3/29/10 Post

Dear CHS course participants,

Please read this whole email as it contains important information.

Matt and I ended up doing a scouting hike of Goat Lake today. I’m leading it for CHS 2 on April 3^rd and I wanted to be sure that the trail is in good shape with no snow. It turned out to be one of those hikes that started out not to be much fun, but ended up being worth it. For starters, I was lugging a 30 lb pack, much of which was water weight. I’m trying to get ready for a backpacking trip in Grand Canyon I’m doing in late April. One of the water bottles sprung a leak and absolutely soaked the back of my pack on the way to the trailhead. So I had to put on a wet, heavy backpack at the trailhead. Did I mention it was kind of raining too? It’s unusual to have to embrace the suck before you even leave sight of the car, but that’s what I did.

In about a half an hour, my back and butt were still totally wet but the sun was peeking out now and then and the rain had mostly stopped. We made it to the lake in record time, sat down by the lake to have lunch but ended up not being able to stay long because my soaking shirt and pants were making me cold. Note to self: remember to bring that second shirt to change into at the destination.

But it was kind of sunny coming back out, my pack didn’t feel so heavy, and I was glad that we went hiking—just like I always am. I didn’t let a little wet stop me and don’t let it stop you either. Spring weather in the Cascades is unpredictable, so plan for rain by bringing your rain gear on every hike even if the sun is shining. An umbrella never hurt either. Also, be sure to check that your water bladder or bottles aren’t leaking before you set out in the morning.

April Hike Signup:

We only have a few folks who have not signed up for their hikes, so the deadline to sign up for two hikes is set for Thursday, April 1^st by 10:00 AM. Afterwards, registration is open for folks to sign up for more than two hikes. This means if you haven’t signed up for your two hikes yet, get on it or you’ll find that your choices are limited.

There is space available in the following hikes:

CHS1:

4/03 (Sat.)—Heidi Walker/Michael Walker, Big Creek Loop (4 miles, 600’ gain)

4/04 (Sun./Easter)—Mary Rohlman, Umtanum Creek Canyon (6 miles, 700’ gain)

4/10 (Sat.)—Steve Payne/Heidi Walker, Dungeness Spit (11 miles, 100’ gain)

4/11 (Sun.)—Heidi Walker/Michael Walker, Greenwater Lakes (5.5 miles, 500’ gain)

4/18 (Sun.)—Shep Griswold, Carbon River Road/Ranger Falls (8 miles, 1,000’ gain)

4/25 (Sun.)—Anna May Brennan/Steve Payne, Point Defiance (9 miles, 100’ gain)

CHS2:

4/04 (Sun./Easter)—Jennie Douglas, Rattlesnake Ledge & Beyond (7 miles, 1,800’ gain)

4/08 (Thu.)—Sue Shih/Jan Davis, Bridal Veil Falls/Lake Serene (7 miles, 2,000’ gain)

4/11 (Sun.)—Barb Motteler/Deborah Dickstein, Wallace Falls (7 miles, 1,700’ gain)

4/17 (Sat.)—Barbara Folmer/Jan Pecoraro, Lower Lena Lake (6 miles, 1,300’ gain)

4/17 (Sat.)—Mia Spangenberg/Michale Kelly, Little Si/Boulder Garden Loop (6 miles, 1,200’ gain)

4/18 (Sun.)—Go Getter Hike, Bill Shecket/Sue Shih, Pratt-Olallie Saddle (9 miles, 2,400’ gain)

4/24 (Sat.)—Barbara Folmer/Jan Pecoraro, Little Si (5 miles, 1,200’ gain)

4/25 (Sun.)—Ellen Purington/Cynthia Stevens, Tiger Mtn Leader’s Choice (7 miles, 2,200’ gain)

Have a great week and looking forward to starting hiking with you this next weekend!

kc

Follow up from 3/25 Class

Dear CHS Hikers,

Please read this entire email as it contains important information.

Thank you to the folks who were able to make it to last night's presentation. I realize that you are all busy people and have lots going on in your lives. Hopefully you got some good information to help you out this summer. This email is a recap of last night’s meeting.

April 1^st Class:

The second, optional class will be on Thursday, April 1^st starting at 6:30 at the Seattle clubhouse. We will be discussing the Sample Pack/Ten Essentials, Conditioning/Nutrition, Pacing/Footwear, and Navigation Basics. Again this evening is optional; no need to attend if you are already informed on these subjects.

