Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 6/24/21

Northwest:

--There was a major trailhead break-in event at  the Schriebers Meadow trailhead (approach for south side of Mt. Baker) late on Monday or early on Tuesday. Several cars were hit systematically. At least one vehicle was actually stolen. And there were several attempts made to steal gas from the cars too. And while trailhead break-ins happen, this one was uncommon in that it seemed planned and organized. It wasn't just a smash and grab.

--Gripped has posted some updates about access in Squamish and Skaha this weekend.

A climber on Tyndall's Terror (5.7) at Mt. Erie.

Sierra:

--Whitney Portal is closed and several people have been evacuated. The steep terrain in Meyson is making it difficult to fight the fire. Updates can be found, here.

--Snowbrains is reporting that, "Two Californian brothers have set a new record for the longest highline ever walked across mountains in Yosemite National Park, CA. Moises and Daniel Monterrubio, from San Francisco, walked a 2,800-foot-long line from Taft Point west across a series of gulleys 1,600 feet below. The previous record had been 940-feet long, also from Taft Point, but east." To read more, click here.

--According to the Adventure Journal, there is a real fear of the wildfire threat from tourists in Mammoth Lakes, CA: "In Mammoth Lakes, California, a town in the Eastern Sierra known for its skiing and outdoor recreation, tourism has been booming. The town’s residents are terrified. After 2020’s landscape-altering fire season, in which 4 percent of the total area of California burned, Mammoth Lakes locals are keenly aware that rises in tourism come with unique wildfire risks. There is a new and inescapable awareness that each new visitor has the capacity to light the match that starts the fire that destroys their community." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--Fire restrictions have been placed in Joshua Tree National Park for the summer season.

Colorado and Utah:

--Climbing is reporting that, "a woman has died following an auto-belay accident at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness, in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Saturday, June 12. Fort Collins Police Services spokesperson Brandon Barnes told The Coloradoan that the climber fell from about 40-feet up in the auto-belay area. Authorities have not yet released the woman’s name." To read more, click here.

--A dating group for Colorado climbers has been developed on Facebook...

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting on a former AAI Guide! "Chantel Astorga, one of North America’s leading alpine climbers, has soloed the Cassin Ridge on Denali, which she followed up with a ski down the West Rib and Seattle Ramp. She climbed alone up the famous ridge to the summit of the 6,194-metre peak in 14 hours and 39 minutes. Most climbers take a number of days. She reached the summit on June 14." To read more, click here.

--KSLA News 12 is reporting that, "Governor Asa Hutchinson spoke Monday, Jun 21 to make a major announcement about tourism in the State of Arkansas. He’s signing an executive order to create the Office of Outdoor Recreation. The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Board will appoint up to 10 people to work in the new office, which will focus on stewardship, investments, and marketing for the state’s outdoor resources." To read more, click here.