I just had to take a picture!
Luna Peak!
Posted August 31, 2006Last week our friends Seth, Shail, Shauna and Steve climbed to the south summit of Luna Peak.
Cool photo by Seth P
West MacMillan
Posted August 31, 2006Laurie, Beth, and their friend Karen are now Picketeers! The three climbed West MacMillan Spire. Says Laurie,
We spent about an hour at the top looking around at the north cascade jewels then back to camp.
Must have been a great trip.
It was fantastic. The trail is steep but we took our time and still made good time.
Good job! 
Ptarmigan Ptraverse
Posted August 21, 2006Our friends Sandy and Steve M and friends completed the Ptarmigan Traverse last week. Steve said they had a great time.
A couple photos by Steve M:
Rona's Summer of Adventure
Posted August 11, 2006Rona and Jeff climbed Saber at Castle Rock the other day. Says she,
While there were lots of easy parts, I still think there are some moves that were harder than 5.4/5.5!
I agree! 
This is just the latest. Having perused Rona's blog, I see she has been getting out. She and Jeff climbed Ruth Mountain, and the week before that Alta and Kaleetan with fellow Bushwhackers Yumi, Elaine, Laurie and Robyn. Whew! Next up for her? Jeff and Rona are off to Mount Thompson, then the Gunks in a couple of weeks!
Rona and Jeff on Ruth Mountain
Michael F climbs Mount R
Posted August 11, 2006Bushwhacker Michael F climbed Mount Rainier this past weekend with his friends. They climbed the Disappointment Cleaver route. Michael says,
It was a great trip. Nice to finally check Rainier off my list... I just grin like an idiot everytime I look at it now.
Michaels photos can be found at Michael's Kodak Gallery. Congratulations Michael!
Spickard and Redoubt
Posted August 10, 2006Our friends Carla, Laurie, Mario and Doug climbed Spickard and Redoubt. Well, apparently they left the very tip top of Redoubt for another time. Sounds like they had a great time. I scammed a couple of Carla's photos.
Laurie near the summit of Spickard
Climbing on the Redoubt Glacier
Christopher and Kevin climb Baker NR
Posted August 7, 2006Yeah! Christopher H and Kevin climbed the classic North Ridge of Mount Baker!
Chris said,
We pulled out of camp at 1:50 am, hit the crux just after daybreak, and moved up the route under the best weather conditions anyone could have wanted. The route was quite complex and challenging.
I'm certain they had a great time! Chris said,
Kevin was his usual form singing most of the way including "I Shot the Sheriff" as we hit the 9600 ft., 70 degree crux.
Congratulations on a great climb! 
Camp on Coleman Glacier. North Ridge is left skyline.
Leading the first ice pitch
Looking down the route
Keith and Mario on Goode
Posted August 3, 2006Keith and Mario went and reconned the NE Ridge of Goode this past weekend. They decided not to do it due to time constraints. Next time, eh?
Katie earns WFR
Posted August 1, 2006Next time you see Katie, congratulate her for earning her Wilderness First Responder. Katie attended WFR last week at Rescue Specialists. I asked Katie what her favorite part was, and she said:
-manning the radio as the "big cheese," or lead rescuer, of a full scale simulation, where I had to keep track of all of the patients and rescuers and make decisions about the priority and means of transporting the patients to the "helicopter"- learning how to recognize and methodically treat, where possible, the most critical and severe injuries first, and to not get distracted only by gory superficial injuries
- Watching everybody learn so much in just 8 days and become proficient at first aid!
- Going for a hike up and over Icicle Ridge on our day off!
- Giving epinephrine shots to a grapefruit!
Man, there were so many good things!
Cool! Way to go Katie! 
Sandy and Seth climb Ingalls
Posted July 31, 2006Sandy and Seth climbed East Ridge of Ingalls Peak on Saturday. They had a great time, despite the crowds.
Seth sent me some photos of their climb. Good job guys!
Bushwhacker Mount Rainier attempt
Posted July 28, 2006The first club climb of Mount Rainier encountered some disappointment, as the team had to turn around due to illness. But they had fun and learned a lot. It's an impressive mountain, and all vow to return!
Yumi and Elaine climb Mount Adams
Posted July 19, 2006Yumi and Elaine and their friends climbed Mount Adams this past weekend. Sounds like they had a great time. Yumi says, "It was fun! Especially, the 2000ft glissading chute! I'd go back just to do that again." Yay!
Elaine on the climb
Summit City!
Mount Blum!
Posted July 17, 2006Carla and Amy schwacked up the forest, then climbed the ridge to the summit of Mount Blum. Beautiful views of the North Cascades. Whew, what a hike!
Silver Star
Posted July 13, 2006Bushwhackers Steve, Seth and his brother Ethan, climbed Silver Star this past weekend. They had set their sites on Eldorado, but with weather approaching they moved east. Seth said, "Very inquisitive mountain goats -- they followed us from the shoulder up the rock scramble, nearly to the summit!" 
