americasroof e-news 2nd Quarter 2002

6/17/02
Accidents
Injured Yosemite Climber Dies Following Helicopter Rescue Mishap
An injured Yosemite climber died after the hoist on the rescue litter snapped.

Criminal Investigation into Hood Accident
Authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the May 30 Hood accident. No criminal charges are planned.

3 Fatalities in Avalanche on Peru's Highest Point
An avalanche on 22,205-foot Huascaran killed three climbers.

Injured Rainier Climbers Wed in Hospital
Charles Grubbs and Melody Wyman who fell into a crevasse with their RMI guide/minister on their way to a planned Rainier wedding were married in the hospital.

Adventures
Giant Letterboxing Backcountry Scavenger Hunt
Hikers are logging onto letterboxing.org for a giant scavenger hunt similar (but different) to geocaching.

Environment
Owners of Ben Nevis Upset With Peakbagging Challenges
Brits are concerned that the challenges to climb the highpoints of Scotland, Wales and England within a 24-hour period is going to lead to a degradation of the peaks.

Parking Restrictions Plan for NH's Monadnock
New Hampshire is looking to restrict parking at the Monadnock trailheads.

Hazards
Lack of Snow Creates Major Dangers on Colorado Fourteeners
Lack of Snow Creates Major Dangers on Colorado 14'ers

Ozone Warning on Clingmans
The Smokies have had 8 ozone warnings so far this summer.

Fire Closes AT Near Lynchburg, VA
A fire closed a 10-mile section of the AT near Lunchburg, VA.

6/8/02
Accidents
Legendary Nevada Climber/Guide Falls to Death at Red Rocks
Legendary climber Randal Grandstaff fell at Red Rocks.

Appeal to Keep USAF From Pulling Helicopters From Hood
The USAF had already announced plans to pull its rescue helicopters out of the area before the accident. Now there is an attempt to get them to stay.

KTVU Interview with Tom Hillman on Accident and Highpointing Plans
A Highpointer Club member was among the Mount Hood fatalities and his companion (also a Club member) talks about the accident.

Climbing Fees Proposed for Hood
Various proposals are being considered to make mountain climbers pay for their climbs and rescues.

Hood Quota Issue Resurrected
Although the Mount Hood accident was not caused by overcrowding on the mountain, it is given further voice to the effort to impose the quotas. Some proposals would limit the South approach to 25/day (currently 250 climbers can be on the mountain). Vote in our poll.

2 More Rainier Fatalities; Wedding Couple & Minister in Fall
Two more fatalities have occurred on Mount Rainier bringing to five total in the week. In one non-fatal accident a man and woman and their going to the summit fell into a crevasse.

Seattle Article on Rainier Helicopter Rescues
Helicopters are normally the safest way for rescues. Ask Rainier's leader rescuer who lost companions when it was done the old way.

Woman & 10-Year-Old Rescued After Being Confused By North Flowing Rivers in WY/CO
A woman said she got lost for 5-days in the Encampment River Wilderness after she said she got confused by north flowing streams.

Access
Massachusetts Buys Mount Watatic Summit
Massachusetts has bought the summit of a north-central peak to prevent a cell phone tower from being built on it.

Adventures
Paraplegics Successful in 7-Day Shasta Climb
A group of paraplegics successfully summited Mount Shasta.

Blind Bicyclists Ride Natchez Trace to Helen Keller's House
A group of blind bicyclists rode more than 100 miles along the Natchez Trace to Helen Keller's house.

Highpointers Club
Send Cards to Jack Longacre
Highpointer Club founder Jack Longacre is in very poor health. Your cards will be much appreciated.

Birrer's Guide - Latest Highpointing Book
The Birrers have the latest climbing guide: Climbing Across America: A Family Guide to Highpointing the 50 States

Destinations
Seattle Article on Mount St. Helens Trails
The Seattle Post Intelligencer has an article on the Mount St. Helens trail options.

Fires
Philmont Fire
A 66,000 acre fire sweeping through northern New Mexico is forcing Philmont Scout Ranch to close the northern part of its reservation just as the camping season begins.

