russinvancouver

Prior to this year the A-frame was managed by Rich with Friends of Tilly Jane. This was done without a lease from the USFS. The USFS now requires a lease and liability insurance, something FOTJ could not provide. The USFS was on the verger of condemning the A-Frame as they have the nearby Cook Shed. Our Portland Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club has invested $2000 to keep it open this year with a one year lease. If all goes well we hope to extend that lease and keep it open. The structure had an architectural review in 2002 that identified $287,000 in needed repairs. We can haggle about what really needs to be done but without a $20,000-30,000 roof and new toilets it is going to close. We are in dire need of funding and grants – send your ideas my way please. The paltry $15 we ask per night for reservations is NOT going to fund repairs. We have limited overnight use to 20 to prevent over crowding. I've seen 35 people plus dogs in past years and that is not a good experience. The A-Frame will continue to be the only structure on the mountain that welcomes day trippers. If you stop in to warm please drop a few bucks in the donation box to pay for that warmth – it cost us $1250 for wood and hundreds of volunteer hours to cart it from the Cloud Cap road to the A-Frame. By the way, it was never free to stay there as some assert. We did have lots of freeloaders who disregarded the donation box. My late friend, Rich Kednay, was subsidizing operations out of his own pocket. I miss him every time I ski there or do my Wilderness advocacy for Hood. Hope to see you skiing in the Cooper Spur area, Cheers, Russ Pascoe For reservations email to both: "Pascoe, Russ" "Julius Dalzell" or visit: http://www.onc.org/CalendarTJ/

Everyone should note that overnight stays at the A-Frame near Cooper Spur are by reservation only. You get one at: http://www.onc.org/CalendarTJ And pay your $15/person/night fee in advance by check or PayPal. Please pass this info to all your skiing and snow shoeing friends. The ONC plans to make necessary repairs to the A-Frame and prevent its closure.

How long did it take to climb Aasgard and what time of day did it thaw to where you didn't need crampons? How warm was your day? We are a group of 7 planning to cross on a backpack trip next weekend. NO peaks, just Aasgard. thanks Russ