Hello All, thanks to everyone who came out to our meeting last night. We were pleased to hear a guest talk from Mike Hermann, local cartographer and founder of Purple Lizard Maps. He talked about the process he goes through in choosing what areas to map, exhaustively searching for any existing maps of the area, researching in the field what trails and roads are accessible, and publishing it as a single, easy-to-use document. It was a fun talk for any outdoor enthusiast or map geek.

We are pleased to announce Knox Hammock, local whitewater kayaker, as a guest speaker at our next meeting on February 2/9 at 8 pm in 254 HHD. This guy can do some truly amazing things in a kayak, including paddling over 60+ feet waterfalls. Check out this highlite reel and get stoked!

UPCOMING TRIPS

Breezewood Tunnels – 2/6 – PSOC is venturing to explore a 13-mile section of abandoned PA Turnpike highway, which includes several tunnels through mountains. Email Nick Bermudez at nib5113@psu.edu to signup, though the trip is mostly full.

Chilly Springs – 2/13-14 – PSOC is officially returning to Cherry Springs, the site of many a cancelled trip. There, the deep rurality offers supreme nighttime sky-viewing. Email Ricky Waltz at  rww5344@psu.edu, this trip will provide a nice introduction to winter camping and is very beginner-friendly.

High Peaks in the ‘Dax – 2/19-21 – PSOC is sending a small crew to the Adirondacks for some advanced backpacking/beginner mountaineering. A group of 6 plans to summit Gothic’s Peak, Armstrong Mountain, and Upper Wolfjaw Mountain. This trip is full, but email Jake Cramer at jlc6274@psu.edu if interested.

Frostbite Climbing Competition – 2/27 – Pat Thornton is leading a group of PSOC climbers to this indoor bouldering competition at the Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg. They will also be practicing regularly at the local YMCA. Email him at pmt5086@psu.edu if interested in either opportunity, and be sure to join the PSOC Climbing Division facebook page.

Winter Backpacking 101 – 2/27-28 – Aaron Fleischmann is looking to show some beginner backpackers how to stay warm and happy in the cold local wilderness. Email him at ajf200@psu.edu to signup, he is especially in need of a co-leader.

Kayaking Pool Sessions – 2/24, 7:30-10:30 pm – If you’re looking to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking in safe, comfortable environment of the McCoy Natatorium, or are already an experienced paddler looking just to practice and play around, future pool sessions occur 2/24, 3/23, and 4/13 and cost $5 to attend. Email arv124@psu.edu to sign up.

Puerto Rico – 3/6-12 – PSOC is pleased to announce this 10-person spring break trip. There, we can camp on the beach, traverse rainforests, climb mountains, and immerse into a vibrant culture without leaving the US, all in one week. Email Nate Moorman at ndm5147@psu.edu if interested. Participants are responsible for the cost of airfare, restaurant meals, and spending money.

Red Moshannon Downriver Race – 3/26 – PSOC is planning to return, at long last, to this race we started way back in 1967. We will be competing for the glory and for the fun, and all experience levels are welcome. If you’d like to compete, send an email to Aaron Fleishman at ajf200@psu.edu and try to attend some of the upcoming pool sessions.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meru screening at Appalachian Outdoors – 2/5, 7 pm – Apphouse and The North Face present a free screening of this sundance-award winning documentary chronicling the first ascent of the Shark’s fin Route to Meru Peak in the Indian Himalays. If this incredible feat of climbing and mountaineering piques your interest, checkout http://www.merufilm.com/ to view the trailer.

Adventure Rec Gear-Sharing Deal Vote – 2/9 – At our next meeting, all attending members will be voting on whether or not to continue to the gear-sharing deal with adventure rec we have been enjoying this year. The proposal is that for $1500 of this year’s budget, we will be allowed unlimited rentals of group gear and personal gear for any PSOC member in the fall 2016-spring 2017 school year. Come out to the meeting to learn more and cast your vote!

2016 THON Dance Marathon – 2/19-21 – Outing Club THON has selected Taylor Bell and Emily Donahue to represent our organization in this year’s 46-hour dance marathon. Come on out to the BJC and join us in the stands to cheer them on as they dance for the kids and for a cure! We will soon be announcing a date to meet and make dancer mail for them.

Telemark Ski Lessons @ Tussey Mountain – Maddie Nyblade is interested in learning how to telemark ski downhill. Like a cross-country ski, this style of ski is fixed at the toe but allow free movement of your ankle, and offers a useful means of backcountry transportation both down and up hills. Email her at mln5165@psu.edu, she can provide a ride and has a set of size 8 women’s telemark boots and skis to loan out.

Winter Photo Contest – Now Open for entries! Want to show off some cool photos taken this winter? Enter online HERE or on Instagram with #psocwinterwonderland.

“Severe Weather” Talk – 2/29 – The RPTM society is hosting a National Weather Service speaker on severe weather, stay tuned for more details.

Logo Contest – ends 2/9 – This is the last week to vote on your favorite new PSOC logo. Please see the post pinned to the top of our Facebook Page for more info.

Casting for Family Survival on Discovery Channel – Think your family has what it takes to survive in the most remote places on earth? Ready to heroically battle the elements as you find water, forage for food, and build shelter? From the creators of the Emmy Nominated Discovery series “Naked and Afraid” comes a brand new survival show for families. Families will be clothed as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime to an international destination. They will work together conquering storms, starvation, predators and prey in their quest to survive. Participating family members must be 18 or older. Families can be compact and nuclear, blended and extended, and may include grandparents, parents, children, partners, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Email katy@metalflowersmedia.com if interested.