EXPEDITION DENALI: INSPIRING DIVERSITY IN THE OUTDOORS

A Kickstarter Project
In June of this year, nine mountaineers will attempt to become the first all-African-American expedition to climb Denali (a.k.a. Mount McKinley) in Alaska.

As NOLS' Bruce Palmer has said, "This expedition is more than simply making history. It is an effort to build an outdoor legacy for people of color, particularly African-Americans."
Our purpose in creating this documentary film is to tell the amazing story of Expedition Denali, but in order to do that we need your help.

By 2019, some estimates predict that minority children will become the majority in the U.S. These kids will become the leaders of this country and the world, and a staggering majority of them don't feel the outdoors is a place for them.

For more information and to back the project, follow this link to the Kickstarter page.

APRIL VIDEO OF THE MONTH -- MOUNTAINEER TOSSING

IT'S NEW! IT'S EXCITING! IT'S MOUNTAINEER TOSSING! And BCEP Team (22) Badger Hunters invented it! Just one of the shenanigans you might get up to in Mazamas' Basic Climbing Education Program.

Submitted by Doug Brumfield Assistant Leader, Team 22

80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KINDER TRESPASS: EVER HEARD OF IT?

The Kinder Path
Photo: Katy Walters

By Eugene Lewins and Jamie Anderson

Does it really matter if you go for a hike today?

On the 24th of April, 1932, a group of English working men went for a hike and changed the history of public access in Britain. As the Selma Bus Boycott is celebrated in the American civil rights narrative, so the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass is looked back on in Britain. Risking their own safety, they went up against forces barring access to what had for many centuries been public land.

TIE THE KNOT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

This is not an alpine butterfly!

Memorizing and carefully practicing your climbing knots is so 2012.  Why bother with all that extra effort when generations of knot tying expertise from around the world can be stored on your smartphone, waiting to unfold in full-color 3-D animations?  Of course, we're joking!  You still need to practice and memorize your knots, but now you can learn new knots anywhere with these handy apps for iPhone and Andriod.    

Knots 3D

Animated Knots by Grog

THE NEXT BIG SPORT CLIMBING DESTINATION: BOZEMAN?

You may think of Bozeman, Montana as a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, and rightly so. But if Kris Zigich and Evan Mathews have their way, the prime rock climbing of south central Montana is about to become a not-so-well-kept secret. Under the masthead of Cruxin' Productions, Zigich and Mathews have issued a feature-length film highlighting the superb variety of climbing (and climbers) to be found in Gallatin Canyon, Natural Bridge, Chestnut Mountain, Allenspur, and Bear Canyon -- all a short drive from the thriving mini-opolis of Bozeman.  This summer, instead of queuing up for the shady lines at Leavenworth and Smith, it might be time to head for the Big Sky Country.

 

 

WEDNESDAY MT. TABOR RAMBLES ARE BACK ON!

Hey hikers, for those of you on the east side, join Mazamas hike leader Meg Linza on her Wednesday evening Mt. Tabor walks, leaving from the Mazamas Mountaineering Center promptly at 6pm. Bring layers, good walking shoes, water, friends and good cheer! No sign up necessary, cost is $2 for the under 55-ers, $1 for those 55 and better.

What: Mount Tabor Wednesday Rambles
When: Each Wednesday starting 6pm
Where: Mazamas Mountaineering Center, 527 SE 43rd Ave, Portland OR 97215

APRIL 15 -- A SPECIAL DAY FOR MAZAMAS

Mazamas Climb Card

That's right!  April 15 is the earliest day you can apply for a Mazamas climb.

Good news for 2013!  Starting this year, you can order your climb cards online.  Just follow this link.

Climb cards postmarked before April 15 won't be considered.  The earlier you send out your applications (after the 15th, that is) the better your chances of getting on a climb, so now's the time to get your hands on some blank climb cards.





In case you're new to the Mazamas climb application process, or just need a refresher, here's a small collection of links to help you out.

Getting Started With Mazamas Climbing - Complete Info for Newbies!

Tips for Getting On Climbs

Summer Climb Schedule

Google Map of All Mazamas Climbs

SMITH ROCK SPRING THING -- May 11, 2013

2012 Spring Thing Trail Work

Are you a Smith Rock user?  Maybe this year it's time for you to give something back to this local rock climbing jewel by participating in the 2013 Spring Thing, a one-day chance for all friends of Smith Rock to join with park rangers for improvement projects all around the park.

Last year's Spring Thing volunteers completed the retaining walls at the base of Cinnamon Slab, built new steps to the Dihedrals, constructed 100 new steps on Misery Ridge and did cruicial trail work at Monkey Face, Spiderman’s Buttress, Front Side, Phoenix Buttress and Aggro Gully.  Pretty impressive, right?

The 2013 Spring Thing will be held on May 11th. Register at 8am and end your day at 5pm with a dinner, auction, and raffle. "Parking passes, breakfast snacks, water, sunscreen, work gloves, tools and supplies and dinner are provided for all volunteers."

If you can't come on the 11th to do the hard labor, you can still help out by donating cash, materials, tools, or items for the auction.

For details please follow this link.

ROCK CLIMBING PRODIGIES FOR 2013

The mighty Hörst men

In February, Smith Rock's iconic Scarface (5.14a) was climbed by a 13-year-old.  First put up in 1988 by Scott Franklin, and the first 5.14 ever established by an American, Scarface is the third 5.14 climbed by Drew Ruana.  You can watch a video of Drew sending Scarface here.

In March, 10-year-old Jonathan Hörst climbed a 5.14a in Red River Gorge, KY.  Jonathan, son of the famed trainer Eric Hörst, climbed God's Own Stone.  Jonathan is not the first 10-year-old to climb God's Own Stone, but he may be the first 10-year-old boy.  Last year, Brooke Raboutou also climbed this route, as did Jonathan's older brother Cameron Hörst, who climbed it at the ripe old age of 11.

Earlier this month Kai Lightner, age 13, climbed a series of 5.14 routes in the Red.  Follow this link to see a video of Kai sending Southern Smoke.