ECP ON THE WEB CONTENTS OFTHIS ISSUE Website: www.pittecp.org Email Group/Listserve: General Mtg Announcement p 1 [email protected] Twitter: @pittecp CONTACT INFORMATION Facebook: Officers & Appointees p 2 www.facebook.com/groups/42705455822 Activity Coordinators p 3 Google Group: groups.google.com/d/forum/explorersclubofpgh TRIP/EVENT REPORTS RockSchl PostGrad Trip - Seneca p 4-8 July 11th GENERAL MEETING RockSchl PostGradTrip–PhotoRpt p 9

th Thursday July 11 – 7:30PM CLUB NEWS Highland Park, Rhododendron Shelter: Accident at Seneca p 10 On Lake Drive, about 1000 yds north of the Park Entrance at north end of the Tennis Courts. ACTIVITIES Cook Out Night – ECP supplies Burgers & Dogs Activities Calendar p 11-15 Bring some food or beverage to enjoy & share. Skydiving Groupon p 16 Repeating Events p 16-18 Some reminders: ECP Floatilla p 18-19 - Guests are always welcome Nepal Expedition p 20-21 - Please arrive early to briefly socialize so Climbing Policy News p 22 meeting can start promptly at 7:30. - Bring any loaned library materials or gear for return.

Presentation: Show & Tell: Looking forward to seeing everyone there! ------

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APPOINTEES OFFICERS - 2018 The ECP Appointees are persons appointed by the president to fill key positions in the club. In President – Ron Edwards addition there are appointed Activity [email protected] Coordinators and Special Committees

Vice-President – Phil Light Environmental – Suryanathan Padmanabhan [email protected] [email protected] 412-944-5538

Secretary – Marla Turk Historian – Phil Sidel [email protected] [email protected] 412-521-9570

Treasurer – Anne Russell Librarian – Cvetomir Dimov [email protected] [email protected]

Activities Chair – Nancy Tran Membership – Ximena Marinero [email protected] [email protected] ,

Equipment Chair – Jim Laird Publicity – Jessiie Crnjarich [email protected] 269-744-0039 [email protected]

Editor – Philip Sidel Webmaster – Tom George [email protected] 412-521-9570 [email protected] 412-831-4711

SCHOOL DIRECTORS SCHOOL CHAIRPERSONS Mountaineering School 2018-19 Mountaineering School 2018-2019 -- Jim Laird, Bowen Lee, and Ryan Taylor Chairperson, Jamie Billings School 2019 Rock Climbing School 2019 -- Ximena Marinero, Nancy Tran, and Chairperson, Jim Laird Ginette Walker Vinski,

Mount ain Biking School 2019 – Mountain Biking School 2019 Chairperson, Lenny Lucas Backpacking School 2019 Backpacking School 2019 – Amy Johnson, Ximena Marinero, and Chairperson, Amy Johnson Joshua Selling

TECH TEAM "modernizing the club's core operations & technology" AUDIT COMMITTEE  Ashley Laird  Ximena Marinero Anne Russell, Valerie Kramer, Chris Ciesa  Tony Vinski  Mark Wolfe  Nirjhar Bera

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ACTIVITIES COORDINATORS Activity Contact Email Backpacking Bethany Melvin [email protected] Biking – Road Bill Brose [email protected] Caving Doug Fulton & Teralyn Iscrupe [email protected] Fly Fishing Bruce Cox [email protected] Ice Climbing Jason Maruccio [email protected] In-Line Skating Robin Kamin [email protected] Mountain Biking Jason Miller [email protected] Lenny Lucas [email protected] Mountaineering Phil Light [email protected] Orienteering Matt Janick [email protected] Paddling – Flat Water Tony & Ginette Vinski [email protected], [email protected] Paddling – White Water Barry Adams [email protected] Rock Climbing Ron Edwards [email protected] Rowing Bob Dezort [email protected] Ultra and Trail Running Brian Ottinger [email protected] Sailing Bill Baxter [email protected] SCUBA Barry Smyda [email protected] Slack Lining Rachel Dobos & Vedant Desaig [email protected] Skiing – Downhill Greg Buzulencia [email protected] Skiing – Cross-Country Joyce Appel [email protected] Sky-diving Justin Blevins [email protected] Yoga Natalie Sipple [email protected] We still have a number of Activities for which we are seeking coordinators: Rafting, Sea Kayaking, Triathlon Training, Geocaching, and others

What does an Activity Coordinator do? General advocacy and point of contact for the activity by helping current, new, or prospective members get connected with others in the club also interested in the activity and any events planned for it. Some specific duties/expectations of the Activities Coordinators can be found in Section 1.5 of the ECP's formal policy statements which are posted on the club website. If you are a member interested in an activity, you should contact the coordinator for that activity and let him/her know of your interest. You can work with the coordinator to keep informed about trips and events involving that activity and to help in organizing and promoting events around that activity.

