December 1995 Vol. 50 no. 6

FOUNDED BY HERB AND JAN CONN

,e3oon'o Orectingo from The PJLT.C. Mountaineering 6eetion

Wt411WW*VIPWcili*Vg0VvizOtrwt-t4W, DOWN IN THE : A LOOK BACK AT 1995: trekking 's southern Alps Reflections from your chairman Usually getting out of my sleeping bag on a cold morning and barely feeling my numb fingers on some climb later that day remind me that the climbing season is ending, to be followed by a winter of climbing at the gym and catching up on things I put off all year. I didn't actually climb much this year, but our Up Rope editors were quick to remind me about deadlines for this December issue, and hence my reminder that not just the climbing season, but 1995, is ending soon. I thought rd be able to start off this year-in-review article with something like "I can't believe it's already the end of the year." But in reviewing my notes and the This alpen glen, Pra Gras near Arolla, has a beautiful view of Mt. Collon. Up Rope newsletters from the past year, I can't believe all that's happened in the last year. It t began with a few seconds of video, shot from a helicopter, seems like some of the things were videotape: an aerial view of an wheeled around from the side of so long ago. I octagonal wooden hut, perched the hut, and then suddenly the The Mountaineering Section precipitously on a jut of rock, mountain dropped away as we accomplished a lot over the past ringed by a crown of mountain floated above an expanse of valley 12 months, and many of my peaks. The clip was seven seconds sweeping out and down towards personal goals for the year were in length, perhaps; one in a series forever. Our hearts were in our met. But as seems to be the rule, of shots of Swiss Alpine Club huts throats. The top of the world; that once one thing is done, two more shown in a Rand-McNally video, was why we were going to Switzer- come up to take its place. Here 0-Trekking the Alps." Tony and I land, wasn't it? To see the original are some of the highlights of the both gasped when we saw it. The Big Mountains, past year: (continued on next page) (continued on page 8) where it all began. And this hut other region of the Alps. The , Evolene, it's only a 30-minute bus was definitely the top of the world. , the , and ride to Arolla, where most of the This was a must-do, sometime in the Dent Blanche, are just a few of hikes we chose began. Arolla is the our two-week July trip. the better-known mountains found true climbers' town—two guide But where was it? The in the canton. One fifth of the shops, a restaurant, a dozen rental• video didn't identify anything about Valais is covered by glaciers; it condos and not much else. it, the only thing we knew was that hosts 45 of the 135 official Swiss Evolene has a sense of It was in Switzerland, and at the Alpine Club huts. identity, independent from the top of a mountain. Not big dis- The Valais is the third- tourist trade, that few of the towns criminators when it comes to Swiss largest province in the country, in the Val d'Herens have been able huts. one of 23 "cantons," each with its to preserve. For our purposes, it had the perfect combination of romantic charm, small-town friendliness, and practical conve- nience that we wanted in a home- base. One guide book we used, "Walking Switzerland the Swiss Way," lists 12 different day treks in the Val d'Herens alone, many of which are hikes to launching points for greater ascents. For the mountaineer, eight huts are scat- tered through the valley, providing some of the finest climbing in the Alps: the Dent D'Herens (4,171m; 13,685 ft.), the Bouqetins (3,838m; 12,592 ft.), Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3,870m; 12,697 ft.), Mont Colon (3,637m; 11,933 ft.), the Pigne d'ArolLa (3,796m; 12,455 ft.) and the Dent Blanche (4,357m; 14,295 ft.), to name a few. One of the most spectacu- lar views we had on our entire trip The summit of the Mettelhont provides a 360-degree panorama of the Alps, was an easy half-day hike—and it including the Matterhorn. was free! If this peak was in the Bernese Oberland, you can bet you uckily, the hut's distinctive own distinct identity, culture, and would pay $50 to take the train to shape and the ridge it dialect. It is called Valais by its the top. The Pic d'Artsinol com- L clutched gave us enough French speaking peoples in the mands a dramatic 360 degree clues that, with a big color guide west, and Wallis by the German view—the Rhone valley and the to Swiss huts (and about 1,238 speakers to the east. expanse of the Bernese alps in rewinds) we were able to identify it: Five major valleys run front of you, and behind you, the Cabane de Bertol, 3,311m south like ribs from the great peeking up above the mountain (10,863 ft.), perched between the swath of the Rhone valley, which range of the Val d'Herens, the Dent Col de Bertol and the Col de la forms the backbone of the south- Blanche and the tip of the Tsa, at the end of the valley called western lying Valais. The valleys Matterhorn. the Val d'Herens, in the Valais are wide enough to accomodate Every day we hiked to region of Switzerland. Now, all we chains of small towns, decreasing another amazing view, stretching had to do was find out where that in size and population as you our legs in preparation for the was, and how to get there. travel south to the inevitable 4,000 ft. ascent to the Cabane de terminus of a great glacier's toe. Bertol. After rainy weather in the Home of 4,000-meter We chose a town up the Bernese alps, we wanted to be valley a little way from the Cabane careful to pick a clear day for our is peaks de Bertol. For hikes and climbs, climb of the small Bertol glacier, There are more 4,000-meter you couldn't ask for a better both for visibility and traction. peaks in the Swiss Valais than any location than Evolene. From Fortunately, the Bertol glacier was

