Mile High Mountaineer The newsletter of the Denver Group of the Mountain Club

May 2014 www.hikingdenver.net Volume 46, No.5 www.cmc.org

OUR MOUNTAIN LEADERS Daypack Basics: Joe Leahy Tips for Purchasing Versatile outdoorsman hikes, bikes, the Perfect Pack snowshoes, fly fishes and skis By Sandi Bianchi By John Walters Whether you’re new to the Colorado If you haven’t joined a trip with Joe Mountain Club or a lifetime member, you Leahy, you have missed one of the most need a good daypack to hold your outdoor knowledgeable and experienced mountain essentials. Your pockets won’t do the job, leaders and one of the most prolific nor will that ten-year-old dusty pack, volunteers of our time. hanging on a hook in the basement. Resist Joe joined CMC in 2005. He then the urge to pick up someone else’s outdated completed CMC courses in backcountry pack at a garage sale. Resign yourself to set skiing, wilderness trekking, wilderness aside a couple of hours to shop a reputable first aid, trip-leader training and avalanche store specializing in outdoor gear. These awareness. Joe went on to instruct stores offer trained staff to educate and Wilderness Trekking School, becoming fit you with the pack that is right for your senior instructor and then master instructor, gender, frame and height. a title reserved for the very few. Joe Leahy. Packs come in two different loading Joe also led more Denver trips than He is a member of the Colorado Native styles: top loaders and panel loaders. Some almost anyone, including hikes, snowshoes, Plant Society, participates in the Wildlands packs offer dual access points, a very handy backcountry skiing and biking. In 2012 Joe Restoration Volunteers project, and assists option. If you like organization, you might was recognized at the CMC Denver 100th with both the Front Range Pika Project and want side pockets and compartments. Look Annual Dinner with a volunteer Service the Colorado Natural Heritage Program’s for easy access and the ability to locate Award for his exemplary commitment to the Adopt-A-Rare-Plant project. an item inside the pack with minimal Denver Group. The Front Range Pika project is a searching. You’ll want a pack that holds 30 Joe grew up in Denver, started hiking citizen science conservation program in liters or approximately 1,800 cubic inches. Rocky Mountain National Park while in which volunteers collect data about pikas For comfort, choose a pack with high school, worked while in college as a and their habitat in high-altitude field sites padded shoulder straps and padded seasonal park ranger naturalist for RMNP, located, in Joe’s words, “way off .” The waistband. Some waistbands offer zippered and graduated CSU with a degree in forest Adopt-A-Rare-Plant project identifies rare pockets on each side of the band—a great recreation. Joe has hiked every trail in plant locations across the state. Joe adopted place to store Kleenex, lip balm and hand RMNP, several more than 50 times. two rare plants that are found only in a few sanitizer. A chest strap across the front of Joe served 20 years as a naval officer, locations on the western slope. Last year the pack is another nice feature. When in where he earned an MS in systems he found over 500 Jones’ Bluestars and use, the strap takes some of the weight off management at USC. He then lived and thousands of Payne’s Lupines, which were your shoulders and back. Many packs are worked in the DC area for 25 years as an IT previously undiscovered. designed to hang about a half an inch away consultant and project manager. While in To retain his fitness, Joe bikes a lot. In from the middle of your back. This design the DC area, he was an active member of the July 2012 he completed the Register’s Annual is especially nice in warm weather as it lets Potomac Appalachian Mountain Club and Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa a seven-day, air circulate between the pack and body. hiked the Appalachian Trail from southern 471-mile ride across Iowa. The RAGBRAI is (continued on page 2) Virginia to western Pennsylvania. the oldest, largest and longest bicycle-touring Joe is also an avid fly fisherman and has event in the world. fished from Alaska to the tributaries of Lake Joe Leahy is a treasure trove of outdoor Ontario in New York where in one week he knowledge and skills. We are lucky to caught more than 50 brown trout weighing have him among us. Thanks, Joe, for your more than five pounds each! dedication and service. (Tips for the Perfect Pack, continued from page 1) CMC Club-wide Trail-repair effort Most packs come with hydration- Summit- May 3 system capability. Some packs will provide facing CRISIS Don’t miss our inaugural annual event at the By Jean Motzer the hydration system, while others simply AMC in Golden with members from across provide a pocket to hold the hydration the state. The theme is membership! We will bladder, which is purchased separately. convene at 10 a.m. for a special presentation Not ready for a hydration system? No on national membership trends, followed problem, BPA-free water bottles work by break-out groups on CMC membership perfectly well. topics (tentative: Appealing to Younger Pick out a couple of pack styles Members, Bringing in more Baby Boomers, that you like and try them on. Have the Breaking CMC Barriers to Engagement). salesperson fit them to your body. Load Enjoy lunch with members from across the them with 10 to 20 pounds of weight state. Afternoon will feature meetings for because this is what you’ll carry on a state Safety and Leadership, Group Chairs, Trail work on Square Top Trail. day hike. Walk around the store with the Adventure Travel and more. loaded packs for 15 to 20 minutes each. If stairs are available, climb them once HELP !!!! CMC is the largest or twice. Colorado non-profit group that organizes Notice how each pack feels when and leads trail maintenance day trips each wearing it. Do the straps dig into your summer. We are also the largest organized shoulders? Does the pack gouge your group using Front Range . However, lower back? You may have to try on each interest has deteriorated to the point we one several times before making a final RAM PART RANGE may not be able to continue. decision. Don’t slight yourself on time as Because funding for state parks and the this is a decision that will serve you for WILDLANDS BIOBLITZ Forest Service has been severely cut, there years to come. JUNE 21-22 are no longer seasonal employees who used With any luck, you’ll soon be the to do much of this work. They need us The Conservation Committee is hosting proud owner of a new daypack. Be sure more than ever. a BioBlitz for the Rampart Range Wildlands to save the receipt. Most reputable stores CMC schedules approximately 25 trips project June 21-22. We will be leading hikes have a generous return policy in case a year, April – October, every Saturday. We into this area near Palmer Lake and counting you decide you don’t like the pack or if work with the Clear Creek Ranger District and documenting all the species we can find. something breaks. Take your new daypack (Mt. Evans area) and the South Platte Scientists will help us identify the critters for a hike as soon as possible—the only Ranger District (with whom we put in and plants. sure test for perfection. those nifty steps on the Square Top Lakes We hope to Trail and log bridges on the Three Mile develop a biological Creek Trail). inventory of the area We also work for use in protecting with Denver this area and to raise Mountain Parks interest and awareness and Jeffco Open among local students Space and will be and citizens. We are part of the Apex looking for a great Park project on turnout of CMC May 17. The Sandi Bianchi, members and leaders Denver Group a member of the who want to explore partners with Denver Group, has this area, and sharpen Pikes Peak in been a CMC trip their naturalist skills. monthly work at leader for more than Save the date! More ten years. She lives in Palmer Lake. information to come. Contact: Joshuakuhn@ No prior Chicago Creek in Mt. Evans Boulder. Wilderness 2012 by Jean Motzer cmc.org or 303-996-2759. experience is needed. We provide tools. Non-members are welcome, as are ages over 16 (great Long-distance hiker to speak May 7 opportunity for those needing volunteer World-class, long-distance backpacker hours for a college application!) will present an “Ultimate Lightweight Hiking Skills” clinic, The camaraderie is delightful, you 7 p.m., May 7 at the AMC. Skurka covers gear, supplies and are in the beautiful outdoors and you skills necessary to make hiking more fun and less work, are making a difference! We aim to keep without compromising safety or comfort. Topics include trails sustainable by improving drainage; defining trip objectives, assessing environmental and route removing social trails; installing retaining conditions, campsite choice, footwear, shelter and food. walls, water bars, water dams, natural Skurka is known for his 4,700-mile, 6-month Alaska-Yukon expedition, the 7-month stone steps, blow down removal, etc. See Great Western Loop (6,875 miles) and the 11-month Sea to Sea Route (7,775 miles). He has Happenings, page 5. been named Adventurer of the Year by the National Geographic Society and by Outside and Person of the Year by Backpacker. He wrote the book, “The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide.” PLEASE give a day or two and invite To register: https://www.cmc.org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=26331 $10 a friend!

