Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Mount Rainier National Park Announces the First of Several Fee Free Periods in 2011

Mount Rainier National Park Announces the First of Several Fee Free Periods
in 2011

Entrance fees will be waived at Mount Rainier National Park and all other
national parks on a total of 17 days this year.  The first of these fee
free periods will be January 15 through 17 in celebration of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day.

Other fee free periods in 2011 will be April 16 through 24 (National Park
Week), June 21 (the first day of summer), September 24 (National Public
Lands Day), and November 11-13 (Veteran's Day Weekend).  Fee free days
serve to encourage Americans to visit and appreciate their national parks.

The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center will be open over the upcoming holiday
weekend, as well as the snowplay area at Paradise.  Guided snowshoe walks
will be conducted on all three days.  The National Park Inn and General
Store at Longmire will also be open offering food service, lodging, gifts,
and snacks.  Tire chairs are also available for sale.

Visitors are reminded that tire chains must be carried in all vehicles,
including those with four-wheel drive, when traveling in the park during
winter months and may be required at any time, depending on road
conditions.

For updated recorded information, call 360-569-2211 or visit the park’s web
page at www.nps.gov/mora

Recommendations for 2011 Workshops.

You are one of the great aspects of our workshops.  Your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity feeds into the buzz that keeps us going all day long, all week long.  This energy is at its best when students of similar capabilities get collaborating.  For this reason we have provided a recommended flowchart.  We will not require portfolio reviews for acceptance, but keep the recommendations in mind when choosing a workshop. (If you don't like flowcharts, shoot me an email to discuss programs)
We know that every class will have a range of experience, knowledge, and tastes.  Your unique vision contributes to the class.  If you have any question about choosing the best class for you, please contact us.  Click on the image below to enlarge!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Winter Recreation Activities Begin at Mount Rainier National Park

Winter Recreation Activities Begin at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces that the
Paradise snowplay area will open for the season, Saturday, December 18.
Snowshoe walks led by Park Rangers will also begin on that date.

Snowplay - Sledding and Sliding
The snowplay area is immediately north of the upper parking lot at
Paradise. Sliding and sledding in the park is permitted ONLY in this
designated area.  Snowplay runs are supervised daily by Park Rangers from
December 18 through January 2, then on weekends and holidays from January 8
through March 27. Visitors may use the sled runs when the area is not
staffed, but the runs are not groomed during the week. For current snowplay
status, contact the Longmire Museum at 360-569-2211 ext. 3314 (9:00 a.m. –
4:30 p.m. daily).

Because of the high potential for personal injury and frequency of
accidents, no other park areas are
open to sliding activities.  Serious injuries have occurred when people
mistakenly slid over waterfalls, into trees, down slopes that were too
steep, broke through thin snow into stream gorges, or slammed into other
people.  Skiing and snowboarding are permitted in other areas, outside of
the snowplay area.

For your enjoyment and safety, these few guidelines apply:
  Use only inner tubes, plastic sleds, saucers, or other soft sliding
     devices. No wooden toboggans, runner sleds with metal edges, or other
     hard devices are permitted.
  Compressed air is available at the rock restroom tunnel across the plaza
     from the new Jackson Visitor Center when snowplay rangers are
     present.
  Be sure the run is clear before starting your slide. Collisions may
     cause serious injury.
  Dress warmly and in layers with a wicking fabric such as wool or
     polypropylene next to the skin and a waterproof outer layer. Wear
     hats, gloves, and snow-sealed boots. Do not wear lightweight blue
     jeans and t-shirts. They get wet easily and will not keep you warm.
  Rest, re-warm, and snack frequently to help keep you comfortable and
     alert. Take a warm-up break at the Jackson Visitor Center before
     feet, hands, noses, or ears feel numb. Food service is available from
     11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. when the visitor center is open.
  The snowplay area is usually closed by 4:30 p.m. nightly.
  Check 1610 on your car radio while in the park, for updates on current
     road conditions.

Snowshoe Walks
Join a Park Ranger to learn the art of snowshoeing in the winter wonderland
of Paradise and learn about the ecology of the area.  During the holiday
break, the guided walks will be offered daily December 18 through January
2.  From January 8 through March 27 the walks will be conducted on weekends
and holidays only. The walks are offered at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on a
first-come, first-served basis.  Sign up at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor
Center information desk at Paradise beginning one hour before the start
time.                               ……..



Organized groups of 13-25 people may reserve a snowshoe walk in advance.
Group snowshoe walks begin at 10:30 a.m.  For more information or to make a
group reservation, call (360) 569-2211, ext. 3314.

Snowshoe walks cover approximately 1.5 miles and last up to 2 hours.
Snowshoes are provided, or visitors may use their own.  A donation of $4
per person is asked to help defray the cost of snowshoe maintenance.
Snowshoeing is a moderately strenuous activity, and participants must be at
least 8 years old.  Remember to wear sturdy boots and dress in layers.

Educational Snowshoe Walks for School Groups
Curriculum-based snowshoe education walks are available at no charge to
school groups on weekdays through the park’s Education Program. These
programs are tailored to meet the teacher’s identified learning objectives.
Contact Fawn Bauer at (360) 569-6037 for more information or to schedule
your field trip.

Please check the Mount Rainier National Park website at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/forteachers/index.htm for more information about
field trips and teacher workshops.

