Los Alamos Mountaineer member and artist Melissa Bartlett works on the mural for the Canyon Rim Trail Tunnel. Courtesy/Los Alamos Mountaineers
By BILL PRIEDHORSKY
Los Alamos Mountaineers
The Los Alamos Mountaineers new art mural joins the others in the tunnel, which goes under N.M. 502 and connects to the Canyon Rim Trail. The mural commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Los Alamos Mountaineers and features cartoons of favorite mountaineer activities such as hiking, canoeing, llama backpacking, skiing and scaling rocky slopes.
The artwork was done by three mountaineers who also are artists, Melissa Bartlett, Patti Walls and Mary Thompson.
“We tried to capture some of the LA Mountaineers favorite activities in a humorous, fun way,” Bartlett said. “We want the public to know that these adventures are open to everyone. There’s a wide range of activities from serious mountain ascents to weekend back packing to easy, local day hikes. There are trips for all ages and abilities, and also some for families with children and owners with dogs. It’s a lovely way to explore our wonderful countryside.”
Started in 1952 by some serious mountaineers and rock climbers, the club has flourished and branched out to include all manner of outdoor activities.
Their motto is “Outdoor Adventures for Everyone”.
There are meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, which feature slide shows of exciting wilderness adventures and provide information and signups for future trips.
A 70th anniversary party is planned for Sept. 17-18 with day activities such as hiking, mountain biking and canyoneering, AVI gear demos, and orienteering, as well as a potluck at Urban Park.
For information, contact lam70anniversary@googlegroups.
