Archive: 2002 PCS Meetings	This Year's Meetings

South America has its "Seven Summits", whose undertaking is a very rewarding goal. See Paul's experiences and tips gathered from these climbs. See slides from two of these peaks: Aconcagua (Argentina), and Sajama (Bolivia).

February 2002

Program:	Sacred Mountains of China and Tibet -- by Dana Isherwood
When:	Tuesday, February 12, 2002 (8:00 PM)
Where:	Western Mountaineering  [map]

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of mountains in the world called "sacred".  Some are meant to be climbed to gain merit for a present or future life.  Others remain unclimbed in recognition of their special status.  Dana Isherwood will take us to China and Tibet to visit a few of her sacred mountains -- climbed and unclimbed.  We will visit Tibet's Mt. Kailas, called by some to be the most sacred mountain in the world, Emei Shan, the Buddhist Mountain of the West in China, and finally to the three sacred mountains of Yading, where tourism, religion, and mountaineering are in conflict -- or are they?

Thirty days in a trekking circumnavigation of the Khumbu region of Nepal featuring climbs of 4 passes over 15k, climbs of two 20k peaks, views of Everest and terrific weather the entire time.  The one show that shows it all:  Italian guides retching, Buddhist monks quoting foreign exchange rates, baring bodies and frozen laundry all in one technicolor presentation!  (ok, there's a few cool B&W slides too)  See the Nepal trip you wish you had been there to experience.  Or just heckle the photographer.  Either way, join us for yet another slide show of the world's greatest mountains.

A slide show on trekking in Bhutan with Landa on their recent honeymoon.

The slide show will consist of an attempt on the third highest mountain in Peru: Ausangate, and a subsequent trek into the Cordillera Vilcabamba finishing on the Inca Trail.

In July of 1999, I succumbed to the urgent call of the Alps since it would probably be my last summer living in Europe.  Unfortunately, no one I normally climbed with could go that year, so I accepted an offer to go with an acquaintance of an acquaintance...  With and without him, I had a great time, and climbed several Gaston Rebuffat classics, including Pyramide du Tacul, the South Face of L'Aiguille du Midi, Point Lachenal, and the Midi-Plan traverse.

In April this year, Arun Mahajan of the PCS went on a short trip to Peru.  Besides seeing the sights of Lima, Cousco and the Sacred Valley, he also hiked along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  He will be showing a few slides from this trip.

Ron Karpel will present slides from his recent climb of the Goulotte Chéré, a steep ice climb on Mont Blanc du Tacul in Chamonix.

This show is a combination of two different trips to the Rockies.  One was climbing in the Tetons, the other was mostly day hiking in Glacier.  Expect a few bonus shots from north of the border as well.

In addition to the program, the PCS Nomination Committee will be announced.

The show includes interesting scenes around Cusco and Machu Picchu too (you could still camp in the ruins back then!).

In addition to the program, the annual PCS election of officers will be held.  The Nominating Committee has selected the following slate of candidates.

The December meeting is our annual Christmas Party where we ignore the usual formalities of meetings and indulge in a potluck dinner and other wild, devil may care antics.  We'll have a slide show, where everyone is invited to bring about a dozen of their best shots.  Please bring something for the potluck either from the list below (using the first letter of your last name or the last letter of your first name).  Also, please bring your own utensils, drinking glasses, napkins or paper towels, and paper plates (or washable).

	A-F:	Main Course
	G-L:	Drinks
	M-R:	Desserts
	S-Z:	Snacks, Appetizers, Salads

However, if you have a really special dish you would like share with us that is outside your category, by all means bring it!

People should park in the back of the building and entrance to the party will also be through the back double doors.

Thanks to Stephane Mouradian for arranging the Caliper Cafeteria.