2 Mile High Mountaineer • May 2014 Conser vaTION kicks Canyon, that have slipped through the Rampart East project will sponsor over ten off busy season cracks in becoming protected wilderness. science-based “bio-blitz” hikes. Groups Open House May 20 will fan out in various directions to look for By Claude Neumann spotted owl nesting places, native plants, Conservation Committee As we ramp up for a busy summer, May wildlife corridors and riparian areas. (See is also important for our Rampart East Wilderness Anniversary story page 2) The Denver Group Conservation Roadless Area Wildlands Project, now Committee would like to hear from co-sponsored with the Pikes Peak Group. It Check the calendar as the hikes are leaders willing to lead a Wilderness starts May 20, 7 to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Lake now posting if you would like to be a Commemoration hike this season to a Town Hall with a public open house near part of this dynamic effort. Also visit designated or proposed wilderness area. the roadless area. the online CMC Conservation section, There are many such areas near Denver. June Events Rampart Wildlands Rampart Range Wildlands Project at https://www.cmc.org/Conservation/ In June, two big events are planned, In observation of the 50th anniversary of RampartRangeWildlandsProject or go to including completion of a new trail into the the Wilderness Act of 1964, we also want to cmc.org, click on Conservation tab. area June 7. Volunteers are needed. help reignite the effort to designate beautiful For more information, drop me an e-mail at places around the state, such as Brown’s On the weekend of June 20 to 22, the [email protected].

25 Complete SECOND Those completing the school included: a grant received from the Eckart Roder Avalanche Training Mariusz Borowicz, Jake Button, Jeff Cole, Education Foundation. Carole Adler and By Linda Lawson Peter Gabel, Seth Goldstein, Kelly Greaser, Mark Hasjford, both leaders, received 50 Joe Griffith, Tom Jagger, Wayne Johnson, percent scholarships from the Over the Hill Session 2 Level 1 AIARE (American Gyorgy Kereszti, Yann LeCostaouec, Jen Gang section of CMC Denver. Institute for Avalanche Research and Loar, Tim Loar, Tim LoDico, Debbie Education) students traveled in avalanche Markham, Rachel Miedema, Jill Neiman, Appreciation to Session 2 instructors territory at Berthoud Pass during the field Sally Peach, Magda Piatek, Terry Ploski, A huge Thank You to the AIARE trained training March 1 and 2. Brian Steers, George Taylor, Ignacio instructors who provided lecture content Tripodi, Alyssa Veith and Ryne Waggoner. and field training for Session 2: Lectures at the Empire Community Room, Tom Creighton, School Director, Brendan conveniently located over “the original Fifty percent tuition scholarships were Reiss John Morrone and Uwe Sartori, all Hard Rock Café” included not only videos of granted by DS&L to leaders: Tom Jagger, ITC trained Level 1 Instructors. These avalanches in progress and the debris path after Wayne Johnson, Gyorgy Kereszti, Debbie instructors were assisted by: Ricardo an avalanche, but also techniques to analyze the Markham, Terry Ploski and George Taylor. Duarte, Jeff Albers, Jeff Duke, Jeff Speake risk of traveling in avalanche-prone terrain. The scholarships were partially funded by and Linda Lawson.

