Go climb a mountain: InterMountain Alpine Club celebrates 60 years

By Pratik Joshi, Herald staff writer

Lee Daniel has spent a lifetime climbing and hiking mountains, and the retired research chemist's love for the outdoors remains undimmed by age.

Each trip out provides different sights and smells, even in familiar terrain, said Daniel, 84, of Richland, who is one of 29 charter members of the now 60-year-old InterMountain Alpine Club.

During a recent IMAC hike on Badger Mountain on a cold, blustery Sunday, he and his wife Eunice, also one of the club's original members, walked slowly but without sign of fatigue.

And once they reached the summit, their faces radiated with joy.

"It's exhilarating," said Eunice, flashing a smile.

And Lee, who first hiked on the mountain Feb. 13, 1949, said he always finds the familiar climb to be fun, and even more so when the outing turns out to be more challenging than initially expected.

The sun at different times of day can totally change perspective of the surroundings, he said. And on this outing, a light dusting of snow altered the familiar view one more time.

As the 23 IMAC members hiked, they were joined by mountain bikers dressed in skin-hugging Lycra and other hikers with dogs that ran back and forth across the trail. The shared sense of adventure made many forget the cold as they chatted while climbing.

Going on a hike is about endurance and the excitement of stumbling upon something you haven't experienced before, said club member Carol Gurwell, 65.

"New sights and smells. It's different every time," said the retired U.S. State Department employee.

Gurwell's first hike with the club was a 10-miler with her children on Mount Rainier in 1990. Now she's graduated to long-distance hikes with her husband Bill, a retired metallurgical engineer and a club member since 1976.

In 1996, the couple did a 900-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington and Oregon.

"It took us about two months," Bill said.

In 2003, he hiked about 1,900 miles in a single trek along the Appalachian Trail.

A few years ago, the Gurwells walked a 150-mile section of the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado, Bill said, and they have done shorter hikes lasting up to four days in New Zealand and South America. Bill also has used his hiking experience to design lightweight tents and rain gear, and is happy to share plans for those with anyone.

IMAC president Steve Wisness said the club helps people discover their potential. Once you do a daylong trip, you want to go backpacking for an extended period and soon you may want to go on a long-distance hike, he said.

The 55-year-old North Dakota native, who's lived in the Tri-Cities since 1979, says getting away from civilization and seeing nature in its pristine beauty is a great experience. And he and other club members want to spread that message to younger generations.

"I want my grandson to have the same experience," Wisness said, adding that the club is working to attract new blood.

If the Internet generation doesn't learn "to appreciate the beauty of our natural wealth, they'll lose it," Wisness said.

"The sustainability of our natural resources is at stake," he added.

IMAC now has more than 150 members, but their average age ranges from late 40s to early 50s, he said. Wisness said it's important to pass the baton.

The club began as a gathering place for those united by a passion for nature, and Daniel said that sentiment remains. But he said members' interests have evolved.

For example, interest in climbing and extended backpacking trips is declining, said Marilyn Young, club historian, who helps care for several scrapbooks that document the club's activities.

"Day trips are most popular," she said.

The club was formed in 1948 by Larry Upson, an Oregon native who worked at Hanford. It attracted other workers, mostly single, who came from different areas and were looking for adventure, said Young, whose husband John is also a charter member of IMAC.

The club was never limited to Hanford folks, it just happened to be centered in Richland, said Daniel, who along with John Young spoke at the club's annual banquet Feb. 3 marking IMAC's 60th anniversary. Most club members are from the Tri-Cities, but some come from as far as Othello, Pendleton and even Troutdale, Ore.

The club offers guidance and instruction, whether for rock climbing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, backpacking or hiking, Wisness said. Activities are ranked for difficulty level and the trip leader makes sure participants have the necessary training and experience, he said.

On most weekends, IMAC organizes outings that last a day or more. The club also organizes family-friendly hikes and mid-week hikes. There even are butterfly hikes led by a member who shares his knowledge of the beautiful insects.

Trips are restricted to about 15 people to reduce environmental impact, particularly in wilderness areas, Wisness said.

The club's monthly newsletter, The Yodeler, keeps members updated on coming events.

Lessons on wilderness first aid, use of map, compass and GPS, crevasse rescue and winter survival are offered for the uninitiated. The club also has rock shoes, helmets, tents and other climbing gear available for rent.

Newcomers start with easy conditioning hikes to build up their stamina, said Young, a club member since 1966. A long hike at higher altitude can be difficult without practice, she said.

But club members help out if someone gets tired or sick, she said. "We don't abandon anybody."

Contact imac: For more information about IMAC, visit www.imacnw.org or call Steve Wisness at 375-0161.

* Pratik Joshi: 509-582-1541; pjoshi@tricityherald.com

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Sunday, Feb. 08, 2009

Go climb a mountain: InterMountain Alpine Club celebrates 60 years

By Pratik Joshi, Herald staff writer