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Rock School 2019 Post-Graduate Outing to Seneca Rocks by Shlomo Bear, Andrew Venella, and Amanda Wareham

The weekend of June 1st - 2nd marked the 2019 annual Rock School outing to Seneca Rocks, where recent graduates, instructors, and adventure-seeking ECPers visited and teamed up to summit the West crag. The trip was a chance to get out to a beautiful rock face and spend a fun weekend climbing, but for the graduates this experience was also the culmination of their entire Rock School adventure. For six weeks the students had studied, observed, practiced, and been tested on a variety of climbing-related skills with the goal of becoming safe outdoor climbers. Following the White Rocks overnight outing in mid-May, the students had become certified Rock School graduates. The Seneca outing was an opportunity to experience multi-pitch climbing, challenge themselves, and pursue their climbing dreams. It was a fantastic success!

Deep in the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca rises 1000 feet above the valley floor, a narrow wall of sheer like the spine of some gargantuan prehistoric beast.

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A large cleft separates two peaks, in between which a stone spire, or gendarme, used to stand. Despite the fall of the gendarme in 1987, climbers still refer to the whole section between the peaks as “the gunsight”.

At the top of the southernmost peak, hidden away in a groove lies an old ammunition can containing various items placed there over the years by generations of climbers. One of those items is a log book. While the north peak can be reached via a hiking trail, there’s only one way to sign your name in that book resting on the summit of the south peak: climb.

After arriving on Friday evening to a rosy alpenglow, ECP teams linked up, pitched tents, and prepared for two days of climbing. Individual teams made their own schedule, and for some the morning began well before the sun had risen. A hike up the “stairmaster”, a path made of a series of boulders and stones up a steep hill, was a common approach to the crag. One by one the ECP teams claimed the summit, arriving to amazing views of surrounding and each signing their names in the summit book at the top.

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Some of the popular climbs at Seneca were “Old Ladies”, “Skyline Traverse”, and “Conn’s West”, but no matter the route, everyone had a full day of new challenges and thrilling climbs.

To cap off the exciting day of climbing, ECPers joined together for a potluck at basecamp, sharing food and drink, and trading stories of the fantastic day.

Despite all the fun that was had on Saturday, Sunday brought a terrible reminder of the risks inherent to rock climbing. A good friend of the ECP took a serious fall and suffered significant injury.

It should be known that the response to the accident was rapid and efficient as fellow climbers, local guides, and ECP members rushed to lend aid. According to a leader who was directly beneath the fall and played a pivotal role in lowering the injured climber to a recoverable position, once assistance began arriving, the rescue proceeded like clockwork.

The rapid action demonstrated by the rescuers and the support shown by everyone present is truly inspiring and is worth remembering.

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Afterthoughts In the words of Kelly Barko: I was a ball of anxious-nerves, but those feelings subsided as Bowen, Mandy, and I hiked up Stair Master as I was now more concerned about being in shape to even make it to the actual climb. Thankful to have made it to the first pitch of Old Ladies, Bowen took the lead and we began our journey to the top. After a total of 4 pitches, we had successfully reached the summit of Seneca Rocks by 10 AM! As a memento to our triumph, we signed the book at the top, but included in the box were wedding photos from friends that I had once worked with nearly 8 years ago at Seven Springs! I have since contacted them and they were happy to find out that their wedding photos were still there from 4 years ago. After taking in some views of the West Virginian countryside, it was time to rappel back down to the ground. Actually, I lied. The most fear-inducing moment was belaying Mandy across the summit to the rappel while Bowen setup the rappel station. All I could think of was “F@#k, if I drop Mandy the ECP will murder me, and I’ll be so sad.” Fortunately, I was confident in my abilities to belay, and we ended up all rappelling down Pleasant Overhangs happily ever after. I am super thankful to have had them as my team, and I literally had one of the best times of my life.

