|
|
| SWS Mountain Guides Newsletter |
Summer 2009 | |
SWS Mountain Guides
210 East Lake St.
Mt. Shasta, CA. 96067
Professional Guiding since 1981
Questions Email us:
Book Reservations
Or just give us a call
888.797.6867 |
|
|
SWS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS
Everest Base Camp Trek - October 7-22, 2009 / $2,695.00.
SWS Mountain Guides is getting ready to take off to Nepal this October for a trek to Everest Base Camp. We still have a space or two for interested clients. Senior Guide James Brown and SWS owner Tim Keating will be going, so come join us on this fantastic trek. Give Tim a call at 303-887-8694. More Info
Cho Oyo Expedition -High Altitude Expedition Sept/Oct 2010 Cost: $16,950.00 More Info
The Mexico Volcano's Expedition is scheduled for November 6th-15th, 2009. Confirmed departure for our 11th expedition to the majestic volcano's of Mexico. The ascent of Pico Orizaba is a must for climbers who desire to climb over 18,000 ft. This expedition is a great introduction to High Altitude Mountaineering close to home. Come join us! Cost: $2,295.00 - 10 days More info
Machu Picchu Adventure Trip scheduled for April 15th-30th, 2010. Come join us for a South American Adventure from the heart of the Inca Empire to the remote and pristine habitats of the Amazon Jungle. Cost: $2,695.00 - 12 days More Info | |
|
Joshua Tree National Park for Thanksgiving
All levelswelcome in our all inclusive Rock Camp for Thanksgiving in Joshua Tree National Park. Each day we will have rock climbing clinics, hiking, fantastic meals including; breakfasts, dinners, and a Special Thanksgiving meal, evening campfires, sleeping tents, campsites, and more! Get away for the Thanksgiving Holiday and Join SWS Mountain Guides in Joshua Tree National Park! Reservations & Information Call: 888.797.6867 November 25-29, 2009 Cost: $795.00
Joshua Tree Rock Camp set for Early November!
Early November Rock Camp Basic & Advanced Climbers - More Info
November 9-13, 2009 $675.00
|
Tim Keating to Guide on Mt. Shasta -- A rare event INDEED!
SWS Mountain Guides founder Tim Keating will be teaching on Mt. Shasta this September 3rd-8th on our Mt. Shasta, 5 Day Ice and Snow Expedition Seminar. This extensive course was originally designed by Tim in 1986 to teach beginner mountaineers the techniques needed to climb glaciated mountains throughout the world. Five days will be spent on the North or East side of Mt. Shasta. The first three days will be spent in training both on and off the glacier, learning everything from the basics of ice axe and crampon use all the way up to crevasse rescue and ice climbing. On day 4 we put it all together with an ascent of Mt. Shasta via the Hotlum Glacier. And finally a half day of review before heading down to Mt. Shasta City for a good meal and a beer! Come join us..... September 3rd-8th, 2009. Cost is $825.00 More Info |
A Guide's Experience on Mt. Shasta by Brady Hoffman
The first time I set eyes on Mt. Shasta, I was speechless. I have seen the Rockies, the Appalachians, the Green Mountains, and for the last four years I had been exploring Utah's beautiful Wasatch and southern desert. Mount Shasta was to be my home for the summer, and a well needed change. I had my concerns, sleeping out of a truck, living paycheck to paycheck, and not knowing what is to come next. I figured what the hell, why not toss a curve ball at society. Screw their standards, so what if I had just graduated college, I don't need a masters right now and I don't need a 9-5 job. Screw em, I spent four years in school, and for now that is enough. Giving people a chance to climb a mountain normally an arm's reach away, sparked fire. There was something intriguing about the adventure it brought, the freedom. You never know who your clients are, what they are capable of, each one bringing their own deck of cards to the table, good or bad. The challenge in this, is to accept everyone's cards, dealing them just right to get them to the top. Sometimes clients don't get dealt the hand they want (the top). My thoughts are usually; welcome to mountaineering, you are now at the mountains mercy not your own. This isn't where a lawyer practices law, or a realtor brokers a deal. People are pushed outside of their bubble and into a world seen only in pictures and movies. Not only is unexpected, but sometimes feared. It should be respected and understood that it cannot be controlled, only mitigated. That is the adventure, the risk, the danger, the intrigue that continues to bring people back every year to climb Mt. Shasta. For me it was intriguing, a challenge. Now it is the beauty and joy I get from climbing the mountain with new people and the awe they experience every time. It is my job as a guide to safely take people from what they know into a world that they have only seen, never touched. It is a cool experience for everyone.
|
 Nuts & Bolts of Gear by JB With the yearly summer OR (Outdoor Retailer) show in the bag, gear nerds from around the country are abuzz with the products that are about to hit the shelves at your local gear shop. Though not a technophile myself, I did walk away with one product that I can now say I have a full on gear crush with: the 2.5L MSRŪ Reactor Pot. This is the larger version of the previous 1.7L pot that comes with the Reactor cook kit. This design surpasses the Jetboil ™ system as the pot and stove are intergrated into one heat exchange system giving it better protection from wind. MSRŪ claims that this stove is so efficient that it can not only boil water in 3 minutes but that it can boil up to 22L of water on a standard 227-g canister of fuel. The 2.5L pot is a must for climbing groups of 2 or more that want to cook faster and more efficiently at higher altitudes or in inclement conditions. CONS: The new pot must be used in conjunction with the reactor stove. REALLY??? Come on MSR give us a pot that I can use with one of the three MSR stoves I already have! Just the same it is a cool innovative design that will keep the snow melting and the coffee flowing. Gear tip: Ever find yourself in a wind storm with a tent that isn't so wind resistant? In the last five years of guiding I have lost 2 tents to unexpected wind storm, one of which the wind maxed out at 60+ mph! Don't lose your tent to high winds. Here is a simple trick to brace for an unexpected storm. First figure out where you need an extra guide wire. Then use a small pebble and push it against the inside of the tents rain-fly to create a ball of fabric. Now - using that extra cord you should always carry (you do RIGHT??) - girth hitch a guide wire around the ball of fabric and stake out your guide wire. Remember that this is just an emergency fix as you will likely inflict minor damage to your fly. The best method is to always carry the appropriate tent and set it up in natural wind barriers. Good luck and good climbing!
|
Pre-Book Mt. Whitney for Summer 2010 Due to increased restrictions on the Mt. Whitney drainage for July and August of 2010, SWS Mountain Guides is excepting pre-bookings for the 2010 summer season. For groups of 2 to 8 clients, a $200.00 deposit per person, is required to request a departure date which will be confirmed by December 2009. If your request cannot be filled we will refund your deposit(s). This is the time to plan your 2010 ascent of this fantastic peak! Give us a call for compete details, restrictions, and confirmation schedule! 888.797.6867.
2009 Mt. Whitney Departures still Available:
August 21-23, 2009 - 2 spaces available $695.00
September 10-12, 2009 - 4 spaces available $695.00
September 13-15, 2009 - 4 spaces available $695.00
September 16-18, 2009 - 6 spaces available $695.00
September 28-30, 2009 - 4 spaces available $695.00
Custom Trips for up to 6 persons - August!! $695.00
Give us a call... 888.797.6867 | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Save 15% |
SWS Mountain Guides Coupon
Pre-book your 2010 SWS Mountain Guides Courses, Climbs, Treks, Adventure Trips or Expeditions (except Summer Mt. Whitney departures) and SAVE 15%. Full payment is required for discount. Updated 2010 course dates and prices is NOW available at www.swsmountainguides.com |
| Offer Expires: October 1st, 2009 |
|
|