Facility Hours
The Longmire Museum (360-569-2211, extension 3314) is open daily from 9:00
a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center (360-569-2211,
extension 6036) is open from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. during holiday
break (December 18 through January 2) and on weekends and holidays through
March 27.

Visitors are reminded that roads in the park may be closed at any time due
to hazardous conditions.  When driving on park roads, please use caution as
the roads are icy, narrow, and steep.  Carry chains at all times and pay
attention to changing conditions.  General park information is available at
www.nps.gov/mora or by calling 360-569-2211.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Driving Times, Mount Rainier National Park.

When visiting Mount Rainier National Park this summer, expect a few delays for road repairs on SR 123  and SR 410.  Delays shouldn't exceed 20 minutes.
One way driving times without delays are as follows:
  • Longmire to Paradise  ~25 minutes, 12 miles.
  • Paradise to Ohanapecosh via Stevens Canyon ~45 minutes, 23 miles.
  • Ohanapecosh to White River/SR410 Junction ~30 minutes, 17 miles.
  • White River/SR410 Junction to Sunrise ~45 minutes, 14 miles.
  • White River/SR410 Junction to Carbon River via Enumclaw ~ 2 hours, 60 miles.
  • Longmire to Carbon River via Eatonville/Orting ~2.5 hours, 80 miles.
  • Longmire to Mowich Lake via Eatonville/Orting ~3 hours, 89 miles.
This information was provide by MRNP!

Have a great time in the park this summer.
Adam

Late July clouds are awesome!

The clouds have been great this past week.  This was shot from the lookout above town.  This is a huge 33 Megapixel image.  I am going to need a bigger printer!  It is available for purchase at AdamAngel.com

Adam

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Huge Gallery Updates!

Some days ARE better than others.  Some days are just cleaning.  Some are running errands for materials.  Some are spent just imagining how to do a unique, special, and affordable renovation to the gallery.  On occasion there is a great sense of accomplishment and reward.  I used to think that climbing mountains taught you patience.  Boy was I wrong!  LIFE teaches you patience.

Today we finished the new steps, and the new (sustainably harvested) African mahogany doors arrived.  The large one (without the frame) is 4' X 8'.  Now that's a door.  The steps are made from solid 4" X 12" lumber and are anchored directly to the outside of the vault wall.  I'd bet in 1920, they never planned on that happening!!

Pictured on the steps is Brad Klein.  Brad is where the Ideas meet Reality.  Thanks for the doors Steve Caskey.  After seeing these doors in real life, I hope that the rest of the renovation match their quality.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Kilimanjaro by Moonlight.

Kilimanjaro by Moonlight from Karanga Camp, Kilimanjaro National Park.  June 2010.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Kilimanjaro and African Safari with International Mountain Guides, June 2010.

Another great Kilimanjaro climb and African safari wraps up with great success.  All 12 climbers to the top!  The climb always exceeds expectations, and the challenges forge lifelong friendships in short time.  Congratulations to Art, Ann, Colston, and Anna Edgerton;  Rob and Meredith Elgar; John and Christina Porter; Elizah Mclaughlin, Shannon Smith and Donna Wise.  Thank you to all of the local porters and guides who helped us stay healthy and strong on our way to the summit.  It takes a special group of people to pull off such a feat!

Work hard then play hard.  After the climb we safaried in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.  We stayed at some "off the beaten path" camps and lodges this time, which I think were some of the best lodging experiences I've had on 11 safaris.  Good living and good friends all the way.  Can't wait to go back next year!

Adam Angel, IMG Guide.


Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Mount Rainier Updates, Sunrise and Mowich Lake.

SUNRISE AREA UPDATE:

Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga advises that
Sunrise facilities will be opening on July 2 as planned however, due to
water system issues caused by the cool, late spring, some visitor services
may be limited over the Fourth of July weekend.

Sunrise Ranger Station which is located on the ground floor of the Sunrise
Day Lodge, will open on Friday, July 2. The Ranger Station will be used as
the main visitor contact point this season while the Sunrise Visitor Center
undergoes installation of new exhibits and other renovations.  The
renovation project, which is funded by the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is scheduled to be completed by late August.  The
Ranger Station will provide visitor information and sales items as well as
Ranger programs.

Concession facilities in Sunrise Lodge will open on Saturday, July 3 and
provide gift sales and limited pre-packaged food service.  Once the water
issue is resolved, normal food service will be available to visitors.

MOWICH LAKE UPDATE:

Due to continued cool temperatures and lingering snowpack, opening of the
Mowich Lake road is being delayed until July 9 (noon).  Much snow still
remains at the lake and campground and the road into the lake is extremely
wet and soft.

NOTE:  Visitors are reminded that a great deal of snow remains on the
ground at the higher elevations of the park (6-8’ at Paradise and Sunrise)
and trails remain snow covered.  Lower elevation trails are relatively snow
free.  Check at the nearest visitor center or ranger station for current
information or visit the Mount Rainier web page at www.nps.gov/mora and
click on the Hiking and Climbing Quicklink for specific trail reports.

                                  -NPS-

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The best time of Year for an East African Safari, Tanzania.

Just returned from another fabulous expedition to Kilimanjaro and Serengeti.  I've compiled the below chart to help you decide when and where to go when you decide go on Safari.  This list includes Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Mahale as well as two categories for Serengeti.
Please click on the image to view it full size.