October

This is the time of year where you never know what you’re going to get weather wise. You are almost certain to get rained on and sunburned in the same weekend. Heck you might even get snowed on! When I am out in unfavorable conditions I always try to remind myself of the saying, “If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough.” Far better than being at work, that’s definite.
If you find yourself unable to get out in the mountains and are looking for something to do, check out the events below. Want more info? Click on any photo to be redirected.
Enjoy!

EVENTS:

This is our annual Rendezvous. Each year, we host this party to thank our members, volunteers, and the family and friends that lend support to our community. Receiving this newsletter means that you are super important to us. Please join us on the evening of October 10. It will be a night of socializing, celebrating, and giving thanks. We look forward to seeing you there!

October 6 & 7, 7am-6pm
AAI Gear Sale
American Alpine Institute
Ladies and gentlemen, it is the time of year where you get a chance to save up to 75% on the gear you want and maybe even need! Stop by the AAI Gear Shop and see what is available.

October 7 & 8
Fall Fruit Festival
Cloud Mountain Farm
Come celebrate the bounty of our region! Enjoy live music, kid friendly activities, u-pick pumpkin patch, and local food including ice cream flavors made from Cloud Mountain produce. Entry is $5 per person or $10 per carload, and those fees go towards farmer training, crop research, and community education.

October 7 & 21
Winter Birds of Whatcom County
Various libraries
I know we have at least a few birders in our community. The Audubon Society will be presenting about the winter birds of Whatcom County twice in October and once in November. The Deming Library will host the presentation on the 7th, and the Ferndale library on the 21st.

The entire month of October
Doctober
Pickford Film Center
Thanks to the Pickford for bringing over 50 documentaries to Bellingham this month! There are films on science, people, animals, places, music, art, etc. They all look interesting, so check out their line up here.

October 21 & 22
Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey
Pickford Film Center
The Bellingham Mountaineers and AAI are hosting these showings. This is the life story of Fred Beckey: Mountain athlete, beloved author, heart-breaker, and the only person who can ever find “the obvious ledge” on any route.

October 20 (4-9:30) & 21 (9a-2p)
Komo Kulshan Ski Swap
Bloedel Donovan Park
Looking to sell some gear, buy some gear, or both? Want to support a great cause, too? This is Bellingham’s oldest and largest ski swap. The money raised goes to support the Mt Baker Race Team and the KKSC Scholarship Program. Scholarships are provided for lessons, lift tickets, rental equipment and transportation.

BRANCH NEWS:

Monthly Meeting
October 24th – 6:00 – 8:00
YMCA mezzanine
Our monthly meeting is a time for new ideas and organizing all the pieces that make our courses possible. If you’re interested in attending, please do! Our Branch Committee meeting will begin and the Climbing Committee meeting will follow.November 14th 7:30pm
2018 Basic Mountaineering Course Information Meeting
Backcountry Essentials
We hold this meeting to inform potential basic course applicants about all the details they need to know prior to joining our BMC. We talk about each field trip, what students will learn, and take time to answer questions. If you have taken the course and want to be available to greet future students and answer questions, put it on your calendar.

Thanks again for subscribing! Have a fun and safe month, and don’t forget to check out the Rendezvous and the Fred Beckey documentary.

Happy climbing!

The Bellingham Mountaineers