Page 2 UP ROPE uncrevassed and didn't require below us, and a bit of the view at ber" atop the non-technical slog to crampons or ice axes. the end of the valley, where the the peak of the Mettelhom. Stop- path to the Cabane de Mountet ping only to unload our cameras in • The Cabane de Bertol wrapped around the Besso moun- a 360-degree rotation, we dashed tain and the Glacier de Zinal. The back down to , caught the We went up to the Hut of Our hut is the staging ground for train to Zurich, changed at our Dreams on our next to the last several glacier crossings and hotel, and after a crazy taxi ride day, reserving two spaces in the ascents of the Zinakothorn around old Zurich, we caught a bunks for that night. We couldn't (4,221m; 13,849 ft.), Ober bite at a Swiss bistro just as the miss the chance to stay in a hut, Gablehom (4,063m; 13,331 ft.), lights began to go out in town. We even though it promised to be the Point de Zinal (3,789m; 12,432 ft.), both slept soundly on the plane most miserable night's sleep we and the Tete Blanche (3,724m; home. had ever had. It was a long hard 12,218 ft.), among others. We Next time we'll bring our slog to the top, and we were glad would have loved to spend a day crampons... we wouldn't have to turn right sitting on the front porch of the around and go back down. Cabane, watching the climbers ply -Holly Sanders •4111 Tony and I didn't realize their craft, but time waits for no •AD what flatlanders we really were one, especially in Switzerland. On until we sat on the patio at the to the next valley to the East, the Cabane de Bertol and watched . wave after wave of weary moun- MS TO HOLD taineer come in, unpack, strip off wet layers of clothes and socks, The Mettelhorn ELECTIONS AT only to collapse against a pack and Zermatt, the 'las Vegas of the catch a nap in the warm sun. We Valais, is memorable for its tourist- JANUARY MEETING made several friends; weekend clogged streets, its spectacular mountaineers from England and mountain ranges, and its even more-experienced Dutch climbers, more spectacular prices. We who shared stories of their climbs breathed that rarified air only as •in the region. We vowed to come long as it took to walk to the end back, loaded with gear and experi- of town and begin our trek up to VOTE ence. the little gasthof Hotel Trift, and the next morning to the peak of Zinal and the the Mettelhorn (3,406m; 11,175 Val d'Anniviers ft.). At dinner that night, we With a few days to spare before chatted in bad French and halting we had to return to Zurich and fly English with the only other occu- home, we next headed for the little pants of the hotel: a South African town Zinal at the top of the Val student, a Dutch family, and a d'Anniviers, which Key Reynolds of young climber from Chamonix. All the Cicerone Walking Guides fame of us but the climber were going simply raved about. Tony also up the Mettelhorn the next day; he voted for Zermatt. We had to see if planned to climb the Ober The Mountaineering Section It was as bad as all the books said. Gabelhorn. His eyes lit up when will hold annual elections for It finally rained once while we told him we had just come from officers at the January 10, 1995 we were in the Valais, and it Zinal. When we asked him why he meeting. Members present at the happened to be on the hike Key had come here when so many go meeting will vote for the positions Reynolds described as "the walk I to Chamonix, he shrugged and of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and would choose... if I were to be said, "The mountains are higher Treasurer. The elected officers will restricted to only one day's walking here, and the climbing is more take office for one year. in the whole of the Valais region." varied." The elections are open to The Roc de la Vache hike The next day was our last all MS members. If you are from Zinal would undoubtedly In Switzerland. We were on the interested in running for one of have been spectacular if we had trail at 7:00 a.m., facing a mere the positions, then please contact been able to see anything. Still, the current chairman, Dave •between clouds, we could pick out 3,500 ft_ ascent. Key came through for us this time; indeed, the -sum- Godwin, at 703/276-2291 before the valley floor nearly 3,000 ft. mit panorama is a prize to remern- the January meeting.