Trails
Washington's Most Endangered Trails
The Washington Trail Association has released its list of most endangered trails.

Websites
Article on MountainZone.Com History
The former owner of MountainZone.Com is back. It's not the multimillion dollar company it once was but they're trying to resurrect it. Read its history.

Niagra, Red, Nile, Yukon (North Flowing Rivers Page)
Check out this page of north-flowing rivers.

5/30/02

3 Suspected Rainier Fatalities on Liberty Ridge
Three people who had never climbed Rainier are feared lost on the treacherous Liberty Ridge approach.
59 Visit Rhode Island's Highest Point on Memorial Day
59 people visited Rhode Island's privately owned highpoint on a sanctioned visit over Memorial Day. 945 people have visited on sanctioned visits since they began in 1999.
Climber to Carry Dialysis Machine Up Mont Blanc
Tony Ward plans to carry a dialysis machine up Mont Blanc.
Climbing The Highpoint of Every Country in the World
Rod Baber who finished climbing the highpoints of all 47 European climbers in 2000 hopes to climb all the South American country highpoints this year and all the North American/Carribean highpoints next year.
Fatality During NY Group's Outing
A New York man with an organized was killed while off trail on Schunnemunk Mountain.
Hood Fatality on North Face
A snowboarder descending Hood was killed.
Name for Drainage Pattern on Cinder Cones (Geography Bee Winner)
Calvin McCarter, a homeschooled student from near Grand Rapids, Michigan, won the National Geography Bee Contest. Among the questions: what is the name for the drainage of cinder cones (radial)
Record Set Twice in Week for Oldest Male Climber (66) on Everest
Italian Mario Cunnis is the broke the record set earlier in the week to be the oldest person to climb Mount Everest.
Wheeler and Humphreys Peak Closed
The highpoints of New Mexico and Arizona are closed due to the extreme fire hazard.

5/22/02

$12.3 Million Repair of North America's Highest Waterfall (Yosemite Fall)
An extensive overhaul has begun at Yosemite Fall.

100-Year Floods 2 Years in A Row
The Appalachians are undergoing what locals say is the second "100 year flood" in a row.

3 of First 32 Summit Denali; First Accident of Season
There have been two accidents at Denali Pass. Of the first attempts of the season only three of 32 have been successful

63-Year-Old Japanese Woman Oldest to Summit
Tamae Watanabe has become the oldest woman to summit Everest.

Asheville Woman's Climb and 12th Visit Among Records As 54 Summit Everest on One Day
A record 54 people summited Everest on a nice May day.

Baxter Hikes Fees
Baxter Hikes Fees

Billy Graham's Climb
Billy Graham is using climbing as a metaphor for this Christian movie.

Chinook and Cayuse Passes Still Closed on Rainier
Heavy snows mean that two road passes to Mount Rainier will not be open by Memorial Day.

Golden Gate Bridge Consider $1 Hiker Fee
The Golden Gate Bridge is considering charging walkers $1to hike across.

Harney Benchmark
Rex Headd has a discussion and great photos of the true highpoint of Harney Peak, South Dakota (it's not quite the tower)

Highest Point of World's Newest Nation (East Timor)
Tatamailau is the highest point of the newest nation.

Hiker Talent Show and Parade Highlight of AT Days in Damascus
The Appalachian Trail Days were a big hit again this year in Damascus, Virginia.

Humphreys Closed
Most of Coconino National Forest including Humphreys Peak has been closed to hikers as fire precaution.

India-Pakistan's War Base at 20,700 Feet
Is a little known glacier at 20,700 feet worth fighting a nuclear war over? India and Pakistan might think so.

Naked Hiking Day June 21
It's a AT Hiking Tradition on the Summer Solstice. No clothes needed.

ND's Maah Daah Hey Trail Extension Proposed to Amidon
A proposal has been made to extend one of the most extreme bicycle trails to the Burning Coal Vein Campground in North Dakota.

One Third of the Way on 36,000 Mile Hike Around World
Karl Bushby has crossed into the U.S. after walking from the southern tip of South America. He is one third of his way to walking around the world.

