VOLUME 68 APRIL 2007 NUMBER 4

Inside This Issue Summer Trips Committee

New Members 2 Puts Together Terrific Schedule

Mail Box 2 By Barb Revere, Co-Chair, Summer Trips Committee

Obits 2 Board Notes 10 ATHED IN SPRING’S soft Trip Reports 11-14 sunlight, showered by the Upcoming Events 15-19 B mist of a waterfall, cooled by a dew-drenched forest, delighted Potluck 18 by a wildflower meadow or basking Calendar 19 on a sun-drenched ridge -- that’s Features how we hope to see you next. That’s Summer Trips Schedule 1 what we’ve been working for. Eugene Mountain Rescue 3 The 2007 summer trips schedule President’s Message 4 was recently posted on our website Don Hunter 5 and promises a truly fabulous sea- son ahead. We have 104 leaders and Penstemaniacs 7 190 trips on the schedule and it’s Dungeness Light House 8 still growing! On any given week- Meet the Committees 9 end you can choose from several Photo by Barb Revere Barb’s Sampler 15 offerings and the weekday trips are Stacks of trip leader packets just packed by Picture of the Month 20 plentiful. While hiking and bicy- Summer Trips volunteer packers, from left, Anne Bonine, Margaret Prentice, Barb Bruns, cling make up the majority of the Janet Jacobsen and Tom Adamcyk. trips, boating, birding, camping, Dates to Remember backpacking, trail maintenance, SciEd workshops and the Second Annual Obsidian Baseball Night help spice up the Apr 17 Trip Leaders Meeting mix. Apr 21 Lodge Work Party WE THANK ALL the leaders who have helped us put together the terrific upcom- May 1 SciEd Tues - Wind Power ing season. Without the leaders’ willingness to commit their time and to plan, ar- May 2 Board Meeting range and lead trips, there would be no Obsidians. We think you’ll agree the leaders May 17 First Aid Class form the core of the club and hope you will not pass up the opportunity to thank the May 18 Potluck - Riverkeepers leader on your next Obsidian trip. Thanks go, as well, to our great Summer Trips Committee members who made phone calls, sent emails, helped stuff packets and have contributed greatly to the summer trips effort: Tom Adamcyk, Rick Ahrens, Ann-Marie Askew, Anne Bonine, Summer Schedule Joan Bradley, Barb Bruns, Jim & Sharon Duncan, Paul Flashenberg, Mary Hamilton, Hot Off the Press Sam Houston, Bob Huntley, Sandra Larsen, Joanne Ledet, Becky Lipton, Janice See Bulletin Insert or Online. Marshal, Helen Martz, Sue Meyers, Effie Neth, Carol Petty, Kathy Riddle, Karla Rusow, Barbara Schomaker, Judy Terry, Sharon Thomas and Charlie Van Deusen. Another big “thank you” to John Jacobsen for help with the database and to Wayne Deeter, who put the schedule on our website. We also thank Margaret Pren- Camp Pegg tice, who gave advice when needed, served on the committee and revised the Slots Available Leader’s Guide. We believe it is a clear, concise and well-organized reference man- See Page 19. ual for leaders of all experience levels and will prove useful for many years to come. Don’t miss this unique oppor- tunity to explore a new area. So slather on the sunscreen and let’s hit the trails! P.S. THE LEADER’S MEETING IS APRIL 17, 7 p.m. at the lodge. All leaders should attend the meeting and pick up their packets with the new permanent Leader’s Guide. The new guide is meant to be kept and used for several years (until the next revision).

OBITUARIES OBSIDIANS, INC Welcome! P.O. Box 322, Eugene, OR 97440 Brooks “Dale” Moon Website: www.obsidians.org

New Members ORMER OBSIDIAN Brooks ―Dale‖ Board of Directors F Moon, 68, of Soda Springs, Idaho, President - John Pegg CROSON, HEATHER (Active) died December 17th following a four- Vice President - Stewart Hoeg 523 Lawrence #2, Eugene 97403 year battle with colon cancer. Secretary - Laurie Funkhouser 514-4506 Treasurer - Sheila Ward For many years, Moon lived in Marianne Camp Jim Duncan Reinstated Members Eugene and did ―lots of outdoor things Brian Hamilton Barb Revere Anne Dhu McLucas TIERNEY, LORI (Active) with club members Latham Flanagan 4745 Center Way, Eugene 97405 and three-time president Ben Ross Board meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, except 517-7448 [email protected] (who is still a member),‖ says club his- August, at the Obsidian Lodge. torian Lenore McManigal. During his two years as an Obsidian, Committee Chairpersons Moon did two climbs of Mt. Hood and Byways-By-Bus ...... Liz Reanier Climbs ...... Larry Huff a climb of Mt. Washington. In 1970, Concessions ...... Laurie Funkhouser he and Flanagan were holed up in a Conservation ...... Deb Carver snow cave for five days on Mt. Hood. Entertainment...... Kathy Hoeg Extended Trips ...... Lana Lindstrom He spent three days in a snow cave Finance ...... Stewart Hoeg with two other climbers in 1974. Moon Lodge Building ...... Brian Hamilton and Ross also climbed six mountains in Lodge Grounds ...... John Jacobsen Librarian/Historian ...... Lenore McManigal one day! Membership ...... Julie Dorland Online...... Wayne Deeter Publications ...... Barb Revere WAS BROWSING in the (Mazama) Publicity ...... Ann Dhu McLucas Safety ...... Doug Nelson I library this afternoon and hap- Nominating Science & Education ...... Joella Ewing pened upon the February 2007 Obsid- Committee Forming Summer Camp ...... Jim Duncan ian Bulletin. Great story on Florence Summer Trips . Janet Jacobsen/Barb Revere Trail Maintenance ...... Peter Green Ogden Sims. The Mazamas should do NOMINATING COMMITTEE will meet in May to discuss the procedures for Winter Trips ...... Jim Pierce A Youth ...... Scott Hovis more articles like that in their own selecting, and then select, three candidates bulletin. for election to three-year terms on the Ob- The I have one question and one obser- sidian board of directors, with the term be- OBSIDIA N Bulletin vation about the article. The question ginning in January of 2008. At the April © 2007 is did you really mean to say she was board meeting, the board appointed Doug Published monthly, except August. Articles, the first woman to climb North Sister? Nelson and Barb Revere to head up the story ideas, letters to the editor and other Nominating Committee. They will form the Or did you mean to say she was the editorial submissions may be emailed to: Nominating Committee and implement the [email protected] first woman Obsidian to climb North selection process. Sister? * If you are interested in sitting on the Although email is preferred, submissions may also be sent to: As far as being the first woman to Nominating Committee, have suggestions climb all three sisters, Louisa Almy for candidates for the Obsidian board of The Obsidian Bulletin directors, or are interested in being consid- P.O. Box 51424, Eugene, OR 97405 and Geraldine Coursen (Mazamas) ered as a candidate for the board of directors For reprint rights, contact above. climbed all three in 1910 as follows: yourself, please contact Doug or Barb: Middle Sister, 8/9/10; South Sister, Doug Nelson Deadline 8/12/10; and North Sister, 8/19/10 746-6774 [email protected] for May 2007 Bulletin during the second ascent. Still Flor- Barb Revere Saturday, April 28, 2007 ence was the third woman to complete 726-4989 [email protected] the triple and you folks have her al- Assembly/Mailing Team penstock and know a great deal more For March Bulletin Don Baldwin, LaRee Beckley, Marc Han- about her than we know about Louisa sen, Marshall Kandell, John and Lenore or Geraldine. Membership Status McManigal and Vera Woolley; Hope all is well and thanks again As of April 1, 2007 and Crew Chief Lou Maenz for the great read. Active Members ...... 480 -- Jeff Thomas Associate Members ...... 37 Editorial Team (Editor’s note: Jeff Thomas is a Honorary Members ...... 2 Writing & Editorial Staff ...... Janet & John member of the Mazamas and the editor Jacobsen, Marshall Kandell & Barb Revere Junior Members ...... 20 Copy Editor ...... Marshall Kandell of “ High -- A Guide.” Life Members ...... 21 * And, yes, we did mean to say first Ob- Graphics, Design & Desktop Publishing.... Total Membership ...... 560 Stewart Hoeg & John Jacobsen sidian woman to climb North Sister.) Assembly & Mail Manager ...... Lou Maenz Page 2 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Obsidians in Eugene Mountain Rescue Answer the Call – Usually at Night!

By Marshall Jay Kandell PHONE RINGING at 2 a.m. seldom brings good A news. For the many Ob- sidians who are part of Eugene Mountain Rescue (EMR), a ring- ing phone at night usually means a call to action. Someone is lost and needs to be found…rescued, if possible. EMR shares a symbiotic rela- tionship with the Obsidians. In- deed, it may have grown out of the club’s experience with the outdoors, mountain climbing, familiarity with our area’s various terrains and, of course, our many skilled climbers. A volunteer organization founded in 1968, EMR specializes in search and rescue missions involving high angle or remote settings and works in close association with the Lane County Sheriff Depart- ment’s search and rescue opera- tions. The information and perspec- EMR search team 4 on the way to Cooper Spur in search of three climbers who attempted to climb the north side of Hood in Dec. 2006. One was found deceased in a snow cave near the summit. The other tives reflected in this article were two have not yet been found. Photo used with permission of EMR and can be seen, along with other gained in a discussion with a photos, on their website at http://www.eugenemountainrescue.org. group of Obsidians who pre- ferred to keep the focus on EMR and its collective teamwork whatever equipment that might be required ( and rather than on their individual identities. Indeed, every at- ice axes for winter mountain or glacial efforts, for example) tempt to solicit dramatic citings of personal heroism or, for and duffles with sleeping bags, changes of clothing, etc., in that matter, fe ar, were deflected with expressions of com- case they wind up in the field for more than a day. plete confidence in the abilities of the ―team‖ to handle situa- The members of the EMR team all go to Lane County tions and care for their own members’ safety. Public Works, where they report in to the search and rescue BUT LET’S GET BACK to that late night phone call. operation, join up with all other rescue teams (including Climbers, hikers and mushroom pickers often go awry during EMTs, scouts, horse groups, etc.), load up the vehicles, get the day. Friends and family may look for them, but only be- their marching orders and move out…usually beginning any come alarmed as evening approaches. A 911 call is routed to search as morning shows its early light. the Sheriff’s Department, where search and rescue coordina- PRELIMINARY INFORMATION often proves faulty. Deter- tor John Miller (a former Obsidian) begins to organize the mination of where a lost person (or persons) might be is sel- search and rescue teams. By this time, it’s usually late eve- dom definite…and searching miles and miles of square miles ning. for someone in rough mountain terrain can pose huge logisti- EMR has a ―hasty team,‖ a group of members ready to go cal challenges. Not knowing if someone is injured, or how on a moment’s notice. The call to action, however, can come seriously, can change the degree of difficulty of the rescue to any of a number of team members who have established effort. positive relationships with the Sheriff’s Dept. over the years. ―I just hope I can make a difference,‖ said one Obsidian, That contact then calls on other EMR team members to re- ―and that it’s not a body recovery.‖ Even body recoveries spond (about 25 on the call list). Again, this is a volunteer can have their rewarding moments, they say, since they give organization and not everyone is always available…so, it closure to appreciative families. In fact, EMR has used body might take several wake-up calls before a team is assembled. searches as training exercises (for example, after winter Team members keep backpacks at the ready, along with (Continued on page 4)