UP ROPE Page 3 FRIENDS OF SENECA PROJECT UPDATE: trail improvement and erosion prevention • Those of you who have made it effects of runoff, and educate to Seneca in the past few months climbers on related matters such Update have surely noticed the intensive as litter and waste. Hopefully, a Spring Work Sessions. trail-building work that's being general elevation of environmental During the spring work ses- done. The work is being spon- awareness will influence the sions, Friends of Seneca accom- sored by the Friends of Seneca community of Seneca climbers, a plished the following: (FOS). To help • Rock step support these efforts, trail in the the Mountaineering chasms-40% Section voted to complete. This new donate $500 to FOS. bomb-proof trail will If you would like to provide an alterna- make an individual tive route to the contribution, please much-eroded West send it to: Friends Face trail. Feeder of Seneca, PO Box trails to Ecstasy 215, Seneca Rocks, Junior and The WV 26884. Burn will provide What follows alternatives to the Is a review of the unstable scree field; trail work done this • Steps leading year a work to a new "platform" schedule for 1996. area at the base of MS members should Old Man's Route, plan now to volun- replacing highly • teer a day in 1996 to trail mainte- growing and primarily young one eroded slope and pirate trails; nance. in the 1990's. • Cribbed trail and tree Toward this end, local cribbing at the Le Gourmet to Background climbers have formed an organiza- Riple S area to stop erosion and tion called Friends of Seneca. In save trees from further root dam- For several years, increased consultation with Jill Shoemaker, age; use of climbers' trails at Seneca Trail Specialist with the • Education regarding trail Rocks, WV, has outpaced efforts to Monongahela National Forest, we locations and erosion through solidify trailbeds and direct traffic. have planned four five-day periods posted notices and marked trail Seneca is one of the few multi- of intensive trail work this year boundaries. pitch destinations in the entire and are planning on doing the mid-Atlantic region, and crowding same next year. The trail work will This work was accomplished by Is a reality. The steep, rocky be part of a larger organizing effort 2 paid crew leaders, over 50 terrain at Seneca holds fragile to make Friends of Seneca a vital volunteers from 8 states, 9 locals, topsoil and plant systems and organization whose members and 3 USFS employees. The USFS what remains is in need of protec- provide volunteer hours and donated all the materials and most tion. Even a casual comparison of financial support to long-term of the tools and safety gear for the Seneca with outlying crags such as efforts to protect Seneca. work crews. Local businesses (The Charnpe Rocks or Nelson Rocks, Gendarme, the Seneca Rocks still in wild condition, is enough to Mountain Guides, Harper's Store) cause concern about climber donated to the volunteer thank-you impacts. parties. The Access Fund provided A concerted effort is needed $1,500 in grant funds to support to rebuild Seneca's trails, improve the work. marking and signs and educate The amount of work com- the climbing public. Action must pleted, the good spirits that pre- • be taken to prevent accidental vailed, and the heightened switchback cutting, reduce the awareness among climbers of the