In the words of Claire Brautigam: I left camp around 7am with my intrepid teammates, Jim (Schuring) and Jess (Goelz). Jim had made a bet that we could do 10 pitches by the end of the day, so we skipped the infamous Stairmaster and got straight to climbing. The first three pitches were fun and uneventful… After an interesting variation on Bee Sting Corner (shoutout to Aussie Nick and my teammates for quick thinking and good communication in a sticky situation), wePage continued 4 our ascent. 5 Page 7

After a few more pitches, my arms felt like jello and I had taken some not-so-graceful falls and swings, but Jim and Jess boosted my spirits with lots of encouragement and banter we could squeeze in the summit as our tenth and final pitch before the rain started. By now, Jess and I were out of water and the sky was looking ominous. After a quick photo op at the summit, we rappelled down Old Ladies and a nameless "adventure rappel," which took us through trees (and plenty of poison ivy) to the trail. Back in the parking lot, I felt exhausted but giddy, happy that Jim and Jess had helped me push my limits to achieve something I didn't think I could do.

In the words of Babs Cline: Seneca was a therapeutic experience where I worked through an intense fear of exposure and height with an incredibly supportive community of other people in love with climbing. Seneca wasn’t just about facing fears, it was also the person you love waiting at camp to tell you how proud they are, an amazing team holding your shoulders and explaining that you can be a good climber and afraid at the same time, and a perfect stranger crawling on their hands and knees across the summit to help you get to the other side in spite of fear. Persevering not only builds resilience, but it also breeds empathy in everyone who sees themselves in you. It reminds everyone of moments both up high and on the ground where we need to go through and to the top instead of back. It was emotionally challenging, but I look forward to returning.

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ACCIDENT AT SENECA – June 2, 2019

On June 2nd, a number of ECPers participated in the rescue/evacuation of accident victim Mike Super at Seneca. The ECPers were at Seneca for the traditional ECP Rock Climbing School Post-Graduation Climb.

Reportedly, Mike's fall happened on Rear Entry, and was the result of a large block becoming dislodged. Rear Entry is just above the first pitch of Skyline Traverse; There were a large number of climbers in the area and many, including ECP graduates and instructors, were at the ready to assist in the efficient rescue and evacuation.

Mike was air-lifted by helicopter to a Morgantown hospital, where he is receiving care for his broken bones and any other injuries. We all wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Mike's wife has been overwhelmed with numerous texts and phone calls and has asked that we hold off on reaching out to her. She will share updates as appropriate.

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ECP CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Sat, July 6, 10am – 2pm Moon Township Garden Tour 949 Thorn Run Rd, Coraopolis, PA 15108, USA (map) For more info and Tickets:: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-township-garden-tour-tickets- 60630524531?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Fee: $10 -- Tickets purchased at Robin Hill the day of the Tour will be $15. Tour features six beautiful gardens -- an interesting variety of gardens in all types and sizes, each one being unique in its own way. This is a self-guided tour that starts at Robin Hill, 949 Thor Run Road in Moon. Bring your printed or digital ticket to Robin Hill before 12:30p.m. and pick up a tour brochure and map. This will be your ticket to enter the gardens. A Garden Shop at the Robin Hill Fleur de Lune Garden will give all who attend an opportunity to buy native plants and exclusive homemade garden items. The Moon Township Garden Club strives to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening,and the protection of native plants and birds, and to encourage civic planning. This Garden Tour raises money for a $2500 Scholarship Fund awarded yearly to a Moon Township student and donations for deserving organizations such as the Montour Trail, the Moon Township Library, the Botanic Garden, and Hollow Oak Land Trust. Sponsor: Moon Township Garden Club ------

Sat, July 13, 8am – 5pm -- Hidden Valley Mountain Metric (Road Bicycling) For more info: https://mountainmetric.org/index.php/en/registration

The Hidden Valley Mountain Metric is an untimed, fully supported, road bicycling event around the Laurel Highlands (Starting From Hidden Valley). The riders’ options include three routes: a metric century (68 miles), a shorter 54 mile route, or a half metric century (35 miles). It is a fully supported ride with rest stops featuring locally sourced refreshments every 20 miles; SAG vehicles offering rider assistance are on the course throughout the event. Participants receive a long sleeve, performance fabric T-shirt (be sure to register by June 7th to assure that you will receive a shirt). The registration fee ($60 with discounts for timely registrations-Currently $50) also includes an after-ride party featuring food provided by Seven Springs Mountain Resort, locally sourced ice cream, and entertainment. A local brewery, distillery, and winery will also offer beverages for purchase.

