Sierra Club. In addition to the important conservation activity of the Sierra Club, climbing proceeded as usual. This year the numerous regular summer outings reached as far as Africa, where A1 Baxter led a successful trip to the Ruwenzori. Besides this ambitious trip, the other club outings produced several ascents of interest and many climbs of the old standbys in the Western mountain areas.

Private climbing trips, as always, completed the largest number of difficult climbs. Included among these were numerous spectacular rock ascents in Yosemite valley, several of which required a number of days to complete.

A renewed interest in winter ascents seems apparent as the highest Sierra summits are being attempted in January and February. The winter weather and heavy snowfall usually provide a rugged challenge. One problem that has always remained, however, is: when does the “winter” season begin or end? Conditions vary from year to year, and the calendar is not often the criterion of who made the first winter ascent. This is undoubtedly one of the questions that can best be argued in one’s tent during a High Sierra blizzard in November.

Richard C. Houston, Chairman, Mountaineering Committee