Kentucky – Improvements planned for Black Mountain

Announcement on Facebook, 11-19-18, by Stony Burk

“The following is a portion of an announcement made in Benham, KY on Oct. 18th. for a $2.55 million Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Grant to restore and enhance the Portal 31 Exhibition Mine and create a scenic overlook and parking area at Black Mountain.
The Black Mountain portion of the project will create a new parking area with a scenic overlook, which will lead to a new walking trail that will take visitors to the overlook at the summit of Black Mountain – the highest natural point in Kentucky. A proposed 40-foot high observation tower will provide a scenic view of Kentucky and Virginia.
Several Highpointers and the Highpointers Foundation have been working with the folks in Harlan and Cumberland Counties to assist with improvements. The county now owns the existing tower at the summit and the proposed new tower is still in the planning stages but this is great news not only for tourism in the area but highpointers as well.”


North Dakota – Easement provides public access

Announcement posted on Facebook, 10-22-18, by Stony Burk:

The owners sign the easement document.

“Another highpoint secured for public access. For a few years now several Highpointers Club members working with the Highpointers Foundation have worked tirelessly to nurture a great relationship with the owners of White Butte and develop a permanent accessible easement to the summit. New signs were made and installed to alleviate some confusion over another family member’s adjacent property where he posted no trespassing signs along the section line.The old donation mailbox was replaced with a new iron ranger that securely accepts donations. The property was surveyed and alawyer was hired to draw up paperwork creating a 99 year easement lease guaranteeing public access to North Dakota’s state highpoint. Included in the agreement will be several future additional improvements to the ranch road that we currently have to walk on until the gate. Special thanks to highpointers Valerie Naylor and Dave Covill, and ranch owners, Daryle and Mary Dennis, for this accomplishment that will benefit future generations of highpointers.”

Backpacker magazine article by Loren Mooney – Confessions of a Reluctant Highpointer

The September 2018 issue of Backpacker has a delightful 7-page story authored by Loren Mooney regarding her evolution from casual Hiker to dedicated Highpointer. It is insightful and humorous, especially her conclusions drawn from the quest. Do you recognize or relate to her observations?

Backpacker – Confessions of a Reluctant Highpointer

Contacts for the Highpointers Club

Highpointers Club
The club is run by unpaid volunteers, serving on distinct committees, some of which are standing committees described in the bylaws and others which are temporary initiatives. Some guidance is provided by 4 officers (pres, vice pres, treasurer, secretary) and 15 directors. If you have questions or comments, please contact the Club’s President at president@highpointers.org  The current president is Alan Ritter. The club’s legal address is PO Box 1496, Golden, CO 80402  The club no longer offers a phone contact.

Newsletter
The club mails a quarterly newsletter to members. Please alert the Editor of news and articles, as well as important personal milestones (climbing, hiking, exploring). Include photos. Send your comments & contributions to  newsletter@highpointers.org  Eric Lichtenstien is the new newsletter editor, replacing John Mitchler, and he is assisted by Justin Sutton.

Web Site & Social Media
Contributions, comments, questions, and changes regarding this website should be directed to the web chair Kathy Dalsaso at website@highpointers.org  Kathy’s committee includes a web team of Justin Sutton (content) and Clint Kaul. (architect and coding). Similarly, for the club’s Facebook page, please feel free to post on that site. Justin Sutton is the club’s fb administrator.

Completers
Please contact the club when you Complete the 50 state highpoints or if you Finish the Lower 48 highpoints.  Contact Terry Bird at completers@highpointers.org  We want to hear from every completer – – whether you are a club member or not, so don’t let that stop you.  Also, if you are getting close to finishing, please alert Terry.

Membership
Apply for club membership either online or by postal mail.  Renewals may be made in the same way. Be sure to write anywhere on the application that it is a renewal and follow the same procedure as joining. Email membership at membership@highpointers.org  Todd Curry (assisted by wife Irina) has volunteered to run membership. Please contact them regarding dues, membership, and updates to the database. This includes change of address, additions/subtractions of family members, and your Highpoint Count. The current address for membership is PO Box 473751, Charlotte, NC  28247.

Mercantile
The Club sells various merchandise through “The Merc” as well as achievement awards. Shannon Brumund has resumed responsibility for the Merc replacing  Mary Groeneveld Prior to Mary, Nena & Bomber Brown took care of the Merc for 5 years (who took over from Jean Trousdale). Check out the Merc catalog in the quarterly newsletter, or watch for the upcoming online purchasing on this web site. Contact Shannon at Merc@Highpointers.org.

