KEEPING MY PROMISE

In my last blog, I introduced you to the Mazamas, the largest climbing club around, and promised to tell you more about the organization. So, here goes....

The Mazamas own their own brand-new clubhouse in S.E. Portland. It's staffed, so members and interested parties can telephone for information or just drop by. The facility contains a library containing several thousand books and videos on the outdoors, covering virtually any subject you wish to read about. Members can check out books and videos; my wife, who is a teacher, uses them for her school's Outdoor class.

Another building, this one so far from new that it's grandfathered into Mt. Hood Forest land and is impossible to duplicate, is owned by the club. It's the Mazama Lodge, located just outside of Government Camp at the final turnoff up the last few thousand feet to Timberline Lodge. It's very convenient for both downhill and cross-country skiers as well as to climbers and hikers who are Mazamas or Mazama guests.

The Mazama Lodge is an overnight facility, where for a nominal fee you can awaken the following morning just minutes away from spectacular outdoor activities, regardless of season. Live-in lodgekeepers who are excellent cooks will make you and your party a great dinner and a hearty climbers' breakfast, again for very nominal cost. There's a "great room" for just plain old relaxation, and lodge staff plans many fun events with dinners, movies, slide shows and other programs throughout the year.

You must be a member or be accompanied by a member to enjoy the amenities offered at either headquarters or the lodge.

The Mazamas work with Forest Rangers every year as volunteers in a Steward Program, mapping new trails, tending trails and cleaning up treefall and other debris to open trails in the spring, and many other activities. The club has members who lead Wildflower Identification Hikes for those interested in the Pacific Northwest's flora. Mazama members are offered discounts at ski shops, outdoor stores, boot outlets and in-city climbing wall shops.

Special activities are planned by an "Old Timers" group within the club. In addition to leading more than 100 climbs each year, Mazama members also lead backpacking and day outings across the PacNW. There are car camping adventures and in-city rambles. Mazamas also lead treks across the globe -- upcoming are adventures in Peru, the North Cascades, the White Cloud Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula and in Turkey.

Every Wednesday evening at Mazama headquarters there's a slide show or movie about exotic places and happenings narrated by an expert. Upcoming topics include "Southwest Explorations in Utah and Technical Canyoneering," "Classic Yosemite Valley Climbs," "Hiking in Europe: From Greece to the Pyrenees and Norway, A Thousand Miles of Hiking," and "Classic Hikes Near Portland and on the Pacific Crest Trail."

So check it out, and remember that The Fulton House is located only about 2-1/2 miles from Mazamas Portland headquarters, and about 1-1/2 hours from the Mazama Lodge. If you want to visit either facility or learn more about the club, plan on staying with us. Your hosts, John and Wendy, are both Mazamas for many years and we have climbed numerous Oregon and Washington peaks. We are also avid backpackers who have trekked hundreds and hundreds of miles on various trails in the PacNW. We'd be happy to share some of our experiences with you while sitting on our patio enjoying a glass of wine.

By the way, The Fulton House is not too far -- only about 10 minutes -- from R.E.I. where, for a very reasonable charge, you can rent ice axes, crampons and slings for your climb, or backpacks, daypacks, stoves and most gear for backpacking.