Rock Ice & Mountain Club Presents
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Round Table Pizza
2065 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa, CA


Dan and Janine Patitucci are professional mountain sport photographers
(http://www.PatitucciPhoto.com) who also manage an online mountain sports
resource (DolomiteSport : http://www.dolomitesport.com). The couple have
relocated to the Italian Dolomites where they enjoy and fully utilize the vast
European hut system.

Mountain huts allow for convenient travel, light packs, socializing, and easy
access to the backcountry.The system is used throughout Europe and bonds the
culture of mountain athletes. But is America ready? Would the huts work in
America? Where would they work? Is it too commercial for wilderness? Who would
use them and would the groups be compatible?
Would they help nurture a mountain culture?

Recently, the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association asked the
Patituccis to host a presentation to detail how the huts are used in Europe.
The reason? Alaska wants a European hut system and the momentum is growing. With
it, a debate surrounding the question of how and will they work.

Dan will present a brief slideshow explaining the system then opening up the
discussion to hear your thoughts.

Hey,

I'm looking at doing a beginner/intermediate ice climbing course in the Sierra's
this winter. From a Google search, it seems that both California Alpine Guides
and Sierra Mountain Guides offer courses in either the High Sierra or Lee
Vining.

I was wondering whether anyone has taken any ice climbing courses from either of
these guide services or whether you have any recommendations?

Thanks
-John

-----Original Message-----
From: "john.bodley"
Sent: Jan 8, 2010 1:50 PM
To: CMG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: CMG: Ice Climbing Course Recommendations

 

Hey,

I'm looking at doing a beginner/intermediate ice climbing course in the Sierra's this winter. From a Google search, it seems that both California Alpine Guides and Sierra Mountain Guides offer courses in either the High Sierra or Lee Vining.

I was wondering whether anyone has taken any ice climbing courses from either of these guide services or whether you have any recommendations?

Thanks
-John

Got this from the publicist for the film North Face (details below)

If you've climbed the Eiger and want to go to a preview, contact Libby directly.

"We have a couple sneak preview screenings scheduled in L.A., one on January
25th and one to take place February 3rd or February 10th, and the hosts would
like to have a special guest in attendance, someone who has experience climbing
the Eiger.  I thought I would reach out to you to see if there is someone local
within California Mountaineering Group membership or larger network whom we
might invite."

NORTH FACE tells the story of Tony Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser's dramatic
attempt to scale the Eiger north face in 1936.  You can watch the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_3U5_wKO8

Libby McInerny
213 268 2906
libbymcinerny AT att.net

I'm thinking about organizing a two day ski trip on Feb 13th and 14th (although
you can stay out on the 15th if you want).  Does this interest anyone?  One
thought is to summit Pyramid Peak and possibly head further into Desolation
Wilderness or summit another peak or even Ralston.  That would be a bit
strenuous and require a permit.  An easier trip might be to camp near the top of
Relay Peak (Mt Rose area) and ski runs off there.  I've also wanted to do an
overnight trip around Mt Houghton (camping in the saddle to Mt Rose) but I think
I'd rather do that later in the season.

Any suggestions before I put it on the calendar?  I think beacons and winter
camping experience are necessary for this one but the skiing shouldn't be too
advanced.  I'm not sure about the feasibility of snowboards or snowshoes for
either of these, but I do recall some flat sections going to Relay Peak.

I've posted some gear on Craigs List for sale. Great prices and all gear in very
good condition.

AT Skis & bindings ($75), X-country skis and boots ($40), Mammutt Baryvox
avalanche beacon with Koppendel avalanche probes ($100).
The add located at :

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/1583200613.html

Also for sale, a Mountain Hardware Trango 2 tent.  $75.

Add and pictures located here...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/1583204687.html

On second thought, Pyramid Peak and Desolation Wilderness seems like a lot of
elevation gain and not very interesting terrain.  A longer trip further into the
wilderness would probably be more interesting.

So, I think I'll head to Relay Peak near Mt Rose.  It's 3.9 mi 1498' of gain
along a road to the 10,338' summit.  The wilderness starts at the ridge.  We can
camp near the summit and ski the west bowl or the steep chutes off the subpeak
to the west.  We should be able to make several runs on Saturday and Sunday.  On
Sunday afternoon we'll return to camp and ski down the south ridge or east face
back to the cars.

Let me know if you're interested.

