fredrogers

The porcupine thing is true. I was up there 2 years ago (only to get shut out by snow) and you do have to armor up your car. They are apparently attracted to the salt in the rubber (?) and will chew your hoses and tires to shreds- a shitty thing to happen since you're a LONG ways from the road at the TH. And a long way to the nearest town from the road. You essentially wrap and brace chicken wire around the base of your car (bracing it with sticks and stones) so the little buggers can't get underneath and into your engine compartment. There was plently of wire up there already, but we had brought a roll and made a donation to the porcupine god. It's worth the $10 CDN we paid for the roll just to bring along andnot have to worry. I have to second the notion of brining a couple of good books. And whiskey.

No info on conditions, but permits aren't required until June 15 and are required through Oct. 15th. For more info, see: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/recreate/recmain.html

I've got the OR Advanced bivy sack and have been quite pleased with its performance. Kept me dry through 4 days of rain and snow in the N. Cascades last summer. It's a snap to set up and having the hoops to keep the bag a foot or so off your face is ideal if you spend any time awake in the thing- it also allows you to move around and tend the stove etc without getting too wet. The bug netting is also a great feature for the soggy PNW climate. I had to swallow hard at the price tag when I bought it, but it's worth it in the long run.

Hey all- thanks for the beta. I've got a full set of BD's already, so I'll use the trangos to double up on they key sizes. BTW- they're on sale through Sierra Trading post for $30.75 each. Sizes 5-8.

Anybody have experience with or an opinion about Trango FCU's? In comparison to BD Camalots and Metolius TCU and Fat cams? I've spied a deal on Tango cams, but would like to get some beta before I spend the cash.

You can also check Jeff Smoot's site. He has a page deidcated to easy summit hikes and scrambles: http://climbingwashington.com/features/summithikes.htm I highly recommend the hike to Hannegan pass/peak- the views are amazing: Mts. Baker, Shuksan, Ruth and a peek into the Northern Picket Range. All on good trails with the majority of the elevation gain right at the end. It you bring along ice axes, the climb up Mt. Ruth is also supposed to be a nice outing, though exposed in places.

I have a Petzl Ecrin Rock and have been quite satisfied with it- it's incredibly durable, albiet a little on the heavy side. The headlight attachments do work better than any other I have tried.

Hwy 20 opened last Thursday or Friday. Anyone have any beta on the SW Couloir on S Early Winter Spire?