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President’s Message:

A Salute and a Challenge

By John Pegg helped me learn knots, use of an ice be excuses. My own schedule is al- axe and other skills, is still fresh today. most full for the entire summer! But HIS MONTH I have both a salute Giving back a little of what was so enough of excuses! Your favorite hike T and a challenge for Obsidians. freely shared with me is one reason I can still be added to the schedule; your Looking back at the Winter Trips am so happy to lead a climb, hike or favorite climb can still introduce schedule and at the Summer Trips, cross country ski trip every year. The someone to a beautiful mountain. Our Climbs, and Bus Trips coming up, I schedules show I am not alone in this. web site makes sharing the schedule am astonished at the level of participa- MY CHALLENGE is to all of you much more flexible than in the past. All tion Obsidians have in this club. We who have never lead an activity or you have to do is contact the appropri- are not a big organization, but we have have not offered to lead this year. I ate committee, an easy thing to do. a big impact on the recreational life of ask you to reflect on how much some So thank you to all the leaders this our members and the community. of those activities have done to in- year, and over the years, who have so My own life of exploring Oregon’s crease your awareness, your knowl- unselfishly helped us enjoy our great mountains started in a Spring Climb edge, and your enjoyment of life. outdoors. We all benefit. But if you School over twenty-five years ago, and Don’t you think it is time you gave have not yet offered to lead something, my gratitude to the Obsidians who something back? Of course there will there is still time to make a difference.

Obsidians in Eugene Mountain Rescue (Continued from page 3) memorable experiences – such as having to lift by rope a snows melt on mountains). One such exercise was remem- stretcher-bound mushroom picker up a perilous cliff on an bered less than fondly. It was on North Sister – the ―ugly exhausting mile-long journey to an ambulance at the closest sister‖ whose unstable rockfall slopes cause all climbers great logging road – it is appropriate to respond with some awe at concern. their skills, strength and heroism. They downplay such ado- EMR has monthly training practices covering suspension ration, however. systems, winter survival skills, avalanche/snow search and “IT’S A TEAM EFFORT. We can only do as much as the rescue, search techniques, tracking, glacier travel and cre- team can do.” vasse rescue, map and compass practice and the use of radios. “If we’re not feeling well, we have to be honest and let our Members are trained in first aid and CPR (but are ―really glad team members know. Our own safety is paramount.” when an EMT is on the rescue team!‖) and undergo certifica- “We have techniques for coping with risky situations and tion testing by the Oregon Mountain Rescue Council every minimizing the risks.” four years to demonstrate competence in mountain rescue. “I’m not afraid, because I know the people climbing with Obsidians interested in joining EMR don’t have to be experi- me are capable of saving me.” enced climbers, however, since EMR provides necessary “I don’t think any of our EMR people have been injured.” training. “When I first started, I had a hero attitude…and then I did EMR IS OFTEN CALLED upon to assist in search and res- a body search.” cue efforts in other Oregon counties and even out of state. “One of my first missions involved a horrendous plane Such efforts included the recent searches for climbers on Mt. crash…we had to gather and try to sort out body parts.” Hood, where they once found themselves blinded by blowing It should be noted that none of the team members sharing snow in a blizzard. ―The only way we could have found any- their insights had Rambo-like physiques. They were men and one (in those weather conditions) was to fall over them.‖ women of modest build (although they did say they had some Despite the big play such rescue efforts get in the news on the team who were ―really big and strong‖). They may media, most missions do not involve high mountain drama. not be that big in stature, but you can bet they look great to EMR has logged about 8,000 mission hours since 2000, with the men, women and children they rescue! 65% not involving true mountain rescue (although such res- The biggest hazard EMR faces? cues are the most time intensive). “Driving to and from the mountains…I-5 can be deadly!”

The calls can be quite diverse. Plane crashes, lost kids, * * * searching for evidence in remote crime scenes. Since the For more information on Eugene Mountain Rescue, check advent of GPS, the number of lost hunters has gone down; out their website at http://www.eugenemountainrescue.org/. while the problems with the more low-tech, nose-to-the- And we can all look forward to John Miller from the Lane ground mushroom pickers continue. County Search & Rescue doing a potluck presentation on As EMR team members describe some of their more December 14, 2007 at the Lodge. Page 4 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Don Hunter: Avid Conservationist and Producer Of Audio-Visual Spectaculars

By Lou Maenz

(Janet Jacobsen -- who also did most of school he was in charge of the AV de- ―PROUD TO BE AN OBSIDIAN‖ the research -- and I interviewed Don partment, and when they purchased the Around the time he was working for Hunter at his home in South Eugene.) first RCA radio-phonograph recorder in Dotson Repair in 1935-36, Don became Eugene, the budding sound biographer AN INTRODUCTION active in the Obsidians and climbed went to the train tracks and made re- Middle Sister with Elsie and Dot his witty, charming and erudite cordings of the trains coming and go- Dotson, along with about 25 others. It environmentalist was a delight was cold, he was cold, he had no sleep- T to interview. Not only were we ing bag, and ended up snuggling with entertained by good conversation and Elsie and Dot in their sleeping bags: a wonderful glimpses back in history, we memorable beginning to a long Obsid- were lucky enough to be treated to a ian relationship. One of the other ex- demonstration (including recorded periences Don reminisced about was sound from trains long ago) of model riding the ski train. During 1936 and trains operating in a mockup of the last 1937 the now famous Snow Train ran railroad logging in Oregon. from Eugene to Crescent Junction near If, in the environmental world, there Odell. This important piece of history were a title of emeritus bestowed, this is well to make note of and in the professor emeritus in audio-visual from men’s restroom at the lodge are both a the University of Oregon should surely photo of the train and an advertisement be a recipient. Don’s entire life has for the trip. The train carried 600 peo- been devoted to lovingly preserving the ple and cost $1.75 a ticket. That may sights and sounds of nature and trying sound inexpensive, but not when you to convince others of the environment’s consider that the average annual in- beauty and value. come in the United States at that time For those of you who do not know was just about $1,800. Breakfast and a Don, he is a member of the Obsidians box lunch could also be purchased on- Don Hunter and has been since 1960, although his board. first club hike was in 1935. He was Over the years, Don participated in ing. It was the beginning of a collection born in Eugene and raised on Dillard a number of trips with the club. He of thousands of sounds -- audios col- Rd. in a house right before the hairpin reflected on the wonderful time he had lected for posterity. turn south of Baldy. After graduating in 1938 at the Belknap Hot Springs two from Eugene High School in 1932, he ―Of special interest to me during my -day new year’s party. Not only was it attended the UofO for a degree in elec- career in audio recording has been the a fun time with lots of games and trical engineering. When the depression collection of unusual sounds and the sports, but also one of the most beauti- halted this endeavor, he went to work preservation of sounds around us which ful nights he ever experienced -- the for Dotson Repair, which was right are disappearing from our lives, often stars brilliant and the snow shining in next door to Dotson Photography. Dot unnoticed.‖ the moonlight. Other fond memories Dotson’s brother ran the shop (talk (see http://natural- were climbing South Sister from about small world). Don worked there history.uoregon.edu/Pages/ Devil’s Lake with Bob Merrill in 1962 for a few years, joined the military and, dh_virtual_tour/museum_tour/ and climbing the North Sister in 1963, later, completed his degree in Chicago, museum_tour.html) thus becoming an Obsidian Chief. He thanks to the military. He then returned also led a fair number of trips. Of these, home and was hired by EWEB. How- A natural progression from sound is the most memorable were probably in ever, he soon was lured into working sight, and Don followed that route with 1971, 1976 and 1981, when he led pho- for the university in 1946 to establish a passion. He became a photographer of tography trips to the Painted Hills. the Pacific Northwest and developed an their first audio-visual department. These trips had something of a mara- inspiring and immense collection of thon quality to them. Off at 8:15 a.m., AN ARCHIVIST OF SOUND AND SIGHT sights, as well as sounds. Black and Sahalie Falls at midmorning, lunch at Don’s fascination with sound and white photography was soon replaced by sight began early in his life. In high sophisticated 35mm slide technology. (Continued on page 6)

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Don Hunter: Avid Conservationist