On Jan 29, 2010, at 5:01 PM, Garrick Meeker wrote:

> I'm thinking about organizing a two day ski trip on Feb 13th and 14th
(although you can stay out on the 15th if you want).  Does this interest anyone?
One thought is to summit Pyramid Peak and possibly head further into Desolation
Wilderness or summit another peak or even Ralston.  That would be a bit
strenuous and require a permit.  An easier trip might be to camp near the top of
Relay Peak (Mt Rose area) and ski runs off there.  I've also wanted to do an
overnight trip around Mt Houghton (camping in the saddle to Mt Rose) but I think
I'd rather do that later in the season.
>
> Any suggestions before I put it on the calendar?  I think beacons and winter
camping experience are necessary for this one but the skiing shouldn't be too
advanced.  I'm not sure about the feasibility of snowboards or snowshoes for
either of these, but I do recall some flat sections going to Relay Peak.
>

So I'm flying back from Chicago in a few weeks on a Friday afternoon and think
it would be a shame to waste free airfare without stopping somewhere fun for the
weekend.  Any suggestions for a quick skiing stop in Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming?
I'm traveling alone so backcountry's not a wise option.  It should be relatively
close to a major or regional airport, and if it has a few decent bars, that'd be
even better.  Thanks!

R

Hey Guys,
I'm trying to organize a trip to Mt. Shasta sometime in March. I'm currently
living in Utah, and was planning to fly into sacramento but tickets are a bit
pricey. I noticed that the drive from Reno is about the same distance, but what
will it be like driving up through Susanville in March?
By the way, we'd love the company if anyone wants to join us.
Kevin

Is anyone else interested in this trip on Saturday and Sunday?  Only one person
has committed so far.  The effort factor is pretty low and we'll be skiing laps
down from our campsite.  The approach to camp follows the Tahoe Rim Trail, along
a summer access road to near the summit (yes, snowmobiles are in the area up
until the summit) so snowboards should work too.  If you only snowshoe you can
explore the Mt Rose Wilderness.  Let me know if you need any more details.

Another attempt for an overnight trip in the Mt Rose area.  I've wanted to ski
the north side of Mt Houghton but it's a little far for a day trip.  I haven't
seen this mentioned much in guidebooks but it looks like interesting terrain. 
We'll park east of the summit lot on NV-431.  There's a large pullout maybe
0.5mi west of the ski area.  We can't park overnight at the ski area.  The plan
is to follow the usual winter route up Mt Rose (ascending Galena Creek to the
west side of Mt Rose) and camp at the saddle between Rose and Houghton.  The
route to Mt Rose is 5mi and 2,676' so I'd estimate that it's about 4mi and
1,600' to camp.  If you snowboard, be aware that it's pretty flat for about two
miles.  Most of the gain is at the end.  There's also an uphill section at the
end of the return trip.  Camp is at 9,731', Mt Houghton is 10,480', Mt Rose is
10,776', parking is maybe 8.400'

We'll probably summit Mt Houghton and make additional runs as time allows, or
make runs below camp.  I'm not planning to summit Mt Rose because the best
skiing is elsewhere and it's probably bare at the top.  If you only bring
snowshoes it's probably the most interesting objective.

Here's a summer panorama of the runs down Houghton from the campsite.  You can't
see the true summit.  I don't have any winter pictures.

http://www.digitalanarchy.biz/garrick/MtHoughton.jpg

It's taken from approximately here:

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=39.33991,-119.93053&z=15&t=T

Because of the distance from the road, you obviously should have experience with
avalanche awareness and winter camping.

Upcoming RIM Club Events!  Happy New Year!
Please share this email with friends and family.

March 2, 2010
Paula Padou:  The Other Afghanistan--Images of a Land and People

The pictures concern ordinary Afghans going about their daily lives (not the
war/embed view); the diverse cultural and ethnic range, and finally, the great
natural beauty among some of the world's highest mountains.

Paula Padou was born and raised in the Bay Area and developed a love of the
mountains from an early age, along with a deep interest in other peoples and
cultures long before "adventure travel" became a term. As a youngster, she
enjoyed ski racing until that pursuit was replaced in later years with hiking,
trekking and photography. After studying political science and foreign languages
at Berkeley, she lived in Japan for several years working for a law firm and
escaping whenever possible to discover the world. She has trekked in Nepal
multiple times and counts a mid-winter adventure among the best experiences of
all her travels.

Other destinations include Africa, South America, Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan
and a recent visit to Yemen. At home, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness around
Highway 4 is one of her favorite romping areas. She works at a law firm as a
paralegal and still tries to escape whenever possible. For the last several
years, Paula has continued her commitment to the Himalayan region by vounteering
at the American Himalayan Foundation and sponsored a Sherpa friend, who
successfully sought and recieved permission to live and work in the U.S.


