Memphis Mountaineers. Based in the Memphis, Tennessee area, the Memphis Mountaineers promote mountaineering sports among Mid-Southerners. They provide various types of mountaineering activities, the opportunity to meet climbing partners, and climbing instruction. The membership is informed of club activities through the monthly Memphis Mountain News. The club meets at the Highland Branch of the Memphis Public Library on the second Monday of every month from seven to nine P.M.

In 1986, informative programs on climbing areas as diverse as Ireland and Colorado supplemented club business at the monthly meetings. Other activities included social events, such as the annual Christmas party, and physical training sessions on backyard climbing gymnastic equipment. Nineteen weekend outings provided rock climbing from North Carolina to Missouri. A longer Thanksgiving climbing trip went to Enchanted Rock, Texas. In addition to running a large introduction to rock climbing seminar at Pinnacle Mountain, Arkansas, experienced club members also instructed courses at Memphis State University for recreation students and Park Ranger trainees.

Six members participated in the 1986 expedition to southern Arizona in March. Noteable ascents included the southeast arête of Baboquivari, and the first ascent of an unnamed spire at Cochise’s Stronghold. Paul Diefenderfer, president of the Arizona Mountaineering Club, was most helpful in planning this trip. Another small expedition, to Zion National Park, Utah, is slated for March, 1987.

Membership in 1986 included 42 regular members (local) and associate members (from as far away as Hong Kong). Officers included Jim Detterline (president), Scott Hall (vice president), Richard Bennett (secretary), Cynthia McKinnon (treasurer), Rick Guerrieri (Baboquivari expedition leader), and Larry Mallory (Zion expedition leader). For more information, write: Memphis Mountaineers, Inc., P.O. Box 11124, Memphis, TN 38111.

Jim Detterline, President