(Continued from page 5) friends were given a permit and a re- scheduled to present its program after Smith Rock, a stop to photograph Ore- ceiver so they could be warned of im- him, declined the opportunity. In es- gon cactus in bloom, the Painted Hills, pending danger. Off they hiked into the sence, they threw in the towel. wildflowers, dinner, and home at 1 a.m. devastated area to record what the So impressive was the response he -- a good time had by exhausted all. overwhelming power of nature had was again sent to Washington that year And, to round out his Obsidian re- wrought. This was one of his potluck by the Friends to help preserve the sume: he, his dad and his brothers all shows. Rock Mesa area. That matter involved worked on the building of the first ACTIVIST a mining company which had rights to lodge. The Area pumice mining south of South Sister. consists of 283,402 acres in the Wil- The issue at hand was the purchase of AN ENVIRONMENTAL SYNERGY lamette and Deschutes National For- the claim by the government so it could Occasionally in life a person is ests. It is the centerpiece between the be included in the proposed wilderness lucky and talented enough to join two northern Cascades and the Umpqua in area. After his show before the con- passions and arrive at a union that is the south. It is currently a designated gressional committee, he was told that greater than the sum of the two. Don’s preserve, free from timber and mining had he not shown the slides, most audio-video archiving and love of na- desecration. This was not always the likely the area would have been left to ture coalesced into such a synergy. case, however. Don was one of the the miners. The congressmen had Joining avocation and vocation, he de- thought Rock Mesa was just a pile of veloped extravaganza slide shows us- rocks. Once again the old adage ―a pic- ing three screens, four projections and ture is worth a thousand words‖ proved sound. These shows were presented Occasionally in life a per- true. And to that we need to add: Thank with minimum of narration, letting son is lucky and talented you, Don. beauty speak for itself. Over the years, he created at least 30 enough to join two pas- NOW AND IN THE FUTURE such presentations, several of which sions and arrive at a un- Currently, the UofO is funding the have been shown at potlucks. It needs ion that is greater than the translation and recording of many of to be noted that Don has also enter- Don’s shows, slides and tapes to CD tained the Obsidians with personal sum of the two. and DVD so they won’t be lost due to slide shows ranging in interest from changing technology. Unfortunately, railroads to Arizona canyons. The the French Pete and the Rocky Mesa multi-media presentations between Friends of the Three Sisters, an envi- presentations are not among them. 1971 and 1999 included Mt. Pisgah, ronmental action group formed by Ob- Don is working on his autobiography, Mt. St. Helens, the new Oregon Trail, sidians in 1957 which was instrumental as well as a program on the places he and Oregon Spectacular. The com- in helping to foster a reclassification has visited that were his favorites. He is ments from the Bulletins are a litany of upgrade to wilderness area in response orienting this show to a more conserva- praise: ―a visual delight,‖ ―thoroughly to the looming threat of the area being tionist viewpoint. enjoyed,‖ ―attentive audience,‖ opened up to timber interests by the ―Grand,‖ ―a gourmet visual feast.‖ Two Forest Service. It was a battle that Don’s latest and favorite, so far, of of his inspiring programs, ―Eugene lasted nearly 30 years. On February 24, all his presentations is a three screen Then and Now‖ and ―The Pageant 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed show titled ―To Live!‖ The slides and Years‖ were presented at the Hult Cen- the Endangered American Wilderness narration are based on a philosophic ter during the Eugene Celebration in Act. The Three Sisters Area was pro- question: ―Do we sometimes, at lucid 1998. tected at last. moments, see the structure of a master plan?‖ Considering that Don has We all have favorites among the What was Don’s part? Twice, under looked and listened more closely to the things we have done and frequently the the auspices of Friends of Three Sis- earth than most of us, this should be a reason is simply, it was a lot of fun to ters, he went to Washington to do bat- fascinating look into some of the do. Don’s program on Mt. St. Helens is tle with the Forest Service. The first deeper and more contemplative aspects his favorite among the environmental time was in 1971 to present his show of of the relationships to be found in na- shows he has produced. It is also one of the pristine French Pete Watershed the most moving. He took a series of Area, the only roadless region to be left ture. pictures during the eruption and, a year out of the Three Sisters district, to the Don Hunter has impacted and added later, flew over the caldera. He was congressional committee concerned much to our lives. He is an avid conser- immensely touched by what he saw and with land management. It was a three vationist, archivist and environmental- requested a pass to enter the red zone. screen, four projector extravaganza and ist. How lucky we are to have him as a He, his two boys and one of their girl was so effective the Forest Service, fellow Eugenean and Obsidian. Page 6 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Our Club Penstemaniacs: Robin and Ken Lodewick

By Janet Jacobsen

HEN I STARTED HIKING with the Obsidians in the (Endangered American Wilderness Act) and whatever hap- 70s, I was told that if I would learn to identify a pened to it after that I don’t know. Perhaps it’s in a vault in W few new wildflowers each year, I would soon be Washington, D.C.‖ a ―wildflower expert.‖ If I had followed this advice, people Ken, an Obsidian since 1955, has gone on 203 trips. He might now be asking me to identify wildflowers on the trail. In- met Robin when she joined the Obsidians in 1961. She has stead, I am still asking, ―What is that flower?‖ There is one gone on 166 trips. The Lodewicks led many wildflower flower, the penstemon, that consistently stumps me every time. hikes for our club, including Obsidian Loop and Iron Moun- tain. They liked to stop on the way back to town at Koosah Falls to see the penstemon serrulatus. Robin said, ―On July

4th, we would lead a hike to Bohemia Mountain, where there are displays of wildflowers, including several species of pen- stemon.‖ On their June 26, 1982 trip to Iron Mountain, Ken wrote, ―Stopped at several other places to check -- you guessed it -- penstemons. Spring was late this year (there was snow on the trail near the summit) and the flowers were in full bloom, a grand show. We found for the first time on the mountain (for us) dicentra uniflora, or steer’s head, re- lated to bleeding heart.‖

Penstemon serrulatus

Obsidians Robin and Ken Lodewick are true penstemani- acs with a passion for this flower. Robin said, ―You would be surprised how few people can identify a penstemon.‖ (No, I am not surprised.) The genus penstemon is the largest of flowering plants native to North America (270 species or more, depending on which botanist does the counting). There are 46 Oregon penstemons. Its common name, beardtongue, Dicentra uniflora, or steer’s head comes from the bearded staminode found in most species. ROBIN AND KEN are able to quote detailed features and ROBIN LAUGHINGLY told me dicentra uniflora is difficult locations of numerous species by memory. Through the to find. The leaf blooms for one week and the flower for one years, their garden has been an ongoing research project and week. Years ago, while camping with the Friends of the contained over 150 species of penstemons. Robin said that at Three Sisters Wilderness near Park Meadows, Ken was hik- the present time they only have three in their garden, but Ken ing with a Swedish botanist who was looking for the elusive insisted there are only two. In the 90s, Robin and Ken pub- dicentra uniflora. The botanist was so disappointed that he lished ―Key to the Genus Penstemon,‖ a plant key containing had traveled so many miles and hadn’t seen one. Ken said, ―If all of the species. The key is quite detailed, but very practical you look down at your feet, your will see hundreds of them.‖ for nonbotanists. I wonder what my chances are to spot dicentra uniflora? Robin and Ken are also members of the Native Plant Soci- I’d better stick with penstemons. Ken warned me that being ety of Oregon. They were active in the Friends of the Three Sisters Wilderness project. In the early 70s, Ken and Robin around a penstemaniac was contagious. made a 3-D map of the contours of the French Pete Valley. Robin and Ken have been loyal attendees at potlucks. Ken, a cartographer, cut out the pieces and stacked them to- They were unable to attend the past few months for health gether. Robin said, ―It was transported to the hearings reasons.

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Summer Camp Whets Appetite For a Week in an Isolated Lighthouse

By Leila Snow

REN’T MEMORIES of sum- mer camp at their very best A during the dreary months of winter? It was certainly true for me as I contemplated a Christmas gift for my husband. I kept thinking back to Sequim and the fun we had hiking and visiting with friends in such a beautiful area. That’s why I got him a membership to the New Dungeness Light Station Association (http:// www.newdungenesslighthouse.com/ membership.html); it only costs $30 and it’s the first step toward becom- Dungeness Spit Lighthouse - Photo by Barb Revere ing a keeper. Once we had our membership, I We met the transport team at the bed by 9 p.m., listening to the gentle began looking for a time we could storage depot in town, unloading all lapping of the Straight of Juan de stay at the light house. It’s a popular our food and gear into two large four Fuca. place and is usually booked two -wheel-drive Suburbans. Transport The days soon settled into a pat- years out. I signed up for a week in happens at low tide, whenever that tern. Yakima Sue and I would get up November 2008 and kept my eye on may be. We were lucky to have a early and walk the spit at low tide, the website for any cancellations. A humane 6 p.m. departure time. many days going almost all five single room in the three plus bed- Sometimes, the ride out is the most miles back to the trailhead. I had a room keeper’s house became avail- memorable part of the trip; however, wonderful time identifying ducks and able the first week of March, and I there were no large logs obstructing sea birds, and even more fun watch- snatched it up. The scheduler con- our path and the sand was relatively ing their feeding and social patterns. firmed our reservation and sent us smooth. When we arrived the outgo- We would often meet the first visi- the contact information for the two ing keepers had their things piled by tors on the spit, and would give them other couples with whom we would the drop off point. Our driver gave a encouragement to go all the way out share our week. This is where I be- quick tour of bilge pumps and other to the lighthouse. The rest of our gan to have my first doubts. A week technical issues to one of our party crew would spend the mornings wa- in an isolated lighthouse with people while the rest of us unloaded our tering, mowing the lawn and per- we’ve never met? ―What if they gear and loaded up the outgoing forming small chores such as re- want to watch daytime TV?,‖ I team. In mere minutes, we were caulking the bathtubs. When visitors wailed. My husband had to remind alone -- out five miles of barely ac- arrived at the station, we would wel- me that they had also signed up for a cessible sand spit with a lighthouse come them, share a bit of history and week in isolation and would likely be we knew nothing about. give them a tour of the lighthouse. our kind of people. THE KEEPER’S HOUSE was built By 4 p.m., all visitors would be gone WE MET OUR CO-KEEPERS for in 1905 and has been meticulously and we would spend some time in dinner in Sequim at the start of our maintained. It was like staying at a our individual pursuits: Sequim tour of duty. Oddly, both couples fabulous bed and breakfast and had Susan and Mike looking for agates, were named Mike and Sue; and both everything we needed to make our Roy singing in the tower, I watching Mikes were engineers. One couple stay comfortable – including the wildlife behavior and large ships was from Sequim, retired with a lav- dreaded TV, which our group never steaming by, and Yakima Mike and ender farm. This would be their first turned on. We spent the first night Sue reading. trip to the lighthouse. The other cou- unpacking and reading the volumi- At 6 p.m., we would gather to ple was from Yakima and had discov- nous literature about the light station, lower the flag and go in to dinner. ered the light house as we had, while familiarizing ourselves with its op- We traded cooking responsibilities, traveling with their hiking group. erations and history. We were all in (Continued on page 9) Page 8 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Getting to Know Our Committees - and Their Chairpersons Editor’s Note: We’ve asked each of our committee chairpersons to share with the membership a little bit about themselves and their committees. Each month, we’ll present a few of their profiles. Brian Hamilton, Chairperson Barb Revere, Chairperson Lodge Building Committee Publications Committee