Nice summit - great job guys!
Goat and Ethan - which one is which??
Chiwawa summit!
Posted July 11, 2006Our pals Randy, Doug, Jim, David M., Carla and Kevin visited the summit of Chiwawa Mountain. Doug said, "There is a tricky little bushwack/scramble to just get to the climb... fun!" Right! They went for Fortress also, but were perplexed by tricky ground. "Kevin got within spittin' distance but backed off. We were on maybe 50 degree snow just to get to the class 4 rock." Sounds like they had a good 'ol time! "A really nice & fun outing".
Keith and Seth shoot into Outer Space!
Posted July 5, 20063,2,1, LIFTOFF! Keith and Seth climbed Outer Space this past weekend. Seth said it was really fun. I bet it was! The two were part of a bigger party hiking and climbing all around the Icicle Canyon. Doug, Jackie, Shail, Andrea, Brenna, Sandy - whooo, probably more, I don't think I got the whole story. The big Fourth of July Icicle Canyon party lives on!
Keith on Outer Space, photo by Seth
Upcoming - Mt R, and more
Posted July 5, 2006Lot's of activity going on around here. Rock climbing, mountaineering, and just plain peak bagging. Watch soon for news of climbs of Mount Rainier and the Southern Pickets, and others. Hope you are gettin' out!
Elephant Butte!
Posted July 5, 2006This past weekend, Carla and her pals from nwhikers did some mighty hard hiking, up to the summit of Elephant Butte! Fantastic! That's a very pretty neighborhood, but some tough ground. Good job!
Summit of Mount Terror!
Posted July 3, 2006Our friends Mario, Jim, Philip and David M went to the summit of Mount Terror! Perfect weather helped, but the guys had to tough out the bushwhack - no going around that. Way to go get it! Details and photos to come.
Off to climb Denali
Posted June 11, 2006Our friends Doug Y, Chris K, and their bud Steve S are headed to the Alaska Range to climb Denali. They leave on May 20 and expect to be in Alaska for three weeks. Good luck guys!
UPDATE: Our friends have returned from Denali! They are back safe and had fun, but weather thwarted their summit attempt - drat! Chris said,
Winds were around 40 MPH and with the cold Doug got minor frost bite on two toes and Steve got minor frost bite on his nose and one finger. Had a great time and we took lots of photos.
Little Annapurna summit!
Posted May 30, 2006Rona and Jeff climbed Little Annapurna this weekend, despite the challenging weather. Some photos and story are at Rona's blog at http://spaces.msn.com/mrskroc/
Way to get out there!
Big Snow Mountain
Posted May 23, 2006Carla is on the move! Sunday she climbed Big Snow with a buddy from nwhikers.net and a couple of UW people. She said they had a great time up there.
The ridge on Big Snow:
Baring - almost!
Posted May 22, 2006Carla, Mario and friend Karen got nearly to the top of Baring Peak on Saturday. They were 150 feet from the top when they made a turn around decision based on weather. Then the weather cleared - Drat! Good luck next time, eh?
Frederic climbs at Red Rocks
Posted May 14, 2006Frederic and a good friend climbed at Red Rocks, outside Las Vegas. The multi-pitch rock route is called Frogland, 5.8. Frederic said,
I had a wonderful time. I was a little nervous at the top of the second pitch, but by the end of the day I was a little sad that it was over.
Mount Erie and Vesper Peak
Posted May 13, 2006I asked Chris H about his weekend.
Did some rock climbing with Kevin H over at Mount Erie. We then proceeded up to Rosario Park and practiced crevasse rescue scenarios for a few hours. Yesterday, Melissa, Trevor, and my nephew Kalen made it to the top of Vesper Peak. It appears that we may have been the first ones in there this year.
Here are a few photos from their Vesper climb - nice!
Gang on Camp Muir
Posted May 12, 2006Chris K, Mario, Randy B and Jim were off to Camp Muir on Mount Rainier. So they get to the parking lot and lo and behold they run into Frederic and Jerry. The six hiked to Camp Muir, and even ran into Mike G on the route. Cool!
Seth and Doxey tackle Castle Rock
Posted May 12, 2006Seth and Doxey took a beautiful Friday to visit Castle Rock in Tumwater Canyon, and stepped right up for Canary. Doxey led the strenuous first pitch. Then Seth led the second pitch, which features the infamous step-across start 
Yikes!! But Seth dispatched the problem with aplomb . The pair then climbed the classic Saber. A fine day at the crags for a couple of good pals.
Seth contemplates the second pitch of Canary
Having passed the step across move, Seth is out there doin' it!
Doxey at the belay station on Saber
Arrowhead summit
Posted May 10, 2006Chris K reports that he, Doug Y and Steve H climbed Arrowhead Peak Sunday. Chris said, "Nice views from the top" and he called it a 'great trip'. Good job fellas!