Plans Proceed for $220 Million Resort at Smugglers Notch
Plans are proceeding to build a $220 Million resort at the former Mount Mansfield Trailhead at Smugglers Notch. The new trailhead will be down the road.

Proposed Mormon Wyoming Purchase Might Affect Devil's Tower Ownership
The Mormon's are hoping to buy Martin's Cove in Wyoming. Indian groups are watching the developments as it might strengthen their argument to take over Devil's Tower.

Rainier Painting Valued at $2.2 Million Goes on Auction
A painting of Mount Rainier by 19th century master Albert Bierstadt is up for auction in New York

Romance on Black Mesa
Black Mesa, Oklahoma advocates Allan Griggs and Marsha Butaud Griggs have gotten married.

Trail Proposal From Phoenix/Tucson to California
A proposal has been made to build a trail along the water canal that feeds Phoenix and Tucson.

USA Today on Winger Book
USA Today has article highlighted great places to get according to the latest Winger guidebook.

Washington Couple First to Complete 7 Summits Together
The Ershlers from Bellevue, Washington, are the first couple to complete all 7 summits.

Wild Sky Wilderness Proposed By Everett, WA
A proposed new wilderness area near Everett, Washington, is moving quietly forward.

Women's Everest Team Turns Back 285 ft from Summit
A team billing itself as the first women's team to climb Everest turned back just 285 feet from the summit. There have been some questions as to the claim as its guides were men.

7 Summits Forum (and Joke List)
Did you hear the one about the mountaineer? Check out the 7 summits jokes.

5/13/02

Are Highpointers Anoraks?
The Brits have a nickname for peaks -- anoraks.

Attempt to Paddle Record 30,000 Miles
Robert Carpenter is attempting to set a record for the longest continuous canoe journey.

Attempt to Walk Unaided to North Pole
Dave Mill is attempting to make a solo hike to the North Pole.

Book Review: Hidden Hikes in Western Washington
There's more places to hike in Western Washington than just Rainier. Read about it.

Carstensz Pyramid expeditions 2002
The 7summits.com is sponsoring a series of climbs of Carstensz Pyramid.

Clean up "Holiday" on North Africa's Highest Peak
A Brit group is attempting to have climbers pay to climb Mount Toubkal, Morocco's highest point, and in the process clean up the mountain.

Climbing "Higher Than Everest" in 9 Days to SF Bay Summits
In nine days it's possible to climber higher in the San Francisco area than Mount Everest.

Colorado Snow Leads to Earliest Opening of Highest Paved Road
Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park opened four days earlier than the previous earliest opening of May 11 set in 1963.

Connecticut State Forest Closes Trails Because of Woolly Adelgids
Trails in a state forest in eastern Connecticut have been closed because of damage to the hemlocks by insects.

Couple Seeks to Motorbike Record 25,000 Miles in 28 Days
Kevin and Julia Sanders are hoping to travel between 850 and 900 miles a day to set a world record.

Fire Closes Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico
A fire in Dalton Canyon near Santa Fe forced evacuations and closed the Pecos Wilderness. Wheeler is still open although Level 3 fire warnings are in effect.

First Hiker of AT Dies
Earl Shaffer, the first person to complete the AT has died at 83.

First Unguided Team with MS Heads for McKinley
The first unguided group with MS is climbing Mount McKinley

Freaky Highpoint Stories?
Have you run into strange hillbillies? Weird weather? Join our discussion

Highpoint of Spain Webpage
Check out this page devoted to the highest point in Spain.

Hiker Talent Show and Parade Highlight of AT Days in Damascus
A hiker parade and hiker talent show highlighted the latest AT Days in Damascus.

Intermittent Yosemite Half Dome Trail Closures
The trail to Yosemite's Half Dome will be closed off and on this summer for repairs. It will be open on weekends.

Japan Bans Cell Phone Towers to Protect Nikko National Park
Japan has banned cell phone towers in the vicinity of its Nikko National Park in order to keep hikers from ruining the atmosphere.