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BRIDGET WALSH LOUIS PLACHOWSKI We make house calls!!! Broker/Owner Managing Broker/Owner

May 2014 • Mile High Mountaineer • 3 DENVER GROUP SCHOOLS For more information and to register for Denver Group Schools, go to www.cmc.org, log in as a member, and go to CLASSES. Members of other CMC Groups are welcome to attend these schools for a $10 surcharge. Denver Group Standard Refund Policy: “Student/Participant requests for refunds of tuition/fees must be requested in writing to the appropriate school or event director. Requests made prior to 30 days before the beginning of the school/event will be processed less a $10 handling fee. Requests made within 30 days of the school/event will be refunded at 50% of the amount paid. No refunds will be made after the beginning of the school/event. However, a refund less $10 can be obtained if a person is found to take the original student’s place in a school.” Wilderness Survival School (WSS) The Basics of Nature Photography Backpacking School Contact: John Lindner, 303-431-7575 Contact: Andy Dolan [email protected] or Contact: Steve Billig at [email protected] Lectures: Wednesdays - May 7, 21 and 28 Frank Burzynski [email protected] Dates: Aug. 6 – Dec. 21 , classroom sessions and Time: 7 to about 9:30 p.m. Lecture: May 10 (half day), 8:00 a.m. overnight trips. Location: AMC Conference Room D Location: AMC Fee: $130 ($140 for non-Denver Group members) Overnight exercise: Saturday, June 7, returning Optional Field Day: May 17 (half day), CMC members are a cut above the average Colorado Sunday Roxborough hiker. Much of the credit goes to the CMC’s two schools Fee: $49. A textbook and some supplies will be State Park that teach the basics; the Wilderness Trekking School - best provided. Presenters: Steve Dohnal, Nancy Duplan, John for people who are primarily interested in day trips, and Registration: hikingdenver.net/schools/ Kieffer, Fred Larke, Sandy Robinson the Backpacking School -best for people who are interested wildernesssurvivalschool Limit: 20 in both day trips and overnight camping in the wilderness. Fee: $40 includes field day (no discount for Both schools are great ways to learn the skills to have a safe The 2014 session of the Wilderness Survival and enjoyable time in the mountains, to meet others with School is now open for registration. This course is skipping the field day) Registration: www.cmc.org/Calendar/ similar interests, and to have a great time learning. designed to provide the skills and self-confidence to If both hiking and backpacking are the thing for you, increase your odds of survival in an unexpected stay EventDetails.aspx?ID=26021 come join us in the Backpacking School. Our students in the wilderness. Enrollment is open to all CMC The Basics of Nature Photography Course will cover include people who are new to the mountains and want to members with any level of backcountry experience or four topics: learn the basics, as well as people with some experience who hiking classification. 1. Hardware: Cameras and some basic hardware additions want to refresh, refine and reinforce their skills and link up opics covered will include, (but not limited T such as lenses, filters, tripods and the like. with a community of people who share their interests. to) avoiding a survival situation, attitude, shelters, 2. Composition: The emphasis will be on the venerable You will learn: signaling and fire craft. Survival related medical “rule of thirds,” how to achieve balance that engages the • what to carry with you emergencies and other priorities will also be covered. eye, foreground and background issues and the use of • what to wear e course will consist of three evening lectures Th leading lines. If these are not familiar concepts to you • what to eat and an overnight trip, June 7. This is not a “sink-or- now, they will be by the end of the course. • off-trail travel techniques swim” field trip and we will not be surviving on roots, 3. Clutter and Fill the Frame: Includes how to keep a • snow travel skills (snow shoes and ice ax) berries, wild mushrooms, or killing and eating bugs/ picture from becoming cluttered, how to avoid losing • map and compass skills wildlife. The goal is to learn from a simulated survival your center of attention in a “too busy” photograph and • ultra-light techniques situation and to practice skills with the equipment we the use and abuse of cropping. • wilderness camping skills and gear should normally carry in our daypacks. 4. Lighting: Low light situations, dawn and dusk strategies • leave no trace practices and how to capture lightning and rainbows. • wilderness hygiene Advanced Crevasse Rescue The end of the first day will allow for questions • basic first aid and survival skills and answers. The field day the next week will give close • weather awareness Seminar (ACRS) attention to applying these concepts to real life nature • avalanche awareness vistas. • how to stay warm and safe in cold weather Contact: Co-directors Jason Kolaczkowski, At the end, we are confident that you will have Graduation includes a B hiking classification and [email protected] or Jeff Brown, jbrown@ learned the basics to achieve some real improvement in satisfies one of the requirements for a C classification. thesportsmanchannel.com, 303-400-5133 your photography skills. We hope you will join us. It also satisfies a requirement for completing the Basic Lecture: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, AMC Mountaineering School (BMS). Go to www.hikingdenver. Field day: Saturday, May 10 net/schools/bkps for more information, the detailed class Location: TBD (probably Loveland Pass) Denver Trip Leader School (DTLS) schedule or to register. Prerequisites: Must be CMC members, past Contact: Uwe Sartori , [email protected] HAMS graduate or current HAMS student or Lecture and field practical: Saturday, June 7, Basic Rock Climbing School (BRCS) comparable experience with approval of co-director 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Contact: Bill Haneghan, [email protected] Fee: $35 class session, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Leader-In- Registration: www.cmc.org/Calendar, Events, Session A, Lectures and Indoor Wall: May 27 Training (LIT) field practical, location TBD and May 29. May 7 or www.cmc.org/Calendar/EventDetails. Prerequisites: CMC member for a minimum of aspx?ID=26690 Field days: May 31 and June 1 1 year and 3 CMC trips. Session B, Lectures and Indoor Wall: June 10 It’s that time of year again to brush up on your Location: Lone Tree Public Library Meeting Room and June 12 glacier travel skills before heading to Mt. Rainier, Fee: $15 for members; free to leaders Field Days: June 14 and June 15 Denali, South America or other mountains around Registration: www.cmc.org/Calendar/ Both Sessions the world where crevasses pose a danger. The ACRS EventDetails.aspx?ID=26583 or cmc.org, Calendar, Seminar includes a lecture, field day and detailed Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Events, June 7 Location: AMC workbook. This course if for anybody climbing on Limit: 12 students maximum, 4 minimum glaciers and for anyone participating in the upcoming Class size limit: 25 2015 Year of the Mountaineer World Summit Series The school provides a 2-hour lecture on topics Fee: $85 Climbs. The CMC is sending teams to six of the Seven such as CMC policies, legal and risk considerations, trip Registration: www.cmc.org, Classes Summits, including Everest, Denali and Elbrus. planning, group dynamics, situational awareness, the Our real-life scenario practice will teach how trip cycle, the CMC ambassador role and leadership. Basic Rock Climbing Seminar covers the to rescue a climbing partner fallen into a crevasse, The LIT field practical is a five-hour session in the field basics of safe rock climbing. BRCS is great for the as well as mitigate your risk should you fall into one. where leader candidates will engage in role modeling, first-time climber, the more experienced looking to After this course, your skills should equip you to travel working through trip scenarios and discussions in learn a bit more, and those who haven’t climbed in confidently on not just the well-trodden routes, but order to gain a better understanding of what they can a few years looking for a refresher. BRCS focuses on some of the less popular routes. More info at www.cmc. expect to encounter in the field and learn ways to lead climbing safety: equipment (and using it properly), org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=26690 and manage a successful trip. There will be a one-hour, communication, belaying, lowering, and rappelling. weekday-evening webinar on how to build a trip using But, of course, no climbing course would be complete the CMC Trip Scheduling System . DTLS will actively without learning how to actually climb. In three indoor assist leader candidates in securing LITs. evenings and two outdoor days, you’ll have plenty of 4 Mile High Mountaineer • May 2014 BACKCOUNTRY CABIN opportunities to learn, practice, and climb in a fun and social setting. And you’ll meet plenty of other new www.tundrahut.com climbers, too. We can only take 25 students in each Session of BRCS, so sign up now at cmc.org, Classes. hike • bike • climb For more information go to hikingdenver.net/schools Rock Seconding School (RSS) Contact: Bill Haneghan, [email protected] Wall Nights: June 23, 24, 25 at 6 p.m., AMC Field days: June 28 and 29 Fee: $150 Prerequisites: (1) Ability to climb 5.6, and (2) Happenings Basic Rock Climbing Seminar or equivalent skills: TRAIL WORK DAYS IN MAY materials sales will be donated to the sponsoring tying into a harness, communication, belaying on Time to repair winter’s damage to the hiking organizations. A happy hour, light appetizers and top rope, basic rappelling, (3) must have personal trails we love to death! May 3 and 10 will be at beer will be provided. For info contact Josh Kuhn, climbing gear. , installing a turnpike and doing CMC Wildlands Advocate, [email protected]. Registration: www.cmc.org, Classes maintenance. Enjoyable days close in. May 17 we Register at cmc.org, Calendar, Events, May 21. will join the Conservation people at Apex Park near NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION - MAY 21 This is an intermediate rock-climbing class, Golden. May 31 we head to Maxwell Falls with designed to be taken after the Basic Rock Climbing The Denver Group offers monthly new member Seminar. The key skills taught are belaying a lead rangers from the Clear Creek district. Because of meetings for new and prospective members at the climber, catching a leader fall, cleaning protection, and the funding cuts for forest and park services (which, American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., in the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing. This class again, is why they need us), there are few people to Golden. Meetings start at 6:30 pm. For information is also a great review for those of you preparing for scout trails for specific needs. Early season work at call CMC Office, 303-279-3080, ext. 2. Signup is the traditional lead class. For more information go to higher altitudes also depends on snow conditions. not required but is preferred. https://www.cmc.org/ hikingdenver.net/schools Check the Calendar at cmc.org by date for specifics. Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=26444 Meetings Free refreshments at day’s end! Contact person: dates are as follows: May 21, July 24, Aug. 18, Sept. Traditional Lead Climbing School Fred Griest at [email protected] or 303-759-2194. 