Document type : vocene
Date : 2009-12-22
Description : VOCene #27
Content : 
VOCene #27 – December 22th, 2009

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In this VOCene:

I.  Upcoming Events and Trips
    1) Brian Waddington Hut New Year 2010 - Dec. 29 - Jan. 2
    2) Winter Long Hike - Jan. 9-10
    3) Avalanche Skills Training 1 Course - Jan. 16-17

II. Miscellaneous
    1) VOC Photo and Video Contests
    2) The Epic Return of Ms. Manners
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I.  Upcoming Events and Trips

1) Brian Waddington Hut New Year 2010 - Dec. 29 - Jan. 2

In what has now become an annual tradition, many VOCers head to the Brian Waddington Hut (aka Phelix Creek) to celebrate the New Year and shred the local gnar. It is one of the most beautiful VOC huts, and can hold the most amount of people, making for a pretty awesome New Years party. The hut can comfortably fit 24, and more if needed. You can stay for as little or as long as you want, everyone is welcome to come and go as they please.

Please note that this is not a guided/instructional trip, but more of a gathering of like minded powder hounds. However, if you've never been to the hut before, you'll most likely find someone willing to show you the way.

The terrain isn't exactly friendly for people who have never skied before, but you don't need to be an expert to come. Having done an AST (Avalanche Skills Training) course (or equivalent) is highly recommended. Most of the slopes surrounding the hut are generally labeled "intermediate" or "advanced", but there are some very short beginner level runs behind the hut.

More details and signup on the message board and wiki:
http://www.ubc-voc.com/phorum2/read.php?f=3&i=11504&t=11504
http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Brian_Waddington_Hut_New_Year_2010

2) Winter Long Hike - Jan. 9-10

Is it that time of year already? Winter Long Hike is just a month away! Everything is different when you go into the backcountry in the winter; that's why there is Winter Longhike, an introductory trip for winter camping. This is usually a big trip with lots of keen people aboard who want to get out, learn some new skills, and sleep in their very own snow shelter while still managing to have fun too. It's an easy, beginner friendly trip, so if you've never even seen snow before you can still have a good time.

The trip is currently capped at 90 participants due to exec freakouts over the idea of trying to handle that many people. That said, if you're interested, put your name on the waiting list. With 90 people signed up, a dozen or more bailouts is totally possible as is the attendance cap being increased somewhat depending the bravery of trip leaders.

Find out more and sign up on the wiki:
http://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Winter_Longhike_2010

3) Avalanche Skills Training Course - Jan. 16-17

Taking an avalanche course is a great idea for anybody who will be in the mountains in winter.  On skis or snowshoes, with the VOC or without the VOC, no matter what this course will be of great benefit.  The VOC is organizing four different avalanche courses; two in December and two in January. The courses are run by Canada West Mountain School, but are offered through the VOC for a significant discount!

This course in the AST1 course, which is the first level of training offered by the Canadian Avalanche Association. It is the first step towards being aware of and managing risks in the backcountry. Avalanche course students learn about some snow science basics, terrain, route finding, snow stability testing and rescue.  The courses are being offered either at Mt. Seymour or a combination of Whistler and Mt. Seymour, and will cost $170 or $210 depending on whether you need a Whistler lift ticket.

All of the courses are currently full, however if you missed out then post on the message board.  If enough people really want to do a course we may be able to fill up another one.

More info on the message board:
http://www.ubc-voc.com/phorum2/read.php?f=3&i=10817&t=10817

II. Miscellaneous

1) VOC Photo and Video Contests

In addition to the annual VOC Photo Contest, this year we'll also be holding the inaugural VOC Video Contest.  Details of the contests have yet to be decided, but remember to keep shooting photos and video of anything you deem worthy while you're out with the club!  Around this time of year there are guaranteed to be some spectacular tele bails which could make some interesting clips!

2) The Epic Return of Ms. Manners

Do you have a question for Ms. Manners? If so, email it to one of your friendly neighbourhood VOCene editors and it'll get forwarded Ms. Manners for review. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away.

Dear Ms. Manners,

Is there a policy about passengers staying awake with the drivers on trips? I tend to fall asleep pretty quickly on the road, but the driver doesn't really get to do that. Should I feel be feeling guilty for falling asleep?

Sincerely,

Sleepy


Dear Sleepy,

I know exactly what you're talking about, I'm a highway narcoleptic. While it's nice of you to try and stay up with the driver, it's understandable that it's not always easy to do. That said, if you're falling asleep because you're exhausted from a long trip, odds are the driver is feeling the same way. Your best bet is to straight up ask the driver what works for them. If they want someone to stay awake and talk with them to keep them awake, then you'd better do that if you want to get where you're going in one piece. If they say 'don't worry about it' and that you can pass out, make sure to tell them that they should feel free to wake you up if they need someone to keep them awake. That should assuage your guilt and help get you from 'A' to 'B' without ending up in a firey car wreck.

Sincerely,

Ms. Manners

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