andret

I'm looking for a day's worth of TR for tomorrow. Some good ice would be nice, but doesn't sound likely with this weather. I could settle with mixed, or even dry-tooling --anything please! Can anyone recommend something with solid natural anchors that isn't subject to avy danger?

I'm a member of the Seattle Branch... I just finished the Basic Course and have moved on to the Intermediate. The quality of instruction exceeded my expectations. It can seem tedious and repetitive, but they make things simple and drive it into your head. With that said, there are probably more efficient modes of learning if time or commitment is a concern. Cost is low. I'd be more concerned with the high numbers of nincompoops who sign up for the course... Some people hardly know how to hike... but they usually get weeded out in the first few weeks.... They've made the program more selective since, so I think this will be less of a problem in the future. 85% of the instructors are friendly and highly knowledgeable and have great stories to share. The other 15% are power-tripping, bureaucracy-loving goons. Sometimes the class (basic course) feels too paternal. Overall, the Basic Course does the job and it does it very well. The length of the course insures that the skills solidify. You are tested over and over and over. I feel incredibly confident and self-reliant with my knowledge. I can't imagine trying to learn these skills in any period less than a month, let alone for one of these 3 or 4 day prep courses that guide services offer... There's a difference between committing things to short-term memory and regurgitation of skills in a controlled environment versus gaining experience and developing "second nature" skills ... The Basic Course is great if you're a beginner. Others might be bored. As for the club as a whole, it's great place to learn and meet people. Climbing outings, as with any group, can be tedious and slow. Depending on the leader, it may feel like grade school. My advice, find the right people, and you will have an amazing experience.