December
Happy Holidays! We are busy, as I’m sure you are as well! I hope you can find time to join us for a few events this month. We accepted our last application for the Basic Mountaineering Course in November. Be sure to join us at the Branch Meeting on Tuesday, December 4 @ 6:30pm to help begin forming our 2019 Basic class. Then, come out to kick off our Speaker Series on December 11 @ 7:30pm with an evening of outdoor community and learning with Bellingham Mountain Rescue.
Elsewhere in the newsletter, there are still lots of opportunities to continue stewardship this month and some fun events including fishing and a gingerbread house competition! If you completed the Basic Course or are an equivalent level climber, we are accepting applications for our Intermediate Mountaineering Course! Read more below.
Enjoy your holidays and hope to see you out in the mountains!
Have your adventures featured on our Instagram feed or in our monthly newsletter – tag your photos #bellinghammountaineers
Bellingham Mountaineers Speaker Series Event
Bellingham Mountain Rescue
Tuesday, December 11 @ 7:30pm
Backcountry Essentials
Join us for a fun evening with our outdoor community! Learn how Bellingham Mountain Rescue operates, what happens during a search and rescue, and how to better prepare for your next mountain adventure.
Intermediate Mountaineering Course
January – September 2019
Bellingham, Leavenworth, Mount Baker and more!
Now Accepting Applications DUE Jan 15, 2019
Tentative: Information Meeting @ YMCA on Dec 13. For updated details visit the Intermediate Course webpage.
The Bellingham Mountaineering Intermediate Course is a continuation of the Basic Course or for those climbers with equivalent experience. This course focuses on building on your knowledge while emphasizing safety, leadership and climbing instruction. Successful completion requires a significant commitment of time, effort and money. You will learn techniques such as leading on rock or ice, setting protection, anchors, handling multi-pitch routes, self rescue AND MORE! Graduates have the knowledge and skills to organize and lead basic-level climbs and participate in intermediate level climbs.
Skagit River Speyapalooza by North South Trout Unlimited
Saturday, Dec 1 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
It’s time to celebrate all things fishing two-handed! All skill levels welcome – from the newbie to the seasoned pro. Come demo new gear, take a casting class, try your hand at fly tying, learn about some of the local conservation projects, or just hang out with some spey heads by the river.
Lunch will be hosted by 4th Corner Fly Fishers.
Entry is free, but bring some cash for raffle prizes or lunch donations.
Holiday Port Festival
December 7 – 9
Bellingham Ferry Terminal
The Holiday Port Festival is one of Bellingham’s most iconic and beloved events.
A three-day festival features performances by local choirs, bands and dancers – plus a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
But the highlight is the annual gingerbread house competition, which offers quaint, whimsical and sometimes spectacular creations. Designs sometimes feature local and regional activities and architecture, such as the Space Needle in Seattle or the Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall galleries.
Avalanche Awareness Training
Multiple Dates
Mountaineers and Others
If you’re planning to head out in the mountains this winter, make sure you have the education and skills to make risk decisions in avalanche terrain.
Mountaineers Courses
American Alpine Institute Courses
Other WA Course Providers
Northwest Avalanche Center
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
Fairhaven Winterfest
November 23 – December 22
Fairhaven
We cherish the sights, sounds and scents of the seasons and times past. Join us in feeling the magic of this time of year. Stroll among glimmering tree lights under winter sky, enjoy holiday decorations, listen to the music, hear the clip-clop of horse hooves on cobble stone, the echo of train whistles, smell the boughs of fir and wood smoke in chilly air. Take a break, step back, let time and the season catch-up with you in our village.
Stewardship:
Whatcom Land Trust:
WLC Stewardship
12/1 Planting Party, partnered w/ NSEA @ Riverstead
12/8 Invasive Control at Ladies of the Lake
WTA:
Find a Work Party
Various Dates, Locations and Times.
add content here