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| Wilderness Travel Course participants at Joshua Tree National Park (above and below) and at snow camp in the Sierra (bottom). Photos: Brian Swanson |
From the time I was a little girl I spent hours in the outdoors climbing trees, listening to the wind, watching the clouds and catching tadpoles. I continued my love of wild places mostly alone until a backpacking buddy told me about the Angeles Chapter's Wilderness Travel Course, or WTC.
Taking the 10-week course was a life-changing decision. Imagine being in a room full of people with a passion for the outdoors? I know right!
I like to push myself with long miles, climbing a big peak or winter mountaineering, but it can be hard to find people who have the same hunger for the outdoors. I found my clan!
What connected these WTC students were the 10 weeks in the classroom and four weekend outings. My roomie or tent mate and I became best friends.
In the course, I honed my map and compass skills, allowing me to navigate off trail with confidence. Bonus! I now have the confidence to go farther and higher than I ever have before. WTC instructors are all volunteers who share their amazing personal knowledge of the outdoors. Today I am proud to be an instructor with the course.
WTC welcomes not just experienced backpackers but conditioned beginners who want to learn more. Of the 280 students each year, most have never camped on snow or scrambled up third-class rock -- but they learn to do it and brag all about it later.
You have four locations to choose from: West L.A., the San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach/South Bay and Mission Viejo in Orange County.
For those who sign up early, WTC costs $330 for Sierra Club members and $365 for non-members Applications open July 15. And a word to the wise: WTC fills up fast so register early!
For details, go to wildernesstravelcourse.org. Contact (310) 967-2029 or e-mail wtc@wildernesstravelcourse.org