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I thought climbers might be interested in this list of post-recreation eateries around the state. Hikers and other recreationists contribute millions of dollars to local economies in the Cascades and Olympics, and it's important that these establishments know you support them. FEEDING THE FAMISHED HIKER Hiking group doles out “Hungry Hikers” awards to the state’s most loved post-hike eateries SEATTLE – Most avid hikers are familiar with a scene such as this: you're on the third night of a backpacking trip deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and you're starting to get a hankering for something besides freeze-dried food. Suddenly the milkshake and onion ring daydreams start, and there is no turning back. “It's one of my favorite hiking pastimes...imagining all the great grub I’m going to chow on once I’m back in civilization,” said Andrew Engelson, editor of Washington Trails magazine and author of the online hiking blog The Signpost. “Burgers, double cheese pizza, maybe some chile rellenos washed down with a margarita. And of course, maple bars and apple fritters.” The May 2006 issue of Washington Trails magazine is dedicated to tasty backcountry trail food, and among the features is WTA's 2006 Hungry Hikers awards, honoring the most loved post-hike eateries around the state. This award list recognizes the 43 best restaurants, diners, drive-ins, bakeries, and espresso stands close to hiking trails where Washington state’s most avid hikers love to eat and relax after a day or even a week of hiking. “We encourage hikers unfamiliar with these eateries to check them out, and if you happen to chat up your server or a restaurant owner, let them know you're a hiker,” said Engelson. “Hikers contribute millions of dollars to local economies in the Cascades and Olympics, and it's important that these establishments know you support them.” And you should support them. Because they're good. Cinnamon Twisps at the Twisp Bakery. Melt-in-your mouth ribs at Rhodie's Smokin BBQ. And deep-fried mac & cheese at the North Bend Bar & Grill. (Trust us on this one). For the whole list of our 2006 Hungry Hiker Award winners, click here: http://www.wta.org/documents/wta%20hungry%20hikers%202006.pdf Do you have a favorite after-hiking dining establishment the list doesn’t mention? You can add your own favorite hungry hiker hangouts on The Signpost blog, at www.wta.org. Washington Trails magazine is the membership publication for Washington Trails Association, with an audience of more than 12,000 outdoor enthusiasts. Washington Trails Association is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization working to preserve, enhance and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state through collaboration, education, advocacy, and trail maintenance. ### Washington Trails Association is the voice for hikers in Washington state. We protect hiking trails and wild lands, take volunteers out to maintain trails, and promote hiking as a healthy, fun way to explore the outdoors.

There is still room on this workparty for you to volunteer for climbing access trails! Hear about this work party on Koho Radio 101.1 FM.

WTA volunteer work party weekend at Peshastin Pinnacles Sat-Sun May 13-May 14 Peshastin Pinnacles State Park Where: Eastern Cascade foothills off Hwy 2, 14 miles west of Wenatchee. Why: This trip should appeal to both climbers and hikers alike! In 2004 a fire swept through the foothills northeast of Leavenworth, including the Pinnacles. Many of the structures on the trails leading to the climbing routes were destroyed. In 2005 WTA had a Volunteer Vacation to replace the structures and rebuild the tread of many of these trails. We'll use this weekend to continue to work on general trail upgrades within the park. Join us for one or both days. Camping & BBQ provided by WTA on Saturday night at Confluence State Park. For a full schedule of work parties and to sign up, go to www.wta.org or call (206) 625-1367.

Spend a week outside! Take a Volunteer Vacation with Washington Trails Association in the spectacular backcountry of Washington state, and enjoy a week of fine cooking, fun folks and great scenery. Several of WTA's Volunteer Vacations in 2006 maintain trails that are important access routes for popular climbing areas... Holden Village in May, Dutch Miller Gap in July, and Anderson-Watson Lakes area in September. On a volunteer vacation, you will backpack in to the work site carrying your own tent, sleeping bag and other personal gear. We'll pack in the food, tools and other supplies. Give us a week, and we'll give you an extraordinary and rewarding backcountry experience you’ll never forget! WTA has a fantastic array of 25 Volunteer Vacations planned this year, kicking off late March to replace a lost portion of the Carbon River Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. This one is a car camp at the Ipsuit Campground. May is a wonderful month to be at Lake Chelan, and that’s just where we’ll be - on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail at Moore Point. Much of the volunteer work involves sawing out downed trees with unique crosscut saws. In July, we’ll take a group to the Pacific Crest Trail at Pear Lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, where volunteers will nap in a garden of wildflowers when they’re not busy restoring this work portion of the PCT. In September, we’ll tend to the Little Wenatchee River Trail north of Leavenworth, which is now a major access to Dishpan Gap following the floods of 2003. Come to WTA’s Volunteer Vacations open house at Seattle REI, Saturday March 4th, 11am-3pm. Talk to past Volunteer Vacationers and hear first-hand experiences of our weeklong trips into Washington’s wilderness to help trails. REI is located at 222 Yale Ave N. We’ll be at the fireplace on the first floor. See you there! Info: www.wta.org/vacations or 206-625-1367