There is also an optional shopping trip being put on for BWT folks this Saturday, that CHS folks can take part in if they need to purchase any hiking gear and want a little experienced help. No signup needed, meet 10:00 a.m. at the REI Seattle flagship store main entrance. The group may visit other stores depending on group needs.

Roster:

Thanks for those who updated their information on the roster. I will post the updated class roster on the CHS web site. Please refer to this roster for participant contact information.

Trail Maintenance Requirement:

A representative of WTA come last night to talk about the trail maintenance work parties. Remember that one day of trail maintenance is a mandatory requirement in order to graduate from the course this year. We will have more information on how and when to sign up for the CHS only work parties posted on the CHS web site soon. If you are interested in finding out more about what to expect on the work parties, view the information on the following link: http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?6+tw+index

Hike Signup:

April hike signup is underway. We are still in the 2-hike limit signup period. I will let you know when you can sign up for more. Should be in the next week. The course hike schedules for CHS 1 and 2 are constantly being updated to be sure to check them often in the Class Resources tab of the CHS web site. The April hike description document that I sent out earlier this week will get posted next week when the web site administrator returns from vacation.

If you need to do a substitute hike for one of your required monthly hikes throughout the summer, contact me to make arrangements beforehand.

Carpooling:

When you register online, the final signup screen allows you to edit your carpool preferences. You will need to update this screen if you want to be considered for carpool pairing. If you leave the default option checked—“No carpool needed/other arrangements already made”—it is assumed that you will be driving yourself to the meeting place and you will not be listed on the carpooling page at all. If you want to carpool then fill out the options listed in the image below:

1. Click on the checkbox next to “No carpool needed/other arrangements already made” to deselect this option.
2. Select your carpool area from Carpool area drop-down box.
3. If this is mostly where you will be carpooling from then check the box next to “Set this as my default carpool area.”
4. Select your riding/driving options using the two option checkboxes. If you can do either, then check both boxes and indicate how many passengers you can take as a driver.
5. Select your preference to drive or ride by clicking on the Drive or Ride radio buttons.
6. Click Submit.

You can go back in and edit this section anytime prior to when the carpool pairings are made (see below for details) by going to your Profile and clicking on the Carpool Info link to the left of the hike you signed up for.

If you call the clubhouse to register, they will ask you about your carpooling preference. If they do not ask, then please remind them of your preference.

The clubhouse makes carpool assignments no later than 1:00 PM the Friday before the hike if it is on a weekend, and a day before the hike if it is on a weekday. You will need to contact the clubhouse to get your assignment or you can view your hike signup online and there will be a link to view carpool pairings. Drivers and riders must get in contact with each other to arrange a meeting place and time. You can meet at the posted meeting place listed in the hike description or you can drive together to the meeting place listed in the hike description.

For example, Fred and Barney are paired as carpool partners on a hike to Lake 22 that meets at the Lake Stevens Park & Ride (P&R) at 8:00 AM. They can contact each other and arrange to meet at the 65^th St P&R in Seattle at 7:00 AM. Together they will drive to the Lake Stevens P&R to meet the rest of the group at 8:00 AM. Or they may decide to meet at the Lake Stevens P&R and carpool from there. It is up to them to come to an agreement. Additionally, your hike leader may consolidate cars at the meeting place.

If the clubhouse has not paired you with another driver or rider, instead listing you in the carpool screen as someone willing to drive or ride, then you can check the list to see who else is unpaired that might be in a convenient location to carpool with. You can contact them using the contact information on either the carpooling page or on the roster on the CHS web site.

If you have questions about carpooling, contact your hike leader or myself. Your hike leader can provide guidance on carpooling, but they are not responsible for making sure you have a ride to the meeting place.

Riders must pay drivers a $.15 per mile fee. Drivers are encouraged to keep the amount fair if they have several passengers—this isn’t a capitalistic enterprise. Please consider being a driver as often as you can. The same people don’t want to have to drive every time—they appreciate being passengers too.

CHS Web Site:

Please make a habit of checking this web site regularly. Monthly hike schedules and descriptions will be posted here and Kelly will be posting her weekly email on the blog instead of sending it out to everyone. These blog entries will often contain important and time-sensitive information about the course, be sure to check them regularly. The blog is updated weekly usually around Sunday evening or Monday morning. You can access the blog by clicking on the link on the Course Resources tab on the Web Site.

You can also use it the web site to view pictures that other folks have posted. Information on how to get your pictures posted on the site will be sent out after the first hiking weekend in April.