LA's Most Inaccessible Hike (the Hollywood Sign) Topic in Secession Battle
The Hollywood sign -- the most inaccessible hike in the city -- has become the topic of a battle over secession.

Mount Arvon Webpage
Check out the highest point in Michigan.

Mountaineers Criticize Completed North Pole Feat
Some mountain climbers are criticizing Khoo Swee Chiow's successful climb of the seven summits and most recently walk to the North Pole because he was assisted!

Mt. Fuji Information
Here's our tips on climbing Mount Fuji

New Swarm Quakes on Hood
Authorities are not concerned about a series of small earthquakes on Mount Hood.

NPS to Crack Down on Civil War Relic Pilfering on AT in Maryland
The National Park Service is cracking down on Civil War pilfering on the AT in Maryland.

Numerous Arsons on Mount Kenya
Arsonist are starting fire on Mount Kenya in hopes of everything from starting rain to hopes the government will turn over the land.

RV's Banned From Smokies Wal-Mart
A village in the Smokies have banned RV's from overnighting in their parking lot.

Smoke from Okefenokee Fire Blankets Southeast
A massive fire in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is blanketing the Southeast with smoke.

Wilderness Size of RI+DE Proposed for California
A proposal has been made to set aside 2.7 million acres in California as wilderness -- an area the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

"Rainier for the Rest of U
Mount Rainier Alpine Guides with its famous guides Eric Simonson and Paul Baugher offer a "more leisurely" 4-day climb of Rainier. But the price is twice that of RMI.

5/6/02

12 Polish Climbers Airlifted Off Mont Blanc
Twelve Polish climbers were airlifted off Mont Blanc after being caught in a huge snowstorm.

2 Fatalities on Everest and Makalu
Brit Peter Legate died when he fell into a crevasse while trying to scale Mount Everest. Raymond David ``R.D.'' Caughron from California was found frozen to death in an ice cave on Makalu by other climbers.

Actor Found Mountain Climbing Scenes More Interesting than Lovemaking Ones
Joseph Fiennes says his mountain climbing scenes were more interesting than his lovemaking scenes with Heather Graham in the upcoming movie "Killing Me Softly."

Alpine Ascents Guide Airlifted Off Alaska Mountain
An Alpine Ascents guide was airlifted off a Talkeetna Mountain after falling into a crevice.

Candidates for Oldest and Youngest 7 Summit Completers Together on Everest (NY Times)
The New York Times has an interview with Jeff Mathy who at 23 and Al Hanna who at 71 are attempting to become the youngest and oldest to climb the seven summits.

Climber on England's Highest Peak Saved in "Brain Surgery By Phone"
A climber was saved on Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, after surgeons used conducted "brain surgery by phone."

Climbing Gyms Expect Influx Following Release of Spiderman
Climbing gyms are expect an influx following the release of the movie Spider-Man.

Climbing Lower 48 In One Month (July)
Byron Ward is putting together a team to climb all lower 48 state highpoints in one month.

Court Rules in Favor of Saddle Road Relocation
A Hawaii court has ruled against hunters opposing the relocation of Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Homicide Suspected in Mount Lemmon, Arizona, Fatality
Tucson police are investigating a police homicide of a woman whose body was found near the Palisades Ranger Station on Mount Lemmon.

Killer Bees Kill Hiker in Namibia
A South African hiker was stung more than a thousand times by killer bees in Namibia.

Mt. St. Helens Advice
Read our discussion on climbing Mount St. Helens.

Nature Conservancy $67 Million Plans for MD/VA
The Nature Conservancy is buying up property in Maryland/Virginia from the mountains to the ocean. The first purchase is the Nassawango Creek wildlife area in eastern Maryland.

Schedule of June 1 National Trails Day
Check out the schedule for hike on National Trails Day.

Walking Up Mount Washington Barefoot, Blindfolded, Etc.
NH.Com has a profile the Highpointers Club and some of the eccentric folks who participate in the hobby incuding Alton Weegle who during a 14-hour stretch in 1950 drove, rode the railroad and hiked to the top of Mount Washington and then returned hike up barefoot and blindfolded. Then backwards. Then pushing a wheel barrel with 100 pounds of sugar.