29, Nov. 25. (TLCS) FLY FISHING PRESENTATION MAY 15 IN-STATE OUTING 2014 - AUG. 10-15 The Fly Fishing section is hosting outdoor Contact: Bill Haneghan, [email protected] The annual CMC outing is a summer camp for writer and photographer Mark Lance, on chasing adults and families. You bring your tent and hiking Skills Review: July 23, 6 to 9 p.m., AMC, and July cutthroat trout and wrangling llamas in the 26 (8 to noon), TBD gear, and we take care of the logistics for meals . He is a contributor and evening programs. This year we will be at Lectures: July 28 and 30, Aug. 4 and 6, 6 to 9 to fishing publications and a field editor for p.m., AMC group campground. The Southwest Fly Fishing magazine. The program 1,548-acre park is located in Eagle County, 10 Field days: Aug. 2 and 9, plus Easy Multi-Pitch begins at 7 p.m., at the AMC, and includes a TBD and Graduation Climb TBD. miles south of Eagle. Free hikes are led by CMC roundtable discussion. To register go to cmc.org, leaders Monday through Thursday. Registration: Prerequisites: Be familiar with basic climbing Calendar, Events, May 15. techniques as taught in BRCS, RSS and BMS; see CMC Calendar/ Aug. 10. Or cmc.org/Calendar/ able to follow 5.9 comfortably in the gym and CELEBRATION WITH JOHN FIELDER - MAY 21 EventDetails.aspx?ID=26333 Interested in helping 5.9 outside. A viewing of John Fielder photographs will be the out? Volunteers and leaders get a discount. Contact Fee: $200 highlight of a FREE event, 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Brenda at [email protected]. Registration: www.cmc.org, Classes May 21, at the American Mountaineering Center, ANNUAL DINNER - NOV. 9 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Save the date for the Denver Group Annual Dinner This class will introduce you to traditional lead Act. The Colorado Mountain Club, Rocky Nov. 9 at the Green Center in Golden. Guest climbing. The class will not teach you how to climb, but it will teach a safety protocol for protecting the Mountain Wild and the Rocky Mountain Chapter speaker is Dr. Jon Kedrowski, a guide out of Vail, climbing team; techniques for placing climbing of the Sierra Club will be hosting an evening who leads expeditions around the world - including protection and detailed instruction on evaluating the that includes a spectacular slideshow of Fielder Mt. Everest and Aconcagua. Dr. Kedrowski recently adequacy of the placements relative to the fall risk; photography. Thirty percent of proceeds from slept on top of all of Colorado’s 14ers. techniques for building Anchors that are ERNEST (Equivalent, Redundant, No Extension (protected from shock loading), Solid, Timely. For more information go Leader/Instructor to hikingdenver.net/schools Gathering April 24 Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Time: 5:30 – 9:00 pm Location: American Mountaineering Center Contact: Carol Giffen [email protected] Program: Three Evacuation Tales & What Does the Class Schedule: Session 3: October 4 and 11; CMC Liability Coverage Mean to Me as a Leader? Session 4: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 22 5:30 – 6:30 Food & Drink Time: Evening lectures – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; full day, 6:30 – 7:30 Evacuation Tales – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Moderator Terry Ploski Location: AMC 7:30 – 7:45 Mix & Mingle Fee: Leaders/instructors, $67; members $114 Grizzly Gulch. Photo by Fred Larke. 7:45 – 8:30 What Does the CMC Leader Registration for Session 1: https://www.cmc. Liability Mean to Me? org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=25585 or call emergencies, altitude illness and bites. A comprehensive 8:30 – 9:00 Evaluation & Wrap Up Membership Services at 303-279-3080 Ext 2. textbook is included in the fee. A WFA card good for 3 years is issued upon completion. The course is open to Active leaders, School Sr Instructors & This comprehensive and nationally recognized everyone, regardless of experience. Those with experience are Directors, Trip Leader School Grads, Leaders in Wilderness First Aid course follows a standardized program encouraged to use this comprehensive course as a refresher Training – are all welcome established by the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, and practice skills we rarely need but are critical to know Sponsored by DS&L Committee; no fee but and consists of 10 hours of lecture, 6 hours of practical when we need them. Attendance is required at all classes to please register on line under Events so sufficient experience and a written exam. Topics include patient complete the course; however, that can happen over a few food & drink will be available; registration assessment, weather related illness, trauma, splinting, medical different sessions. deadline April 20. May 2014 • Mile High Mountaineer • 5 2014 - ADVENTURE TRAVEL MOAB MOUNTAIN BIKE & HIKE ADVENTURE For your benefit and enjoyment, the following trips have been reviewed and approved by the Adventure Travel Committee and are officially sanctioned by the Colorado Mountain Club. For expanded information about these and other CMC Adventure Travel trips, go to www.cmc.org, click on Adventure Travel Trips bar at top of main screen. May 22 - 25, 2014 $355 Before March 31 highest peak in Western Europe at over 15,770 ft, Iceland – Landmannalauger to crosses the Italian and French Alps and allows a rest Skogar day in Chamonix, France. Accommodations are in small hotels or inns and 3 nights in mountain huts, July 7 - 18 double occupancy. Peter Hunkar: Peter629comcast.net or 303/323-5775 Fee: $2,968 Members, $3,057 Non Members Limit: 10-12 Best Hikes of Italy Prerequisites: Good physical conditioning; Denver Hike Classification: B or equivalent experience Sept. 14 - 26 We will base camp near Moab in this fun and exciting adventure and explore the famous Terri Morrow: [email protected] mountainMoab biking Mountainand hiking trails in the Moab Bike area, and Archesand & Canyonlands Hike National Trip Level: Elevation Gain 1000 – 3000 daily; Parks. You will ride (or hike) with groups of various sizes and abilities for four days of 6 – 10 miles per day Fee: $3,950 Members; $4,069 Non Members adventureAdventure in this amazing desert wonderland. A favorite for biking or hiking is the Limit: 14 seldom traveled Hidden Canyon trail with its prolific Anasazi art & hunting ruins. Savory Hike hut-to-hut with Icelandic Mountain Guide Prerequisites: Able to hike at a Denver foodMay is provided 22 - and26 prepared by experienced desert gourmet chefs along with camping reservationsRick Pratt,, all your [email protected], water needs, and porto-potties, etc. You303-887-3717 will also receive a t-shirt through multi-colored hills & gullies containing Classification Level