All Full!

The dogsled trip is full! Wow! We are going to have a fabulous time. Registration remains open but for that waiting list only. Thank you for your prompt action!

Dog Sledding at Menogyn

Wilderness Dog Sledding

Menogyn offers dog sledding as part of our winter family camp or group retreats. Come up to camp for a long weekend, stay in our heated cabins, and spend the days outside, skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, dog sledding.

We have about 20 dogs that live at Menogyn from late December until early March. Many have run and finished races like the Beargrease and the Iditarod. They are some of the best-trained and well-mannered dogs in the country and love to share their role in fun, outdoor living.

Our dogs are taken care of by two mushers and two trail staff members who live and work at camp all winter. Our staff will train you on how to interact with the dogs, teach you about sled dog history, safe mushing, and take you out on a run. You'll even have the opportunity to mush your own sled if you desire.

Most groups spend 3+ nights with us in order to have a couple full days of activities. Contact Maureen (Mo) Martin at 763-230-9310 or by email for more details. [back to top]

.. a far off land, a nice story

The 12th Annual Climb Smart event was held on October 23-25 at the world-famous Joshua Tree National Park, California. The event is the largest gathering of the Southern California climbing community and is a great chance for everyone to come together, learn and climb in one of the most beautiful climbing areas in California. Black Diamond athlete Brittany Griffith attended the event and sent us the following report and photos.

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Huddled under shade provided by the Black Diamond event tent was a motley crew of typical Climb Smart attendees. There was a marine, a retired high-powered executive, a high school sophomore, an auto mechanic, a video game designer, an office manager just like the one in the movie Office Space, a beauty school student and an aspiring guide. The conversation had effortlessly moved from how we first started climbing to our first concert, the responses reflected the multiple generations represented.

“Billy Squire and Def Leppard when I was in the 8th grade” I admitted
“Jefferson Airplane in the park!” Bill proudly stated
“New Kids On The Block!” one of them admitted and we all shrieked with laughter at this one.

We had all momentarily forgotten about the two people in my afternoon Moving On Stone clinic who weren’t hiding in the shade. Dawn from San Diego dangled on toprope, midway up a 5.6 crack. Stephen, from Yucaipa (which I ignorantly thought was in Washington state), diligently belayed the stranger, enduring the scorching sun. His shoulders were nearly as red as his gym shorts. (Thanks to Stephen for the photos in this report, too!) I patiently, for the fifth time, told her to jam her left foot, smear the right and stand up. The wall was in the direct afternoon desert sun and I honestly doubted that I would have been able to tolerate 10 feet of the climb if I had to. But she was determined. This young woman was in the morning’s “Climbing for Women” clinic that I gave and had attempted the very same crack and fared just as dreadfully. She approached me after the clinic was over and asked, with sweet sincerity, “Do you think I could be a good climber even though I’m kinda big?” I smiled at her frankness. “Of course you can” I answered simply, and honestly.

Now here Dawn was, back at it, but still struggling—and now with a dozen other people watching from 15 feet away. Without a hint of self-consciousness, her helmet askew and her tawny complexion shining with sweat, she quietly grunted and groveled at the end of the taunt toprope, struggling with the 5.6 crux. Eventually, she did jam her left foot, smear the right and stand up. She seemed stunned that the sequence worked.

Unfamiliar with climbing vernacular, she demurely asked her belayer, “Um, could you put me back down about ten feet?” Stephen seemed confused, but dutifully obeyed. She touched the smear with her right hand and pointed a finger at the jam with the other and murmured something under her breath. She then un-weighted the toprope and confidently executed the sequence.

“Yeeaaah sista! That’s called working your proj!” I screamed.

Dawn lowered, and as she untied, I watched her thoughtfully look back up at the crack. She obediently took her turn as a belayer, and then joined the crew in the shade.

“Okay you guys, we’ve got 20 more minutes left in the clinic, time for a couple more climbs.” I announced. No one seemed interested. They were fried from the heat. Dawn peeked over both shoulders and when it appeared that there were no takers, she meekly collected her shoes, strapped on her helmet and tied in. There was a collective, silent sigh from the group. “Oh boy, who is the sorry sap that’s going to have to belay in the blazing sun for the next 20 minutes.” Is what everyone must have been thinking. Inspired by her stoke, I grabbed my ATC and the other end of the rope.

“Alright! Time for the send!” I cheered.
“What’s send?” Dawn inquired.
“Do it! Climb it without falling or hanging on the rope!”
“Ah, yes, ‘send it’, okay” It seemed like she had already resolved to do just that, regardless of the terminology.
“You can get a good rest before and after the crux, so take advantage of it. You remember your sequence, don’t you?” I coached her like she was attempting a 5.13c.
“Ummm…” Dawn stammered. I thought I might have flustered her with my overly enthusiastic spaz out.

Then she slowly made her way up the crack, paused quickly at the crux and, with fire in her veins, she sent.

I couldn’t believe it. Shrieking like a diehard Raiders fan, I speed lowered her and then nearly knocked her over with a bear hug. I was so proud of her. The newly revived crowd of Climb-Smarters gathered around Dawn to congratulate her. It was like she had kicked the winning field goal in the Super Bowl.

There are dozens of grassroots climbing events out there. Trust me, I’ve been to dozens of them and I have to admit Climb Smart does not have the glitter and glam of most. It doesn’t have shirtless 5.14 superstars bouldering on plastic. There are no performances by bands from Austin, no Sumo wrestling or slacklining, and not a single free keg of beer from Fat Tire.

