| Kimi, Megan and Aaron Johnson are excited to announce a new member to their family. On May 22nd, 2007 Caitlin Rose Johnson was born in excellent health at 6 lbs. 11 oz. in Jackson, Amador County. Everybody is doing well and adjusting to new family rhythms at home in Bear Valley. Megan is excited to be a big sister and enjoying holding and soothing Caitlin. (larger photo) |
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Summer has arrived early in the High Sierra and everybody is busy doing something: mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, hiking and camping. The days are long and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities so treat yourself to a little time in Bear Valley this summer. You won't regret it!
BaseCamp Lodge Summer Rates
$45/single private room • $25/bunk
Special - 4 nights for the price of 3
Pets Welcome |
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Free Internet |
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A couple of years ago during a MAS guide training we practiced rope and anchor techniques to increase our safety and efficiency with clients. A comment by AMGA trainer, Mark Houston still sticks in my memory. "Walk perfectly" he encouraged. What seemed like simple and obvious advice at the time, has turned out to be something I remind myself to use everyday. |
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For example: When heading out to climb for the day I try to make every step flawless from car to car. During the approach I pay attention to my steps and anticipate the change of terrain and loose rocks. This also helps take my mind off the actual hiking. Then when I reach the climb and put on my rock shoes I already feel balanced and aware of my feet. And as we all know good footwork makes a world of difference while climbing (If this is news to you then contact MAS and let's spend a day at Lovers Leap). And last but not least, while descending I once again aim for "perfect steps", to help me get one step closer to arriving home safely.
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| MAS guide Tony Brown teamed up with Pat Wolfe (former MAS guide) and Hermes on May 17th to climb "The Nose" route on El Capitan in a single day. Things were going well until about half way when an injured climber above required a helicopter rescue (read more). After a 2 hour delay they continued until near the top when Hermes took a leader fall at the "Changing Corners" pitch and dislocated his shoulder. After reducing (aka - undislocating) the shoulder they continued up cautiously and reached the top without further incident. In the end the entire climb took them 17 hours! Good jobs guys, you certainly worked through some adversity that day. |
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| On June 9-10 a work party at Lovers Leap is being organized by Jay Wood (woodcraft11@yahoo.com) as a community project for a class he is taking. Sounds like the Lower Buttress trail system is the target work area and evenings are being reserved for socializing and guitar playing in the campground. For more information either email Jay or watch the Supertopo.com forum discussion. |
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