Archives
The club maintains an archive of highpoint memorabilia, historic artifacts, scrapbooks, newsletters, correspondence, articles, summit log books, and just about anything else that can fit into our storage unit. John Mitchler remains the curator and will answer any questions at jdmitchler@aol.com

 

 

Convention – 2019 Michigan – Information & Registration Form

Informational Update for the Michigan 2019 Convention, by Mark Comstock, Host

Download a MI-19 registration form at this link:   Michigan 2019

   Here is what we have set up for MI-2019.    The people in Baraga County are very enthused about us hosting the Convention there and supporting the counties local economy is a real plus for them.  

  The official dates of the 2019″ Konvention ” will be Thursday July 25 through Saturday July 27, 2019

  We have reserved all 68 rooms at the  Baraga Lakeside Inn which will be our host Hotel.The address here is 900 US 41 South, PO box 873 Baraga, MI 49908 Phone (906) 353-7123  The hotel has blocked out all their rooms for us.  Reservations will have to be made by phone and you will have to mention Highpointers Convention 2019 to make a reservation. We will have the “Icebreaker” evening at the  Baraga Lakeside Inn on Thursday, July 25th with a picnic style hot dog and hamburger buffet which includes potato chips, Cole slaw, and ice cream sundae bar, smores and water, soda and iced tea. The hotel has really beautiful grounds along the lake and a bar inside as well. One can see both Mt. Arvon and Mt. Curwood across the lake!  There will be picnic tables set up outside as well. We also have the pancake breakfast here on Saturday morning the 27th which consists of a breakfast buffet which includes scrambled eggs, Tuscan egg scramble, bacon, ham steaks, hash browns, cinnamon apple french toast casserole, assorted danish and muffins, a fruit tray and water/coffee/juice. The BOD meeting will also take place here. There is a room for registration and the Merc will be in this room as well. The hotel has a well stocked information section just inside the entrance door with a lot of information on things to see in the entire area.  We will direct people from there to our reservation sign up table in the hotel as well as having a list at registration for people to look at.

  We have reserved  the “Whirl-I-Gig: in  L’Anse, MI for the night of the Banquet on Saturday the 27th and for the “Liar’s Club” gathering on Friday the 26th. There will be a cash bar open for both nights. The 6 lane bowling alley is downstairs and we will have full use of it on both nights. The “Whirl-I-Gig” can house as many as 300 people and it is used for weddings, banquets and such.  There is plenty of room for the  Merc, for the food and festivities. Catering will be done by Lisa and Bill Rosseau who are affiliated with the Whirl-I-Gig” rental hall. The banquet meal includes 2 meats: beef and chicken,  4 hot dishes:  green bean casserole, kielbasa and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy and meatballs, 4 cold dishes: coleslaw, fresh fruit, pasta salad without meat or cheese and three bean salad. The Liar’s club gathering on Friday evening, July 26 will have hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and salad and unlimited bowling. The cash bar will also be in service.         

  There are other hotels available in town as well which includes the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga with 40 rooms.  The Ojibwa Casino is well run and another place for people to go and have fun. The Ojibwa Casino Hotel phone for reservations is 906 353-6333

  Camping is also available which includes the Sturgeon River Campground on Forest Service Rd 2200 Phone (906) 932-1330,  Ojibwa Campground along Lake Superior at 16429 Beartown Rd phone (906) 201-4174 and  L’Anse Township Park  and some forest campgrounds as well.  Baraga State Park is only 0.7 miles from the host hotel. It has showers and a small store on the premises. The phone is: 1-800 447-2857 www.michigan.gov/dnr.                                    

  Another fascinating place to visit is the Alberta Historical Museum that is the former Henry Ford Sawmill which has self guided and guided tours.  We have set up two 4 hour-tours that the Museum will be staffed to guide of the sawmill and the small village here.  It is a fascinating place and we have set up 2 tours,  one on Thursday July 25th from 1:00 PM till 5:00 PM and the other on Friday morning from 8:00 AM until noon.  The museum will be charging us 50 dollars to  guide for each of these tours and they are asking for a donation of 3.00 for each visitor for the sawmill renovation fund.  There is a fabulous gift shop here that is a must see as well. This is only 15 minutes south of  L’Anse at 21235 Alberta Ave #2 L’Anse, MI Phone 906 487-3673

  The Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau is run by Tracey who is very enthused by the club hosting the 2019  Konvention.  She has various books and souvenirs for sale as well. The address is: 755 Broad St. L’Anse, MI Phone (906) 524-7444.