Page 4 UP ROPE need for preservation and restora- Forest Service to create 2-3 perma- tion at Seneca all made the spring nent signs that provide an overview work session a resounding suc- of climbers' trails at Seneca along ICE, ICE, BABY! cess. with some text about preserving • the area. These will be posted Sunday ice climbs Summer Work Session. along Roy Gap Road, at the tree planned During a three-day summer bridge, the trail to Skyline buttress MS member Greg work session, Friends of Seneca and the East Face trail. Two Christopulos will organize organized an all-volunteer crew of dozen smaller signs with arrows impromptu,Sunday ice 15 people to build a large rock wall and route names will be put up climbs to Riegelsville, to crib the area below the 71-4o/eS this fall, marking the way. The weather permitting, of corner. This new platform re- larger signs are still in discussion; course. Interested ice placed the eroding slope. Smaller our hope is that they will be put in climbers can call Greg at rock cribs were built up around place next Spring. (h)703-876-0957 or(w) two trees in the vicinity that were 202-622-1860. losing dirt around their roots. Workplansfor 1996 Spring 1996. During the Spring session (again, 10 days in total), we expect FUN LE to accomplish the following projects: WINTER GEAR • Finish the West Face trail MS member John to the Hemlock Groveand begin Christian wants PATC/ MS routing climbers to that trail by members to know that he closing off the upper part of the old has some excess gear, or West Face Trail. Begin efforts to items that don't fit, that he's revegetate the old West Face Trail, willing to sell. Members in cooperation with the Forest interested in buying some of Service. John's gear can give him a • Stabilize the scree field call at:(301) 229-1533. The between the Block and The Bum gear for sale includes: (below The Burn)and add a diago- Full-bodyharness— nal feeder trail from the trail below. Edelrid "Futura" for $20 • Stabilize the beginning of Telemarkskis--TUA For the rest of 1995 the East Face trail(where it now "Toute Terrain" 205 cm, meets Roy Gap Road in a sort of Voile 3-pin cable bindings. Fall 1995. gully). $70. On two extended weekends in • Begin building a good trail Expeditioninternal- October(October 12-16 and 19- leading to Skyline Traverse. frame pack—Synergy Works. 22), work will continue on the Removable pockets,converts West Face stone trail. The stone Fall 1996. to summit pack. One of the trail will stop just past the top of In the fall, we are planning to earliest such packs. $50. the B/ack,wood cribbing (to be work on the following areas over Overpants—Ragged done next Spring) will be used 10 days of work: Mountain Equipment.Full- from there to the HemlockGmve • Finish building the trail to zipped, scuff cuffs, breath- able ("Ultrex'?), black, large. Work will also be devoted to Skyline Tra Fre/Se. stabilizing the area at the base of • Build feeder trail from it to New, never used. $30. The Burn and building a short Candy Corner and Ye Gods and Patagonia vapor socks feeder trail to this area from the LittleFishes area. Medium, new. $5 trail below. Trail markers will be • Stabilize area at base of Woolmitts—Medium, placed from the East Face Totem Buttress and Simple J. like new. $5 Scramble Trail to Broadway Ledge, Malarkey. Glacierglasses $10. Overmitts—"Pocketiable" and on Broadway, marking the a 4No •trail back down. a dP Lightweight,elastic wrist, FOS is working with the like new. $2

UP ROPE Page 5 wet t4ee to "z4e Zunnert1": climbing and eating in the Toms • I was nine when I first visited been so persistent that we eagerly distinct character, revealing that the Tetons. Awed as I was by their anticipated shady rest stops. We the mountain is more complex abruptness and grandeu, it was met several climbing parties on than the big hunk of granite we love at first sight It seemed like a their way down, looking haggard saw from the valley. It's the sort of different world up there. climb that isolates you Subsequent excursions to from the world below. the valleys and ridges Many parties make a within the Tetons revealed worthwhile climb ofjust wonderful places, and the Lower Exum, leaving brought me closer to that the Upper Exum and the world. Yet, each time, I left summit to peak baggers. Jackson Hole more restless We completed the than the last. Lower Exum early in the My first attempt on afternoon. We had been the Grand Teton was a few watching the weather years ago with my since- closely. Often, sunny days grade-school best buddy deteriorate to afternoon Ken Tappen. We were thunderstorms. In the novice climbers, and hired distance we could see Exum Mountain Guides to storm clouds in the Wind show us the way. A late Rivers. Intuition and desire summer snow turned us teamed up to forge our away, and the itch got decision to go for it. worse. The Upper Exum is This past August, I the most popular route to • met my friend (and soul the summit. It is long, brother) Randall Klein for a interesting, and somewhat Teton climbing trip. The involved. The guides, who main objective was clear know every quartz crystal, because, somehow, I had can lead clients speedily Infected him with the same through, knowing just itch. We arrived to superb when to belay, shortrope, weather. This always wor- or scramble. Late in the ries me in the mountains, day, though, the guided because I am skeptical that Randall Klein on Exum Ridge, six pitches up. groups are long gone (for it will end just when we good reason). There were reallY need it. Our warmup only a couple of other included an overnight to Lake of and humbled. Apparently, howling parties, equally lost. We began to the Crags. As tempting as it was to winds at the Saddle the previous appreciate the huge difference a tote our ropes and gear up the night had prompted most climbers guide can make. Halfway up the steep trail, we declined. Instead, to abandon their efforts. Upper Exum, Randall and I were we climbed Mt St John, working Sleeping at 11,600 feet completely alone. along the ridge for awhile. Lately, I takes getting used to, even on a While not very technical, had been rock climbing so much calm night. Anticipating a big the upper section does have expo- that I forgot how much fun scram- climb the next day doesn't help, sure. Not knowing what to expect, bling can be. either. At first light, we were we belayed many of the easier A day of climbing on greeted by mysterious wisps of sections. The false summits Guide's Wall, and a couple of cloud. We both had the feeling that seemed endless, but there was (short) dips in icy mountain lakes, this would have to be the day. nothing to do except keep going. and we felt ready for The Big One. The Lower Exum Ridge is a There was an eerie cairn about the On the day of our approach to the beautiful route. It consists of 750 whole thing. At last on the sum- Lower Saddle, the weather was feet of sustained high-quality 5.7 mit, the evening was still. The excellent Indeed, the sun had climbing Each pitch has its own Middle Teton, which dominated the