$1 Million Grant for Wynnsfalls Trail in Baltimore
The State has given a $1 Million grant to build a 14-mile trail from the waterfront in Baltimore.

4/29/02

Bare Butts on Denali
Backpacker Magazine has a photo of the Moon Over Denali.

Bicyclist Rides Up Eiffel Tower in Record 19 Minutes
Hugues Richard rode his bicycle up the Eiffel Tower in a record 19 minutes.

Blowdown on Mount Guyot
Blowdowns in North Carolina have clogged the most popular route to the fourth highest peak in the Eastern U.S.

climb-utah.com assists in rescue
National Park Service rangers enlisted the help of climb-utah.com when they needed the site's "members only" directions to effect a rescue.

Climbing All Colorado Fourteeners 12 times
Jim Gehres has climbed all Colorado Fourteeners 12 times!

Commode Problems on Ben Nevis
British papers are noting that climbing Ben Nevis a dirty proposition since there are no commodes.

Extreme Points in Lower 48
Check out our list of the extreme locations in the Continental U.S.

First New Insect Order Since 1915 Discovered on Nambia's Highest Point
A new insect order has been discovered on Nambia highest point.

Hiker Injured On North-South Trail Near Jerimoth
A woman hiking Rhode Island's North-South Trail was hit by a motorcycle as she crossed Route 6.

Hikers Find Murdered Couple Near Sassafras
Hikers found a murder South Carolina couple in Nantahala National Forest near Sapphire, North Carolina.

Homeless Camping in Hawaii Parks
Is that beautiful Hawaii state park paradise? You may be camping next to the homeless.

Hong Kong Gives Monkeys Contraceptives to Keep Them From Attacking Hikers
The Chinese are trying to give contraceptives to monkeys in Hong Kong to halt an overpopulation of monkeys accused of attacking hikers.

Mayor Endorses Commercial Climbs of Brooklyn Bridge
Mayor Bloomberg has endorsed a proposal to permit commercial climbs of the Brooklyn Bridge similar to the Harbor Bridge in Sydney (which he has personally climbed).

New 25 Pin For Halfway Completers
The Highpointers Club has a new pin design for hikers who have summited 25 states.

Prosecutors: Blake Considered Offing Wife at Sequoia National Park
Prosecutors are charging that Robert Blake "checked out" Sequoia National Park as a possible place to stash his wife's body.

Rachel Carson 34-Mile Trail Challenge June 22 in Pennsylvania
Take the Rachel Carson 34-mile trail challenge in June in western Pennsylvania.

Story on Alan Burgess and "Super Alpinism" in the 1970s
Alan Burgess hero of "Super Alpinism in the 1970s is on the lecture circuit. "If it doesn't feed you when it hurts, don't do it."

Story on Repairing Pacific Crest Trail
The Cascades Newspaper has a profile of PCT Trail crews.

5.1 Earthquake in Adirondacks
A 5.1 earthquake near Mount Marcy shook the Northeast from the Maryland to Maine.

4/22/02

Brit Article Critical of Everest Corporate Reports
Tired of hearing the same old Everest reports about what groups had for breakfast and thanks to the corporate folks who made it all possible? Outside Magic is. Read their story.

Brits Looking for Walking Sticks to Climb Italy's 3 Highest Volcanoes
The Three Volcanoes Group is looking for donations of walking sticks as they plan to climb Italy's highest volcanoes.

First AT Solo Completer Inducted in Hall of Fame
William Penn High School has honored 83-year-old Earl Shaffer who was the first person to solo hike the Applachian Trail.

First Woman to Climb All New Hampshire 3000 Footers In Winter
Lyn Beadie becmae the first woman to climb all New Hampshire 3000 footers.. Ed Hawkins became the second person to have climbed each of the 48 NH Fours in each month of the year. These were among the highlight at an AMC 4000 footer awards ceremony.

Flooding as Melting Himalaya Glaciers Fill Lakes Faster Than Expected
A U.N. report has raised concern that Himalaya Lakes will flood as glaciers are melting faster than expected.

