Summer 2004 Trail Mix

The Mount Shasta Climb
- by Bill Colvin

We are a diverse group, representing the many facets and flavors of the Bay Area. We are men and women, tall and short, experienced and novice, strong of muscle and strong of heart. We have in common a commitment, a cause and a goal. We are here to support Bay Area Wilderness Training. By climbing Mt. Shasta and raising both awareness and funding, we hope to enable Bay Area youth in their exploration of the great outdoors. In the process, many of us are also discovering ourselves.

The Mt. Shasta group has formed gradually over the Spring and Summer. Long time members of the BAWT family have spread the word. Friends have talked to friends. Internet boards have announced our intent and encouraged commitment from others. The message of BAWT, of climbing, of being in the outdoors and experiencing things you've never encountered has resonated and been heard by a growing group that is now just five short weeks from a great adventure - climbing Mt. Shasta.

The climbers have been told of the challenges and rewards of such a trip. Altitude. Heavy packs. Plastic boots. Creative "facilities". Absolute silence and serenity. Sunrise on the glacier. A 360 degree, 100 mile view. Knowing you've accepted the challenge and reached your summit.

In preparation, the group has embarked on an ambitious training schedule. Hikes of gradually increasing difficulty have been completed every other week. The climbers have summitted Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, and two of the highest points on the peninsula. They've scrambled through scree the size of washing machines, danced through summer snow fields and protected their lunch from a balding, old Marmot to reach the top of Mt. Tallac at over 9700ft. Next they will tackle Pyramid Mountain and Mt. Lassen in a final test of their physical and mental strength.

In five weeks, a group that formed mere months ago, many having never heard of BAWT, never clipped into a rope or felt the bite of crampons on ice, will climb Mt. Shasta in the name of Bay Area Wilderness Training. They will have many miles of training behind them but more importantly, they will have the support of the BAWT community behind them. It is your support of their efforts and your support of BAWT that will perpetuate the spirit in which they climb. The spirit of exploring nature, discovering yourself and bonding with each other, whether you're 15 years old or 45, is at the heart of BAWT. These climbers know that and we hope our efforts allow as many people as possible to join us in the outdoors and come to know it themselves.

Bill Colvin is the lead volunteer coordinator for this year's Mt. Shasta climb, an avid backpacker and a terrific fundraiser. This is the second year climbing the mountain with BAWT.