|
| |
DATES UPDATED FOR 2010 (but lectures may move a
little).
Class Schedule and Lecture Topic descriptions
Here
is the most recent schedule.
January 12, CLASS #1
* Introduction to WBC, slide show outline of the
course, objectives and fees.
* Learn about the conditioning hikes we'll offer to get you ready.
* Ten Essentials
* Registration: if this looks like something you want to do, sign up and pay
(cost approximately $100 (cash/check) which includes a guidebook, compass, and
maps). Registration starts at 6:30, and continues during the break. You
can also register on the second night
* Backpacking on the cheap: Comparisons of what back packing stuff costs at
some different stores and catalog sources, current catalog handouts, and
effective begging techniques. And yes, it's true. It does not have to be made
from Gore-Tex to go into your pack. Some common every day items can be
transformed into real backpacking gear.
January 19, CLASS #2
* Explanation of student discounts at local
stores, and the swap table and book store.
* Equipment - Boots, Socks, and foot care. Discusses things to look for in
selecting a boot, and what tradeoffs you may make. Tricks to keep your feet
happy (everyone wants HAPPY FEET!).
* Equipment - Sleeping Bags and insulating pads: There is a huge range in bag
capabilities (and cost). This lecture tells you the differences so you can be
an informed consumer. Know your Hollofil from your Quallofil.
* Equipment - Backpacks: Internal frame or external, how big should it be, how
to tell if it's fitting YOU right (even if you're just renting).
* Mt. Woodson Evaluation Hike announcement.
January 23 or 24, Evaluation hike.
January 26, CLASS #3
* Map and Compass - Having a compass isn't
enough. This introduction to using a compass and map together will give you
the basics. Then, the outings will give you some real practice. (If the
leaders march you somewhere, then say, "Where are we?", don't panic. It's
probably just a test). BRING YOUR COMPASS!!
* Equipment - Tents. 3 season or 4 season. And what the heck is a 3 and 1/2
season. What to look for while shopping, and what to do once you've got it
home. Plus, the single most important tip of the entire course!! Want a hint?
STUFF IT!
* Equipment - Water filtration: Clean looking, running water is not
necessarily safe
to drink. Learn about mechanical filters and purifiers, chemical
methods, and boiling. You will probably be able to see several types of
filters in action on your outings.
* BRIEFING - DESERT CAR CAMP: meet your leaders for you first adventure.
January 30 - 31, Desert Car Camp
February 2, CLASS #4
* First Aid: A good basic overview, plus things of particular use to back
packers.
* Lightweight Backpacking: How to travel
ultra-light. No, not by whining about how heavy your pack is until your
partners agree to take some of your stuff for you (though this can work). See
how much things weigh, and how fifty 8-ounce things can add up to a lot
of extra weight. Tricks for shaving your pack weight down to a minimum, while
still packing safely.
* Equipment - Stoves. No other single piece of equipment causes more
discussions than the stove. Everyone will tell you why their stove is the
best, and, oh, by the way, here's what's wrong with your stove. Well forget
them and listen to me. The stove you should go out and buy is the Gaz Turbo
Bleuet 270 - about $30 plus another $5 for a fuel cartridge. It's tiny and
light, lights instantly, the flame can be regulated, and it's cheap. For what
you'd pay to rent a stove 4 times you can OWN a Turbo!. And it will work just
fine for all 4 outings.
February 9, CLASS #5
* Desert Travel - Learn from an authentic
"Desert Rat" ... Things to bring with you in your car to help you get unstuck,
and ways to stay alive until help comes in case you can't.
* Treking poles - learn how to walk, all over again.
* Weather: What you should worry about, and what you shouldn't. Learn how to
read the clouds.
* BRIEFING: DESERT BACK PACK - meet your leaders.
February 13 - 14, Desert Backpack
February 16, CLASS # 6
* Safety and Rescue: By completing this
course, you will be better trained than most of the people you encounter in
the wilderness. This lecture shows you what to do if you have an emergency
situation, and survive until you are found.
* Food - Some recipes and ideas for food to bring back packing.
Much of it is normal stuff from the grocery store, which is much cheaper than
freeze dried food. Plus, how do you pack it and cook it.
* Film: "Survival". Did you ever see "Blood Alley" in Driver's Ed.? Same
thing. Corny, but effective.
February 23, CLASS #7
* Mountain Travel.
* Wilderness Ethics - It is very important to not disturb the areas you'll
visit. This lecture discusses things that do hurt the environment, sometimes
without us even knowing we're doing so.
* BRIEFING - MOUNTAIN BACK PACK: meet your leaders.
February 27 - 28, Mountain Backpack
March 2, CLASS #8
* COL training announcement.
* Bear Bag Demo: Yes, with the right sized bag and the proper technique, you
can put pesky bears in bags so they don't disturb your food at night. This
lecture, however, shows you how to hang your food (and anything else that
smells, but not your tent mate) from a tree so that it will be there in the
morning.* COL training announcement. If you're
hooked on hiking, maybe you'd like to train to become a leader.
* Winter Gear: Snow Camp is fast approaching, and this lecture will give you a
taste of the beauty to be found in the mountains in Winter. You can also see
some really cool gear with spikes and stuff.
* Snow Camp: What to expect at Snow Camp.
* What to bring to the next meeting (Snow Camp equipment check).
March 9, CLASS #9
* COL training announcement.
* Film: "Land of One Season"
* Equipment Check - bring all your gear for Snow Camp and have it checked by
your leaders.
March 13 -14, Snow Camp (Mt. San Jacinto)
March 16, CLASS #10
* Sierra Club functions: learn about the
many different sections of the Sierra Club and what they do - Singles Section,
Conservation/Activism, Photography, Gay and Lesbian, Younger Sierrans, etc.
* Final Examination: Multiple choice questions.
Pass it and get a certificate, a patch, and walk softer and more confidently
in the woods. Oh yeah, cookies too.
March 23, CLASS #11 (optional)
* Come to the "eleventh class" to find out
what hikes people are planning for the summer, and get on their lists.
This class is optional, and not a requirement for graduation.
* This optional re-union takes place at the
Sierra Club's Foster Lodge, in the Laguna Mountains. There will be an
organized day hike or two, wander around on your own, or just lay around and
breathe clean air. Saturday night is a pot luck dinner, followed by a
ceremony honoring all of the year's graduates with a patch, certificate, and
embarrassing story. Slide shows follow. Sunday morning breakfast
is cooked to order by your leaders. Breakfast is free, but using the
lodge costs $10 even if you just stay on Saturday.
|
