Mt. Baldy (10,064′) November 20, 2009

When in Southern California giving multimedia presentations I usually like to get outside during the daytime.  One tradition has been to hike Mt. Baldy.  Anybody can come who is in shape for a casual hike to the top of this 10,064′ peak and who can take a day off from work to join us.  The groups are always fun and usually have a mix of a few new people along with the usual suspects.  I always meet at 6am so there’s plenty of time to get up and down the mountain by early afternoon so I can drive off in the direction of my next slideshow, which in this case was at the Tarzana location of Adventure 16.  A great time was had by all.  Here are a few pictures.  The rest are here:  http://kurtwedbergphotography.com/Southern-California/Mt-Baldy/Mt-Baldy-November-20-2009/10398560_z85TW/1/720261895_QfcDG

The group ready to hikeat 6:15 AM.

The Baldy Bowl in morning light from San Antonion Falls Rd.

Ava giving it a go on "No Hands Rock".

Summit photo on a clear day. The thermometer read 40 degrees. With the Wind chill factor it was a few degrees colder than that.

Starting the descent. Visible in the distance on the skyline is San Gorgonio (left) and San Jacinto (right).

Africa Slideshows are a huge success!

Kurt has been in Southern California this week giving multimedia presentations about our always popular trips to Africa where we combine a climb of Kilimanjaro with a game viewing safari.  The presentations have been taking place at Adventure 16 stores and are sponsored by Icebreaker.  Monday was at the Oceanside location, Tuesday at Solana Beach, and last night was in San Diego.  The shows will wrap up with the West LA location tonight and Tarzana on Friday night.  Shows begin at 7pm.  Turnout has been great with 115 people attending last nights show!

Kilimanjaro, the world's largest free standing mountain. It is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,340' (5895m) and the only place one can pass through five temperate zones in five days starting in a jungle and ending in an alpine environment.

Mature male lion in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Icebreaker rep and long time friend Tim Richards (left) with Kurt and Tim's wife Paula. They provided a happy hour of snacks and refreshments for attendees of the show plus $20 coupons for Icebreaker apparrel.

The crowd at the San Diego Adventure 16 store Wednesday night November 18. 115 people were in attendance.

Kurt introducing his presentation to the audience before the lights went down.

2010 Dates Scheduled!

Our calendar is set for upcoming winter programs at SMI!  Check our web site for our winter offerings including:

Avalanche courses

Ice Climbing

Snow Travel

Mountaineering Skills Seminars

Mt. Whitney climbs

We also have trips planned to Aconcagua, Africa, and Mexico’s Volcanoes for next year with more trips in the works.  If there’s a trip on your “hit list” be sure to get in touch!

Analysing layers of snow in a specially dug pit during an avalanche cours

On a tour during the last of our 3-day Level 1 Avalanche Course

Learning techniques for climbing vertical ice at Lee Vining Canyo

Learning ice axe self arrest during a Snow Travel Course

Learning proper anchor placements in snow during an SMI Snow Travel Course

A happy group on the summit of Mt. Whitney during one of our winter/spring Mt. Whitney climbs