mattp

True, they are a potential source of blowout and extra weight, but in a pack of that size I don't think I'd want to go without a zipper. I know opininons vary, but I don't count grams when it comes to a pack medium size or larger, preferring to have one that does what I want even if it may weigh as much as a pound extra. Also, of all the packs I've ever owned, I don't think the zipper has ever failed before the entire pack was starting to look kind of threadbare and ready for retiremeent anyway (or, in the case of one North Face pack I had, it just started falling apart at the seams from day one and a zipper did blow before it was in fact thread bare). Maybe I've been lucky.

Here's another cool shot:

Could be a problem.

My favorite of the Washington hot springs I have been to is the Little Wind River, down in the Columbia Gorge. It is maybe a half mile walk up the river bed to get to it, and the springs are IN the river bed, so I bet it isn't a good bet right now. Carson Mineral Springs, a funky old resort nearby (emphasis on funky) is Great with a capital "G." Go for the baths, hot towel wrap, and massage.

At Hot Springs Cove, I camped in the next nearby cover once, and down at the boat dock the other time because my Kayak friends didn't like the landing in the cove. The boat dock is maybe a mile up the inlet, and the village and resort are accross the water from there. Lots of marine and bird life keeps you entertained. Almost nobody else was around on one trip, and people were there but it never got crowded or anything the second. Nobody else was camping there either time. And, being August, we had nice weather. One night we sat in one of the lower pools, with cold water rushing in and hot draining out after each wave came in. All with a heavy dose of Phosphorescence.

Not cummulative, but at Mt. Baker ski area, as of today: 171" on the ground at 4200'. Stevens Pass, at 4900, 227" on the ground, and at Paradise (5500'): 167" Paradise Stevens Baker

I think it was a current shot, from about an hour ago.

Somebody might want to watch, though.

I wouldn't know the difference.

Ram Creek Hot Springs, not far from the Bugaboos access road, is also near a place called Skookumchuck. The websites list this one as a "warm spring," rather than a hot spring, but I remember enjoying it once upon a time.

According to this, is sould be relatively clear in Seattle right now (or are those just relatively thin clouds?).

In my opinin, Hot Springs Cove is one of the best hot springs around. I've been there twice, once hitching a ride with some native fisherman, and another time getting there via Kayak. The paddling along the outer coast of Flores Island, on the way there, was very exciting. Both were summer trips, and it was very pleasant. In the Lillooet river valley, which starts in an icefield northwest of Whistler and runs down to the Fraser, there are something like 70 thermal sites that have been mapped by BC Hydro or somebody. The Meager Creek Hot Springs, northwest of Pemberton, used to be a very nice, albeit popular (crowded at times) place. I am not sure of the current status (there have been some health-related closures and gate issues). Another one I've been to is further downriver, 34 miles below the town of Mt. Currie, near BC Hydro tower 682 on the main Lillooet trunk road. Last time I was there a bunch of yahoos had Led Zepplin XIX playing at loud volumes and there was a pile of beer cans three feet high but if you didn't mind the melee, it was OK.

Allright then, we'll convene a little later (after the State of The Union speech). Wedgewood Alehouse 8515 35TH Ave NE Ste A Seattle, WA 98115-3675 Probably the easiest way to get there is to take Lake City Way to 95th, about one mile from the highway. Take NE 95th St. east to 35th Ave NE, then turn south on 35th Avenue NE. The WEdgewood Ale House will be on the right, just before the corner where QFC is on the left. This is a neighborhood tavern, with pretty decent burgers/sandwiches (not the old timer's place call the Wedgewood Broiler, nearby). From a Seattle Citysearch website revew: The staff here has always been friendly and very knowedgable, which is pretty impressive considering the 20 or so beers on tap. has a very casual, 'neighborhood bar' kind of feel. the food is quite good too - a big step above typical bar food. be sure to try the turkey sandwich...they roast the turkey right there so it is wonderfully fresh. Pros: good beer, good food, nice people Cons: smoky (smoke is no longer a problem) I'll bring along the new Whitelaw guidebook and maybe a ski guide you might find interesting, EE.

Allright then. It'll be great to see the two of you.

Suggest a place without a TV, or a later start time. I'll watch the State of the Union and catch up with you there. If you don't like politics, how about show and tell? What is everybody bringing for show and tell?

Here's a link you might find interesting (exploration and climbing in the Monarch Icefield area): Bella Coola Symphony, by George Whitmore

Some place with a TV, and maybe an eary start like say 6:00 pm?

We could ask them, but I think we can assume that neither the author nor the publisher intended to suggest that climbers who buy the book cannot or will never climb a 5.10b.

Ron Cottman at Pearly Gates.

There is no arbitrary limit to 10 pitches. It just so happens that a couple of the longer crag climbs in the book are about 10 pitches, and there happen to be no crag climbs longer than that around here. The Grand Wall, last time I looked, is in BC not Washington.

The title is "Weekend Rock."

It is getting pretty wild out there! Mud slide dams up Stilliguamish River near Darrington