WHERE and WHEN

Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Round Table
Pizza at 2065 Occidental Road.  For members only!  Social hour and set-up begins
at 6:30 with free beer for members only.  If you haven't signed up yet, join up
when you get here.

Directions:
From Highway 101 at Santa Rosa go west on Highway 12 to Stony Point Road Exit.
Go straight from the middle lane at the light onto Occidental Road. The Round
Table Pizza is on the right just down the road.


Exciting RIM CLUB BOARD Opportunities

Like what you see (or don't like it), and want to have a bigger impact in the
RIM club?  We are seeking motivated, creative, and fun-loving individuals for
various positions on the Executive Board.  What can you offer the club?  Don't
be shy or feel you have to fit a cliche "leadership" mold.  Do you have good
ideas for outdoor trips, or strive to enrich our greater community?  Have a  few
hours to spare to help out others with your energy?  We need you!  If interested
or have questions, please respond to this email, or talk to Alex or Jeff at the
monthly show.  Board meetings are on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 PM.

FUTURE SHOWS and TRIPS

See RIM on-line calendar at http://rockicemountain.org/calendar.html for
up-to-the-minute details and events.  Post your own events and check out other
local outdoor events, shows, etc.

April 6: Kurt Jensen
May 4: not yet confirmed
May 21--22: St Helena Appreciation Days (Friday night Royal Robbins and Saturday
Adopt-a-Crag Clean up at RLS State Park
Jun 1: John Dittli


MEMBERSHIP

Don't forget that February was our annual renewal month!  If you didn't sign up
or renew last month, do it this month!  Membership in the Rock Ice and Mountain
Club is $20 annually (or $25 for a family membership).  Please bring check or
cash to the show next week.

Membership benefits include organized climbing and mountaineering trips, and
miscellaneous coupons (varies over time) from places like Hood Mountain
Adventures and Vertex Indoor Climbing Gym.  Current members also get a pro-deal
with Mountainsmith.

The Rock Ice and Mountain Club is the North Bay's premiere climbing and back
country club.  Founded in 1994, we provide climbing opportunities and networking
to the North San Francisco Bay community through frequent outings and monthly
gatherings.   Our free monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month have
featured lecture and slide presentations by members and world class climbers
like: Alex Honnold, David Wilson, Glenn Denny, The Benegas Brothers, Tom Cole,
R.D. Coran, Jerry Dodrill, Armin Fisher, Hans Florine, Jacqueline Florine, Tom
Shore, John Hart, Josh Helling, Bob Hoffman, Kevin Jorgensen, Robert Link, Doug
Robinson, Tom McMillan, Chris McNamara, Royal Robbins, Ron Kauk, Chris Jones,
Doug Stoup, Corey Rich, Ed Cooper and special events with Conrad Anker, Galen
Rowell and Andy Selters.

Recent shows have included accounts of climbing in Nepal, Tibet,  the Sierra
Nevada, and Europe. The club organizes trips in Sonoma County, the Sierra, and
climbing areas like Red Rocks, Smith Rock and Tuolumne Meadows.

Email List Contact Info:  Elaine Newman at elaine.mcdonald@...

Hey,

Given that the CMG ice-climbing trip scheduled for earlier this month was
cancelled, I've booked a private 2-day intermediate course with Barry Durbin
through SWS Mountain Guides for next weekend, March 6 - 7.

Anyway I wanted to check whether anyone else may be interested in the course.
The cost is $300 p/p. If you're interested feel free to either email or call me
(650) 823-9301. I need to get back to SWS on Monday to finalize numbers.

Thanks
-John

Please join the Rock, Ice & Mountain Club May 21 and May 22 for Saint Helena
Appreciation Day.

May 21 at 6:30 the Sebastopol Community Center, Royal Robbins will do a
presentation to kick off this weekends work on Mount Saint Helena. There will be
a huge raffle, a no host bar, and a chance to meet and greet. $10 tickets will
be available at the RIM Club and online at Sebastopol Community Center.


May 22 at 10am show up at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park  and sign up for one
of the many service projects we have lined up.

Please carpool as parking will be limited. Bring gloves and garden type tools
just in case.

We are looking for raffle items too. Please forward this to anyone you think may
be interested and spread the word. Please let us know if you or anyone you know
would like to donate something.

For more information please contact Harrison 707-217-473 or go to
rockicemountain.org