Central Oregon calendar of interesting events

TRADITIONAL MOUNTAINEERING ™
www.TraditionalMountaineering.org ™ and also www.AlpineMountaineering.org ™

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Calendar of traditional alpine mountaineering and related events
also check our Seminars Section from the navigation bar above

MONTH OF JANUARY 2010

Friday, January 8, 2010, First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Bend Oregon
The streets of Bend fill with art patrons on the first Friday of every month as Downtown Bend and Old Mill District art galleries stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits.

Saturdays in January, 2010, Deschutes Brewery Tours
Saturdays from noon to 4pm enjoy a free tour through the brewery and visit the tasting room. Special arrangements may be made by calling 541-385-8606.
The Deschutes Brewery is located at 901 SW Simpson Drive at the Simpson-Colorado Roundabout in Bend. See photos soon.

Monday, January 11, 2010, 6:30 pm, Explore Volunteer Opportunities with the Sierra Club at the Environmental Center
It's a new year, a new decade--a fresh start for 2010! Juniper Group leaders would like to meet with a small group of people next Monday night, so we're inviting you
to explore ways we can work together on things that matter to you--forests, wildlife, sustainability. We can use your help! We'll have cookies, cake and coffee, too.
Please RSVP by responding to Gretchen Valido, Juniper Group Chair, gbvalido@yahoo.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 9:30 am, Mountain View High School, Join U.S. Senator Ron Wyden as he hosts his annual Town Hall Meeting in Bend Oregon
Join U.S. Senator Ron Wyden as he hosts several annual Town Hall Meetings in Central Oregon. Residents of Deschutes County are invited to attend the open forums to ask questions and voice their issues. Senator Wyden has been holding town halls in each Oregon county every year since 1996.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010, TUG Meeting, USFS, Bend Ft-Rock Ranger District, Trail User Group Meeting
We will be meeting at Red Oaks Square at 6:00 pm. (This is our 16th year representing Mountaineering as a member of this USFS Advisory Committee!)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 7pm, Cascades Mountaineers hosts Cathy Sassin at the Environmental Center
Cathy Sassin, is a sports nutritionist and a Legend in the Adventure Racing World. The subject will be endurance training for climbing. After we will be doing some knot practice, so bring along a section of rope if you have it.

Thursday, January 14, 2009, Winter Sale at Patagonia by Pandora's Backpack
These days it seems like we are all inundated with emails and offers on-line. It seems that you can't help but shop or at least browse on-line. Many thanks to all of you who have done your research on-line and then called us to help you. As always, thank you for supporting a locally owned business! Check their original website.

Friday, January 15, 2010, Tower Theater Volunteer Appreciation party
We'll gather at 5:30 pm. It will be potluck so if you love to cook, bring a dish. If you don't love to cook, bring yourself. There will be plenty. The Tower will provide a turkey, ham, cake, beer and wine.

Monday, January 18, 2008, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010, Destination Resorts: More or enough?
"Deschutes County Commissioners Tammy Baney, Dennis Luke & Alan Unger will be hearing from the public one last time before making a decision on what lands will
be allowed in a new destination resort map. Speak up at the County Commission’s January 20 hearing, 6 p.m., 1300 NW Wall St., Barnes & Sawyer room, Bend.
Merry Ann Moore, Juniper Group Sierra Club. More information: merryann@bendcable.com"

Thursday, January 21, 2009, K2 - The Assent of the Savage Mountain
A multimedia presentation by K2 summiter, Don Bowie. Alpinist Don Bowie will present a multimedia show on his successful climbing expedition to K2.
Doors at 8:15 p.m.; film at 8:30 p.m. | $15 per person | All ages welcome for K2 at McMenamins Theater

Friday, January 22, 2010, Cascades Mountaineers get together at the new InClimb Gym
Join us for a night of indoor rock climbing at Inclimb from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Cascades Mountaineers members will be admitted at HALF PRICE ($7 / $10 if you don't have your own gear). At 7:30pm, Larry & Leah will close down the gym & turn off the lights so we can watch a series of rock climbing DVDs. Admission to the movie portion of the night is free for CM club members & $5 for non-members. New location! 1182 SE Centennial Ct, Bend Or 97701, 541-388-6764. New website!

Saturday, January 23, 2010, FREE Family Saturday at the High Desert Museum
Experience the nationally acclaimed Museum for free! Sponsored by Mid Oregon Credit Union. See our photos of the High Desert Museum. Wolves at the Museum!

