Simians. The fall of 1969 started with the usual introductory rock climbing sessions at Portland Arch, Indiana, and Devils Lake, Wisconsin. A number of enthusiastic beginners joined the ranks with the “old timers”, and 10 Simians spent Thanksgiving vacation in the Shawangunks. A program of instruction in ski-mountaineering led to a successful winter season in Colorado. Four climbers reached the top of Toll Mountain, and six climbed Mount Elbert during the Christmas holidays. The highlight trip of the winter was a ski ascent of Mount Sneffels on March 14 by Chuck Cooper, Laura Jasch, and Pete Zvengrowski during which the three mountain-starved midwesterners had five days to overcome the obstacles of a high peak plastered with heavy powder plus the 3000 miles of round-trip driving. Spring vacation found 17 members in the ’Gunks and Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. In June the club issued a guide book to Portland Arch climbing area. During the summer months members were active in the Colorado Rockies, the Big Horns, the Tetons, the Canadian Rockies, the Bugaboos, and Switzerland.

Peter Zvengrowski