Page 6 UP ROPE view for much of the climb, had all but vanished into the background. We felt isolated from the world far below. At the same time, we were acutely aware of the weather. While we had watched the distant storms strengthen, we somehow sensed that we were in the clear for a bit. But as the mountain shadows lengthened in Jackson Hole, we felt the urgency to go someplace safe. On the descent, we wan- dered along ledges, encountering one dead-end after another. The peaceful isolation suddenly became desperation. To our great relief, we spied three other climbers on a large shelf below. They had decided to pass up the summit in order to descend in one piece. We couldn't find an easy way down the 140- The Grand, Mt. Owen, and Teewinotfrom Jackson Hole. foot cliff separating us from their (Exunt Ridge is in shadow, left side of Grand, skyline.) comaraderie. But,just when we were resigned to sacrificing gear for a rappel, we found an ancient rappel anchor. With some encour- Up Rope Beta Box: agement, the anchor agreed to help THE TETONS AND "THE BUNNERY" us, and we zipped down to meet •the others. We knew it would be a Lake of the Crags: Lots of fun scrambling, great views of long difficult descent in the dark, the Grand Teton, Mt. Owens and Mt. Moran. Half-day hike in but back on Terra Firma, every- and not as crowded as nearby areas. Mt St. Johns (Class III- thing was okay. IV). Guide's Wall: (5.8-5.10, with many quality variations). I felt like I walked briefly in Six pitches, about four of which are sustained 5.7+. Rather that other world. There was more popular. Easy to bail out, since the descent is by rappelling space there (most noticeably the route. Baxter Pinnacle: (5.9+). About 5 pitches. The last directly below us), and there was a pitch, going at 5.9+, is excellent The rest is mostly 5.6+ and primitive simplicity. We weren't somewhat loose. There is a 5.8 stretch early on. The Lower about to linger and revel in it, Saddle: (11,600 ft.) This is the typical base camp for the though, lest we overstay our Grand Teton. It can be very windy, especially the higher welcome. Now, I can't wait to go sites. It is a five-hour grind from the road, but with very nice back. scenery. Lower Extun: (5.7, III) Six excellent pitches, includ- —Rick Kneedler a ing chimneys, hand cracks and steep face climbing. You can IV bail easily at the end of pitch 4, or at the end of the route. You can also continue up to Upper Exurn (below). The ap- proach is about one hour from the Lower Saddle. Upper Note about the author &nun: (5.4, II) Really, this is mostly 4th class; two pitches of When he's not rock climbing, 5.4 and a couple easier 5th-class pitches. Either scramble MS member Rick Kneedler can be from the Lower Saddle (two hours) or climb Lower Exurn to found hiking up Shaw Butte (1,000 approach. Great views! Very popular, too! We did not need ft.) in Phoenix, AZ with his 95- crampons or axes, but these are often essential, so be sure year-old grandfather, Dr. W. to talk to the rangers before setting out The Bunnery: Be Harding Kneedler. This Thanksgiv- sure to check out the The Bunnery in Jackson. Yummy ing, Dr. Kneedler completed his breakfast, lunch, dinner and baked goods. Try also The •12th ascent of Shaw Butte. Grand- Three Merry Piglets or the Sportsman's Cafe. son Rick served as expedition photographer.