  The beautiful Canyon Falls and Gorge is only 15 minutes from  L’Anse. The easy and scenic hike to the falls and Gorge area only takes 15 to 20 minutes and is really a must see!  No fees required for Canyon Falls.

  The  Pinery Indian Cemetery is also a really nice place to visit and about 15 minutes from L’Anse.  It is a fascinating piece of history and we will want to be respectful that it is a sacred cemetery.  No fees are required for the Pinery Indian Cemetary   

  The Bishop  Baraga Shrine (Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest) is in a lovely park setting minutes from  L’Anse. It is Nationally recognized as a must see attraction. The  Bishop Baraga Shrine also has a store/gift shop where people can try the famous Yooper food, the Pasty (pass-tee) and home made ice cream.   No fees are required for the Bishop Baraga Shrine.

Other nice places in  Baraga County to see are:  The  Baraga County Historical Museum and historical society which is located on US 41 literally next door to our Host Hotel.  No fees are required for the Baraga County Historical Museum The phone is (906) 353-8444

    Other places in Baraga County worth a visit are: Craig Lake State Park.  State park fees required, The Lions Township Park (Historic town site) no fees required and the  Arvon township Historical Society Museum in Skanee, MI (near Mr  Arvon)

Other great things to see in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are: the Porcupine Mountains, Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Taquamenon Falls, The Soo Locks, historic Marquette and a fabulous collection of lighthouses to name a few!

 Various Mt Arvon and UP T-shirts, Sweatshirts and keepsakes can be purchased at Witz Marina in Skanee, Huron Bay Trading Post on the way to Mt. Arvon or at the visitors center in L’Anse. 

  Mt. Curwood, is the old Michigan State highpoint which was listed for many years as the official state high point until it was re-surveyed and found to be only 11 inches shorter than the current High Point Mt.  Arvon. Mary Groeneveld, my brother Gordie and myself went up to the summit of  Mt. Curwood so we now have some rather substantial directions on how to get there! Mt Curwood is owned by a lumber company and is in CFR land so we do not need permission to go there. No fees are required for Mt Curwood

  Last but certainly not least is the high point of Michigan, Mount  Arvon which is very well marked now we are happy to report!  It is about a 40 to 45 minute drive east of L’Anse. We will have a group hike up to Mt.  Arvon on Saturday afternoon before the banquet and it has parking very close to the summit where we will actually have the watermelon ceremony in the parking area that afternoon as well! For those of you who have not been up on Mount  Arvon in recent years you will be very happy to see how beautifully maintained it is now!!

We have a theme for this convention which points out that the very first convention which was held on Mount  Arvon 32 years ago with a group of nine people which included Jack  Longacre of course and Jack and Joyce  Parcells!  Dennis Whitehead who is an active Club member,  50 completer and a TRUE YOOPER is going to be joining us and he will be talking about that first convention back in 1987 with club founder Guru Jack and 7 other convention attendees and sharing wonderful memories of our very first ” Konvention”!! 

 We have official “Mt Arvon” Shirts for our 33rd convention and we have a poster that we put together with input from Dennis Whitehead that includes photos of “the original nine” at the first Konvention on 4/25/87 and the photo of 5 people positioned at the ” Jakk’s ashes” ceremony on 4/25/2003!  Our theme is ” The first convention 4-25-1987, Jack’s Ashes return 4-25-2003 and the 33rd convention 7-27-2019″!  This is on the back of our  convention T-shirts!  Dennis Whitehead has graciously agreed to be our keynote speaker for the evening! Dennis is a 50 completer and is a very well-established doctor in the upper peninsula and his stories of the early days of the High Pointers Club, its inception, the first Convention, and other interesting stories will be a delight to our audience, many of who will be making their first trip up to the rugged Upper Peninsula! 

Illinois – 2019 Access Dates

Illinois – 2019 Access Dates 

Illinois Liaison, John Mitchler, recently met with the owners of Charles Mound and confirmed the following open access dates for next year, 2019:
Feb 16 & 17 (weekend of Presidents Day)
Jun 1 & 2
Jul 6 & 7
Aug 3 & 4
Sep 7 & 8

In addition to those traditional dates, the owners will allow visitation the days before and after the convention, which for now will be Jul 22-Aug 2. These will be confirmed again in early July.