January 26 to March 16, 2010, Learn How to Build a Wooden Kayak or Canoe with Greg Bridges
Learn how to build a fine wood/epoxy canoe using the strip-built technique. Students will work as a group to build a strip built kayak. Each class session includes hands-on demonstration and application of techniques. Building methods will transfer between kayaks, canoes, duck, and drift boats. Parents with children older than 12 are encouraged to sign up. Greg Bridges teaches the class through COCC. For More Information Contact: Greg Bridges (541) 771-2147 gregbridges@bendbroadband.com. Time: 6 pm to 9 pm. Location: Private Shop in Tumalo. Cost: $119 plus materials fee.

Thursday, January 28, 2010, COTA Meeting at the Environmental Center
Please come to our January monthly meeting because we've got a full platter of things to discuss. Chief among these is a COTA Calendar for the year. We already have a number of events, training sessions, meetings and work parties scheduled, with many more soon to be added as well. This is a great chance for you to decide your level of involvement for the year ahead, and also to sign up in advance for the many opportunities for trail work training. Another discussion we will be having this Thursday is aimed at finding a way to coordinate with the local Search and Rescue so there is improved access and response time in the case of trail emergencies. Any expertise you have to offer will be valuable.

Saturday, January 30, 2010, "Real Backcountry Survival Strategies", a presentation for Oregon 4H high school students by Robert Speik
The Oregon State University Extension Service Deschutes County 4-H Program has asked me again this year, to teach 4-H kids and parents about exactly how to "be prepared".
I think we will have a lot of fun. Again, everyone knows to BE PREPARED but exactly how do you do this? (See below on February 16, 2010 at the Library!)

MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2010

Friday, February 5, 2010, First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Bend
The streets of Bend fill with art patrons on the first Friday of every month as Downtown Bend and Old Mill District art galleries stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits. In addition, the First Friday experience also includes musical performances and refreshments at selected galleries. 5-9pm.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, TUG Meeting, USFS, Bend Ft-Rock Ranger District, Trail User Group Meeting
We will be meeting at Red Oaks Square at 6:30pm. (This is our 15th year representing Mountaineering as a human powered Member of this USFS Advisory Committee!)

February 12 to 28, 2010, Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC
See the complete Official Schedule and Results website!

Friday to Sunday. February 12 to 14, 2010, Bend WinterFest
"In addition to the ice carving exhibitions, fireworks, Mojo Music Eruption in the Festival Center, children’s activities at Snowflake Village, the ever popular snowboard and ski rail jam and ice skating, Bend WinterFest will feature an expanded Winter Wine Walk, winter light show, a larger WinterFest Marketplace, and the exciting cross country ski sprint races. Bend WinterFest attracted more than 25,000 visitors in 2009, and we expect it to grow again in 2010. We attribute the growing attendance to the variety of activities. Bend WinterFest is a celebration of local art, culture and winter sports in our community and a fun, creative event for all to enjoy." For more information: http://www.bendwinterfest.com/ See our photos of a recent Winterfest in Bend, OR

Friday to Sunday, February 12 to 14, 2010, sale at Pine Mountain Sports
"You can save up to 40% off great outdoor gear and clothing. This is the first store-wide savings of the year and the best time to save big, in season. BTW, if you're a Club Card member, the sale starts Thursday."

Thursday to Tuesday, February 11 to 16, 2010, Winterfest Sale at Patagonia by Pandoras Backpack
"Winterfest Sale's underway + New for Spring now in the store. This is your chance to chop 30-50% off retail prices on select Patagonia products.* Pick up great gear for the snowy months ahead or take care of next year's holiday shopping while prices are low."

Sunday, February 14, 2010, Traditional Valentines Day!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, FREE "Real Backcountry Survival Strategies" 6 to 8 pm at the Bend Public Library
Everyone knows to "Be Prepared". Exactly how do you do this? Show and tell for Bend residents by Robert Speik

Everyone knows to "BE PREPARED" but exactly how do you do this? This is not a Survivalist talk. We will have some fun and learn some new stuff.
This FREE talk is offered at the Bend Public Library from 6pm. to 8pm., on a first come first served basis. Please do not call to reserve a place. Best for older teens and for adults who like to hike, hunt, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and explore in the backcountry. Print the flyer for a friend. (About 30 people attended last year and we all had a great time!)

February, 2010, a Display of the Ten Essential Systems at the Deschutes Public Library in downtown Bend
In a display case near the Information Desk on the second floor of the library, we have disgorged the Essential contents of a sunny weather winter day pack (near Mt. Bachelor) and added the right boots and snowshoes, the right shoes for light and fast spring crampons (Mt Adams), light poles and a modern ice axe, too. Check it out and pick up the latest Green Card that lists the Four Basic Responsibilities and the Ten Essential Systems for a friend.

