In brief: Spokane climbing nonprofit brings Reel Rock film to town
CLIMBING – The Bower Climbing Coalition, a Spokane climbing nonprofit, is hosting the screening of Reel Rock 12 on Wednesday. Money raised at the event will support the BCC’s mission of maintaining and improving local climbing routes and areas.
The screening will be held at the Washington Cracker Co. Building (304 W. Pacific Ave.). Doors open at 6 p.m. The movie will start at 7. There will be a silent auction, beer provided by Perry Street Brewing and food by Craft Street Food.
The Reel Rock Film Tour is an annual traveling film festival featuring climbing and outdoor adventure films.
The year-old nonprofit was created in the memory of Andrew Bower, a local climber who fell to his death replacing aging bolts at the Dishman Hills climbing area two years ago.
The nonprofit’s first fundraiser was held last year and raised $12,000. Much of that has gone to buying new bolts, other hardware, tools and adhesives.
Since then BCC founders have taught roughly 20 people how to replace aging bolts and climbing hardware, said Arden Pete, one of the founders.
“If someone is really interested in helping out, they can step up and we will support them completely in stuff and in training,” he said.
“It can be kind of overwhelming to go on a bolt replacing mission by yourself if you haven’t done it.”
The nonprofit is looking for other ways to support Spokane’s climbing community, whether that is climbing area cleanup, outreach, bolt replacement or events. As part of that effort BCC will be holding board elections sometime this winter, Pete said.
Info and tickets: bowerclimbingcoalition.com.
Snowshoe selection tips offered at meeting
WINTERSPORTS – Snowshoeing tips will be offered in a free program on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Avondale Golf Club, 10745 Avondale Loop, Hayden. Arrangements can be made for dinner at 6 p.m. by contacting Karen Williams, williamskaren322@gmail.com by today.
Avalanche awareness clinic depends on conditions
WINTERSPORTS – North Idaho Community College plans to host an avalanche awareness clinic, snow conditions permitting. The two-day class is scheduled for next Thursday and Dec. 9 and will cost $95.
The class is designed to “help someone become a competent member of a group,” instructor Jacob Rothrock said.
On Thursday evening, participants will learn about avalanche safety, rescue and gear preparedness. On Saturday, the group will go into the Panhandle National Forest and learn the basics of snow stability testing and rescues. Rothrock emphasizes that the course won’t prepare someone to be the primary decision maker in the back country.
NIC provides probes, beacons and shovels. Skis and snowshoes are available to rent. Info and registration here. bit.ly/2neEa0A