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Bronco

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Posts posted by Bronco

  1. Fun read, I spent a four days in Zermatt last July waiting for a weather window that never materialized. Rode the cable car to Schwarzsee with a load of Japanese tourists who I should've charged for photos, they were sure I was a swiss guide based on my touristy Switzerland hat and red goretex coat. Your summary precisely describes my observations as well, especially the $$$ and food.

     

     

  2.  

    The only thing I would add is that you might want to treat your water near the base of the NR or when you are melting snow at the notch. I didn't and came down with Giardia a couple weeks later when I was in the Bugaboos (though iron gut Trent did not). Not recommended.

     

    That sucks but is somewhat ironically humorous that Trent didn't get sick. Nice work otherwise! :tup:

  3. Trip: White Chuck - NW Ridge

     

    Date: 7/11/2015

     

    Trip Report:

    The brush on Saturday soaked us from the waist down within 30 seconds of leaving the parking lot. Intermittent rain and 100 yards of visibility most of the day were sort of discouraging but Dave, being on his first "climb" was ecstatic the entire 5 hour round trip. I was pleasantly surprised how grippy the rock remained when wet. There are cairns right where you want them, but not too many.

     

    Fun day in the mountains and makes me curious about the other mid- fifth ridge routes on the mountain. Anyone have the scoop on those? Scary? Good Pro?

     

    Summit shot, look at that view!

     

    IMG_15451.JPG

     

    Dave negotiating the "crux", we didn't expect it to be so overhanging. 9_9

     

    IMG_15442.JPG

     

    One moment of visibility, checking out the grid bolting possibilities.

     

    IMG_20150711_123939.jpg

     

    Gear Notes:

    Took a rope and didn't use it. YMMV.

     

    Approach Notes:

    Driving Directions from summitpost.com (these are pretty accurate). Subie Forester was perfect for this road, full size trucks would probably get pretty scraped up by vegetation and the clearance was helpful in a few rougher places.

     

    State Route 530 leads into the center of Darrington. Turn left (north) in front of the convenience store.

     

    After ~0.2 miles turn right on Sauk Prairie Road.

     

    After ~1.5 miles turn right onto Dan Creek FSR #24 and follow this for 8 miles keeping left at the fork at 4.3 miles. The road switchbacks several times then begins a long traverse into the head waters of Dan Creek.

     

    After ~8 miles on FSR #24, the road reaches a T-intersection. Turn left onto FSR #2430

     

    Shortly thereafter stay right at a minor junction onto FSR #2435.

     

    From here-on follow FSR #2435 for 5.3 miles as it winds it way into the headwaters of Decline Creek. It eventually reaches the ridge-crest, switchbacks some more, and comes to a fork.

     

    At this last fork, stay to the right and follow to the end of the road at just over 4800' elevation. This is where the trail starts.

     

  4. It looks out to me due to more frequent rockfall as the snow and ice continue to melt out. With the hot temperatures forecast for this weekend, it'll only get worse. I climbed it in 2003 during a hot spell in early June and experience several close calls with rocks zinging down the ridge despite it being a "normal" snow year.

     

    Personally, I'd wait for next May/June. Typically this route is best done immediately after the White River Trailhead is opened for the season. I believe it's been open since April. Is there any current info on the Mt. Rainier Climbing Ranger blog?

  5. I'm wondering if the accident occurred on the Chickamin Glacier. I'd be really surprised if there is anywhere on the Dome Glacier where a 1,200' fall into a crevasse is even possible.

     

    Glad to hear your friends are safe and were able to help the fallen climber.

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