“The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.’” – Conrad Anker
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: I trust everyone made it through that heat. I did by escaping on a work trip. I hope it’s the only time in my life I’m happy it’s 90 in Raleigh, NC.
On a separate note, please send pictures and trip reports to jwpq49@gmail.com my the 25th of the month so I can include them in the newsletter.
Cheers!
May Meeting:
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Program: Summer Picnic and Potluck. YES, we’re finally meeting again in person! So, grab a shower, deodorant and a dish to share!
Where: Bowman Bay State Park 4402 Bowman Bay Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221
Please look for an e-mail from Karen in the next few days for precise details on location.
Skagit Alpine Club Meeting Notes: June 2, 2021
Guy Mansfield from Everett Mountain Rescue Presented Hiking Safety; Secrets of Search and Rescue. Here’s a very thorough review for those who missed it, as this information can save your life.
Three bads:
1. Bad planning
2. Bad Preparation
3. Bad luck
Three Preventions
1. Assess risk
2. Prepare & Prevent
3. Situational Awareness
Low probability events can have high impact because they can lead to immobilization. Immobilization + PNW weather can lead to hypothermia, which is one of the most dangerous things about being in the wilderness.
Ask yourself and others you want to take an adventure with, what is your risk profile?
How to improve your risk profile?
1. Carry a cellphone/SPOT/PLB
2. Small pack with 10 essentials
3. Prepare & Prevent - ask yourself: What could possibly go wrong? What can possibly go wrong?
Treat each outing like there is no such thing as a day hike.
Try the overnight outside test with your day hike gear: Can you survive a night out with the gear you have in your day hike bag?
Cellphone/PLB is the 11th essential
Always Call 911 first. Carry a backup battery. Keep it on airplane mode to conserve battery.
Leave a hiking plan with someone. Know how to navigate with map and compass. GPS helps.
How to help SAR find you:
Leave a plan with someone not on the outing.
Have gear for 24-48 hours.
Don’t panic.
Attempt communication
Stay in one place
Be visible (glow stick on cord and swing overhead at night)
How can you decrease your risk profile?
The Basic Mountaineering Course:
It’s over! The class was a massive success this year reaching a record number of students with the new format. Thank you Juliet! You did an amazing job leading through a very challenging year! And thanks to all the volunteers that make it possible.
Old Business:
Support for Alex: As most of you are aware by now, one of our most dedicated members and instructors, Alex Korteum, suffered a stroke in January. His recovery and rehabilitation have been going well, and he’s enjoying being home after his stay in the hospital. If you’re so inclined, here is a link to a GoFundMe campaign that’s been set up to help him and his family as he recovers. https://www.gofundme.com/f/29voa9w51c
SAC 60th Anniversary! So what if SAC turns 61 this year? Last year doesn’t… Help us celebrate 60 years of SAC by climbing mountains! The club is attempting to summit all the Skagit 60 peaks in 2020 to commemorate the 60th anniversary. The website used to track our progress is skagit60.com.
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