Olympia Mountaineers offer a great introduction to hiking

I got a call last night from Jim French, who is a very active member of the Olympia Mountaineers -- and a tireless teacher of outdoor skills. Jim wanted me to know that Olympia Mountaineers is starting a wilderness skills class this Thursday evening.

Jim says that a little bit of wilderness training is all that many people need to feel comfortable with hiking this summer. This class includes outings, so beginners or hikers with rusty skills can work out the kinks in the field before setting out on their own.

This course is a great idea. We live in one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet, and it's a shame if you don't get onto a trail during the summer. Hiking is also one of the most economical ways to vacation that I know.

Well, it's pretty inexpensive after you finish buying the tent, sleeping bag, boots, clothes and other gear.... Seriously, it is a lot of fun.

Here's the information about the course:

The Mountaineers Wilderness Skills Course is a new course for members and non-members.

The course is three lectures, one Outdoor Skills Workshop that includes setting up camp, practicing leave-no-trace skills, using map and compass, responding to common trail calamities, using new survival skills, and testing your boots, clothes and equipment on a skills course.

The course also includes hiking opportunities with experienced hiking and backpacking trip leaders from our area. The course fee is $30 per person or $50 per family.

The course begins 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. in downtown Olympia. Call 360-753-8380 to register in advance or arrive by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday to register beginning at the Olympia Center.