Lithuanian-American Exchange. In August, a team of Lithuanian mountaineers arrived in the United States to climb in the Cascades, despite some last-minute complications in Moscow. They were Dainius Makauskas, Rimvydas Simutis, Vilius Saduikis, Keskutis Baleisis and Juazas Daugvila. While in the Northwest, they were generously hosted by various American friends and Lithuanian families. In the mountains they were accompanied by local climbers and second-generation Lithuanians. Despite unusually bad weather, they climbed the following summits: Cutthroat Peak by south buttress, Mount Rainier by Liberty Ridge, North Early Mountain Spire by northwest corner, Lexington Tower by east face, Snow Creek Wall by various routes, Ingalls Peak by south face, Mount Stuart by north ridge, Forbidden Peak by west ridge traverse and Mount Shuksan by north face. On September 10, the team departed for visits to Chicago, New York and Washington before returning home. The Lithuanians have invited an American team to climb in the Tien Shan Mountains of the USSR in August of 1990, two of the best known of which are Pik Pobedy and Khan Tengri. Climbers interested should contact me at 2226 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121. A spin-off from these activities is an invitation for Makauskas and Simutis to join Carlos Buhler and Michael Kennedy in their attempt this fall to climb the great east face of Dhaulagiri. It is a very exciting opportunity for Lithuanians to reach the summit of an 8000er. Contributions to make the trip possible may be sent to the Seattle Lithuanian Alpine Society, 2226 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121. For tax deductibility, make the check out to “American Mountain Foundation.”

Alex Bertulis