Monday, February 22, 2010, Hiking the Great Divide with former USFS Ranger Jon Stewart at the Deschutes Public Library in downtown Bend
Jon Stewart retired from the USFS and has solo hiked many of the great trails and ways in the United States, Canada and Europe. This is a slide show and talk not to be missed! Watch for his presentation at REI in March.

Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27, 2010, Telluride Mountain Film Tour, at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend
Different films each night! $17.50 Advance; $20.00 Door, $30.00 advance for both nights!
Royal Robbins at the Tower for Deschutes Land Trust sponsored by Robert and Margaret Speik

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR WAY BACK IN UNEXPECTED BLOWING SNOW?

Saturday, February 27, 2010, 9 am to about noon,
"Staying found in the Backcountry with Map, Compass and GPS, together"
You just can’t “stay found” with GPS alone! You need the right map and a compass too. But how do you use them together, for a day hike, a backpack, a hunt or a mountain bike adventure? How do you find your way back when blowing snow has covered your tracks. How do you actually use that GPS anyway?

We will talk about USGS Quad maps ($7) and affordable TOPO map computer programs ($99), that help you print your own small maps. Free Forest Service maps at Trail Heads have UTM Grid lines and give you important locations in UTM NAD27 coordinates. How do you use these maps and grids? If you do not have the right map, you will be unable to use it with your GPS!

We will talk about how to use a simple base plate Compass, not to just point to North, but to plot a bearing back to car or camp using the compass on the map as a simple protractor. If you do not adjust for declination, you will be off 1,472 feet in each mile!

A simple Garmin eTrex H GPS ($99) is just as accurate as a GPS costing $750. There are just five basic pages needed to find your way, to find a location on the map and to plot the way back along trails, traces and contours. Those participants who have a GPS will learn how to use these pages. Do you need a SPOT? If your selected GPS Datum does not match your map, waypoints may be off as much as 600 feet!

Handouts include an eleven page printed summary. Then, with a five page workbook, we will work in pairs and threes on drills and real life situations. We provide the right maps; you can use your own compass and GPS or try ours.

Cost per student is $35.00, benefiting the not-for-profit website www.TraditionalMountaineering.org. Ask about couples discounts, scholarships, etc.

In fairness to all, you must Reserve a place!
For more information and to hold a place, email info@traditionalmountaineering.org or call Robert Speik at 541.385.0445. See the Flyer - decide to print it for a friend.
See photos of USFS Volunteer Training. See photos of a recent class!

MONTH OF MARCH 2010

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR WAY BACK IN UNEXPECTED BLOWING SNOW?

Any Saturday, 9 to 11 am or so, or any evening, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, my place or yours near downtown Bend Oregon
Class size is limited to from 2 to 5 participants. Put together your own group!
"Staying found in the Backcountry with Map, Compass and GPS, together"
You just can’t “stay found” with GPS alone! You need the right map and a compass too. But how do you use them together, for a day hike, a backpack, a hunt or a mountain bike adventure? How do you find your way back when blowing snow has covered your tracks. How do you actually use that GPS anyway?

We will talk about USGS Quad maps ($7) and affordable TOPO map computer programs ($99), that help you print your own small maps. Free Forest Service maps at Trail Heads have UTM Grid lines and give you important locations in UTM NAD27 coordinates. How do you use these maps and grids? If you do not have the right map, you will be unable to use it with your GPS!

We will talk about how to use a simple base plate Compass, not to just point to North, but to plot a bearing back to car or camp using the compass on the map as a simple protractor. If you do not adjust for declination, you will be off 1,472 feet in each mile!

A simple Garmin eTrex H GPS ($99) is just as accurate as a GPS costing $750. There are just five basic pages needed to find your way, to find a location on the map and to plot the way back along trails, traces and contours. Those participants who have a GPS will learn how to use these pages. Do you need a SPOT? If your selected GPS Datum does not match your map, waypoints may be off as much as 600 feet!

Handouts include an eleven page printed summary. Then, with a five page workbook, we will work in pairs and threes on drills and real life situations. We provide the right maps; you can use your own compass and GPS or try ours.
Cost per student is $25.00, benefiting the not-for-profit website www.TraditionalMountaineering.org. Ask about couples discounts, scholarships, etc.
In fairness to all, you must Reserve a place!
For more information and to hold a place, email info@traditionalmountaineering.org or call Robert Speik at 541.385.0445. See the Flyer - decide to print it for a friend.
See photos of USFS Volunteer Training. See photos of a recent class!