LOVE OF moun- TRIP AROUND Clear A taineering A Lake in May 2005 prompted me to join the was my first experience Obsidians in the fall of with the Obsidians. I’ve 2003 after completing hiked 108 more trips since the required qualifying then, but Clear Lake and climb of Broken Top. the McKenzie River Trail Climbing is still my fa- remain my favorite. One vorite club activity, fol- day while hiking with Mar- lowed by cross-country shall Kandell, I asked a lot skiing and hiking. of questions about the club. I am an architect He said, ―Start going to the working primarily on board meetings –but watch public, institutional and out, you’ll wind up chair- commercial buildings. ing a committee.‖ My professional background led to requests that I serve on Publications Chair? I consider myself more a spokesperson the Lodge Construction Committee in December 2004 and, for our hard-working committee. I write the Trip Sampler. John later, the Lodge Building Committee. I am now in my second Jacobsen does layout with Stewart Hoeg. Marshall Kandell is year as an Obsidian board member. the copy editor. Janet is our researcher, writer and reporter. We Besides the responsibilities listed in the club’s bylaws, my all proofread endlessly. Our committee decides everything by primary goals for the committee are: discussion, sometimes loud and long, and builds to consensus. Our committee’s general goal is to send out a publication 1. Prepare a maintenance & operations manual for the that illustrates and augments the interests, intents and ideals of lodge. The manual will contain instructions on how to use the club. We hope every issue informs, delights and strength- and maintain equipment and materials incorporated into the ens our membership. Our specific goal for 2007 is to build lodge during the recent remodel, as well as previously exist- more participation by readers -- in the form of letters to the ing lodge equipment, furnishings and finishes. editor, hiking tips, recipes, poems, anecdotes, opinion pieces, 2. Update lodge rental documents to reflect changes to the photographs (keep them coming) and whatever else they think building, contact numbers, and, possibly, the rental rate structure. might be of interest to an outdoorsy bunch like the Obsidians.

visitors – more than we’d had the Isolated Lighthouse entire week! It made for a busy mo- (Continued from page 8) times we were able to see nuclear ment, as we were also cleaning the submarines come into the bay for house, washing linens and getting which made it more like a holiday! change of personnel, flanked by ready for the incoming keepers. Dinners were a time for lively con- Coast Guard cutters. A small skiff Nevertheless, we had our gear piled versation; then we’d all settle down would meet the submarine in the bay, in the drive when transport arrived. to read, embroider, paste pictures in and the change of personnel would It was fun to talk to our volunteer our albums or pursue other quiet ac- take place right on the water. An- drivers on the way out, as we too tivities. Some nights we’d take a other day, we got to watch a juvenile now felt a personal responsibility for night walk or go up in the tower to eagle bring food home and deposit it the success of the New Dungeness see if we could identify other light with the adults, who then parsed it Light Station. stations. One night I spent three out to the whole family of four ea- Would I do it again? In a heart- hours watching the shipping channels gles. We were able to observe two beat! I keep a watch on the website and listening to the waves lap. So otters eat a ray, an awkward but fas- for openings, and hope you will too! peaceful! cinating process. http:// THE DAYS WERE DISTINGUISHED All too soon, our week was up. www.newdungenesslighthouse.com/ by unusual sightings. A number of On our final day, we had over 40 lighthousekeepers.html

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Board Notes

April 4, 2007 $21.00 in fees collected from 2 non- program will be proper selection of By Laurie Funkhouser, Secretary members and 11 members. The Leader walking and running shoes. In addition, Meeting is scheduled for 4/17/07 4/18/07 Rick Ahrens will lead a evening

Members present: Board Members: John (Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m. at the Lodge. hike at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, 5/1/07, Pegg, Sheila Ward, Brian Hamilton, Currently 190 trips are scheduled with Jim Malone of EWEB will speak on Stewart Hoeg, Anne McLucas, Barb 104 leaders but there are some weekends Wind Power, 5/28/07, Rick Ahrens will Revere, and Laurie Funkhouser. Other which are available for trips. lead an interpretative hike all the way members present were Lana Lindstrom, Winter Trips (Jim Pierce): Jim reported around Mt. Pisgah, 6/2/07 Joella will Barbara Bruns, Larry Huff, Wayne a total of 8 trip reports with 4 trips can- lead a 2-mile hike on the Ridgeline Trail Deeter, Scott Hovis, Lenore McMani- celed and 1 trip rescheduled, which in- ending at the Raptor Center for the 1:00 gal, John Jacobsen, Janet Jacobsen, Julie cluded 64 members and 9 non-members p.m. program and 6/19/07 Holly McCrea Dorland, Kathy Hoeg, Joella Ewing, Jim for total revenue of $104.00. will provide a program on Yellowstone. Pierce, and Doug Nelson. Climbs (Larry Huff): The 29-event Publicity (Anne Dhu McLucas): Anne Treasurer’s Report: Requested and climb schedule is online. Climb school presented three discussion topics for the received approval for payment of bills. starts Thursday 4/12/07 with 16 enrol- Board to consider: 1) Request for $300 for update publicity materials, distribu- High Cascade Forest Volunteers: John, lees. An ad was placed with the Register tion, etc. ; 2) Develop a list of media as president of Obsidians, provided sup- -Guard to promote the climb school to contacts; 3) Provide electronic versions port of endorsement sought by High Cas- try to meet the maximum of 24 students. of the Bulletin to persons to promote the cade Forest Volunteers as part of the non By- W a y s - By- B u s ( L i z R e - club and/or to nonmembers at an annual -profit application after receiving a ma- anier): Lenore McManigal reported for subscription rate. The Board opted to jority response for such support for Liz that the ―A Day in the Country‖ bus discuss item 1) at the next meeting but Board members via e-mail. trip. A full report will be featured in the approve items 2) and 3) with a subscrip- May Bulletin. Old Business tion rate of $20/year. Summer Outing (Jim Duncan): John Concessions (Laurie Funkhouser): Laurie None Jacobsen reported for Jim that the Sum- reported March sales of $126.90. Looking New Business mer Camp potluck presented slides, gear to add to inventory soon. information. Currently the 1st week ses- Nominating Committee: The Board sion is nearing full and the 2nd week has Online (Wayne Deeter): Wayne re- needs to establish a nominating commit- some spots. The committee met in ported that of the 410 of the 560 (66 tee in April 2007 to being the process of March to discuss cooks, fees and regis- 2/3%) members have e-mail addresses. obtaining candidates for the Board posi- tration matters. Will meet again in April Library/Historian (Lenore McMani- tion. Doug Nelson and Barbara Revere to discuss duties, responsible people, etc. gal): Lenore reported events for April. volunteered to be on the committee and All trip reports have been posted to the Extended Trips (Lana Lind- to work to obtain at least a total of five computer record. members. strom): Lana reported that Sharon Ritchie had a successful Crater Lake trip Lodge Building (Brian Hamilton): The Lodge Rental Policies: Brian Hamilton with 43 people enjoying the great food, main circuit breaker tripping continues to is creating a committee to present a pro- good company and lots of snow. $500 be a problem. Brian sought and received posal regarding changes to the Lodge transferred into the General Fund. approval from the Board to have Rey- Rental policy. Stewart Hoeg and John nolds examine the problem and look at Jacobsen agreed to participate in the Youth (Scott Hovis): Scott led a youth replacing the breaker (potentially $350- committee. Brian welcomed any one backpacking trip during the Spring Break 400). John Jacobsen has prepared drafts who is interested to join. but was disappointed there were no sign- of Lodge opening and closing proce- ups for the event which resulted in him Lodge Insurance: Barbara Bruns the dures. New signage will be posted when soliciting participants. current bill for renewal for the lodge drafts are finalized. insurance is $1850 which provides for a Membership (Julie Dorland): The Lodge Ground (John Jacobsen): Work 4.675% inflation increase in commercial Board approved the membership applica- parties took place on 3/15/07 and 3/22/07 property value, no change in general tion for Heather Croson. 2 reinstated involving planting of disturbed areas. liability and minimal change in non- members. Current membership is 560. The next work party is scheduled for owned auto coverage (vehicles used for Entertainment (Kathy Hoeg): Kathy 4/21/07 9:00 a. m. to noon to coincide club administration functions). reported approximately 66 dinner atten- with Earth Day! dees and 75 presentation attendees for Safety (Doug Nelson): Doug reported no Committee Reports the 3/27/07 Camp Pegg potluck. incident reports this calendar year. The Summer Trips (Barb Revere/Jan Science & Education (Joella Ewing): 35 Safety Committee will be hosting an Jacobsen): Barb reported 2 trip reports people attended the 3/13/07 Global informal, outdoor oriented first aid class have been received – impressive since Warming program. Total fees col- on Thursday, 5/17/07, from 6-9 p.m. at the season started 4 days ago – with lected: $32. The 4/10/07 (7:00 p.m.) the Lodge. Page 10 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

TRIP REPORTS & OTHER ACTIVITIES

were qualifying nonmember Heather bottom of the ski had delaminated under- Snow Croson and members Marianne Camp, neath the crack, so there was a bubble Kathleen & Jim Floyd, Daphne James, which was not evident going uphill, but Shoe Barb Revere, Patrice McCaffrey, Sharon did slow him down a bit on the return. & Jim Duncan, George Jobanek, Ann- Amazingly, the ski held for the rest of the Trips Marie Askew and Jim Pierce. trip!

