A.A.C., Sierra Nevada Section

Publication Year: 1982.

A.A.C., Sierra Nevada Section. The year’s activities began with a winter meeting at the home of Gus and Emily Benner in Berkeley. More than 100 members and guests enjoyed light refreshments and a slide presentation by Galen Rowell and Kim Schmitz of their Karakoram ski traverse. In March 40 members and guests met for ski touring and a chili dinner, provided by the Benners, at Grover Hot Springs in the Sierra. The spring meeting, held at the home of Richard and Lisa Hechtel, featured a program of Richard’s outstanding climbs in the Alps in the 1940’s and early 1950’s. In the fall 30 of our members gathered at a group campground in Yosemite Valley for a dinner organized by Gene and Betsy White. Various climbs and hikes were done there over the weekend. Also in the fall some 60 members met at Brock and Mary Wagstaff's home. Many brought three or four slides of their summer climbing activities which included Alaska, Canada, Peru, China, and many parts of the U.S.

The Section has been concerned with policy changes in the National Parks, especially those regarding the use of snowmobiles. Vern Muhr and others attended hearings on this problem. Betsy White and R. D. Caughron attended board meetings of the Club in Seattle and New York, keeping the Section in touch with national concerns.

The Section newsletter appeared twice. Interest and enthusiasm in the Section remain strong. Many members are active climbers, and those who have “retired” follow the exploits of others closely. The Section was proud to have one of its members, Leigh Ortenburger, selected to receive the first Sowles Award and another, Dick Leonard, elected to honorary membership.

Gene White, Chairman