To: mountaineers@iastate.edu From: "Amy Cline " Subject: ISU MCC Minutes Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2007 22:24:22 -0500 (CDT) Leader's Training Trip Location: Devil's Lake or Mississippi Palisade Cost: $30.00 Departure: Friday, October 12th between 5-7 pm Return: Sunday, October 14th (return time is unknown) Calling all people who would like to step up and learn how to lead. Brandon would like to take around 6 people this weekend to either Devils Lake or Mississippi Palisade to teach them how to set gear, top ropes, and practice climbing on them. If you would like to sign up please let Brandon know as soon as possible. Brandon can be reached by e-mail at bjroth@iastate.edu. Thanksgiving Trip!!! Location: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, AK Departure: Friday, November 16th between 5-7 pm Return: Wednesday, November 21st between 9-11 am If you were thinking about going on a climbing trip this fall, but haven't gone on one yet. This trip is the one for you! This Thanksgiving (only seven weeks away), the ISU MCC will be heading down to Arkansas to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. Have a great time climbing, hanging out with awesome people, and camping. Driving is minimal; only 8-9 hours get to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and the cost is reasonable, around $50-$60. Signup will be taken at a later meeting. Drivers Needed Anyone who is 20 years or older and would like to be certified in being able to drive an ISU vehicle please talk to our SCC Representative: Jeremy Strachan at isu0002@iastate.edu. Wall-Nut Creek Wednesday, October 10 7:00 - 9:00 pm Come climb with the club this Wednesday at Wall-Nut Creek from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Paid Club members get in for $3.00! Directions from the ISU Campus: Travel East on Lincoln Way, turn right at the intersection of University Blvd and Lincoln Way, travel south on University Blvd/530 Ave for roughly 6 miles (road will turn into gravel), turn right at Wall-Nut Creek (it is an old barn with a green light on it, a white house sits adjacent to it). If you hit pavement (east and west E57) again, you've gone too far. BBQ Thursday, October 11 6:00 - 7:00 Bob's Cell 207-752-4653 If you like meeting new people, eating food, and slack lining, join the club at the weekly BBQ at Brookside Park (weather permitting). Bring your meat and drink and Bob will bring condiments and charcoal. New people and friends welcome! You don't have to be a club member to join us for grilling! Climb with the Club Club climbing time at Lied is this Sunday from 7-9 pm Pack It Up and Head On Out This week Brandon and Jason began their series on backcountry trip planning. They talked about what is important for you to pack when getting ready for that next climbing, hiking or mountaineering trip. Important Packing Tips: ~Take time to make sure your pack fits to your body. You will feel the hurt after many hours of back packing with an unfitted pack. ~Synthetic vs. Down Synthetic is cheaper, continues to stay warm when it gets wet, but it is usually heavier and sometimes more bulky. Down is more expensive, and won't stay warm when it's wet, but they can compact really well and they are really light. ~Sleeping Pads are must! They come in foam ($20-40) and inflatable ($50-80). Sleeping pads keep your sleeping bag off the ground. AKA stay dry! ~ Pack too heavy to pick up? Try this technique: 1. Lift the bag to a 45 degree angle by the base of the straps 2. Lean bag on your leg 3. Bend at waist and grab the strap kitty corner to the arm you are using 4. Swing over shoulder with both hands ~Fuel bottles need to go at the bottom of your bag or in a plastic bag. A leak could be the deciding factor on if you have untainted food for dinner. ~Be a pal and distribute the group items weight evenly (fuel, stove, water filter, and food) ~When carrying gloves, carry two pairs liners. When one pair gets wet, place it inside your coat to let it dry, while you slip the other pair in your gloves. ~Have camp shoes if you can. It is nice to take off your hiking boots at the end of the day ~Half pads are good as a seat and as a medical item to prevent extra rubbing on your feet ~Invest in a head lamp. LEDS are the best and they don't cost a whole lot ($10-$60) ~It is better to snack throughout the day then eat 3 main meals a day. So, an easy tote container with a lid really helps. ~Always carry enough water. A person doesn't usually notice how much they sweat when they work out. That's why it's best to drink water frequently even if you don't feel thirsty to prevent dehydration. Camelbacks are great, but if you are hard on your equipment the bladders can pop. A minimum of two water bottles is recommended. ~Learn the technique of layering your clothing: For indoor rock climbing, clothing is simple: shorts, sweats, tights, anything that is easy to move in. Gyms are often cold, so a sweatshirt or fleece maybe too much. For longer traditional climbs layering is much more important. It is entirely possible to be caught in changeable, severe weather high on a climbing route. An hour of cold rain can turn into a pleasant outing and then into a survival epic. Choose synthetics for clothing on longer traditional climbs because they do not absorb water, are warm when wet, and dry quickly. Always have a rain parka (shell) and possibly rain pants, a hat, and an extra warm vest or fleece accessible in your pack if the forecast looks questionable. The most important rule to remember about clothing is: Have the ability to wear all of your 'layers' and make sure you can move around freely in them if you ever get into an extreme situation. Have a great weekend and remember safety first! Amy Carolina Cline