It was great skiing, especially consid- ering we saw lots of bare ground along Gold Lake Shelter the road on the drive up. There was 4' of February 24, 2007 snow according to the gauge at the begin- Leader: Zella Andreski Ski ning of the trail. The snow wasn't too icy; Co-Leader Jane Allen nor was it too sluggish on the way down. 5 miles, 200 ft. (Moderate) Trips It was just right! We skied in one layer only with two people in t-shirts. It sure IVE OF US set out for another adven- felt like 65 degrees! Sharing a fabulous F ture. The scenery was grand, pure, Arrowhead Lake pristine and beckoning. The trees were day were members Jim & Kathleen March 4, 2007 Floyd, Laurie Funkhouser, Bob Huntley, heavily laden with snow. We even had Leaders: Laurie Funkhouser Lana Lindstrom, Sue Meyers and Dick the privilege of blazing some of the trails, Co-Leader Charlie Van Deusen Moffitt; and nonmember Peggy Windle. which allowed us to be a part of reality 10 miles, 1,000 ft. (Difficult) and made us appreciate mother nature and the gifts she bestowed upon us once HAT A GREAT DAY! Our crew of more. Because of this, the trail turned W seven members arrived at Gold from an E to an M, as can often occur. Lake Nordic Area under blue skies with But our valiant group unanimously en- minor clouds and 10-12" of fresh snow! Hikes joyed it. It was not difficult to do. Mem- Yahoo! Geared up and headed up the ber: Jane Allen, Zella Andreski, Ken Au- road on a single track, but had to break gustson and Linda Hovey; nonmember trail when the track veered off onto Aber- Manuel Balesteri. nathey Road. Rotating the lead dispersed Trestle Creek Falls the hard sweaty work of trail breaking, except for energized Sue Wolling! Due to March 4, 2007 Diamond Creek Falls Leader: Ann-Marie Askew March 10, 2007 the warm weather (50+ degrees), the for- est was truly a "rain" forest of melting 3 miles, 1,000 ft. (Easy) Leader: Jim Pierce 3 miles, 300 ft. (Easy) snow, so opted to continue down FS FTER WEEKS OF RAIN and snow, 6899 rather then our intended destination A we were blessed with partially A DAUNTLESS DOZEN gathered, expect- of Arrowhead Lake. Lunched in a sunny cloudy skies. Patches of snow framed the ing forecasted rain. But blue skies pre- spot where Chris Stockdale amazed us road along Brice Creek. Portions of the vailed, with nary a drop until the trip with her boomerang littering talent. Re- trail were snowy and/or muddy and we home. The snow was crusty after recent turned the same way under continued had to climb over a couple of fallen logs, rains and the trail littered with small warm, blue skies. The enjoyable group but we thoroughly enjoyed the mild tem- branches and lichen. Trail obstacles were included Glen Svendsen, Dave Jensen, perature and periodic bursts of sun. We negotiated without injury. We paraded Sue Wolling, Chris Stockdale, Janet Win- followed the loop counter-clockwise, up through all seven canyon viewpoints and ter, Charlie Van Deusen and Laurie to and under the upper falls, then down to often paused to listen to the breeze in the Funkhouser. Brice Creek, where we stopped for lunch trees. The falls were spectacular, with in the sun before hiking up the short trail lots of water. We took 90 minutes to Midnight Lake to the lower falls. Happy hikers included reach the Upper Diamond Creek Falls. March 17, 2007 members Joan Abel, Joella Ewing, Kathy After lunch beside the falls, the return Leader: Lana Lindstrom & Stewart Hoeg, Sue Meyers, Tom Mus- route was along the FS road and the 6 miles, 400 ft. (Moderate) selwhite, Barb Revere, Glen Svendsen Vivian Lakes trail. We enjoyed spectacu- and Ann-Marie Askew. WE HAD JUST STARTED up the steep lar panoramas and majestic mountain hemlock forests. The return took an hour. section of trail when we heard a loud In the parking lot, Marianne fed us her Crrraack! Sure sounded like a ski North Shasta Loop wonderful poppy seed cake...which at- broke. Both skis seemed intact when the March 7, 2007 tracted the entertainment: Clarke’s - skier picked up his feet. However, when Leader: Ruth Romoser 5 miles, 500 ft. (Easy) crackers removing tidbits from open he removed his skis at lunch, we could hands. We almost beat the rain back see a very large crack with several WE HAD A GREAT HIKE on paved side- to Eugene. Enjoying the lovely outing branches just beyond his boot! Plus, the walks and road up North Shasta Loop.

April 2007 Printed on recycled paper Page 11

There are nice views of Eugene on this flyway was very low, so we canceled hike -- a great two hour urban walk. Six that! No real early risers! Everyone dined Obsidians -- Max Brown, Myron Cook, on their own, had a good night's sleep Open Dates Jim & Kathleen Floyd, Giselle Garrity and were finishing breakfast when all the for Trip Leaders and I really enjoyed the hike. power in Klamath Falls went out. We didn't have anyone stuck in elevators, so UMMER TRIPS needs leaders to went back out to the refuge for more S schedule the following easy (E), March 10, 2007 birds. We had awakened to four inches of moderate (M) and difficult (D) outings: Leader: Zella Andreski snow in town -- higher in the rural areas. Sun., Apr. 15--M&E; Sun., Apr. 29- 7 miles, 900 ft. (Moderate) After lunching at Applebee's, we headed -D&E; Sun., May 13--D&E; Sun., home, having to chain up. Although May 27--E&D; Sun., June. 7--E&M; WHAT BEGAN with 16 hikers on the sign some plans had to be changed, everyone Sun., July 1--E&D; Sat., July 7-- up sheet ended up as 9, due to the pre- had a great time. dicted rainy weather and the flu going E&D; Sun., July 8--E&M; Sun., around. For the coast at this time of year, Birds identified: bald eagles, red- Aug. 26--E&M; Sat., Sept. 1--E; we all felt the climate was actually mild. tailed hawks, kestrels, northern harrier, Sun., Sept. 2--E&M; Sat., Oct. 6- In the open areas, the wind reminded us magpie, tundra swans, lesser scaup, ring- M&D; Sun., Oct. 7--E&D; Sat., Oct. of a "not yet over winter" status. The rain necked ducks, snow geese, greater white 13-E&D; Sun., Oct. 14-E,M&D; that came down was actually a mist and fronted geese, rough-legged hawks, Sat., Oct. 20--E&D; Sat., Oct. 27-- the air was fresh, crisp and clean. As we northern pintails, buffleheads, mallards, E,M&D. hiked up, the fog would roll in and out Barrow's golden-eye ducks, ring-necked pheasants, coots, northern shovelers, from the shores, occasionally giving us a Kulm presented the March Science and peek at the view, always astounding. The ruddy ducks, great blue herons, rock pi- geons, California quail, black-crowned Education Tuesday program entitled forest was magic and rejuvenating. We "Perspectives on Global Warming." were also graced with the youngest mem- night heron, ravens, greater yellow legs, American wigeon. "I figure Obsidians are a pretty sharp ber of our good group -- Jane Allen's nine crowd,‖ Dr. Kulm began. "So, I can tell -year-old grand-daughter, Kaylah -- who Riders included members Rick Ahrens, you I believe we should really be talking held her own on this 900 foot climb. We Don Baldwin, Ewart Baldwin, Pat Bitner, about global heating, rather than global all enjoyed her. Special thanks to Daniele Barbara Chinn, Sharon Cutsworth, Dora warming.‖ Delaby for driving and her marvelous Harris, Verna Kocken, Earline & Tom "While we cannot control the weather, sense of humor; and Linda Hovey for Kopriva, Wendy Mitchell, Liz Reanier, the international community attempts to sweeping. Members: Jane Allen, Zella Chris Shuraleff, Mary Ellen West, modify the near-term global climate. We Andreski, Ken Augustson, Barbara Boy- Brigette Williams and Vera Wooley; and compare the current global warming lan, Daniele Delaby, Linda Hovey and nonmembers Lee Honeyman, Erla & Rob trend with the most dramatic geological Martha Welches. Nonmembers: Kaylah King, Mary & Ron Sherriffs, Annabelle climate changes that are influenced by Allen and Bob Cullinan. As usual, it was Street, Doris Wimber and Jerry & Suzy the earth's orbital parameters and bursts most fun. P.S. We also enjoyed a bit of Wojcik. of greenhouse gasses for oceanic and hot cocoa in Florence, perfect ending for polar deposits.‖ a perfect day. "The interactions of global warming with sea level fluctuations, melting gla- ciers, rising temperatures, greenhouse ByWays gasses and oceanic processes present a SciEd complex feedback system. Abrupt cli- By Bus mate change, lasting perhaps 100,000 Tuesday years, is a severe problem for the inhabi-