The proceeds from the non-refundable registration fees benefit local charities, including the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games Nordic Events. The Hidden Valley Mountain Metric has partnered with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and ridewithgps.com to provide maps, cue sheets, and GPS files suitable for upload to riders’ smart phones or cycling computers.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/599758847088448/ Sponsor: UPMC Somerset Hospital and Somerset Trust Contact: Valerie Kramer [email protected]

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th Sat, July 13, 6am – 12noon – 17 Annual Annie's Run Gilfillan Trail, Upper St. Clair - Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Run a 5k or run an ultra! On a This trail is a 1.25 mile loop with 200’ gain

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/509263322847575/ It is time race rather than a distance race. How many loops do you complete in the specified six hours? Informal – bring family, kids (no strollers). Stop whenever you like; If you wish, bring drop-bag, folding chair, whatever you can carry.

Everybody reverses direction on the loop hourly.

Fluids and food are provided Porta-john on site. Ample free parking at the Westminster Presbyterian Church lot right across the street from the trail start.

Cost: $5 (yes, $5!) per hour, whether you run 1 minute or all 60 minutes, with a cap of $20. A portion of the revenue will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

To keep costs low: Race day registration only. No website or Internet fees. No swag or finisher medals. We'll continue the tradition -- the winners get a fresh baked pie!! Sponsor: Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club (GPRRC) http://www.gprrc.com/schedule.php

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Sat, July 13, 7:30am–12:00pm Muddy Paws 5 & 10 Miler, 2 Mile Dog Run Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Whether you have two paws or four, this race will have you panting for a good cause!

Bring your furry friend out for scenic trail run in the . Choose a 5- or 10-mile race, or a 2-mile course where your four-legged friend is chip timed AND gets his own swag! (Leashed dogs are welcome in all distances but are not required.)

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Humane Society of Summit County. They will be bringing their Adoption Vehicle to the race, where you will meet some adorable, adoptable animals and maybe even find your new BDF*!

For more info: https://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/muddy-paws-5-10-miler/

Sponsor:: Western Reserve Racing https://www.westernreserveracing.com/ ------July 19-21, ANNUAL ECP FLOATILLA Summary

This will be an overnight paddling and camping trip from Buckaloons Recreation Area (near Warren, PA) to West Hickory, PA on the upper Allegheny River. This is a fun and relaxing trip floating down the river. If you use your paddle then you are doing something wrong.

We're changing things up this year: we'll be camping on an island, NOT at Joe Calcek's cabin.

Itinerary and Details are covered in separate article on page xx, below/. Sponsor: ECP Contact: Tony Vinski Page 4 10 Page 12

------Sat, July 27, 4am – Sun, July 28, 10am 13th Annual Burning River Endurance Runs & Relay An exciting point to point 100 and 50 mile solo run and 100 mile relay held in Northeast Ohio. Scenic: Cleveland Metroparks, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Summit Metro Parks. All races Start at Squire’s Castle in Willoughby Hills For more info: https://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/burning-river-endurance-runs-relay/ Start Times: 100 Mile - 4a.m. (Cut Off Time - 30 hr) 4 Person Relay - 6a.m. (Cut Off Time - 28 hr) Front 50 Mile - 5a.m. (Cut Off Time - 15 hr) 8 Person Relay - 6a.m.(Cut Off Time - 28 hr) Back 50 Mile - 6p.m. (Cut Off Time - 16 hr) Sponsor: Western Reserve Racing Contact: https://www.westernreserveracing.com/about/contact-us/ ------

Aug 23-25 Women of Seneca Summit X This is an annual program at Seneca Rocks, WV in which women participate to advance their climbing and leadership skills with clinics, practice, and mutual support. Sponsor: Friends of Seneca, PATC Mountaineering Division, and ECP Contact: Nancy Tran [email protected] Sat, Aug 24 7am – 4pm Baker Trail Ultra Challenge For more info: https://my.rachelcarsontrails.org/events

This year the race covers the southern section of the Baker Trail, starting near Godfrey, PA at 6:30 AM. Runners will follow the Baker Trail north toward Smicksburg, PA and end at a private farm. Finish time limit 14 hours. Limit 120 participants, minimum age 16.

Solo 50.6 miles - $96.17 (fees increase after August 9th ) Relay teams of 5 - 50.6 miles total - $159.62 (fees increase after August 9th )

For more info: https://my.rachelcarsontrails.org/events Sponsor: Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy ------Sun, Aug 25 7am – 3pm Pedal Pittsburgh Routes: 10 Mile Local Loop, 25 Mile City Tour, 40 Mile Grand Tour, and 62 Mile Challeng All begin and end at Southside Riverfront Park. Ticket $5 – includes Route Info, Tee Shirt and more. Sponsor: UPMC Pittsburgh ------