The 15th Annual Climb Smart 2009 was a lot like the past 15 Climb Smarts: semi-unorganized, brutally hot and attended by an eclectic collection of super motivated climbers. And you know what... I wouldn’t want it any other way.

— Brittany Griffith

Get on the BUS!

OK, Gals it is time to sign up. Spaces are limited! Your chance to breath fresh air in pristine winter wilderness is NOW. Well, ok, not exactly now, Jan 21-24
Here's the pitch! Just click the link to sign up.

This year we will journey up to YMCA Camp Menogyn with The God LovingOutdoor Women (GLOW) of Trinity Lutheran Church. We travel by coach bus, stay in cozy cabins and eat family style meals so we are rested and energized to revel in sparkling days of outside fun in God'sbeautiful wilderness. Registration begins Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. The cost is $240. $100 deposit reserves your spot. Call Lisa Banning Ender 651-762-9139 for encouragement or register online.

Anyone want to do this with me?

Register at REI for the Turkey Day 5K
11/1/2009 10:00 AM
Start your Thanksgiving feast with a healthy first course!

This festive holiday tradition starts with a morning fun run and walk for people of all ages.
Register at any local REI store now - November 25th and you'll receive an REI coupon!
The actual event is Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, 2009.

5K Run - 8:20 AM
5K Walk - 8:30 AM
Kids Carnival - 7:30 AM

Please note that runners with strollers, children and dogs must start with the walkers.

Register at REI and receive your race number, commemorative t-shirt and an REI 15% Off One Regular Price Item coupon.

The Life Time Fitness Foundation is encouraging all race participants and spectators to bring a non perishable food item to the race site to support Second Harvest Heartland.

There is also a fun Kids' Carnival. Kids' ages 3-8 years old will enjoy the Kids Carnival featuring fun fitness activities and games plus their very own indoor Turkey Day Kids K. This portion of the event runs from 7:30 AM - 10 AM and is located in the Target Center gym. Admission costs $5 per child and at least one parent/guardian must be registered for the Turkey Day 5K. Event morning registration only.

Childcare will be available for a limited number of children ages 6 - 36 months. No fee required for childcare.

Location:Target Center in Downtown Minneapolis, 600 1st Ave N
Contact:Peter Spencer 952.229.7330
Cost:Non Life Time Fitness Members $23, Lifetime Fitness Members $20, Kids 17 & under $15 - Price goes up for day of registration
Registration Required? Yes. Register in person at any local REI and you'll receive an REI coupon. You can also register online or via mail-in form.
http://www.lifetimefitness.com/events/turkey-day-5k/index.cfm
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1687773&assetId=ed5237d3-7173-4c77-a948-59f216947102

Cold?

Bloomington Clinics and Events
Marmot Presents Beth Rodden's Weather Transition Workshop
11/3/2009 7:00 PM

Join us for an inspiring presentation from Beth Rodden, world renowned climber, who will share her wisdom on dressing to be comfortable in colder weather conditions.

During her travels, world-class climber Beth Rodden has come to know how a woman's body can experience heat loss during ever-changing fall weather.

That's why you're invited to join her as she tells stories and shares an incredible slide show about her climbs, and how to dress best for fall weather.

After the presentation, Beth will walk you through the store to help you find the right clothing for your adventure.


* Location:REI Bloomington
* Contact:Customer Service 952-884-4315 x. 9
* Cost: Free
* Registration Required? No.

Dogsled 2010!

Pulling Together!

This year we will journey up to YMCA Camp Menogyn with The God LovingOutdoor Women (GLOW) of Trinity Lutheran Church. We travel by coachbus, stay in cozy cabins and eat family style meals so we are restedand energized to revel in sparkling days of outside fun in God'sbeautiful wilderness. Registration begins Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. You may choose your room upon registration. The cost is $240. $100 deposit reserves your spot. Call Lisa Banning Ender 651-762-9139 for encouragement or register online.

I Am Almost Old Enough, I Can't Wait!

I ran into some great Women on a recent canyoneering trip in Utah. Click here to go to the website of The Great Old Broads for Wilderness
At 49, I am old enough to be a Training Broad.
I think to a politician there could be no group more intimidating. and they can be pretty chatty after a couple of beers.

Sign our petition to Sen. Orrin Hatch letting him know that you support Great Old Broads for Wilderness' efforts to keep roadless areas roadless. Letting him know that we, of a certain age, don't want to be used as an excuse to punch roads into wilderness.

This looks like fun!

hope you'll join us for the Tour de St. Croix this Saturday! This is our 14th annual "conference on wheels" about land use and green space.
Join our fun and unique 26-mile bicycle ride to explore the beautiful St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
WHAT: Tour de St. Croix, Sierra Club's 14th Annual Land Use Conference on Wheels
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, Registration at 9:15 a.m.; Ride begins at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Starts and ends at Oak Park Elementary School, 6355 Osman Ave. N., Stillwater, MN
REGISTRATION: $25 ($30 day of) includes snacks, lunch, mechanical and vehicle support, Map and marked route, expert guest speakers, Tour de St. Croix t-shirt, and end-of-ride entertainment. $15 ($20 day of) without a t-shirt.
Click here to register now and save $5!
Route highlights include a leisurely ride through Oak Park Heights, Bayport, Lakeland, Afton and Lake St. Croix Beach; view bison at the Belwin Conservancy; explore a conservation development; and enjoy local food, music and zero waste!
Hope to see you Saturday!
Cheers,
Joshua HoudekLand Use and Transportation OrganizerSierra Club North Star Chapter612-659-9124 x307
P.S. Help spread the word! Please forward this message to 5 of your bike-riding friends.