tants of Earth." Eagles N' More Perspectives On Global Dr. Kulm said that if he were to enter February 20- 21, 2007 the recently announced contest offering a Leaders: Rick Ahrens, Liz Reanier Warming $25,000,000 prize for the person present- Speaker: Dr. Vern Kulm ing the best idea to scrub the atmosphere RAVELING HWYS. 58 and 97 to ILLIONS OF YEARS of geologic of carbon dioxide, he would suggest T Klamath Falls, we had rest stops at M climate history predict that Earth planting trees all over the world. He said the ranger station and Greenwaters Park is due for a global cooling period. How- he would not expect that idea to win. and lunch at Applebee's in Klamath Falls. ever, carbon dioxide and other pollutants However, he believes the recent We then went out birding and had great have turned that timetable on its head. greenhouse gas legislation by California views of eagles on the ice where the Trends developing during the recent past is an important concept for slowing our highway parallels the railroad tracks go- indicate we are headed into unprece- current warming episode. He suggested ing into Klamath Falls. We found some dented global heating, according to Dr. that action at the state level is more likely barren area, went to the Refuge Center Vern Kulm, marine geologist and profes- to be effective in a timely manner than and then found the birds. The number of sor emeritus of Oceanic Atmospheric waiting for trickle-down legislation to be reported sightings of eagles out on the Sciences at Oregon State University. Dr. implemented at the Federal level. Page 12 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Weather Cooperates with Obsidians On Wallowas Backcountry Ski Trip By Chris Stockdale, Trip Leader FANTASTIC POWDER, stunning scenery and an amazingly on free loan from UofO Outdoor Program to its membership, compatible group of Obsidians combined to give participants which is $15/year.) We were able to leave unneeded luggage a truly memorable backcountry ski trip in the Wallowas, Feb- at the B&B and set off for the trailhead, about 18 miles from ruary 22-26. Joseph. During the weeks leading up to departure for the Wal- THE TRAILHEAD at Salt Creek Summit offers restrooms lowas, snow conditions throughout Oregon were worsening. and a new, large warming hut. You have to share the area A dry spell, warm temperatures and then rain did nothing to with snowmobilers, but Roger promised us his part of Oregon alleviate fears that we would arrive in Joseph to find bare has redneck crosscountry skiers and tree-hugging snowmobil- mountain slopes. Our ers. Although we set off fears never materialized. in windy, cold and A few days before snowy conditions, the we left, the weather weather brightened and changed dramatically most of the trip in was in and this time concern sunny weather. We had arose about driving con- to break trail thanks to ditions just to get across the recent dumping of the state. Three carpool snow, but I don’t think groups left from various anybody complained. points and, amazingly, The trail is about 4.5 we found all three vehi- miles with lots of little cles in a caravan just ups-and-downs, which outside La Grande – seems like more when totally unplanned! The you are carrying a drive was fairly un- loaded backpack. The eventful with the excep- very last part of the trail tion of snowy conditions snakes down 200’ in a going over the Blue series of switchbacks, Mountain summit, and then you cross Big where trucks had stopped to chain up and traffic slowed to a Sheep Creek and climb crawl. 50’ up to the bench where the camp sits. Along on the trip with me were Jan Anselmo, Marsha Very basic accommodations, but sufficient. Two sleeping Barr, Larry Dunlap, John Hegg, Bob Huntley, Sam Miller, tents with five bunks each and a kitchen tent with two bunks, Bill Sullivan, Charlie Van Deusen, Lyndell Wilken and Sue all of which are equipped with deluxe Thermarest sleeping Wolling. pads. The tents also have efficient wood burning stoves. For those who didn’t mind a little smoke, the wood stove-heated THE FIRST NIGHT was spent at a wonderful B&B – Chan- sauna helped them relax and clean up (a little) after a day of dler’s – just a few blocks from downtown Joseph. For $29 skiing. The only tent not heated was the outhouse, so nobody per person, we got comfortable beds (even a couple of single lingered there. rooms), access to the hot tub, coffee, tea & cookies when we arrived, an incredible full breakfast in the morning and for an THE GROUP DIVIDED well into two types of skiers – the extra $5 per person, showers, tea, coffee & cookies on our “Extreme Group” who climbed up high to telemark down; way out. (Nobody turned that latter opportunity down.) We and “The Others” who opted for the lower trails in the val- backtracked a few miles to Enterprise for dinner at the Termi- ley. The Extremes climbed the shoulder of Mt. Nebo twice nal Velocity brewpub, on recommendation by Bill Sullivan. on Saturday, gaining a total of 3,000 vertical feet. They lost A funky place that was a little hard to find, but a great menu that elevation by floating down through powder snow, tele- and excellent beer. marking through little clearings. On Sunday, they skied two miles up Big Sheep Creek and then climbed another three Our outfitter, Roger Averback of Wing Ridge Ski Tours, miles up the South Fork to a knoll at the 8,200-foot level in met with us at the B&B the next morning for an extremely Big Sheep Basin. This high valley is surrounded by a wall of thorough briefing on the trip, including detailed information icy cliffs. Bill dug an avalanche test pit and found a total of about avalanche danger, snow conditions and the weather. five feet of light powder snow on top of an icy crust. It was Mandatory equipment included avalanche transceivers, (Continued on page 14) probes and snow shovels (Note: this equipment is available

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March Potluck Review:

Camp Pegg Rally By John Jacobsen, Camp Boss

HE MARCH 23 CAMP Pegg Sharon Ritchie showed suggested T Rally/Potluck was well at- (and mandatory) items to bring, tended, in spite of the Ducks play- along with tips for happy camping ing in the Sweet Sixteen at the same that she has picked up thru the time as the potluck. This was more years. Sharon also reviewed the than just a potluck, it was the open- likely weather to expect - pleasant ing of registration for camp and days, cold nights, but always pre- many people took advantage by pare for the unexpected. Carolyn turning in their registration forms to Higgins talked about the responsi- Sharon Ritchie and Lana Lindstrom bilities of all the campers who will during the evening. have 2 or 3 duties during the course There was a display of guide of the week, such as serving food, books, maps and other information on dish washing, etc. I reviewed the the Beaver Creek/Yellowstone area bear situation, bear procedures in available in the Scherer Room. camp, hiking in bear country and After dinner, the presentation began the carrying of pepper spray. when I introduced the Camp Pegg Rick Ahrens and I presented a core staff. Campers were reminded slide show of the Beaver Creek that all camp attendees would receive camp site, the surrounding area, a camp booklet at the June potluck activities available, and of course with detailed info on Camp Pegg. lots of slides of Yellowstone Sharon Ritchie then reviewed the Park. Included were slides of a trip registration process including dates, Rick took with his family to Yel- final payment date, wait list proce- lowstone when he was a young boy. dure, etc. Lana Lindstrom ex- Old Faithful, one of the many attractions plained how the food works, how of Summer Camp 2007 We answered many questions lunches are fixed and what to ex- about the camp and the area. pect. We had a discussion of early breakfasts to facilitate There seems to be a lot of excitement about this camp. I early departures from camp both for longer hikes and also to know I find the idea of going to a new area that I have not beat the tourist hoards into Yellowstone Park. explored before very appealing.

Wallowas Backcountry Ski Trip (Continued from page 13) surroundings. On Sunday they decided nied by plenty of wine. We woke on almost too much powder for easy tele- to follow the Extremes (letting those our last morning to a glorious sunrise marking. They skied back down with guys break trail after yet another dump- and even more new snow, which made snow over their knees. ing of snow), but that plan only lasted a it hard to pack up and leave. Through- Meanwhile, The Others headed up couple of miles when the Extremes out the weekend we had had sunshine, to the Tenderfoot Trailhead with the performed some extreme maneuvers high winds, blizzards, soft snowflakes, intention of finding the Bonny Lakes the Others decided not to emulate. But temperatures dropping to 12 degrees on trail. After finding a snow bridge to again, and especially because the sun one night, and about 18‖ of new snow carry them over Big Sheep Creek, they came out, they had a wonderful time in total. The trip out was uneventful, and bushwhacked up an old burned slope the woods. we got back to the B&B for the most (breaking trail all the way, of course), DINNERS WERE GROUP events and wonderful showers before noon. but never did find anything that resem- the last night’s meal was a banquet. bled an official trail. But they had a Bill orchestrated his group and the rest (Editor’s Note: Bill Sullivan’s arti- great time, heading into the woods of us were treated to incredible hors cle on skiing in the Wallowas appeared through the deep new powder and en- d’oeuvres and homemade minestrone in the Outdoors Section of the March joying the beauty and peace of their soup with Metropol bread -- accompa- 13th Register-Guard.)

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UPCOMING

Barb’s Sampler: Flowers & Birds & Goats, Oh May! By Barb Revere along the way. These brown-gray songbirds dive into fast moving water to feed on insects Tue., April 17 – Larison Creek – Sat., April 28 -- North Bank Deer Hike, moderate. This is the quintessen- Preserve -- Hike, moderate. Everyone and other aquatic life. tial northwest rainforest walk with car- who takes this hike raves about it. Sun., May 6 -- Hardesty Mountain -- pets of fern under a moss-draped tree Leader John Jacobsen seems to hit ex- Hike, moderate. The trailhead is only canopy. Larison Creek is a feeder actly on the peak bloom time for the 30 miles from the south end of Eugene. stream of Hillsdale Reservoir and your madrone trees. There are groves of At 9.6 miles and 2,100 ft., this trip gets route follows the reservoir and creek these beautiful native trees and some a harder moderate rating. Leader Lau- for its entire length. The six-mile trail really large specimens to awe you. The rie Funkhouser likes the hike for the climbs only 200 ft. and is usually in wildflowers are terrific, too, and each great workout and the change in scen- good shape, even after heavy rains. Led new sighting is ―oohed‖ and ―aahed‖ ery from ferny undergrowth to bare by Margaret Prentice. over with relish! Be prepared for a understory to rocky ridgeline, with Fri., April 20 -- Drift Creek/Horse truly wonderful time on this hike of 8.4 views of Sawtooth Rock, Mt. June and Creek – Hike, moderate. Ancient Sitka miles and 1,800 ft. Bohemia Mt. popping in and out along spruce, Douglas-fir and western hem- Sun., April 29 -- Skinner Butte -- the way. lock with diameters of five and seven Hike, easy. Leader Janet Jacobsen will Mon., May 7 – Alton Baker Park -- feet; need we say more to get you inter- begin the Eugene Skinner history Evening hike, easy. According to ested in this six-mile goat hike? The walk at the Eugene Library by the leader Ruth Romoser, this urban hike trail is steep, but not too much for clo- Skinner sculpture, then head off to the starting in Alton Baker Park will go ven hooves or good boots. You’ll de- Fifth Street Market, the cabin marker ―even if it's raining. This is a wonderful scend 1,200 feet and then climb back by the columns, and to the top of Skin- opportunity to enjoy a great spring eve- out, so be sure to bring a hearty lunch. ner Butte. Perhaps from the top, we can ning walk along the river!‖ You’ll Mary Holbert and Effie Neth will be view the Eugene Marathon. Easy 4 walk six miles, with 250 ft of climbing along to interpret for any well-behaved miles, 200 ft. elevation gain. for a great view of downtown Eugene from the top of Skinner Butte. humans who wish to join the caprines Fri., May 4 -- McKenzie River Trail Fri., May 11 – Chip Ross Park/ co-leaders, Legs and Plum, on this trip. – Hike, moderate. All of this nearby Dimple Hill – Hike, moderate. Wild Sat., April 21 -- Tumalo Mt. – X-Ski, trail travels through deep forest and flowers should be out and the mountain difficult. Kevin McManigal’s eight- closely follows the beautiful McKenzie bikers should still be in school for this mile trip takes off near Dutchman’s River. Expect easy walking in a ferny, weekday trip of 7. 6 miles and 1,650 ft. Flat west of Bend. There is no marked mossy world of spring green studded Located in OSU’s McDonald Park, this trail in winter and you’ll travel up (and with white trillium, yellow wood vio- area is a hilly, intertwining network of down) through dense trees to the sum- lets and pink calypso orchids. Daniele old logging roads and trails. So im- mit where you can view the slopes of Delaby leads this 8.6-mile hike which pressed was leader Janet Jacobsen when Mt. Bachelor, the Sisters and other climbs 250 ft. she visited the area last year, that she landmarks of Oregon’s high country. Sat., May 5 -- Silver Falls – Hike, Tue., April 24 -- West Eugene Wet- vowed to visit again in 2007 to explore moderate. The jewel in the state park more trails in this under-utilized park. lands – Bird & bike, easy. For a 13- system, makes a Sat., May 12 – Sutton Creek – Hike, mile tour of the wetlands and some spectacular destination at any time, but easy. A figure eight of trails along a good bird sightings close to town, don’t in the height of spring run-off it is un- lazy creek above Baker Beach, this trail miss this opportunity to join Anne beatable. The Columbia River lava offers views of ocean, beach, cliffs, Montgomery on this easy peddle. Bring flows formed the rock at the top of the dunes, salal thickets and grassy mead- binoculars and birding guide. canyon 26 million years ago. Fifteen ows. Watch for osprey, heron and bea- Same Day (April 24) –Mary’s million years later, erosion of the softer ver. Jane Hackett leads this 4.8 mile Peak – Hike, moderate. Last year on rock layers beneath collapsed some of trip with 100 ft. of gain. this hike up to the highest peak in the the lava and carved out the canyon. The Same Day (May. 12) -- Urban Coast Range, leader Dan Christensen trail winds behind many of the water- Bird Walk – Hike, easy. With a 6 a.m. reported his group could see from the falls so you can walk under them for an start, this hike is for the early birds, Pacific Ocean to Mt. Jefferson to the unusual view. Leader Scott Hovis plans both viewing and viewed. Leader Sisters. The well-maintained trail on seeing all 10 waterfalls and covering George Jobanek plans to walk a loop climbs 2,000 feet to the often snow- seven miles with 600 ft. of elevation (Continued on page 16) covered top and wildflowers abound change. Watch for American dippers.