Dragontail Peak
Posted April 24, 2006Carla, Laurie and Joe stomped up the standard scramble route on Dragontail Peak this weekend - cool! This was certainly the weekend to do it! Carla said they got early starts and had time for exploring the summit, and hanging out at camp. She sent me this photo of Dragontail from Colchuck Lake. Way to go, team!
Joshua Tree, TRSM course
Posted April 10, 2006Randy K and I have just returned from Joshua Tree NP - wow, its so beautiful there! We climbed lots of 5.6 and 5.7 routes and had a great time. We also took a four-day Top Rope Site Manager course and really learned a lot - recommended!
Attempt on Pyramid Peak
Posted April 10, 2006Carla, Laurie and Katie tried for Pyramid Peak this past weekend. They got to the snowy hump before the dangerous traverse below Pyramid. The traverse was deemed too hazardous given avy conditions so they stopped there. Good thing, ten minutes later a wet snow slide went over that exact area! Good turn-around call!
Snow Shelter Outing was great!
Posted March 6, 2006The snow shelter outing was really fun, and Mount Rainier's Mazama Ridge was a spectacular location. We enjoyed the great weather Saturday, building A-frame shelters and snowcaves, and Jim practiced using his Megamid as a group dining area. Doug Y, Steve H and Chris K did a fantastic job coaching us on the fine art of building snowshelters - thanks guys!!
Thursday nights at Snoqualmie
Posted February 3, 2006A bunch of us are going telemark skiing at Snoqualmie on Thursday nights. This is not a class or anything, just friends from the club headin' up on Thursdays after work - join us!
UPDATE: Well, conditions were not as classic as last Thursday But, what the heck, there were a lot of us there and that made it fun! Frederic, Esther, Philip, Jim and his daughter Christine, Doxey, Randy, Lisa, Carla, Chad, Joe and Laurie - wow, there were Bushwhackers scattered all over the place!
Kendall Knob
Posted January 16, 2006Hiked up Kendall Knob yesterday. Snow showers and sunshine, beautiful conditions for snowshoeing. I hiked with old friends and made some new ones. Kendall Knob ain't exactly Mt Everest but it was a great day in the mountains with good people. Yay!
Mount Defiance
Posted December 19, 2005A sturdy group of Bushwhackers climbed to the summit of Mount Defiance by way of Mason Lake yesterday. Chris K. organized the outing, which included Doug Y., Doug H., Steve H., and David P. It was breezy up there and the snow surface was wind-scoured. It wasn't an easy climb, but the team made it to the top and safely returned.
Leavenworth - R&D route
Posted November 22, 2005Phil and I climbed R&D over the weekend - it was great! We then tackled the 5.7 climb up on Bob's Wall - very cool.
Challenger Traverse!
Posted June 30, 2005Doxey, Katie, Laurie and me accomplished a traverse of Mt Challenger. It was great but it was hard. Beautiful country up there. Photos soon!
Rock climbing at the Gunks
Posted September 14, 2004Doxey joined Rob and Randy K at the Gunks in New York state during week of September 13. We climbed lots of routes including the infamous Schockleys Ceiling and the airy High Exposure. All had a great time. The Gunks rock!
Doug and Chris complete trad lead course
Posted September 12, 2004Doug H. and Chris H. did a rock climbing trad lead class with the good folks at Mountain Madness this weekend. Doug said they had a good time and met some great folks, and learned a bunch too. They climbed at Clamshell Cave in Icicle Canyon, and climbed Midway on Castle Rock. Way to go, guys!
Doug records his first trad lead!
Posted September 9, 2004Doug H has recorded his first trad lead! The successful effort took place at Tieton's Royal Columns on a popular climb called Western Front. Doug placed gear deftly and got to the top in fine style. Way to go Doug!
Castle Rock cragging
Posted August 27, 2004On August 27, buddies Seth and Doxey climbed Castle Rock. The pair climbed The Fault and Catapult on Lower CR, then after lunch tackled the historic Midway. Seth did all the leading except for one pitch - way to go Seth! Afterward, Doxey reported, "We clumb it."
West Ridge of Forbidden
Posted August 23, 2004Seth, Anna, Jim and Phil climbed the West Ridge of Forbidden - hey, impressive! Everyone had a great time and agreed the famous West Ridge was an awesome climb. Says Phil,
The ridge climb was solid and very fun, with only one crux section that really tested our rock climbing skills. The rest was very low fifth class and the weather was perfect up there, -short sleves, sunshine and a mild breeze to cool the heat.
Anna on Forbidden
Phil hammin' it up!
Hannegan Peak Photo outing
Posted August 22, 2004Seth and Steve did a photography outing to Hannegan Peak. This is a nice hike overlooking Ruth Mountain and Shuksan, and the north unit of North Cascades National Park. Seth got these beautiful scenics of the area.
North Cascades from Hannegan Peak, © Seth Pollack
Mount Blum and Ruth Mountain, © Seth Pollack