Ford Donates $70,000 To Study Cades Cove Traffic Snarls in GSMNP
Ford has donated money to review the travel flow at Cades Cove in the Smokies

Forests in the Southeast are being devastated by two very bad years of pine beetle infestation.
Forests in the Southeast are being devastated by two very bad years of pine beetle infestation.

Groups Look to Spruce Up Looking Glass Rock Access in NC
Climbing groups are working to improve access to Glass Rock in North Carolina.

Looking to Trade Gear?
Check out this site if you wish to trade gear.

Madgascar Spear Toting Natives Rescue Backpackers from Gun Toting Robbers
Two backpackers reported they were rescued from an armed robbery by spear toting natives in Isalo National Park.

McDonald's Opens in Lone Pine
A Mickey Dee's has opened in Lone Pine. Could the world be coming to an end?

Oldest Mountains in America?
What's the oldest mountain range in America? The Appalachians? The Adirondacks? The Wichitas? Read our discussion.

Pinnacle Peak Reopens to Public
Pinnacle Peak has reopened to the public in Arizona

Serial Murder on the Applachian Trail?
Police are investigating whether Darrell David Rice recently arrested in the 1996 murders of two women on AT in Shennendoah National Park may be tied to other murders in the area.

USFS Prepares Plan for Fees For All
The USFS working on one-pass fee system for national forests.

13 Climbers Rescued After 9 Days on Dominican Republic's Highest Point
Thirteen climbers attempting to climb the Dominican Republic's highest point got lost and spent nine days in the wilderness.

4/15/02

2 Fatalities in Attempt For First Skiing of Mount St. Elias
Two people died in an attempt to be the first skiiers on Mount St. Elias in Alaksa.

2002 American Alpine Club Grants for Small Climbing Expeditions
The American Alpine Club has announced its grants for small climbing expeditions.

2002 Forest Fire Season: Southwest and East in Extreme Danger
The USFS says the worst fires this year are likely to occur in the Southwest and East.

Access Fund Loses Appeal on Oregon Cave Climbing Ban
The Access Fund has lost an appeal to open Oregon Lava Caves to climbers.

Arrest in 1996 Murder of 2 Women on At in Shenandoah
Darrell David Rice was charged with a hate crime in the 1996 of two women in Shenandoah National Park.

ATC In Biggest Land Purchase Buys Land on Maine 4000 Footer Mount Abraham
The Appalachian Trail Conference in its biggest land purchase has purchased land off the AT on Mount Abraham in Maine.

Battle Over Lumpy Ridge in RMNP
Climbers and the Park Service are battling over a change in the trail to Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Boy Contracts Giardia (?) After Being "Forced" To Drink His Canteen at Aspen Airport
A Pennsylvania boy who says he was collecting Rocky Mountain water for a science project thinks he may have contracted giardia after being forced to drink his canteen at the Aspen airport.

Brit Article Critical of Motives of Everest "Garbage Hobbyists"
A Brit article has noted that cleaning up garbage on Mount Everest has become a catchy way to finance expeditions.

Chronic Wasting Disease Imperils Deer/Elk
The West has become very concerned as "Mad Elk Disease" is spreading. When the similar "Mad Cow" disease occurred in Britain, the entire backcountry was closed.

Climbers Spend Night on El Capitan After Dropping Hammers
Two climbers on the Iron Hawk approach to El Capitan spent the night after dropping their hammers.

Comet Ikeya-Zhang in Western Sky
There are all sorts of goings on in the Western sky after sundown. Five planets are aligned and there's a comet. Astronomers say one of the last times this configuration happened was in 2 BC.

Conference Center Ruled Too Big for Volcanic Risk Zone
A judge has ruled that the Conference Center near the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier is too close to a volcanic Risk Zone.

Flags Needed for Only 19 More States
The Highpointers Club needs 19 more states to complete its project to fly a flag over each highpoint.

Hawaii-Mauna Kea/Mauna Loa Hiking Info
Thinking of climbing from the ocean to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Check out our discussion.