During your visit, follow their 3 rules:
1) no cars up the lane
2) no pets
3) no after dark visits
Also, everyone should park on just one side of the county road, as far off the side as possible, to allow farm machinery to pass along the road

2018 Highpoint Club Scholarship Winners!

The 2018 Highpointers Scholarship was announced in the 2Q issue of Apex to Zenith.

This marks the third year of the club’s scholarship, and most likely the last due to changes in the club. We believe this initiative successfully engaged students with the learning aspects of highpointing.

We thank the following students for participating and wish them well in their studies and in their pursuit of highpoints. We thank the volunteers who gave many hours of their time to establish this scholarship, and to the many donors who funded the awards.

2016
Katherine Ake
Natalie Ake
Natalie Bernero
Ann Marie Blackmon
Brendan MacKay
Catie Rickert

2017
Ann Blackmon
John Cermak
Colden Fees
Brendan ackay
Ben Ruffing
Whitney Webb
Joel Wilner

2018
Caroline Baker
Alison Blake
Alyssa Greaney
Eileen Leach
Quenton Max
Joseph Cermak

Article appearing in 2Q issue:

The 2018 Highpointers Scholarship winners are Caroline Baker, Joseph Cermak, and Alison Blake. Each of this year’s winners have been awarded with a $500.00 check from the Highpointers Scholarship Fund. Congratulations!!

I would like to thank volunteers Kathy and John Mitchler, Marion Bauman, Lizzie Brammer and Laura Newman for making this year’s judging a success.

It has been an honor for me to be involved with the Scholarship Program because of the opportunities it gives our younger members. It was also an honor for me to present the first three years of Scholarship Awards for the club. It’s time for me to move on now and let others lead this great program into the future. Good Luck!

Regards,
Bomber Brown, Scholarship Chair

A 52 Completer Could be in the Future Thanks to California Ballot Measure to Split State into Three

Thanks, Devin Cook

Mt. San Antonio (10,068 ft) may have the opportunity to replace Mt. Whitney as the highpoint of California after enough signatures were submitted to allow Californians to vote on a ballot measure to split the Golden State into three.

The three states would be named California, Northern California and Southern California.

Mt. San Antonio, also known as Mount Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County, would be the highpoint of the new California.  Mt. Whitney would retain its status as a highpoint, only now being the highest point in Southern California.  Mt. Shasta, another 14er in California at 14,179 ft, would be the highest point in Northern California.

So, could becoming a 52 Completer be in a highpointer’s future?  Many experts warn that you may not want to put your crampons on yet.  Should the measure pass, it would almost be certain to head for a court date.  Depending on that outcome, the California Legislature may have to approve the measure, never mind the United States Congress, which once failed to act on a measure to split California into two states in the decade prior to the start of the Civil War.

Comparing Highpoints to Tallest Buildings in a State

Most highpointers have a general idea of which states boast highpoints with higher elevations than other states, but what about tallest buildings?  Seems like a list someone could get behind trying to complete.  Business Insider posted a story about the tallest building in each state.  Before we get going, the list does not take the natural elevation of where the building stands into account. Instead, it is just the actual height of the building.  Here’s a look at a few highlights:

While Alaska’s Denali measures up as the highest point in the United States and all of North America’s, it’s tallest building, the Conco-Phillips Building (296 feet) in Anchorage, does not even measure up to Florida’s Britton Hill, much less Florida’s tallest building, Panorama Tower in Miami (868 feet).

Speaking of Panorama Tower, it is one of three buildings on the list that has an elevation taller than its state’s natural highpoint. One Shell Square in New Orleans (697 feet) stands taller the Pelican State’s highpoint Driskill Mountain (535 feet).  Willis Tower (1729 feet) in Chicago would loom over Illinois’s highest natural point, Charles Mound (1235 feet) as well.  Even if you only measure to the roof (1450 feet) or the observation deck on the 103rd floor (1353 feet), the building’s height would still surpass Charles Mound.

New York boasts the tallest building in the United States, One World Trade Center (1776 feet) in Manhattan.  The shortest, tallest building in a state?  That title goes to Decker Towers in Burlington, Vermont.  This eleven-story apartment building measures to 124 feet.

50 Completer stories on the web

Whetting your appetite for the First Quarter issue to arrive in your mailbox.

Here is a video of Mark Birkett becoming a 50 Completer on Kings Peak, Utah.

Will Stoll has created a nice Powerpoint slideshow of his 20 year adventure in becoming a 50 Completer.  The HP location map was created by Matt & Eric Gilbertson for their web site  http://www.countryhighpoints.com/us-state-highpoints/