Newhalem

Hey, guys - sorry I haven't gotten around to posting anything yet, I've been busy the last week with school work, practice, and driver's ed.

As many of you know, the trail building project in Newhalem was last Saturday, and was a huge success. The team partnered with the Washington Trails Association, Wilderness Society, and Leave No Trace with the goal to repair a trail to one of the Newhalem climbing areas. Last December, only a few months after last years' trail building party, there was a pretty large rock slide that wiped out the previous trail leading to the main climbing area. Along with that, there was a nonnative plant (weed) called the "stinky bob;" figured to be brought to the area by someone stepping on the seeds from somewhere else and then walking through that trail.

From my point of view - even with only five hours of work - we did a great job. We were lucky enough to get rid of pretty much all the weed before it spread too much and before it had matured and seeded. Along with that, we made most of the trail. We moved tons (literally - in weight) of rocks, dirt, dead branches, scrub, etc. I really don't think it could have gotten any better.

Afterwards, a few of the team (well..everyone really) stuck around and climbed. Newhalem isn't really well known compared to Little Si or Leavenworth, but still has some killer lines. The area we climbed at was the most used of the areas and it still looked like it wasn't climbed on much. I'm definitely looking forward to going back, and I know some of the other team is, too.

Overall, I think it was a huge success. We had lots of fun and work hard at the same time. I honestly think that I few more team members could have showed up...but I thank those who did. Next year, if there is another opportunity to do something like this, I truly recommend it. Being able to help the climbing community for our time and future generations...so great!

Thanks everyone!