March
Here we are, just about two weeks left of Winter. The days are warmer, longer, better, and if you’re anything like me you are starting to dream of long days in the alpine. Sun on your face, warm rocks below your feet and hands.
Wondering about the photo of three people in the snow? Those are a few of our wonderful Basic Mountaineering Course students learning companion rescue during our Avalanche Awareness course.
Back to the newsletter… Below are some things happening in and around Bellingham this month. Click any photo to be redirected.
Winter Speaker Series
Tuesday, March 13, 7:30 pm
Backcountry Essentials
Doug McKeever will recount his privilege to be a 19 year-old rock-packing mule for legendary geologist Rowland Tabor as a USGS team bushwhacked the valleys and scrambled the peaks and ridges in a detailed search for any undiscovered mineral resources. Included is a pioneering complete traverse of the Northern and Southern Pickett Range in August of 1967.
About Doug:
Doug is a retired geology professor (43 years at WCC) who began climbing in 1963 with the Tacoma Mountaineers. A former climbing guide with Base Camp, Inc. and climbing instructor at WCC. He spends his leisure time exploring the Cascades, excessively repeating favorites (78 summits of Mt. Baker with novices) and conversing with friends and colleagues on geologic topics, including rocks and other features in the Cascades. Doug lives with his wife Audrey northeast of Bellingham on 5 acres that they “modern homesteaded” beginning in 1979…long story!
Runnin’ O’ the Green
Saturday, March 17
Backcountry Essentials
Ever want to dress like a leprechaun and run around town? This could be your chance to make that dream a reality in 2018…and yes, there will be beer. This is St. Pat’s day, after all. There are multiple distances to choose from and the online registration process is pretty simple and quick. If you’re at all intrigued, check to see availability. Spaces are dwindling!
March 16 – 18
Mt. Baker Splitfest
Mt. Baker Backcountry/Glacier
Demo gear, fun industry folk, back country outings, need I say more. This event is a great time from sunrise to well after sunset. This event raises money for NWAC, which in turn will work to provide back country users with avalanche information and forecasts next year.
Saturday, March 23, 9:00AM-2:00PM
2018 Native Plant Sale & Expo
Whatcom Community College
This year you’ll be able to peruse over 50 different types of native plants, and you’ll be able to buy them at a low cost. This event is appropriate for people of all ages and of all gardening abilities.
Saturday, March 31, 12:00-8:00PM
Stones Throw 2nd Birthday
Stones Throw Brewery
Combination birthday celebration and Spring season block party. The party will include several delicious food trucks, live music, socializing and beer drinking.
Stewardship
If you are looking to get out and give back, there are options listed below for those with weekend or midweek availability. If you are a current BMC participant, you’ll need to do 8 hours of volunteer hours to qualify for graduation of the course. More information can be found on the WTA website.
March –
· 3/11/2018 WTA – Hemlock trail
· 3/14/2018 WTA – Larrabee State Park- earn discover pass
· 3/16/2018 WTA – Blanchard mountain
· 3/18/2018 WTA – Blanchard mountain
· 3/21/2018 WTA – Larrabee State Park
· 3/24/2018 WTA – Sharpe Park
· 3/25/2018 WTA – Sharpe Park
· 3/28/2018 WTA – Chuckanut falls trail
· 3/31/2018 WTA – Chuckanut falls trail
· 3/10/2018 WTA – Hemlock Trail
· 3/11/2018 WTA – Hemlock Trail
April –
· 4/1/2018 WTA – Chuckanut Falls Park
· 4/6/2018 WTA – Darvil Trail
· 4/6/2018 WTA – Sehome Arboretum
· 4/7/2018 WTA – Darvil Trail
· 4/7/2018 WTA – Sehome Arboretum
· 4/8/2018 WTA – Darvil Trail
· 4/11/2018 WTA – Larrabee state park
Branch News
SUMMER POTLUCKS:
Yes that is correct. Summer Potluck. We have 5 months of potlucks coming up and we are looking for people to host. What’ll you get in return? You’ll get a $30 gift card to Fred Meyer. Plus you’ll get the joy of making food for your friends. Want to host? Email Nancy or Krissy and let them know.
POSITION OPEN:
Communication Chair: Are you social media savvy and get great joy out of sharing information with all of your closest real and virtual climbing buddies? This position is for you!
Requirements: a computer and internet.
Skill set: ability to compile information into something moderately interesting (like this newsletter), able to communicate and plan with others for Bellingham Mountaineers events, interest in posting on FB and IG.
Email Krissy (kristenfagan@hotmail.com) for more information. There will be training for this position, don’t worry…
NEXT BRANCH MEETING:
Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 27
Bellingham YMCA Mezzanine Room
Social time begins at 6:00pm. Branch Committee meets at 6:30 and we cruise right on into the Climbing Committee meeting. It’s a night full of agenda items. All Mountaineer members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We love fresh faces and new ideas!