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
Another TJ's wine choice is Marchais Merlot, French and very good.
Trader Joes is best by far for affordable tasty wines.
Sometimes you can find good prices on beer too.
TTT
Has there been any report on which route they where climbing? Many climbers go overdue on Rainier without it being reported. I had a couple of friends that were stuck 10 days a few years ago on Liberty Ridge and they made it out ok. It didnt hit the news until day 9.
Newstips/King5: The reason some dont like the reports is because often the cost of rescues creeps into the news and then you have Joe 6 pack asking why climbers dont pay for the rescues, and the inevitable discussion of how or why would someone go near a mountain. I remember Cam Johnson on last round of accidents pleading directly to the camera "why do people do this?"
Glad you are making a attempt to get the report right.
Hope these guys are ok,
TTT
Climbing, hiking and enjoying my new found unemployment. I haven't had time to read this whole thread, and my questions have been asked before on this thread, and coming in after 5 pages it is hard to follow.