April 2007 Printed on recycled paper Page 15

Events at Mt. Pisgah For reservations and information about  Sun., April 22, 10 a.m.-noon: more effectively use your field guides the following events, call 747-1504. "Wildflower Folklore" and optics. Most class time will be “Membership” refers to Arboretum spent in the field. Bring binoculars and  Tues., May 1, 3-4 p.m.: Native membership, not Obsidian membership. a field guide (some are available to Plant Appreciation Week Walk - borrow). Fee: $25 ($20 members). SPRING FIELD BOTANY WORKSHOP, free! Co-sponsored by NPSO. Sat.-Sun., April 14 & 15, 10 a.m.-3 WOMEN IN BLOOM: HERBS FOR EARTH DAY WILDFLOWER GARDEN p.m. -- In this two-day intensive work- WOMEN WORKSHOP, Sun., May 6, 1- WORKPARTY FOR SINGLES, Sat., shop botanist Tobias Policha will help 4 p.m. -- Join herbalist Sue Sierralupe April 21, 1-3 p.m. -- Celebrate Earth participants improve their identification and learn ways women can use plants Day by getting your hands dirty with skills and knowledge of our local flora. and herbs to promote health throughout the damp, rich soil of spring in the Ar- The focus will be on flowering plants. every stage of life; and take a walk This is a hands-on class, so be prepared boretum’s Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden. The event begins with a stroll through the Arboretum to look for and to go outside. Recommended text: identify those that grow locally. After around the grounds to meet other na- Gilkey and Dennis’ Handbooks of the walk, learn to make an herbal body ture-loving singles and admire the col- Northwestern Plants (2001 edition). powder to take home. Students may orful spring wildflowers. After the Pre-registration required; $55 ($50 request areas to cover ahead of time to walk spend some time in the Wild- members.) be sure their questions are addressed. flower Garden helping to improve plant Fee: $20 ($15 members). Visitor cen- 8 A.M. BIRD WALKS: Sat. April 14 habitat, remove invasives and plant ter. Fee: $30 ($25 members). Registra- (with Dick Lamster and Maeve seedlings. Meet at Arboretum tool tion required. Sowles) and Sat., May 5 with Davey shop, rain or shine Free! Wendt. Meet at visitor center, rain or NATURE JOURNALING, Sat., May 12, MEDICINAL HERB WALK, Sat., April shine. Suggested donation: $3 10 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Learn to document 28, 10 a.m.-noon. Explore the world of (members free). Coffee served! nature and record observations in northwest medicinal herbs with herbal- unique ways: preserve found objects in WILDFLOWER WALKS -- Immerse ist Sherri Brown. Meet at visitor cen- the forest like a beautiful spring leaf or yourself in the splendor of the Arbore- ter, rain or shine. Suggested donation: flower, a dragonfly wing, a feather or a tum’s native spring wildflowers along $3 (members free). . blooming trails on these guided walks pattern of a lichen. Learn interesting with experienced botanists. Meet at BIRDING ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP, techniques to transfer patterns like the visitor center, rain or shine. Suggested Sun., May 6, 8 a.m.- noon. Whether path of a bark beetle etched in wood donation: $3 (members free). you are new to birding or just want to into your. Kermit Horn conducts this improve your skills, this workshop science-art class in the Arboretum's  Sun., April 15, 10 a.m.-noon: will expand your knowledge of the White Oak Pavilion. Dress for the "Wildflowers for Dummies" avian world. Join birder Rick Ahrens weather. Geared to adults; children  Sat., May 12, 10 a.m.-noon: with and learn a systematic way to identify ages 12 and up only. Register. Fee: $17 Dr. Rhoda Love birds by sight and sound; and how to ($15 members).

Barb’s Sampler: (Continued from page 15) National Scenic Byway! from Amazon Park -- including the cemetery, the south uni- Wed., May 16 –Sweet Creek and Beaver Creek – Hike, versity neighborhood and Hendrick’s Park -- listening and easy. It must be spring because this hike is offered on April looking for the urban birds most of us don’t even know are 21(led by Carol Petty), on Apr. 28 (led by Barbara there. Bring binoculars on this five-mile walk and expect Schomaker) and on May 16 (led by Jim and Kathleen Floyd). some surprising and lovely birdsong. At an easy 5.2 miles with only 650 feet of elevation change, Sun., May 13 –Aufderheide Drive – Bike, difficult. Sue you get more waterfall roar for your buck fee on this than any Wolling leads this 60-mile road trip between the towns of other hike I can think of. The walkways and viewing plat- Westfir and Blue River, climbing about 2,500 feet, summit- forms get hikers out over the creek for maximum views and ing at about the mid-point. Your route, also known as forest misty faces. This hike is always a winner! road #19, tours through significant old growth forests along April showers bring May flowers, according to the old adage. the South Fork of the McKenzie River, the west shore of In Oregon, April showers not only bring flowers, but more Cougar Reservoir and the North Fork of the Middle Fork of showers! So, be sure to tote along rain gear on all trips! the Willamette River. No wonder they call it the Aufderheide Dress for the weather and plan on it changing. Page 16 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Upcoming Obsidian Trip NEW Bus Trips Report Generator By Janet Jacobsen Prospect Hotel near Crater Lake: A Day in Portland as a Tourist N SHARON RITCHIE'S recent trip to Crater Lake, I Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2007 O stood up at Sunday breakfast and announced the release Leaders: Barbara and Paul Beard of John Jacobsen's new Trip Report Generator. Some mem- Cost: $63 ($65 nonmember) bers have said they would lead more trips if they didn’t have Reservations and Checks to: Mary Lee Cheadle (689-1085) to write that darn trip report. I’m not going to let John talk 3225 Richard Ave., Eugene 97402 about it because it will be too technical. Just let me tell you This will be a great day to enjoy the flowers of May Day how easy it works and you don’t even need a password. and tour the sights. There will be a drive by some interesting When Sharon Ritchie goes home tonight and starts to write new construction and a ride on the new tram that goes from her trip report about Crater Lake, she will just type in her the river up to Oregon Health Sciences University. We will name and the name of the trip. The Obsidian Report Genera- also visit the Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion and see a tor will go through all of her 100 trip reports (yes, she has led movie at OMNIMAX. Lunch will be at Sweet Tomatoes over 100 trips) and other reports on Crater Lake for the last (included in cost). 50 years. It will determine Sharon's writing style, generate a report, and when the report pops up, Sharon can make Wolf Haven – NW Trek – Tacoma Glass changes. For example, if the report says that we are a conge- Date: Wednesday/Thursday, May 16-17, 2007 nial group, she can click on congenial and pick a more appro- Leaders: Rick Ahrens and Liz Reanier priate word for our behavior. Unfortunately, the one thing it Cost: $140 ($144 (nonmember) won’t do is tell the world that Sharon is a fantastic and totally Reservations and checks to: Barbara Payne (746-1964) awesome leader. Everyone at the breakfast table cheered and 39478 Walterville Lane, Springfield 97478 added other adjectives. We will travel 1-5 north, turning off to Tenino (old 99) At this point, a suspicious Keith Newsom looked at his for a tour and sack lunch at Wolf Haven International, a sanc- watch and then asked, ―What day is this?‖ I replied, ― April tuary for captive-born wolves and education, restoration and Fools.‖ Everyone started laughing but many conservation for wild wolves. The tour is handicap accessi- were disappointed that the Obsidian Report Generator has ble. Then we will stay on old 99 to Eatonville for a stop at not really been invented… yet. April 1, 2007 Northwest Trek, a wildlife park, exhibiting animals and birds native to the northwest. We will take a tram ride out in the free-roaming area to view animals. Then we will travel north through Puyallup to Tacoma for our overnight stay at La Nearby Nature’s Quinta Inn. Day 2, we will check out the Brown and Haley (Almond Roca Candy) outlet store, tour the Tacoma Glass Summer Quests

Museum, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Union Station. $2/person/$5/family. Pre-registration suggested, 687-9699

Before we head south, we will view the second span of the TALONS AND BEAKS -- Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m.-noon -- Tacoma Narrows Bridge (just opened). Learn all about local birds of prey. Check out talons and A Diverse Community: Woodburn feathers up close and go on a family-paced hike in search of Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 big birds! Also enjoy a snack, a craft and a visit from a cos- Leaders: Mary Ellen West, Liz Reanier tumed Kinder Critter! Meet outside Park Host Residence in Cost: $37 ($39 nonmembers) Alton Baker Park (between dog run and community gardens). Reservations and checks to: Pat Bitner (485-3971) 1925 BUSY AS A BEE -- Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m.-noon -- How East 26th, Eugene 97403 many miles would you fly each day if you were a bee? Woodburn is best known for agriculture, berries and Learn all about the pollinators that live in our park. Decorate nursery plants. It is also known for being culturally diverse a plant pot and plant your own colorful flower! Also enjoy a with a large Hispanic population and many Russian Old Be- family-paced hike, a snack and a visit from a costumed lievers. We will visit the 1892, 14-room Settlemier house, Kinder Critter! Meet outside the Park Host Residence in the World Berry Center and Museum and have a look at the Alton Baker Park. onion domed Russian Old Believer Church. We will visit the DRAGONS OF THE AIR -- Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m.- downtown area where Hispanic shops are located. For railroad noon -- Can you think of a creature that comes in red, blue, buffs, we will visit Engine 1785, a 1902 SP steam engine. We green, brown and even gold? Search ponds and meadows will take in the Bauman Farms store, a fourth generation fam- for our local dragon (flies)-insects that lived way back with ily farm and garden center. Lunch will be at the Wellspring the dinosaurs! Enjoy a family-paced hike, a snack, a craft Medical Center (your cost), a new $13 million facility devoted and a visit from a costumed Kinder Critter! Meet outside to the health, pleasure and well being of its visitors. the Park Host Residence in Alton Baker Park.

