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Only in Oregon do you snowshoe with an umbrella...or could if you aren't an Oregonian and don't harbor a slight disdain for umbrellas--as many Oregonians are apt to do. Five students braved the decidedly un-winter-like temperatures (mid 40s) and drizzle for a walk in the woods at Government Camp Monday, the day before Finals Week. The O'Leary Family graciously opened their cabin to the group, providing pizza and hot chocolate after students learned about the fickle nature of snowshoe bindings and worked up an appetite over what ended up being a two to three mile trek. The event was free and the Outdoor Club provided most of the snowshoes. The snow was dirty and crunchy, an icy slop compared to the ideal--fresh, dry powder. Alas, the students enjoyed themselves despite the conditions and a bit of sledding was squeezed in as well.
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Four VCS freshman ventured forth to Smith Rock State Park this past weekend to brave November temps and test their novice rock climbing knowledge against 'Rope de Dope,' Smith's 40 ft. boulder block. "It's intense!" agree the foursome. Guided by Matt Spohn, a professional guide and climber from Stoneworks Climbing Gym in Beaverton, the students were joined by VCS Staff Ms. Gapp (Librarian) and Ms. Fellows (Library Assistant).
Arriving in late afternoon the group tackled a couple of routes and then headed for Skull Hollow Campground for ghost stories, burnt marshmallows, and pizza--after their Coleman stove refused to boil water for pasta. Swapping anecdotes around the campfire, students enjoyed the comraderie of a small group while alternately dodging the smoke monster and doing battle with the cold by squeezing HotHands warmers. The following morning brought a light skiff of snow...or chunky rain, depending on your perspective. Spohn led a hike over Misery Ridge for a view of the distant Marsupial Group, a basalt canyon, irrigation canal, and the much photographed Monkey Face, a free-standing 350 foot pillar with some of the most challenging climbing routes in the world. The afternoon provided another opportunity to tackle Rope de Dope and 'Shamu,' a 5.9 1 pitch sport route. Students had prepared for the trip by attending free climbing lessons (subsidized by Outdoor Club funds) conducted in the Eagle's Gym on campus (home to a modest climbing wall), and trips to the Stoneworks Climbing Gym. Safety precautions learned at the gym were implemented in the field, enhanced by the use of helmets. Students also practiced their knowledge of belaying, knot-tying, and wilderness ethics. The four student participants look forward to future outdoor club outings and encourage others to join them. Be sure to check out the VCS Outdoor Club's Flickr photostream, which includes photos from the trip. We are learning basic Rock Climbing skills this month:
Download/Print the Stoneworks Climbing gym waiver below in order to participate. All our hard work will culminate in an overnight trip to Smith Rock next month, November 12th and 13th (Friday and Saturday). Tue. Oct. 12 Rock Climbing Lesson 3:30pm Eagle’s Gym @ VCS Free! Class until 4:30pm Thu. Oct. 14 Bus to Stoneworks Climbing Gym. Meet in Library 3:30pm $6/$8 Return to VCS at aprox. 5:15pm Tue. Oct. 19th Rock Climbing Lesson 3:30pm Eagle’s Gym @ VCS Class until 4:30pm Thu. Oct. 21st to Stoneworks Climbing Gym. Meet in Library 3:30pm $6/$8 Return to VCS aprox. 5:15pm Tue. Oct. 26th 2:30pm Rock Climbing Eagle’s Gym @ VCS(different time due to Conferences) Class until 3:30pm Thu. Oct. 28th Bus to Stoneworks Climbing Gym. Meet in Library 3:30pm $6/$8 Return to VCS aprox. 5:15pm |
Outdoor Ed & Interpretation Blog"Now I see the making of the best persons, it is to grow in the open air and eat and sleep with the earth." Archives
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