Friday, March 5, 2010, First Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Bend
The streets of Bend fill with art patrons on the first Friday of every month as Downtown Bend and Old Mill District art galleries stay open late with receptions for guest artists and special presentations of new exhibits. In addition, the First Friday experience also includes musical performances and refreshments at selected galleries.

Friday, March 5, 2010, 7 pm, Backcountry Film Festival at McMenamins
The first 40 people to purchase tickets will receive a BPA-free Camelback water bottle! Admission is only $5.00 and tickets can be purchased at the door. Come early to secure your seats as seating is limited and last year's festival did sell out. Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win cool prizes from Nau, Ruff Wear, Osprey, Pizza Mondo, Kebaba, Pine Mountain Sports, Fleet Feet, and Thump. Check out www.backcountryfilmfestival.com for details on the festival.

Friday, March 5, 2010, 7 pm, "Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life by Arlene Blum. Free Slide Lecture and Book Signing at 7:00 pm at Pinckney Auditorium at COCC
Arlene Blum has played a groundbreaking role in women’s mountaineering. Best known for leading the first American— and all-women’s— ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains, Blum also led the first women’s team up Mt. McKinley; was the first American woman to attempt Mt. Everest; and has played a leading role in more than 20 mountain expeditions worldwide. She made the first traverse of the Great Himalaya Range of Bhutan, Nepal and India and hiked the length of the European Alps with her baby daughter on her back! Check here for more:
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/News_Hood_SpaceClimb.htm; http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/News_ArleneBlum.htm; See the Flyer and print it for a friend.

Friday through Sunday, March 5 to 7, 2010, First Annual Bachelor Butte Dog Derby, including a 160 mile Sled Dog Race!
"The Bachelor Butte Dog Derby is a return to racing sled dogs in the Cascade mountains near Bend/Sunriver/Crescent, Oregon. The event is a trophy race scheduled for March 5-7, 2010 at Wanoga sno-park. This is an opportunity to experience the splendor of the the Cascades and contest one's dog team on world class terrain. The courses will be challenging and the classes offered somewhat nostalgic.

The short course is a 4.25 mile loop that features some climbing; tight, downhill turns, a mile long straight-away, and a dramatic otter slide hill into the finish at Wanoga. This will be a 5-dog maximum for sprint teams and a separate 2-dog skijor event.

The middle distance course is 22.5 miles of beautifully groomed trails and promises to be different...this is to be an open class event! Mushers can start with as few as six swifts in tow and hook-up as many as they can safely control. As teams depart Wanoga sno-park they will climb the otter slide that is trail #4 and climb for about 4 miles. At trail #25 the teams will descend for 6 miles through junctions and tree tunnels and circumnavigate Wanoga Butte. The return is a climb up trail #25 and 4 miles of mostly downhill to the finish.

The distance course is 175 miles and guarantees ample challenge to mushers and their teams. With the right weather mushers will enjoy views of Bachelor and the Cascades from every angle. The course follows the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from Mt. Bachelor to Crescent sno-park where mushers will spend a mandatory six hours plus differential. Along the way there will be switchbacks, a tour through the high country and Triangle Buttes, and inbound and outbound summits of Kwolh Butte. Additional checkpoints will include Edison sno-park and Elk Lake Resort. The idea of this race is to encourage mushers to make a transition to distance dog driving. And while the course is not short on challenge the rewards are sure to be great." See our photos of the recent Atta Boy Sled Dog Race
See our photos of the 2010 BBDD

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, TUG Meeting, USFS, Bend Ft-Rock Ranger District, Trail User Group Meeting
We will be meeting at Red Oaks Square at 6:00pm. (This is our 15th year representing Mountaineering as a human powered Member of this USFS Advisory Committee!)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 6 pm, Continental Divide Hiking Stories at REI in the Old Mill District
The Continental Divide Trail traces the Rockies from Mexico to Canada. Join Jon Stewart, avid hiker and explorer for a fascinating presentation about his adventure hiking the Continental Divide Trail.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, The Paleo Lands: Exploring ancient seas and volcanoes of the John Day Basin with Ellen Morris Bishop for the Sierra Club at the Environmental Center
"Just north of the High Desert, Oregon's John Day Basin reveals an extraordinary history of Oregon's first shorelines, volcanoes and life--if only you know where to look. How do fossils and rock formations tell the stories of these ancient landscapes? And where do we find them? What information do they provide that is relevant to us today? Ellen Morris Bishop will talk about places to explore this heritage, as well as how the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute is bringing it to life. Dr. Bishop will also touch on climate change and paleo climates, and a favorite pastime, best hikes with dogs in Oregon. Ellen Morris Bishop, Ph.D. - Self-described geologist with a passion for photography, or some days photographer with a passion for geology, Dr. Ellen Morris Bishop is Programs Director of the Paleo Lands Institute, a teacher, author and explorer. Her books include In Search of Ancient Oregon, Hiking Oregon's Geology, and Best Hikes with Dogs, Oregon." Visit her website at www.ellenmorrisbishop.com. 6:30 social, 7:00 program;
Open to the public, $2 suggested donation.