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Sept. 6-8 - ECP Annual Party at Klaer Lodge (map) Chestnut Ridge Regional Park, 346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Rd, Pattern may vary, but typically has been: Adventure activities Saturday morning and afternoon Games and contests Saturday Late Afternoon & Evening with beer & friends Pot Luck Dinner -- Wind up around a back yard campfire' Sleeping accommodations – some beds in lodge, tent camping other? Breakfast, cleanup, more adventure activities on Sunday and drive home. Sign Up Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ULsi70quO6RNS5R2nCXI86oX3p0feddhoLxcTs0_ZRI/edit? usp=sharing Cost: $10 / person Note: NO PETS ALLOWED.in Klaer Lodge. ------

Sat., Sept 28 8am – 2pm – Green Mile Loop Challenge For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/335321527397124/ Within the allotted time, how many loops of the almost-two-mile green trail can you do? (1 loop or 20 loops! It’s all good!) Awards for high-volume loopers! Raffle tickets are awarded for each loop completed. The more loops, the more options. There will be plenty of food!

Just like last year, this event is FREE! NPTR Members will have early access to registration, as this event is limited to 100 participants and WILL FILL UP. To join and register early when Registation opens go to: http://www.northparktrailrunners.com/how-to-join.html Registration opens: TBD Sponsor: North Park Trail Runners https://www.northparktrailrunners.com/

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Sept 20 – 22, 2019 Craggin' Classic at New River Gorge Info on this annual event will be forthcoming at https://americanalpineclub.org/nrg-cc Sponsor: American Alpine Club ------

Oct. 10-13 Trilogy Trail Race – Seneca/Spruce Knob Area Description: https://www.wvmtr.org/races/wv-trilogy/ Day 1 (Oct 11): 50 Kilometers Day 2(Oct 12): 50 miles Day 3(Oct 13): 13.1 miles Sponsor: West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners https://www.wvmtr.org/ ------

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Autumn 2019 -- Mt. Mitchell NC, I am in the infant stages of planning a summer attempt of Mt. Mitchell (6,683’) located near Asheville, NC. My sister owns a farm fairly close which would be used as base of operations. I know this isn’t a terribly tough objective in the summer, but it will act as beta for a winter attempt in January 2020. In addition to Mitchell, other objectives include multipitch climbing Table Rock Mountain and/or Hawksbill Mountain.

Thinking of a 4 day weekend (Friday-Monday) sometime this Autumn (October). Looking for interested parties and possibly a climbing partner if my current partner is unable to make the trip. DM me if you’re interested and we can make more specific plans. Contact: Zach Coneybeer [email protected] ------

Nov. 9 – Dec. 1, 2019. Everest Base Camp and Island Peak ECP Flag Member / Professional Guide Don Wargosky announces this trip

Objectives: Island Peak – At 20,285’, Island Peak is just 40 feet shorter than Denali, but much easier to access. After a slow, safe acclimatization we will arrive at base camp at 16,700’. From here, we will move to High Camp at 18,400’ using high altitude porters to help transport our equipment. From high camp, we will climb through moderate, but exposed talus and rock to the toe of the glacier at 19,000’. (One of the most interesting glaciers I have been on ). Here, we put on crampons and rope up for the glacier. We will cross crevasses in true Himalayan style, on ladders. The crux of the route is a moderately steep headwall which will be fixed with 600’ of rope. The headwall ends on a beautiful, exposed ridge that leads to a small summit platform with views of Everest, Ama Dablam and dozens of other 6-8,000m peaks.

Everest Base Camp – Hike to the largest and most famous base camp on the planet. The trek to EBC is one of the most iconic hikes in the world. We will travel through many small Nepali villages, meeting the local Sherpa and eating authentic Nepali food. The views, people, and trekking make for a life changing experience. We will move at a slow pace ensuring proper acclimatization. Along the way we will stay in tea houses, which provide excellent food and basic accommodations.

See article on pages 22-23 below for information on leadership, priorities, and costs of this expedition. Sponsor: ECP Contact: Don Wargowski, [email protected] 412-901-6276

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OPPORTUNITY: LEARN TO SKYDIVE

Skydiver Justin Blevins has announced that: Now that the weather is changing skydiving season is upon us. Skydive Pennsylvania is currently offering a groupon for a tandem jump that comes with the photo and video package for $349. The link to that offer is: https://www.groupon.com/deals/skydive-pennsylvania-8 .