Google Group Invitation:

You should have received an invitation to join the Google Group. This is essentially a forum web site, where you can discuss various hiking issues with the group and hike leaders. You can post general questions, let us know places that you’d like to hike and start your own topic thread. Participation in this web site is optional, but can provide you with contact to the group outside of the hikes.

If you have not received this invitation, let me know and I’ll send it you again.

CHS Way:

These are the rules that you must abide by on CHS hikes. If you have not already reviewed this document posted on the CHS web site (located on the Class Resources tab), then please do as soon as possible. You are responsible for behaving according to these tenets while on CHS hikes.

Let me know if you have any other questions that aren't answered by this email or by the documents posted on the CHS web site. I look forward to getting to know you all this summer!

Kelly Cleman

3/22/09 Posting

Hooray--we are getting close to our start date, so that means that you will begin signup for April hikes starting on Wednesday, March 24^th. I have attached a word document with a list of the hikes available. This detailed hike description gives you some information on where the hike is located, what is special about the hike, and the mileage/gain. You will notice that there are two sets of hikes, one for CHS 1 and one for CHS 2. Hopefully you know which group you want to be in by now, but if you were unable to go on a pacing hike this weekend and you’re unsure of your pace, then you can still experiment with both groups this month to see which is a better fit by going on one of each. But if you’re sure which group you want to be in, then sign up for two hikes off of that list. Regardless of which level(s) you sign up for, only sign up for two hikes total until I notify you otherwise.

April Hike Signup:

Sign up for all April hikes begins at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 24th. Please only sign up for 2 hikes at that time! I strongly advise you to sign up for hikes as soon as you can on that morning so that you can get the dates that work best for your schedule. Please keep in mind that all destinations listed on the Hike Schedule are tentative. Low snow levels, avalanche conditions, and poor trail conditions may require that we change hikes to different destinations without much notice. Do not be concerned if you see that the hike listed in the Mountaineers' signup database has different stats on mileage and gain than that listed in the hike description. We use canned descriptions from the database and can’t change them. The mileage and gain estimate we give you in the hike descriptions is the correct one.

How to Sign Up for Hikes:

Signing up for the hikes takes place on-line. These hikes will not be published in the paper Go Guide and are only for CHS participants in the Seattle branch. All CHS hikes are listed under the name of the destination.

If you have never registered for a hike on-line, here are some basic instructions for getting started:

To register on-line:

1) Log into your account.

2) Click on the “Activities” link in the upper left-hand corner.

3) In the Search parameters input the date of the hike in the “Select a date range” field and input the name of the hike in the “Destination or Event Name.”

4) Click on the “Search for Activities” button.

5) Find the hike you want, and click on the “Go” button to register.

Alternately, once you’ve logged into your account, just input the following URL: http://www.mountaineers.org/source/aTrips/Tripselection.cfm?nd=yes&at=hik&b=sea&tr=hik_chs&ob=dt&ss=yes#marker

It will take you directly to all upcoming CHS hikes for the Seattle branch. All of our hikes are tagged with the term “Conditioning Hiking Series.” However, the Kitsap branch has also offered a version of this course in the past and sometimes uses the same tag. Be sure the hikes you are signing up for are actually Seattle branch CHS courses. If you always use the link above or search by hike name/date, you’ll never go wrong.

All CHS Hikes in a given month open up for registration on the same day and close the Thursday before the hike. For the April hikes, that first day is March 24^th.

If you have problems, contact the clubhouse at (206) 521-6000 and someone there can help you out.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the first class on March 25^th.

Email Sent To 2010 Course Participants

Welcome to the Conditioning Hiking Series for 2010!

This email confirms your participation in the course and lays out some information that you need to know. We are glad to have you along for the fun this summer—both those who are new to the course and those who are returning from past years. I hope you are prepared to make new friends and push your day hiking limits!

If you are new to the Mountaineers and new to hiking then you would be well advised to attend the Beginning Hiking Seminar held on Thursday, March 18^th at the Seattle Clubhouse at Sandpoint. It covers introductory issues such as boots, packs, clothing and the Ten Essentials (which must be carried in all hikers’ packs). This type of information is not covered at the CHS classes on March 25^th and April 1^st. It is assumed that all hikers already know this information. The class runs from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and the cost is free. You can register on The Mountaineers web site.