Thursday to Sunday, March 11 to 14, 2010, Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show at Deschutes Fair and Expo Center
Check the website for ticket costs and discounts. Free parking! New and used RVs and boats. Camp cooking and free kids trout pond. Visit the Deschutes Search and Rescue Unit and ask about volunteer training!

Sunday, March 14, 2010, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Jim Jam at Silver Moon Brewing
"Hello friends of Jim Witty. Please save the date for the second annual Jim Jam to remember the late Jim Witty through music: What is Jim Jam? Jim Jam was organized to honor the spirit of Jim Witty and the music he loved. Jim Jam is a gathering of music lovers. Bring your instruments and voices. We'll play music that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you're a novice guitar player or a seasoned musician, ALL are encouraged to participate. Last year's event was unbelievably fun and Jim would have had a blast. Leave your inhibitions at home. Jim Jam is like singing songs around a campfire without the fire. Bring typed lyrics with chord progressions to share if you like." For more information, visit the book website at www.outings.webs.com and click on "Jim Jam"

Monday, March 15, 2010, 7 pm, The Continuum Project, a film of daring Alpine Climbing Ascents from around the world, at InClimb Gym
Cost $10 at the door. Learn more at www.alstrinfilms.com. Spectacular Alpine video!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 5:30 pm, St. Patty's Day Run at Cascade Lakes Brewery
Join the FootZone for a 3 mile festive run followed by a drink and/or food at Cascade Lakes Brewing. Bring all the Irish you got, wear your green, and start off your St Patrick's Day Eve with a little activity.

Sunday through Thursday, March 21 to 25, 2010, Wilderness Advanced First Aid with WMI of NOLS
Sponsor: Bend Park & Recreation District; Price: $310 - Tuition Only

Looking ahead with TS Weekly and Pam Stevenson

A New Calendar to Fill: A new year means a new itinerary for outdoor adventurers
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by Pam Stevenson

Every year at this time, I transition from the old one, chock full of a year’s worth of work and play, and begin anew with a fresh, blank At-A-Glance. First, I fill in birthdays, holidays, full moons and any big commitments I know about. Next, I write in my favorite events or perhaps new ones I’ve heard about and want to try.

Here are a few you might want to pencil into your 2010:
May 15: Pole Pedal Paddle: Wouldn’t miss it! www.mbsef.org

May 22: Reverse PPP: An undercover, informal gathering of anyone who wants to do the whole thing again... backwards!

July 17-18: Deschutes Dash: Two years ago, I did the Deschutes Dash. Last year, I switched over to the Pacific Crest Half Ironman. Pac Crest is an enormous festival run by AA Sports out of Portland and DD is a homegrown event put on by Fresh Air Sports. My vote goes to the locals for best Central Oregon Tri Weekend. There’s an Olympic distance race on Saturday and a sprint race on Sunday. www.freshairsports.com

July 24: Pioneer Cup: This canoe, kayak and stand-up race at Odell Lake is the best kept secret in Central Oregon. About 30 people show up each year for the six-mile paddle across the lake, followed by a BBQ. Race director John Milandin makes this a fun, low-key event, even when the algae blooms. If you’re interested, get on his e-mail list: johnjanet_milandin@msn.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 15-17: Bend’s Big Fat Tour- Complete all of the “epic” miles on your mountain bike and earn a highly coveted “No Whiners” patch. www.bendsbigfattour.org

December 9-12: Cyclocross Nationals: Wow, was that fun or what?! I’ll be there next year for sure, maybe on a new Salsa Chili con Crosso with knobby tubulars. www.visitbend.com

http://www.tsweekly.com/outside/outdoor-recreation/a-new-calendar-to-fill-a-new-year-means-a-new-itinerary-for-outdoor-adventurers.html

WARNING - *DISCLAIMER!*
Mountain climbing has inherent dangers that can in part, be mitigated!

Calendar 2010