Meeting

What do you do when you turn 50? Commit to a climbing project that includes all of the major Cascade Volcanoes, that's what. IMR member Scott Arnold has been chipping away at his goal for the last six years and he is looking forward to sharing his experience on Mt. Baker with you. In his presentation, Scott will offer a few of his pictures from the climb, provide route information, teach a few basic knots useful to mountaineers, and he will bring some of the gear that you might want to have on hand when you make your attempt on this Cascade giant.

Join a member of the 705 Backcountry Ski Patrol for an overview of avalanche risk assessment skills. Folks with prior trailing will appreciate the review. Skiers and snowshoers new to winter backcountry exploration will get a glimpse of the essentials and learn about local classes.

Time and location: 7 pm at the Trophy Room at the Idaho Fish and Game Headquarters, 600 South Walnut, Boise, Idaho, from 7-9 pm. Park behind the building (on the east side).

IMR member Earl Brace has hiked Death Valley every February for decades. Come hear his presentation on what keeps bringing him back each year to the lowest point in the continental USA: a land of extreme drought and heat with amazing contrasts created by vast drifts of wildflowers, hidden lush oases, and mining detritus left by early prospectors.

Time and location: 7 pm at the Trophy Room, Idaho Fish and Game Headquarters, 600 South Walnut Street, Boise, Idaho. Park at rear of building.

Travel the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland! Join IMR member Deb Rose as she presents her two-week self-guided backpacking experience on one of Switzerland's most famous hiking tours. The Walker's Haute Route covers 120+miles with 40,000' of ascent, 33,000' of descent, and passes as high as 9800'. It's a tough and spectacular walk through remote mountains and iconic Swiss villages. Deb will present the route and its scenery, tips on where to stay, and how to tailor the trip for different hiking abilities.

Every peak bagger in Idaho knows about our nine mountains above 12,000 feet in elevation (the 12ers). A number of folks have ascended them. Using a vehicle shuttle, in 2014 one team climbed each one in less than a day and a half. Last September Kelly Lance, an endurance trail runner from Pocatello, summited them all in one enormous self-propelled effort.

Our November meeting will be the ever popular Picture Potpourri. Trip leaders and participants will showcase pictures from various trips that were done since last November. Come and see what you missed out on (or enjoyed!) and glean advice and ideas for future trips.

Scott Marchant has published several well-researched hiking guidebooks and is excited to announce the completion of his newest: The Hiker's Guide McCall & Cascade (2nd Edition). The 240-page guidebook showcases 65 of the greatest walking adventures in the mountains near McCall, New Meadows, Cascade and Stolle Meadows. In the 2nd edition of the guidebook you will find twenty-one new hikes, different options for hikes found in the 1st edition, improved USGS-based maps and color photography.

Planning for one of the classic European hut journeys? Our speaker, IMR member Jim Pace, will use an example of his Haute Route trip last spring (Chamonix-Zermatt) to help you prepare for how these trips differ from North American hut ski trips, and how to use what you already know to enjoy your journey. Expect to hear how the classic routes compare and which might appeal to you. You can do this! Plan now, before winter.

Not a skier? Enjoy Jim's adventure vicariously and enjoy fabulous scenes of the Alps draped in snow.

A Boise premier showing! One-night-only! An exclusive, two-for-one special for Idaho Mountain Recreation from Ron Watters and Kathy Davy, authors and water adventurers:

#1: What's Not to Like About Idaho Paddling!

Sandy Epeldi - Boise native, outdoor enthusiast and guidebook author - has spent countless hours seeking out and enjoying adventures in his - and our - backyard. Join him for a peek at local rock climbing and bouldering opportunities. He will also have editions of his guidebooks available for purchase.