*CM ROPE Page 7 Climbing Trips. to be made (to your own informa- Probably the most important tion and any friends who may have activity of the Mountaineering moved recently). And of course, Section is to lead climbing trips always be sure to send us a note • and host other events, so that local when you change addresses. You climbers, especially beginners, can wouldn't want to miss a single meet others and learn from their Up Rope. experience. We had a few well- attended beginners trips to Great Meetings Falls, along with several other trips We're still struggling to get to local toproping areas, nearby more of YOU at the monthly lead crags, and even a couple meetings. Remember, the meet- higher peaks outside the U.S. ings are the second Wednesday of Kudos go to all the members who every month except August at 8:00 led a trip last year. We hope to p.m. at PATC Headquarters in have even more trips on a more Climbers Hotline. Vienna, Virginia. I know for some regular basis next year. Of course, it's a long trek, but it's a chance this means we will need YOU, the With the help of past chair- for you to get your opinions heard members, to volunteer to organize man Alex Tait, we obtained a new on club matters, meet old and new all and lead the trips and keep the -electronic answering machine climbing friends, and see some club active. which we hope will prove to be good slide shows which may help reliable and efficient in communi- you plan your next adventure. We cating club information. The also have pizza and drinks avail- system allows us to direct calls to able for just $2 a person. My specific mailboxes for specialized thanks go out to all the people information such as the Climbers' who gave a slide show over the Calendar, directions to PATC past year: Rick and Mary Dotson, Headquarters, information on Peter Hsi, Jim Southward, Anne member benefits, and last-minute Baron, Matt Hale, Tom Haliki, news and trips. It also has the • Geoff Irons, Dave Godwin, Demian ability to take messages, which can Larry, Rick Kneedler, Ozana Halik be used by trip leaders as a conve- and Don McIntyre (my apologies if nient, one-stop place to gather I've missed anyone). names of people interested in their trip. The system is new, so we're going through some growing pains learning how to use it remotely and keep messages up-to-date, but in the end it should prove to be a Newsletter. real asset in communicating with As you have seen, beginning YOU, the climbing community. with the December 1994 issue, the Mountaineering Section has been Membership DatAbase. printing Up Rope every two Jim Southward, MS secretary, months. Tony Sanders and Julie undertook the major task of clean- & Ozana Halik have been doing a ing up our membership list and great job in gathering articles and transferring it into an easy-to-use And a look ahead. news-worthy items and putting out software package. From that, we There are still other projects an attractive newsletter on a pretty were able to print our roster of and issues to keep the Mountain- regular basis. This can be a over 200 members, which is eering Section busy in the future. demanding schedule, but it is a included in this month's Up Rope. In addition to continuing and challenge to YOU to keep sending Getting this list up-to-date and improving on the good work men- in those stories. Remember, keeping it that way is a never- tioned above, here are just some of professional writing skills are not a ending job that will require con- the projects and issues being prerequisite. In fact, October's stant attention. And YOU can help discussed. Mary Dotson is looking• newsletter featured a trip report by reviewing the list and letting us into getting club information onto from seven year old Kirsten Halik. know of any corrections that need the Internet, accessible through

Page 8 UP ROPE PATC's Home Page. Our use of the Nelson House (see June 1995 MOUNTAINEERING Up Rope) and climbing on the •adjacent Nelson Rocks is being EXPEDITIONS debated within the club; Rick Dotson led a trip recently to review the work that needs to be done. And Beth Logan is preparing an ROCK updated, expanded guidebook to Great Falls (see June 1995 CLIMBING Up Rope). All of these projects are being handled by devoted members INSTRUCTION on a volunteer basis. And those members can use help from YOU. With all these projects Earth Treks offers the highest quality skill coming up, the Mountaineering Section will need more dedicated development expeditions to the world's most volunteers to run the club next year. Unfortunately, two active incredible climbing areas (from Carderock to members, Pete Hsi and Jim South- ward, have moved out of the area. the Himalaya). But this gap leaves opportunities for YOU to get involved and help lead the club in the coming years. EARTH For those who are interested, I encourage you to come to the TREKS upcoming meetings and get in- volved. Open elections for officers P.O. Box 552 will be held at the January 10th •meeting, and those officers will be Ellicott City, MD 21041-0552 looking for support to take charge of some of the club's committees 410-465-5492 and special projects. Please call, or write,for our latest —Dave Godu'irt brochure and newsletter.

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UP ROPE, a publication of the P.A.T.C. Mountaineering Section, is published bi-monthly and written by Mountaineering Section members. We're always looking for newsworthy items to print. Articles can be on trip reports book reviews, gear reviews, good beta to climbs, red points, etc.. To submit ortides and photographs for UpPope, please write with your favorite word processing program, and either send via Internet, or copy to a DOS diskette in plain ASCII text format, and moil to the literary editor, marked ATTN.: UPROPE. The deadline for the next issue is January 15. Interested in obtaining fost MS information, and the updated dimbers' calender? Try our new MS Phone System.

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