Alpine Skills Weekend (23-25 JAN)

Just a quick update of things I've thought of in talking with those who've expressed interest thus far: First, there is another prerequisite that I neglected to mention - all partcipants must be members of BOTH the mountaineering section and the PATC since this is an excursion beyond the PATC local area (the 4 states)

Also, I believe we'll need to have an off mountain day to let newer folks have a show & tell day for winter gear. I thought maybe early DEC so that if folks want or need to buy stuff they can get it on their list for Santa. Thoughts? **BTW, I'll bring all thre stuff I have but will also need some of you veterans to volunteer some of your gear and advice on this day. Thoughts? Graver


From: rgraver9106@hotmail.comTo: patc-ms@googlegroups.comSubject: [PATC-MS] Alpine Skills Weekend (23-25 JAN)Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:56:08 -0400
Hello all; Decided on dates for this. Here's the plan: THURS, 22 JAN: Fly to Manchester, drive to Pinkham Notch, and hike into the Harvard Cabin after work FRI, 23 JAN: Share & practice alpine skills in Huntington Ravine SAT, 24 JAN: Summit attempt via appropriate route(s) in either Huntington Ravine and/or Lion's Head SUN, 25 JAn: Review, rest, pack, head home Plan would be to , spend FRI & SAT tooling around Huntington Ravine and/or the Lion's Head Trail A list of things I thought we could practice are as follows (also open to other suggestions as well): 1- Winter gear (less is better but too little can be deadly) 2- Efficient Movement w crampons and ice axe (slow & steady wins the race BUT this is a lesson I never learned) - Fitting Crampons & Axe - French Technique - Front Point - Hybrid Technique - Self Arrest & Self Belay 3- Alpine Anchors & Belays 4- Moving as a Team 5- Avalanche Awareness WHAT I NEED: - Participants (must be members of BOTH the Mountaineering Section and the PATC to participate). - Some more experienced members to come along to also share their experience and techniques (same membership requirements as above) - Club ropes WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: - A reasonable fitness level (we will be oprating in a very demanding environment - the approach alone has been known to crush mere mortals)- All your personal winter climbing gear, comfort gear, food, and money (cash) to pay the caretaker for your stay at the Harvard Cabin (first come-first served and $15 per night inside or $10 per night to camp outside)- And most importantly a sense of humor and flexible agenda. Ultimately, the condition of the mountain will dictate what we do. I'm probably fogetting stuff but we can iron out those details as we go along between now and then. Lemme know who's in when when you can. Graver