Our adventure started at 4 a.m. with 12 post members asleep in a van heading off into the great unknown which was 12 hours away in Canada. We reached the lodge at a remote and classified location up close to where we would be climbing. Unfortunately, due to a lack of pilots and an asleep in a van heading off into the great unknown which was 12 hours away in Canada. We reached the lodge at a remote and classified location up close to where we would be climbing. Unfortunately, due to a lack of pilots and an unhelpful man named Stu we camped in a rock quarry that night. This night we were introduced to our constant companion for the next week “the mosquitoes”! (there were even battle helmets…sort of). The next morning we helicoptered into our camp in a circ in the shadow of the dreaded mountain… Sugar Plum. We started climbing immediately. 

Through out the day we were able to climb on ice, snow, and rock with Charlie leading a slippery ice slope. We began practicing boot skiing techniques on the way down. The next few days consisted of rising at either 7 or 4:30 in the morning, climbing, lunch, climbing, and resting at camp. It was a great routine that everyone seemed to fall into pretty easily. Through the whole trip we had awesome meals (courtesy of Laura Laney) that consisted of Spaghetti, Mac & Cheese with summer sausage, curry, cuscus, and lots of spam. Keegan, who is now the SPAM master, cooked it when it wasn’t even part of the menu, which was appreciated by all. On the second day of climbing we headed up a mountain we named Sticky Bun. Eddie led the final assent up a challenging, steep, snowy slope. It was a spiritual moment standing on top of the mountain toasting the success with Pop tarts among good friends. We repelled down afterwards and headed home. We had planned on climbing Hatteres for our ultimate challenge of the trip but another group had the same plan, so we decided to climb the peak next to it instead named Squab. It turned out to be an awesome peak and many members of the group agreed that it was their favorite climb. We roped up on the Hatteres glacier and cut up around to its right side.

Mt. Adams: July 17‐18�

Climbers: Peter Joy, Laura Laney, Scott Anderson, Brandon Wilson, Jon Miranda, Paul Krums�

The approach hike took us through dry and dusty pine forests up to the snowline, where dust faded into mud and then snow, and eventually the trees shortened into sparse, alpine shrubbery before fading into snowfields and talus. We hiked quickly and had time for a game of caca – we played cards and ate delicious snacks under a stunted alpine tree, in the last patch of shade on the mountain. After arriving in camp, Saturday night was one of the most peaceful evenings of my summer. Lying in my sleeping bag, perfectly comfortable, eating dinner and watching the mountain change colors in the sunset, I felt like I had it made. That feeling didn’t stay with me at 4:30 in the morning, although when we woke up to climb the anticipation was certainly back. We all expected a difficult and technical climb. The bottom of the route was endless steep snow, so that if you front‐pointed all the way your calves would tire out too much to go on.

This month the general meeting will be taking place at the north end of Gabriel Park at 6 pm! This meeting is the Post’s annual picnic, and is a great time for Postee’s to hang out and meet older Postees. Right after the meeting there is going to a be a huge Frisbee game that you won’t want to miss. Also there is going to be so much amazing food you won’t know what to do with yourself. 

Map to Gabriel Park:

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The August Newsletter is now available. You can download it here.

Hi Postees,

Do you want to do something different this summer? Have you ever wanted to get into cycling?  Well, you are in luck!  Som of the country's best recreational cycling paths are in southeast Washington and the panhandle of Idaho.  The first week-end in Aug the  post will be offering the opportunity to ride what many consider to be the best of the best: the Trail of the Couer d' Alene.  This beautiful 72 mile paved trail runs along the shores of Lake Cour d' Alene and then into the Silver Valley.  It is a dedicated bike trail, so there are no worries about traffic.  You do need to keep an eye out for moose on the trail though!  Other than that you can simply enjoy the scenery.

Don't let the mileage intimidate you.  It is actually a very easy ride.  You can do all or part of the trail. If there is enough interest (and energy!) we can ride other trails in the area like the Centenial trail or Trail of the Hiawatha.  We will have support drivers to meet anyone who needs mechanical assistance or just needs a break from riding.  If you don't have a bike that is suitable for this type of riding, we'll try to find one for you to borrow. Bike rentals are also available relatively cheaply at several points along the trail.

So please join us!  The trip is scheduled for Aug 7-10. 

Cheryl and Mary

The next Post service project will be an Ivy Pull at Macleay Park, on July 17 from 8:15 to noon.