There are other people in the club who also skydive so feel free to reach out if anyone is interested in learning more. If you have questions, contact Justin at [email protected]

REPEATING EVENTS

Top-Rope Tuesday – @ McConnell's Mill, 4pm 'til dark Weekly As is tradition the graduates of the year's rock school will setup toprope anchors during the summer months at McConnells Mill on Tuesday Evenings (weather permitting).. Sponsor: ECP Contact: Matthew Jones

------Third Tuesday of each month thru Summer 5 to 7pm Trail Maintenamce -- Dead Man's Hollow 600 Scene Ridge Road, McKeesport, PA 15133 Sponsor: Allegheny Land Trust Contact: Caitlin at [email protected]

------Second Saturday of Every Month Starting 8:30 am (promptly) Big Free Yoga at ASCEND Pittsburgh 2141 Mary St, Pittsburgh, PA (Southside) YOGA IS FREE. Optional Stay and Climb afterwards for discounted price ($10). | Doors open at 8am | Doors will promptly lock at 8:30am Sponsor: ASCEND Pittsburgh Contact: Paul Guarino [email protected]

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Wednesdays – 6:00 to-9:30pm – Climbing Meetup at ASCEND Pgh https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-pHMiaYBJ/ Check out the Ascend Meetup to see what events they have going on Beginners and advanced climbers are welcome Join us for some group climbing. Meet at the tables by the kitchen area. If this is your first time at ascend you should arrive a few minutes early to sign the waiver and take the tour. Day pass and rental

prices are listed on the website Sponsor: ASCEND Pittsburgh Contact: Paul Guarino [email protected] ------Wednesday Evenings Inline Skating (Beginners' Clinic) 6pm – 8pm in the Liberty School Playground on Ivy St. off Ellsworth Ave. We meet between 6:00-6:30 in the school parking lot. Those who learn to stop proficiently are invited on a short 2-3 mile street skate around Shadyside. Many of our regular TRIC members also attend this event and they skate a 6-8 mile loop in Oakland. Afterwards, both groups meet back in the parking lot for a little social time and snacks. Everyone is welcome! We have some skates we lend folks who want to try skating more details» Sponsor:. Three Rivers Inline Club (TRIC) Contact: Robin Kamin [email protected] ------Wednesday Nights 6p.m. – Ride and /or trail maintenance with Ohiopyle Biking Club May be discontinued during winter – Contact Zach before heading out. See https://www.facebook.com/ohiopylebikingclub/ or contact Zach for more info Sponsor: Ohiopyle Biking Club - Contact: Zachary Coneybeer [email protected] ------

Selected Wednesdays of each Month Climb & Dine starting at The Climbing Wall 6:00 – 900 pm July 24th, August 28th,September 25th, October 23rd, November 21st, December 19th, Starting at The Climbing Wall, 7501 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Note that the dates are not always the Third Wednesday, and the times have changed (a half hour later than at the start of the year) 6:00 to 8:30p.m. Climb 8:30/9:00p.m. Dinner in the area Wednesdays are ladies night so women climb for $6. Men who wear a bra also get in for $6 Sponsor: ECP Contact: Nancy Tran [email protected] 4 Page517

------Two Selected Saturdays Each Month -- 2019 Trail Days  6/1 @ North Park  8/24 @ South Park  6/29 @ Settlers Cabin  9/14 @ White Oak Park  7/13 @ Hartwood Acres  9/21 @ Boyce Park  7/27 @ Round Hill Park  10/12 @ Harrison Hills Park  8/10 @ Deer Lakes Park For anyone interested in learning about and doing various volunteer trail maintenance projects throughout the summer/fall, pencil in the dates/locations above. Each session will include some amount of teaching volunteers about the concepts of sustainable trail building and maintenance, then applying that knowledge by working on different impactful projects that each park desperately needs. With the record rains last year, warmer temps, and high winds recently, the trails need your help to ensure that trail users can sustainably enjoy our trail systems. For anyone interested in getting details about a particular event, please contact Trail Pittsburgh. Sponsors: Allegheny County Parks, TrailPGH, REI Contact: Nancy Tran [email protected] ======

2019 ANNUAL ECP FLOATILLA July 19-21

Summary This will be an overnight paddling and camping trip from Buckaloons Recreation Area (near Warren, PA) to West Hickory, PA on the upper Allegheny River. This is a fun and relaxing trip floating down the river. If you use your paddle then you are doing something wrong.

We're changing things up this year: we'll be camping on an island, NOT at Joe Calcek's cabin

Itinerary

1. Saturday morning we'll launch from Buckaloons around 10am. Prior to that we'll need to shuttle some cars to the West Hickory boat launch. We'll try to leave a few cars as possible at Buckaloons since there is a fee to leave your car there. The exact plan will depend on how many cars and people we have. 2. Now the fun part...We'll spend all day Saturday floating down the river to just before Tidioute and find an island to camp on. It's first come first serve but there's a lot to choose from. If you need to bail early (too much sun???) or just want to make a day trip out of this there is a boat launch so you can takeout Tidioute 3. Sunday we'll pack up and float down to the take out where our cars will have been strategically re- positioned. Page 4 Page 186

Things to note:

1. This is an adult-only trip mainly because we don't want to have to behave like adults ourselves

2. Please RSVP! Let me Tony Vinski ([email protected]) know if you are at least interested in coming. This will help start planning the shuttles.