CHS Class Dates/Times:

The two classes for CHS are held on Thursday, March 25^th and Monday, April 1^st, and run from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Seattle clubhouse at Sandpoint. Only the class on March 25^th is mandatory. On March 25^th, prior to the class, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, there will be a potluck social event before the class. If you can make it, please bring a food item to share. The clubhouse will provide coffee, tea, water, and eating utensils. Hike leaders are invited as well. If you have not been to the clubhouse at Sandpoint, directions are provided at this link: http://www.mountaineers.org//scriptcontent/default.cfm?insert=contact

Here are the agendas for the two classes:

March 25, 2010, 5:30-9:00 PM

• Optional potluck from 5:30 to 6:30 PM
• Orientation/Slide Show/Introductions starting at 6:30 PM
• WTA Presentation on Trail Maintenance
• Discussions about course expectations
• Open Time for Questions

Participants who have participated in the course in previous years must attend the March 25^th class, but may leave after introductions and any changes in the course for the current year are discussed.

April 1, 2010, 6:30-9:00 PM—This evening is held in conjunction with the Basic Wilderness Travel course and is optional for those participants needing more information on the following subjects:

• Nutrition & Conditioning for Longer Hikes
• Pacing Yourself/Footwear/How to decide if you’re a moderate or fast-paced hiker
• Navigation Basics
• Light Hiking Tips/Sample Pack

If you are unable to make it to the March 25^th class, please let me know. All hike leaders are invited to come to the March 25^th potluck and class as well.

Materials Review Prior to March 25^th Class:

You will find materials you will need to review prior to the March 25^th class on the CHS web site (http://www.mountaineers.org/seattle/chs/) on the Course Documents tab. Come with any questions you may have about the information given. If you desire, bring along a copy of these documents to the March 25^th class, as I will not be providing copies there.

• CHS Class Information 2010.doc
• CHS Way.doc
• Setting a Pace.doc
• CougarFlatCampout2010.doc (this is an optional trip available during the summer, so reserve the dates on your calendar now if you want to come along)

Please familiarize yourself with the CHS web site as well. Most of your course information will reside on this web site. We will discuss it more at the March 25^th class.

April Hike Signup:

Initially, we will be offering hikes on most weekend days to choose from in April. At least two hikes per month (April - August) and one finale-level hike (September) are mandatory for each person in the course. Please reserve at least two weekend dates on your calendar for April. Sign-up and destination information will be coming on Monday March 22^nd. Registration for April hikes will begin on Wednesday, March 24^th.

I look forward to meeting you all at the March 25^th class.

CHS 2010 Pacing Hike Information

Thanks for signing up for the Conditioning Hiking Series course! We hope you are looking forward to a wonderful season of hiking. If you are new to the hiking courses and would like to experience the pace of a typical Basic Wilderness Travel (slower), CHS 1 (moderate) or CHS 2 (faster) hike, you are welcome to sign up for one of these six hikes:


3/20 (Sat.)—BWT pace, Susan Graham, Pack Forest (8 miles, 1,000’ gain)
3/20 (Sat.)—CHS 1 pace, Steve Payne/Karen Sykes, Rattlesnake Ledge/Cedar Butte (8 miles, 2,000’ gain)
3/20 (Sat.)—CHS 2 pace, Kelly Cleman, Bridal Veil Falls/Lake Serene (7 miles, 2,000’ gain)
3/21 (Sun.)—BWT pace, Anne Ward-Ryan, Manastash Ridge aka Westberg Trail (10 miles, 1,500’ gain)
3/21 (Sun.)—CHS 1 pace, Jan Pecoraro, Discovery Park (6 miles, 1,000’ gain)
3/21 (Sun.)—CHS 2 pace, Bill Shecket/Ellen Purington, Squak Mtn Leader’s Choice (8 miles, 1,800’ gain)

These hikes are optional, and are intended to give you an idea of the different paces so you can anticipate which course or course section is appropriate for you when we start hiking in April. Online signup for the pacing hikes is Wed. 3/10 to Thu. 3/18, and is limited to BWT and CHS participants only. Note that the time between the end of course signup and the pacing hikes is short, and your participation in one of these hikes does not guarantee you a spot in the course. There still may need to be a lottery or low-member-number cutoff if the course is full when registration ends on 3/14.

Please contact Kelly Cleman (masterhiker@gmail.com) or Steve Payne (stevepayne@mindspring.com) with any questions about the pacing hikes.

CHS Blog Welcome Letter 2010

Welcome to the Conditioning Hiking Series web site and blog. I will use this blog to communicate hike and class information throughout the hiking season. If you are a member of the class, be sure to check this website and blog frequently for class information.

Kelly Cleman