I went to Paradise Monday and the snow was really good there, and powder about 2 feet deep out of wind exposed areas. The Tatoosh looked pretty well snow covered, and the freezing level will be low and the weekend will be nice and the road was good. It may be thinnish as like what it would be December but coverage was still good. I think it would be a good trip.
TTT
They are climbing today (tuesday) so don't expect one until tonight or tomorrow. It was cold, windy and clear so they should have a good climb. It took work to get to Muir, and we were just going for the day. There was a team of five going today.
TTT
This is a problem I have had with the current administration as I think that they are really running the the show there, not Bush, and since Bush really doesn't stop them it seems to back up this assumption.
Yes the Alki was fun. You dont notice the smoke when you are telling tall tales of the mountains. The police van didn't bust any climbers, and I knew I was at the Alki when I left, there was a woman barfing outside the front door.
Try Mailbox peak. Just off I-90 past North Bend, and yes on the water and poles like Jens said.
People train alot on Si, and people have done it under an hour routinely, not that 80 minutes isnt bad at all.
TTT