3. There are a few different fees for this trip. Yeah it sucks but it’s literally the price we have to pay to be in an area that is safe and convenient for this trip a. Every boat must pay a launch fee at Buckaloons. I think it's $5. You'd think I'd remember after all these years but whatever. Just bring some cash. b. If you are leaving your car at the put-in I think you have to pay a $5 parking fee. An ornery guy comes around on a golfcart to make sure we all paid c. The put-in and take-out launches are state run which require launch permits. You can get more info about these permits here: http://fishandboat.com/. There’s a small fee for the permit and a slightly bigger fine for not having one. We haven’t had anyone check us for permits in the past but that doesn’t mean they won’t this time. d . For Friday night I'd recommend camping at Buckaloons. There are usually a lot of spots available and it's actually a pretty nice campground. There are fees for camping so I'd recommend sharing campsites. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recreation/recarea?recid=6115&actid=29)

4. You are responsible for bringing everything you need for this trip including your boat, food, drinks, water, stoves, tents, etc. The ECP is NOT supplying anything other than the snazzy name for the trip.

This is always a super fun trip that the ECP has been doing for over 35 years.

Be sure to let me, Tony Vinski ([email protected]) know if you are planning to come along and provide me with your email and cell phone #’s in case I need to get a hold of you.

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Nov. 9 – Dec. 1, 2019. Everest Base Camp and Island Peak The Announcement & Objectives of this trip is in the calendar of events, page 29, above

Leadership: For those of you who don’t know me yet, my name is Don Wargowsky. I was a mountaineering school student in 2004. I went on to teach for several years and directed the school. I was a rock climbing guide in the New River Gorge for 8 years, and now work full time as a high altitude mountain guide for Alpine Ascents International in Seattle. My recent trips include: Mt.Rainier x 14, Mount Baker x 10, Denali x 4, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Mera Peak, Baruntse, Aconcagua, and many more.

My co-guide will be Jangbu Sherpa. He has summited Everest 18 times, Baruntse 11 times, Ama Dablam 10 times, etc, etc. He is ultra-experienced. I worked on two peaks in Nepal with him this year and he is an outstanding guide, super strong climber, and his English and customer service skills are great.

My wife will also be with us helping to run the trip. She has many years of experience in the outdoor industry and was a paid photographer for several years. She will document the trip with a full sized DSLR and will be happy to share her photos with the team.

Priorities: Guide/Sherpa to client ratio – We will maintain no greater than a 1:5 ratio. In Nepal, it is common to see 1:10 or even 1:15. We would like to use Western standards which help ensure and smoother, safer trip.

Proper treatment of local staff – These people are constantly taken advantage of. We will pay 20% above going rate to all staff. It isn't much, but it's a start.

Leave No Trace - The more I see of Nepal, the more that I realize the need for education. The team will practice LNT and we will teach the principals to all staff/porters. We will also do a few hours of optional, volunteer clean up at EBC and Island Peak BC.

A safe and fun trip - I have spent enough time guiding and in Nepal, that we can make this trip very fun and logistically easy for everyone. We will deliver a streamlined and hassle free trip, with safety standards well above the average guide service.

Who Can Go: It is my goal to fill this expedition with ECP members exclusively (Several ECPers from the recent Amadablam Expedition are planning to be with us.) However, the trek to EBC is a moderate trek that can be done by almost anyone in reasonable shape. We will not be able to bring children under that age of 12. If we have people who are interested in doing just the trek and not Island Peak, we can accommodate them.

Island Peak is an intermediate climb. Previous experience at high altitude and with crampons is preferable, but not necessary. We will teach clinics on climbing with crampons, ice axe technique, and ascending fixed lines.

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The biggest challenge of EBC and Island Peak is simply living and traveling at high altitude. I spend 150+ days a year at high - extremely high - altitude and our Sherpa staff have spent their entire lives up high. We will have nightly meetings to discuss medical and altitude issues and provide training on the most effective ways to stay healthy and acclimatize effectively.

