It's been a wonderful 2 years, filled with hikes, bikes, kayaks, trail parties, improved press exposure, partnerships with other outdoor organizations and county government, a new electronic Rambler, outdoor classes, a Ski to Sea team finishing 15th in our Division, and 123rd out of over 400...WHEW, and that's just the beginning! One common theme throughout all of these activities is you. When I say "you", I mean the members of the Mount Baker Club. We've been doing this since 1911, and the club has plans to celebrate its 100 year anniversary in 2011. You should know that over the past two years, this Board of Directors, along with the Outings/Hike Leaders, have accomplished many things on behalf of the club. Without them, our club would be a poor image of what it is today.

In the past two years, the club has had: 61 hikes, 23 bike rides, 8 snowshoe outings, 4 kayak trips, 16+ social gatherings with friends, 2 polar bear swims, 15 trail work parties, 3 outdoor training classes, 1 backpack trip, and 1 campout.

The club is in the beginning stages of generating ideas for the 100 year anniversary in 2011. Our membership numbers are growing. The process of tracking outings has been simplified. Over the past 2 years, the club has had wonderful exposure in the local newspapers and magazines. Improved financial record keeping has allowed the club to use its resources wisely. The club instituted a new E-Rambler that is now emailed to members thereby saving the club's resources. We listened intently at a social where the youngest person in the world to climb the 7 highest peaks on the 7 continents shared her experiences. The Ski to Sea team gets better every year. We also now have a webmaster that is maintaining the club's web site. The Board voted to adopt a portion of the Bay to Baker trail running from Maple Falls to Glacier. I am sure I have left some things out, so please forgive my omissions.

The point is, the club thrives because of volunteers. Volunteers make up our Board of Directors. Volunteers lead our outings. I am making a request to you now. Take a moment to think about volunteering for the Mount Baker Club. You'll make some friends that will last a lifetime, have fun, and get to set the direction for the oldest Whatcom County outdoors club in existence.

We need to fill several positions on the Board and Committees. People concerned with the preservation and love of the outdoors have been giving their time since 1911. Join the crowd!