goatboy

Has anyone out there researched the relative merits of Medium Format Cameras? I'm curious about the weight to quality comparison, specifically, of the Mamiya 645's versus series 7 cameras . . . though any general impressions or input is welcome as well. Application would be for backcountry alpine photograpy, with intent to publish. Thanks!

Nicely written report -- thanks for the TR and the info!

I've never been to Shield Lake (just North of Prussik Pass) but I bet it would be easy to get to (swimming through the hordes) but isolated once you get there...it always looks nice when seen from Temple Ridge.

I vote for #2. Nice topic!

I like mean people. And it can be super windy at 11,000 when it's not windy at all at 9,200. AND, trekking poles aren't safe when left at campsite.

"[T]he source indicated the new ownership group plans to keep the Sonics and Storm in the Seattle region." Yeah, right. This is an obvious smoke-screen meant to make the city look like the bad-guy who "forced" the Sonics to move to OK City by not bending over for the new owners... I am a fan of the NBA and regret seeing the team leave...reckon Portland will be the only NBA team left in the NW now....

You're right -- I TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for lauding the merits of trekking poles...so I may have contributed to the general population's desire to own their own by stealing mine. Point well taken! Maybe they were taken by a hungry

If anyone knows who "borrowed" a mis-matched set of trekking poles from the 9200 foot campsite below the Turtle Snowfield (below Camp Hazard) yesterday morning, please PM me to return them. It was a black Leki pole and an orange Black Diamond pole. What a weird thing to come back and find them gone... Thanks for any info about them.

Anywhere in the mile or so on either side of WA Pass offers low-key car camping in pullouts.... Is that a straight enough answer?

Noticed on Mike Gauthier's blog today the following: Can I let my friends use my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass? No. Mount Rainier Climbing Passes are nontransferable. You must have valid photo I.D. to register for your climb using a Climbing Pass.

Sounds like you could leave your bivy gear, boots, ax, etc at the base where you transition from snow to rock, then.... hmmm....

What do you think about the possibility of DESCENDING the NE Buttress via a combination of rappels and down-climbing? I've heard this suggested as a good alternative to the carry-over plan -- though it sounds like the Storm King Col plan helped you avoid this same dilemma.

Hmmm.....

Did you report to the police?

I am confused by your gear recommendation: "A 60m double rope is adequate, although it limits the length of any belayed pitches." Do you mean, a 60m rope that is doubled over to be a 30m rope? That would make sense, and would limit the length of belayed pitches... Nice photos of the route. thanks!

If you climb in a party of three does that make them shareware?

Seems like everyone has (at least one) story of getting shut down by weather in Boston Basin, often on the West Ridge....I know I do. Still a lovely place to be! Better luck on your next trip up there...

I wouldn't rely on the fixed piece alone -- it's quite a ways up there (perhaps 2/3 of the way up the pitch?) and you'd be looking at a big fall back on or near your belay before you get to the fixed piece. Also, there was no sling on the fixed piece when I climbed it, so you'd have to essentially girth hitch it like a chockstone or something weird like that ... is that still the case?

That's a bold auto-signature for a licensed massage practitioner, Robert.

How about this: Don't force motivation. Stay home. See how happy you are there.

I like the one on Lexington with the "in situ" 2X4! Those biceps appears to be 4 X 4 as well....

Agreed! We climbed it last year with a small rock to 2" and it did not, in fact, work well. I suggest multiple #2 camalots and at least one #3, plus smaller stuff...

BIRDLAND. Cool newer route near brass wall.

I've done it. It's great. But the point about doing so in a non-impactful, inconspicuous way is well-taken.

I think Sharkfin Col is a pretty damn good suggestion.