A.A.C., Cascade Section. Forty-two consecutive days without rain in the Cascades during July and August coupled with a beautiful fall made for outstanding local climbing for the Cascade Section. As usual, our members compiled an impressive list of new routes and ascents in our local mountains and in other ranges of the world.

Our 1986 activities started with the annual banquet, attended by 150 members and guests. This nearly record crowd enjoyed Dr. Andy Embick’s presentation on climbing and kayaking in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Other programs in 1986 included Nick Clinch on the first ascent of Ulugh Muz- tagh in China, Jim Frush on Cho Oyu, and Mark Dale on Mount Foraker.

A very special activity that involved considerable Section resources and effort by our members was the Soviet visit in May. The 10-member Soviet team was given royal treatment while in Seattle: sailing, sightseeing, and shopping. The Mountaineers hosted a public showing of the team’s slides attended by nearly 200 people. Although the Section received no financial support from the Club for this activity, we hope to be able to continue to do this type of thing in the future.

Other Section activities centered around access problems associated with lowland rock-climbing areas in the state and volunteer trail maintenance projects. The Peshastin Pinnacles, a popular sandstone area near Leavenworth, was closed to climbers in August by the private landowners. The Cascade Section has been an active member of a committee of local clubs formed in an effort to re-open the area. For the first time the Section has adopted a trail, Mount Pugh, abandoned by the Forest Service. The Mount Pugh trail is a popular conditioner and viewpoint in the Central Cascades. Nearly 100 man-hours were spent in 1986 on its maintenance. The Section also spent nearly 200 man-hours and substantial financial resources on the construction of a cable crossing of Slesse Creek in the North Cascades. This ambitious project has long-term benefits for hikers and climbers in this popular area. Five newsletters were published in an effort to increase communications within the Section and with Club headquarters. The Section added 18 new members in 1986.

Our goals for 1987 are to continue our high level of communication within the Section; maintain our number of annual Section activities, both social and project-oriented; and to continue to solicit support from and improve our relationship with the national Club.

Donald J. Goodman, Chairman