of B and C custom designed for this year’s adventure. A large campfire with live music, drum hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools; circles,Fee: sweat $355 lodge, before desert croquet March and other31; games$375 & groupApril activities 1 to round April out the Trip is filled but contact Terri to be on the wait list. afternoon30; $395 and Mayevening 1 fun to. MayYou provide 10. Transportationyour own transportation to (carpooling a magnificent canyon cut 600 ft down; arctic birch encouraged) to and from the rides and hikes which are accessible with any vehicle. You forests; a climb up and through a high pass dividing Hike in the Italian Dolomites, the hills above alsoMoab need to not bring includedyour own camping gear and bike & helmet (if you ride) or rent one in MoabPrerequisites:. There are rides and hikesCamping suited for beginninggear or to advancedbike and and for helmet; all ages. Not two glaciers. Descend the last day along the Skogaa Lake Garda and experience the trails connecting included: Transportation to Moab, bike rental if needed. River, enjoy the gorges and waterfalls along the rentals available in Moab the Cirque Terre, five beautiful villages on the Price increases after April 1 – April 30 - $375; May 1 - May 10 - $395 way to the seacoast town of Skogar. Also explore Italian Riviera. ContactWe will Rick Pratt base at [email protected] camp near Moab 303-887-3717 in this new Reykjavik. Accommodations include guest houses adventure and explore the famous mountain and mountain huts. biking and hiking trails in the Moab area and Great Smoky Mountains Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You Switzerland – Trek the Haute National Park will ride or hike with groups of various sizes and abilities for four days in this amazing Route Oct. 18 - 26 desert wonderland. A favorite is the seldom Aug. 8 - 24 Chris Dohmen: [email protected] traveled Hidden Canyon Trail with its abundant Denise Snow: [email protected] or 719/687-9576 Fee: $800 - $1,000. Trip starts and ends in Nashville, Anasazi art and hunting ruins. You provide your Fee: $2,409 Members; dependent on number of Tenn. Cost includes all ground transportation, transportation to and from the rides and hikes, participants and exchange rate; Non Members + 3% overnight stays and group meals at cabin or lodge. which are accessible with any automobile. You Limit: 8 Limit: 8 - 10 bring your camping gear and bike or rent one in Prerequisites: Excellent physical conditioning, Experience the beauty of one of the most biodiverse Moab. Carpooling is encouraged. There are rides experience hiking in an alpine environment; ability regions in America. Spend six or seven days mostly and hikes suited for beginning to advanced riders to hike 11 consecutive days with elevation gains of touring and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains of all ages. Transportation to Moab, bike and approximately 2400 ft per day and one day of over National Park. If possible, spend last night at Charit helmet and camping gear are not included. Food 5300 ft of gain; hiking on trails with exposure and Creek, an historic and rustic hike-in lodge with one- prepared by experienced desert gourmet chefs, using chains, rungs or ladders as aids room log cabins in Big South Fork National Recreation water and camping reservations are provided. There are evening activities and a campfire with Hike the famous Swiss Haute Route and witness one Area. Our base in the Smokies is a cabin in Townsend, live music. of the greatest collections of 4000 meter peaks in Tenn., a few yards from the national park boundary. all of the Swiss Alps. Visit spectacular valleys, skirt Cabin has a screened-in porch overlooking the creek, hanging glaciers, traverse lonely passes and fillyour a deck with a hot tub, wood stove and full kitchen. At days with wonder. Travel from Champex, near the the cabin we are responsible for all our meals unless French border, to the Matterhorn region without we decide to go out. Trip leader has lived in these 2015 - ADVENTURE TRAVEL carrying a tent, sleeping bag or stove. All nights mountains for over a decade and will take you to the spent in Swiss Alpine club huts, private mountain coolest places at one of the prettiest times of the year. Best of the refuges or small hotels. Accommodations are Colorado River Raft & Hike 2015 shared room or dormitory; limited opportunity for private rooms at additional expense. April 25 - May 7, 2015 Small Contact: Leaders Blake Clark and Rosemary Burbank Tour of Mont Blanc Hike in Italy, Boots MUST RESERVE NOW FOR 2015! Registration: Register with leaders, 303-871-0379, Switzerland & France Needed! [email protected]. Please call and make your Aug. 31 - Sept. 15 'Shoes for Sherpas' reservation before May 15, 2014. Cynthia Saer: [email protected] Fee: CMC members - $4,465; deposit is $500 ($300 Fee: $3,600 Members; +3% Non-Members collects and distributes footwear for non-refundable). For more info see https://www.cmc. Limit: 12 Nepali porters and villagers org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=2918 Prerequisites: Excellent physical conditioning, (over 1,500 pairs distributed so far!). Limit: 18 ability to hike 12 miles per day at a moderate pace; Experience the canyon on a motorized raft for 188 daily elevation gain of 4000 ft Donations of hiking boots and hiking shoes needed - up to men's size 9. Must miles. Trip departs from Lee’s Ferry and ends with Trip is filled but contact Cynthia to be on the wait list. have decent tread and no holes. a helicopter ride from Whitmore Wash and a plane flight back to the start. It is ideal for those who You will have awe-inspiring mountain views on For more information: would like to hike areas that can be reached only your journey which begins in Milan, Italy with the email [email protected], visit from the river and those who do not wish to make actual treks beginning and ending in Courmayeur ShoesForSherpas.org, or find us on Facebook. the 7-mile backpack in and out. This is the eighth Italy. The trip circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the such trip for the CMC.

