Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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The Adventure Gap: Q&A with Author James Edward Mills
Sep 04, 2014
Recently, WTA sat down with author James Edward Mills to talk about his upcoming book The Adventure Gap, set to be released by Mountaineers Books in October 2014. In it, Mills chronicles Expedition Denali—the first all-African-American summit attempt on Alaska's Mount Denali—and creates a compelling case for all Americans to embrace their place in the great outdoors.
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Reflections on Hiking and Fear: One Hiker Faces Her Nemesis
Sep 04, 2014
Thirty years ago, a friend invited Carolyn Schott to hike to Melakwa Lake. A less-than-ideal first experience turned her off hiking for 25 years. Last month for WTA's Hike-a-Thon, this hiker and author returned to Melakwa to face down the trail that nearly conquered her. Read what brought her back to hiking.
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ONP’s Enchanted Valley Chalet Moving, Temporarily
Sep 04, 2014
Olympic National Park has begun work to move the Enchanted Valley Chalet. During the two-week project, hikers should be aware of a few restrictions in the area. The move is a temporary measure to protect the chalet, which has been threatened by a change in course of the valley's East Fork of the Quinault River.
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Sir-Hikes-a-Lot: Thru-Hiking 1,200 Miles on the PNT for Kids
Aug 26, 2014
Meet hiking hero, Erik Antonelli (aka Sir-Hikes-a-Lot), who is currently in the middle of hiking 1,200 miles of the rough and rugged Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) to raise funds for WTA’s Youth Program. It's a project he's dubbed Thru-Hiking for Kids.
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Dawn Patrol: Early Morning Inspiration from Your Fellow Hikers
Aug 26, 2014
Sunrise photos require a certain amount of dedication to capture, since they usually mean a painfully early start or some planning the night before. Get inspired by a view of the weekend sunrises from trails around Washington.
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Sponsor a Hiker to Triple Your Impact
Aug 25, 2014
If you and 24 other hikers join WTA on Monday, August 25, by sponsoring a Hike-a-Thoner, a generous group of donors will match your gift dollar-for-dollar. You’ll be helping WTA, protecting trails, doubling your dollars and giving a Hike-a-Thoner a boost in their last week.
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Green Trails Maps Get an Ultralight, Waterproof Refresh
Aug 22, 2014
Since their beginning in 1973, Green Trails has issued several versions of their maps: from the original 18x24 inch paper ones, to more utilitarian water-proof and tear-resistant versions. Now they've issued Gold Standard Editions; part of a 2014 refresh of the company's branding, which includes a new website and logo.
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Four Terrific Maintenance Trips on the Olympic Peninsula
Aug 18, 2014
For many, the Olympic Peninsula can be a bit of a drive for a day work party. Make the most of your time spent here and lend a hand to trails by spending two or more days helping us build and maintain trails in the lush Olympic rainforest! Coming up in September, WTA has a weekend work party and several Backcountry Response Team (BCRT) trips that could use your help.
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Wildfire Update: Norse Peak Wilderness and Mount Rainier
Aug 13, 2014
The thunderstorms that walloped Western Washington earlier this week caused 17 new fires to spring up, but 15 of those were contained almost immediately. While fires continue to rage in parts of Washington, some confusion has arisen as to which areas are open to hikers. Here is some clarity for those interested in the status of trails in the Norse Peak Wilderness and the Mount Rainier backcountry.
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Hike-a-Thon: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Aug 12, 2014
Hike-a-Thoners have been logging hundreds of miles in support of trails, and for some, it's been taking it's toll in the form of sore joints and painful blisters. Whether you are participating in Hike-a-Thon or not this year, check out WTA's tips for staying fit and trail-ready.
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How Hike-a-Thoners Are Like Unicorns
Aug 08, 2014
Three ways that WTA's Hike-a-Thoners are just like unicorns (and why it's really, really good luck to support them.)
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Wildfire Update: Ingalls Creek Closes, New Map Tool
Aug 07, 2014
Thunderstorms have touched off more fires and prompted new trail closures this week. See the new closures and check out a Hike Finder map tool while planning your weekend hiking
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in August
Aug 06, 2014
This month WTA is working in several locations that need some special attention, and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun, and work, and make your mark on the trails you love.
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Northwest Forest Pass Authorizing Law Up for Renewal
Aug 04, 2014
The Northwest Forest Pass bill (known as FLREA) is up for reauthorization by the end of 2015. If it isn’t reauthorized, this critical funding source for trails and recreation will be lost. WTA has been working to ensure that the legislation is reauthorized so that our trails will remain accessible and that recreation facilities maintained.
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Wildfire Update: Thunderstorms and Trail Closures
Aug 02, 2014
New thunderstorms, high winds and a stretch of 90 and 100 degree weather continue to impact communities and complicate the wildfire situation on the east slope of the Cascades. Many trails are closed for the safety of hikers and fire crews.
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Poop Week: Best Backcountry Privies in Washington
Aug 02, 2014
We conclude Poop Week on a high note. Literally. When nature calls, you'd be lucky to answer from any of these loos with a view. Plus, a roundup of reading, links and resources on this backcountry basic.
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Poop Week: The Conservation Science of Scat
Aug 01, 2014
Naturalist and author David Williams looks investigates the emerging science of studying feces, including the research of a conservation biologist at the University of Washington.
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Vote YES on Seattle Parks for All by Aug. 5
Aug 01, 2014
On Aug. 5, Seattle residents will have the opportunity to Vote YES for Parks and support Seattle Proposition 1 to create a permanent, dedicated funding to Seattle’s parks and community centers. WTA has joined a long list of supporters in endorsing Proposition 1.
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Poop Week: Proper Etiquette for Backcountry Potties
Jul 31, 2014
Welcome to Poop Week, the week where we get real about No. 2. From diapers to dogs, the conservation science of scat to the best backcountry privies in Washington, we're digging into the subject of poop on trail all week long.
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Finally! Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions Bill Heads to House Floor for a Vote
Jul 31, 2014
For the first time in four years, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361) was heard -- and passed -- in the House Natural Resources Committee.
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Susan Elderkin, Communications Director Reflects on 19 Years with WTA
Jul 31, 2014
Today is Susan Elderkin's final day as Communications & Outreach Director for Washington Trails Association. She looks back to her first work party in 1995 and all the years in between now and then.
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