April 2007 Printed on recycled paper Page 17

AT THE LODGE Global Warming Discussion Wind Power on Tap SciEd Tuesday - May 1 NYONE INTERESTED in taking part in a four-session A discussion course on global warming, please contact IM MALONEY, the alternative energy specialist at EWEB, Judy Newman at:747-2001 or [email protected]. J will present our May SciEd program on Wind Energy on We will be using the Northwest Earth Institute "Global Tuesday, May 1, at 7 p.m.. Please note the change from our Warming Course" book of readings. Only cost for the usual second Tuesday date, which falls at the same time as course is $16 for the text. Books may be shared. EWEB's monthly board meeting where Jim will also make a Dates, times and location will be decided by the participants. presentation. Jim will talk about wind energy, in general, and zero in on its application in the Pacific Northwest. He will also discuss State Senate Bill 878, the Renewable Portfolio Standard First Aid Class

(government speak for renewable energy standards), devel- HIS INFORMAL CLASS, sponsored by the safety commit- oped by a working group appointed by the governor. In addi- T tee, will be held at the lodge on May 17, from 6-9 pm. tion, Jim's PowerPoint program will consider the right way to The focus will be on basic first aid problems and techniques implement wind power without a negative impact on birds, in an outdoor setting. The class will be free of charge and all bats and other wildlife. trip leaders and interested others are encouraged to attend. --Joella Ewing, SciEd Committee Chair --Doug Nelson, Safety Committee Chair

APRIL 27 PREVIEW : AMY MORRISON - WILLAMETTE RIVERKEEPER By Chris Cunningham ROM KAYAKS AND CANOES, or maybe along a favorite F hiking trail, they monitor the quality of the water - and life itself - in the Willamette River and its many tributaries. Besides testing for water pollution, they watch for changes in the terrain that might cause erosion or affect wildlife habitat. They identify sections along the river that beg for cleanup. They ensure that stormwater doesn't interfere with the river’s water quality. They insist that municipal treatment plants and sewer systems don’t contaminate river—and ultimately— human health. These dedicated staff and their cadre of volunteers work under the auspices of Willamette Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Wil- lamette River. Amy Morrison, River Protection Coordinator for Wil- lamette Riverkeeper and overseer of the River Guardian vol- What's more, she is ―thrilled‖ her work takes her along the unteer program, will be the April potluck guest speaker. Willamette River and its surrounding communities— Through slides and lecture, she will give the audience a pro- sometimes by canoe—from Eugene to Portland. What Obsid- gress report on what Willamette Riverkeeper has accom- ian wouldn’t feel the same? plished so far, and discuss outstanding river issues the organi- For more information about Willamette Riverkeeper, see zation hopes to resolve. www.willamette-riverkeeper.org. Morrison holds a B.S. in Environmental Science/ April Potluck Watershed Management from Humboldt State University in California. She developed an interest in river advocacy, edu- Friday, April 27, 2007, Obsidian Lodge cation and public involvement issues while serving as a Potluck, 6:30 p.m. Program, 7:30 p.m. NWSA Americorps member with Tualatin Riverkeeper. She Bring your favorite potluck dish to share…along with your says she is grateful she can combine her ―science background own plates, utensils and cups…and $1 to help cover lodge with community organizing, to help others see the value of expenses. Parking at the lodge can get crowded, especially for potlucks. Please consider carpooling. protecting and restoring the natural environment.‖ Page 18 www.obsidians.org The Obsidian Bulletin

Camp Pegg Openings Obsidian Calendar Still Available April 14 Sat – Mt.Pisgah, East side, hike, Marc Hansen ...... 343-5114 HERE ARE STILL a few slots available for week 2 of Sum- 14 Sat – Orchard Point, bike, Sharon Ritchie ...... 342-8435 T mer Camp at Beaver Creek, Montana, near Yellowstone. 15 Sun – Clothing/Equip Swap Lindstrom ...... 683-1409 Wait lists will be available for both sessions when they become 15 Sun – Three Creek Lake, X-Ski, D, McLucas ...... 485-5608 full, so if you are interested, get your registration and deposit in. 15 Sun – Rogue River Trail, D, B.Montgomery ...... 736-8955 A form was included with your March Bulletin and the forms 17 Tue – Larison Creek , hike, Margaret Prentice ...... 687-5850 17 Tue – Leader’s Meeting, ...... 7PM at the Lodge are available for download at our website - www.obsidians.org. 18 Wed – Fern Ridge, evening, Walk, R.Ahrens ...... 689-3996 Complete instructions are included with the form. This will be 20 Fri – Drift Creek, Horse Creek side, Holbert ..... 541-265-4208 a great camp in a great new location, so don’t miss it. 21-22 Sat-Sun–Mt. St. Helens, Climb/X-Ski,Deeter...... 942-0824 21 Sat – Old Baldy/Coburg Hills, M, G.Kirk ...... 683-7033 21 Sat – Sweet Creek-Beaver Creek Falls, M, Petty ...... 935-2088 Another Chance to Join 21 Sat – Tumalo Mountain, X-Ski, McManigal ...... 503-635-9973 22 Sun – Upper Fall Creek, 8m 100' M, E.Neth ...... 484-6210 22 Sun – Raptor Center, Earth Day, 3m, Jacobsen ...... 343-8030 High Cascade 24 Tue – Mary’s Peak, 7m 2000' M, D.Christensen ...... 343-8941

24 Tue –Eugene Wetlands, Bird/Bike, Montgomery ...... 688-7025 Forest Volunteers 27 Fri – Willamette Riverkeeper—Morrison ...... Potluck 28 Sat – North Bank Deer Preserve, Jacobsen ...... 343-8030 28 Sat – Skinner Butte, teen climb, S.Hovis ...... 345-7788 28 Sat – Spencer Butte, Trail Maint, P.Asai ...... 933-3927 28 Sat – Sweet Creek, 2.2m 250' E, B.Schomaker ...... 485-1378 29 Sun – Diamond Peak, X-Ski D, B.McWhorter ...... 345-8099 29 Sun – Skinner Butte, M, Jacobsen ...... 343-8030

May 1 Tue – Portland, Bus, B. & P.Beard ...... 541-994-2337 1 Tue – Wind Power ...... SciEd Tues 3 Thu – EmX and hike, 7m M, J.Jacobsen ...... 343-8030 4 Fri – McKenzie River Trail, M, D.Delaby ...... 688-4978 5 Sat – Mt. Hood, Climb, M.Slipp ...... 503-582-1100 5 Sat – Silver Creek Falls, 7m M, S.Hovis ...... 345-7788 5 Sat – Tahkenitch Dunes -M, M.Camp ...... 221-1866 6 Sun – Clear Lake to Trailbridge, D, B.Revere ...... 726-4989 6 Sun – Hardesty Mountain, M, L.Funkhouser ...... 206-2303 7 Mon – Alton Baker Park, M, R.Romoser ...... 726-8154 8 Tue – Cape Perpetua, 4.5m E, D. & S.Call ...... 954-7733

11 Fri – Chip Ross Park/Dimple Hill, Jacobsen ...... 343-8030

ERE’S ANOTHER CHANCE for you to ―give a little back‖ 12 Sat – McKenzie View, Bike, M,S.Ritchie ...... 342-8435 12 Sat – N. Fork Willamette River, M, Dolliver ...... 345-2975 H to the forests and trails we all love and use. Last year, I 12-13 Sat-Sun – Smith Rock, Rock Climb, Huff ...... 915-9071 reported on the first-ever training session for volunteers of- 12 Sat – Sutton Creek, 4.8m 100' E, J.Hackett ...... 984-0049 fered by the Willamette National Forest staff. Those who 12 Sat – Urban Birdwalk, M, G.Jobanek ...... 343-8547 signed up are now part of the High Cascade Forest Volun- 13 Sun – Aufderheide Road, Bike, D, S.Wolling ...... 345-2110 teers squad. 13 Sun – Heceta Hd./Hobbit Trail, M, McLucas ...... 485-5608 This group of dedicated workers spent countless hours 16 Wed – Sweet & Beaver Creek Falls, E, Floyd ...... 654-0087 over the ensuing months surveying trails, performing mainte- nance work, hosting trailheads and ―adopting‖ wilderness lakes. However, as the national forest budgets are cut even further, WNF must depend even more on volunteers to keep Semi-Annual Building/ our beautiful part of the state in good repair for all to enjoy. Grounds Work Party This year’s training weekend is scheduled for May 18-20 Earthday, Saturday April 21, 9-Noon and will be held at the Westfir Middle School. Classes in- clude First Aid/CPR, Map/Compass/GPS training, Survival The Obsidian Lodge Building Committee and the Tips, Trail Maintenance Basics, Wilderness Steward/Hosts Grounds Committee will be having a joint Earthday work and others. All classes will be offered at least twice during party at the lodge to cleanup, repair and maintain our beau- the weekend and registration is free. On Saturday evening, tiful property. We can use lots and lots of hands to make the registrants are invited to a BBQ and Dutch Oven Dinner. work fly by. Tasks of all kinds available so please come and Camping is available at the school (tents and RVs) and the help out. Refreshments will be served. RSVP: school will be open for showers and toilet facilities. Brian Hamilton 343-6550 [email protected] If you are interested in more information, contact me at chris- John Jacobsen 343-8030 [email protected] [email protected] or 767-3668. By Chris Stockdale

April 2007 Printed on recycled paper Page 19

Skiing in the Wallowas. See report on Page 13. - Photo by Chris Stockdale

OBSIDIANS, INC. OBSIDIANS, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION P.O. BOX 51424 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE EUGENE, OR 97405 PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT 803 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

April 2007