6 Mile High Mountaineer • May 2014 August 4 - 10, 2014 In Brief Wind Rivers Llama Trek July 12 - July 25, 2014 This trip is a classic Wind River Range trip and Peru; Ausangate (20,945’) covers a large portion of the northern Popo Agie Wilderness, with glacial cirques and Climb the highest peak in southern Peru, many high alpine lakes with plentiful trout Ausangate,20,945.’ This technically challenging fishing. Llamas carry the camping gear! climb in the Cordillera Vilcanota includes roped glacier travel, and a spectacular 200M August 15 - 26, 2014 Birding With Mike 60-70 degree snow climb at 19,000.’ Before and Mt Ararat/Mt. Musala 301 (Songbirds) $80 after the climb, there will be time to explore This is the first CMC trip to Turkey in many 4 classes: May 21& 28, June 4 & 11, the ancient Incan capitol of Cuzco, with its 6:00 pm, Wednesdays many archaeological sites and museums. years and our first ever CMC trip to beautiful Bulgaria. The trip will offer a combination of 4 field trips: Saturdays, May 24 & 31, July 21 - August 4, 2014 hiking, cultural experiences, and a limited June 7 & 14 Mt. Kilimanjaro & Safari amount of technical mountaineering. The 201b (Shorebirds) $40 outing will offer the opportunity to climb 2 classes: Wed, Aug 27 & Tue, Sept 16 6-day climb of Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft.) on the the highest peak in both Turkey (Ararat) and normal Machame Route followed by a 4-day Bulgaria (Musala) which is also the highest 6:00 pm budget safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti peak in the Balkans. 2 field trips: Saturdays, Aug 30 & Sept 20 National Parks and the Ngorongoro Crater. For more info see cmc.org/AdventureTravel/ Check website for details: AdventureTravelTrips.aspx www.BirdingWithMike.com Questions: [email protected] Deadline MAY 1 WE NEED your photos!! The deadline is May 1 for submissions to the The Mountaineer is looking for High Altitude June issue of Mile High Mountaineer. The member-submitted digital-camera Mountaineer is looking for seasonal photos images of seasonal group activities, Mountaineering and short, informational articles (500 words) mountain scenery and wildlife to publish School (HAMS) on the topic of “wilderness how-to.” Please on a space-available basis without send submissions to Vicky Gits, content compensation. No cellphone photos. HAMS is accepting applications for the 2014 editor, [email protected]. Advertising Please send your submissions to Vicky Gits session. Please visit http://www.hikingdenver. copy and artwork are due May 1 for the June at [email protected]. Put MHM net/schools/hams for more info on the school, issue. For advertising rates see page 8. photo in the subject line. prereqs, and the application form.