Schedule and price: The expedition is from November 9 through December 1, 2019. For people with a typical work schedule this requires 3 week off work minus whatever vacation they receive for the Thanksgiving holiday. This schedule allows for 1-2 days in Kathmandu for team orientation meeting, sightseeing, and last minute gear purchases, an extra weather day for Island Peak, and a safe, slow acclimatization schedule.

Price is $2,750 and includes Guide/Climbing Sherpa staff, porters for up to 40kg of personal gear, climbing permits, flights and luggage from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, ropes, kitchen equipment, etc. The cost of the trip does not include flights to/from Kathmandu Nepal, personal equipment, food/tea houses, and gratuities for the staff.

Flights from Pittsburgh are around $1200, or it’s well worth the drive/bus to NYC where tickets are only $7-800 round trip. Food/housing costs vary by appetite and if you prefer single or shared rooms. $20-25/day average would cover a shared room and 3 meals for most people in Nepal. Gratuities of 10-15 of the trip price are recommended, and will be distributed amongst guide/Sherpa staff and our 20-30 porters. Of course, actual amount of gratuities should be based on your quality of experience and the professionalism of the staff. I estimate that trip cost, flights, food/lodging, tips, etc will around $4,500.

Note on other companies: If you compare the trip cost to Nepali run expeditions, you will find the cost of the trip to be less or similar to the cost of trips with non-western guides. If you compare the cost to Western companies, you will find that the cost of this trip is 50-80% less. We will use the same tea houses, airlines, safety equipment and similar local staff. The primary difference is that I have a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the ECP and help give people the same opportunities to explore that the club has given me. ======March 27th It is the time of the year again when people are finished up with the mountain school and are making climbing plans for the summer/fall. There is still a little room left on ths Everest Base Camp and Island Peak trip to Nepal in November. This will be a great introduction to big (20K'+) mountains and is a wonderful way to start adventuring in the Himalayas. If you're interested or have any questions email me at [email protected]

Also, if you're interested in doing an 8000m peak, I'll be working on Cho Oyu in September and Everest from Tibet in 2020. I would love to see the ECP on these trips!

Cheers -- Don

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Climbing Policy News and Issues

From ACCESS Fund Policy Director Erik Murdock

It's been a busy month for climbing policy work, and we have a lot to report this month. Keep your questions and feedback coming. It's good to hear from you as we prepare for our next trip to DC to advocate for climbers. Here's what you need to know in the realm of climbing policy this month:

o Top positions at our largest public land agencies have remained vacant since President Trump took office, and one has to wonder why. The US Department of Interior has jurisdiction over about 75% of America's public lands--including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management--yet nearly 60% of its critical leadership positions remain vacant. Some argue that these vacancies are intentional--a way of sidestepping America's democratic system of checks and balances in order to control public lands for politically motivated purposes. Learn why this matters.

o The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) just implemented a new rule change that gives more freedom to bypass environmental reviews when making decisions about public lands. The USDA manages another large portion of America's public lands, including the US Forest Service, which is home to about 30% of climbing areas in the country. This rule change greases the skids for oil and gas leasing and timber harvesting, with little consideration for the impacts of these extractive activities on recreation, the environment, or other values of our public lands. A similar rule change was enacted by the Department of Interior in 2018. The USDA rule change is open for public comment now, and we encourage climbers to submit comments in opposition. Our shared public lands deserve the open public process that environmental reviews provide.

o Access Fund will be hosting another Climb the Hill event this September, in collaboration with our partners at the American Alpine Club, to advocate for climbers' interests on public lands. Again this year, we'll bring climbing advocates and top professional athletes--including Tommy Caldwell, Alex Honnold, Sasha Diguilian and others--to our nation's capital to advocate on a range of issues, including public lands funding, recreation access, conservation designations, and climate change. Participants will receive training in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) as they prepare to present a comprehensive and equitable narrative around access to our climbing areas and public lands. Participation is limited, but you can apply to join the lobbying event here .

o In June, Access Fund convened several meetings to explore how the climbing community can support Native American tribes by honoring Indigenous traditions, protecting and stewarding cultural resources, and assisting Native American communities with economic development and well- being. We met with several groups, including NativesOutdoors, Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, and Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. Stay tuned for more on this topic, and also keep an eye out for a short video on this work featuring Sasha Diguilian, Tommy Caldwell, Len Necefer, and Aaron Mike.

o If you haven't already seen it, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently released a great story map featuring top BLM climbing areas in the country. This project was created in collaboration with Access Fund and Mountain Project and includes interactive maps that highlight exceptional climbing opportunities on BLM lands. We're excited to see the BLM embrace and promote access to some of the world's best climbing areas. Page 4

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