Hiker Finds Fatal Plane Crash in NY's Shawangunk Mountains
A hiker in New York's Shawangunk's mountains found a fatal plane crash.

iclimb Self-Belaying Device
MIT students have created a device that permits climbers to self-belay.

Iowans Attempt First Ascent Attempt of McKinley East Face
Brian Block and teammate Joel Andersen from Iowa hope to be the first to climb Mount McKinley's East Face "Alpine Style" (carrying their own equipment).

Korea to Open Highest Point Mount Halla During World Cup
Korea is opening its highest point to hikers during the World Cup. The peak is normally closed to protect its ecology.

Mountain Bike Controversy in 70th Anniversary of Kinder Trespass
Brit walkers are upset over mountain bikers usurping the 70th anniversary of a mass trespass that has defined access to privately backcountry there.

Mt Rainier Code Name for New CD as Floppy Technology
Mount Rainier has been dubbed the code name for the technology to make CD's behave as floppies.

Nevada Highpoint April Fool's Joke
The Highpointers Club quarterly newsletter sent shivers down some spines when it proclaimed in an April Fools issue that the border between California and Nevada had changed and consequently Nevada had a new highpoint.

Rerouting of Potomac Heritage Trail
A section of the Potomac Heritage Trail is being rerouted to avoid traffic around Washington, DC.

Solo Arctic Trip Abandoned Following Frostbite
Mike Horn has abandoned his Arktos Expedition to be the first person to walk across the Arctic unaided.

Teenagers Plead Guilty in Dartmouth Professors Murders
Two teenagers have pled guilty in the murder of two popular Dartmouth teachers. The murder received massive publicity and one of the angles was that the teenagers were rock climbers.

Tree Sitter in Fatal Fall After Mount Hood Tree Was Saved
A tree sitter attempting to prevent on a Mount Hound Forest fell 150 feet to her death after the trees she was trying to protect were indeed protected.

Troll Crampon Recall
A recall has been issued for Troll Campons.

USFS Approves 20 Year Extension of Ocala Bombing Range
The USFS has approved a 20-year extension for the only boming range in the eastern U.S.

Worm Gruntin' Festival in Apalachicola National Forest in Florida
They're banging the pans in the Florida Panhandle to scare up worms.

askmen list of best state parks
Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas is the best state park according to askmen's list.

4/3/02

BBC Mountain Rescue Soap Opera Big Hit
A Brit t.v. show on mountain rescues -- Rockface -- is a big hit.

Brit Study: 1/2 of Women and 1/3 of Men Are Frightened in the Forest
The Forest of Dean in Britain has been cutting down trees after a study revealed that 1/2 of women and 1/3 of men are frightened of the forest.

Climbing Huayna Picchu Above Machu Picchu
It's one of the most photographed pinnacles -- the peak above Machu Picchu. It looks like a technical climb. But it's not. Read Alan Ritter's report.

GPS Outage List
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=3897&messageid=1017426159

Happy 90th Birthday Paul Zumwalt!
A party was held in Peroria celebrating the 90th birthday of Paul Zumwalt, author of the Fifty State Highpoint Guidebook.

Manhattan Highpoint Blocked Off
New York City has fenced off the highest point on Manhattan in an attempt to grow grass around the boulder.

Most Endangered Rivers
American Rivers has released its report on the most endangered rivers -- the Missouri is the worst.

Partial New Borah Route
A new route leads out of the parking lot up Borah.

Play About Jumping Off Famous Norweigian Cliff a Big Hit in Germany
A German play about a couple who met on the Internet and jumped off the famous Norweigian cliff Prekestolen is a big hit.

Ski Slope Warnings Vary (Dangerously?) from Resort to Resort
Read our discussion about ski trailing ratings which can vary widely from resort to resort. The "Green" "easier" trail does not necessarily equate with "beginner." This can pose potential major problems particularly for beginners.

Study: Climbers Destroy Cliff Ecosystems on Niagra Escarpment
A University of Guelph study shows that climbers are destroying the cliff ecosystems on the Niagra Escarpment.