‘Alternative Investments’….. Many of you have probably heard the term: Alternative Investments

Join us for an informal but informative gathering to discuss Alternative Investments, what they are and how they might be a good fit in your investment portfolio. We have two guest speakers representing ‘leading private investment firms’ who are both premier alternative asset managers.

Thursday May 8th – 6:30 PM Desserts and Coffee Golden Hotel – Downtown Golden 800 Eleventh Street, Golden CO 80401 Please RSVP to Lori at 303-458-5150 PROSPER WEALTH ADVISORS

Vernon E. Bass, CFP® We would like to be a part of your team! Brad L. Chumley CMC Member CMC Member Registered Representative. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC Investment Advisor Representative. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Prosper Wealth Advisors are not affiliated.4704 Harlan Street, Suite 660, Lakeside, Co 80212

May 2014 • Mile High Mountaineer • 7 MAY SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CALENDAR Mile High Mountaineer In 2014 Any member can recruit new CMC members. Your social activities are a good venue for introducing adult family and friends to CMC. Patricia Leslie and Fred Siersma invite you to host an activity of your Advertising Rates choice. Potluck gatherings are popular and a great way to bring members together and recruit new ones. Classified Ads: $.45 per word for Hosting a TGIF, TGIT, or TGIW is as easy as making a reservation at your favorite neighborhood café. And non-commercial ads; $.65 per word for we welcome new ideas. Call us, Patricia 720-296-9422 or e-mail [email protected] or Fred at 303- commercial and equipment for-sale ads. 751-6639 or e-mail [email protected]. Unless listed in the CMC Activity Schedule online, these social activities are not considered official CMC activities. Display Ads: Business Card, 2” x 3.5”: $50; 1/4 page, 3.5” x 4.75”: $100; 1/2 page, 7.5” x 4.75”: $175; full page: $330 The MHM does not accept personal ads, and reserves the right to refuse any ad. E-mail ad text or PDF ads to [email protected] no later than the first of the month prior to publication, and call Membership Services 303-279-3080 Opt 2 with a credit card number for pre-payment. Please mention “MHM ad” in the subject line of your email. You may advertise by the month or by the quarter.

Volunteers needed Rec info desk at REI By Brenda Porter, director of member and Valle de la Luna, a few short miles outside of La Paz, Bolivia features tall spires resulting from natural erosion to the mounains, and volunteer engagement showing colorful rock formations of dark violet and red. Do you love the CMC and meeting people? Friday 9 - TGIF at Chad’s with Dick’s travel Saturday 17 – Photographers’ Delight. Volunteer at the Outdoor Recreation stories from La Paz and the Galapagos. Meet Either take home a great photo or one of these Information Center at the REI flagship store in Dick on the patio at Chad’s (if weather permits delightful kittens at the RMFR adoption event, Denver. The rewards include an REI discount outside, otherwise indoors) at 5:30 p.m. 275 10 a.m., 17132 W. Colfax Ave. Contact Scott and satisfaction in helping people get outside. Union Blvd. and enjoy learning about some (above May10 event) for details. CMC also gets requests for speakers and fabulous travel spots. 303-980-0573. Friday 23 – TGIF at Atticus 5:15. Be SURE exhibitors at a variety of community meetings Saturday 10 – Enjoy a short (24 miles and arrive before 6 p.m. for the affordable and events. Join our CMC Outreach Volunteer roundtrip) bike ride down the South Platte prices. Bob is your host at this newly team by contacting Brenda at brendaporter@ bike trail. Group meeting near the Starbucks remodeled venue at the northwest corner of cmc.org. Learn about other volunteer outdoor patio adjacent to REI. Call or e-mail Evans and Downing. 303-733-2815. opportunities at www.cmc.org/volunteer. Scott for meeting time and other details. 303- Friday 30 - After work, easy A-level hike at 601-4457 or [email protected]. Evergreen’s Alderfer Park. CMC leader Jay DENVER GROUP SECTION Saturday 17 - Dinner at Colore Italian Fell invites you to meet him at the UPPER Restaurant & Pizzeria, 5 p.m. This restaurant Alderfer Park parking lot (next to the famous, MEETING DATES at 2700 South Broadway (at Yale) has great large yellow house) at 6 p.m. near the trails food. Those interested will take RTD Light map sign. Optional dinner follows at the PHOTOGRAPHY Rail to the Symphony (see below). Come popular Whipple Tree Restaurant in nearby SECTION to one or both events. For directions and Bergen Park. E-mail: James.Fell@ucdenver. May 14 reservation (required), call Bob Shedd, edu or phone 303-556-4785 or 303-722-7802. Monthly Meetings 2nd Wednesday 7:00pm 303-733-2815. Adult family and friends are welcome as CMC guests. Sign up online with CMC. Contact: Frank Burzynski, Saturday 17 - Colorado Symphony, 7:30 p.m. [email protected] Season finale features a suite from Gershwin’s MOONLIGHT HIKE PREVIEW FOR JUNE 7 with Location: Lower Level Conference Rm, AMC “Porgy and Bess” with world-class vocalists, Jay. Enjoy moonlight hiking on the Elk plus Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Enjoy the Meadow Trail. FLY FISHING SECTION concert with a group of CMC members and Readers please note – please volunteer to host a social event by contacting either Fred Siersma (see top of May 15 guests. Discount ticket price approximately Chasing Cutthroat in the $28. To sign up, or to cancel, you must call the social activities page) or Patricia. We welcome potlucks (you limit the participants’ number) TGIFs, picnics, Weminuche Wilderness with Mark Lance. host by 11:30 a.m. on the day of the concert. summer music happenings, or if you are a CMC leader, 7:00 PM. Conference Room D, AMC Bob Shedd, 303-733-2815. a hike, or other outdoor adventure.

The Mile High Mountaineer The Mile High Mountaineer (USP 703-680) is published monthly for $15/year members and non-members. Postmaster: send address changes to the Colorado Mountain Club, 710 10th St., #200, Golden, CO 80401. Periodicals Postage paid at Golden, CO and additional mailing offices. Ads for the newsletter are due at the first of the month prior to the edition the ad is to be placed. All ads must be submitted via email to [email protected]. For an ad rate sheet and questions, please email the editors at [email protected]. MHM welcomes letters to the editor. They must be signed and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Letters are published solely at the discretion of the editor. Contact: Editor, Vicky Gits, [email protected]. Design: Deborah Duke, Arts•A•Fact Design, [email protected]. CMC Office: (303) 279-3080; Fax (303) 279-9690. Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9 A.M.– 6 P.M., Friday 9 A.M.– 3:00 P.M.

8 Mile High Mountaineer • May 2014