plexus

This gonna be your record cover?

I had no idea this became such a cluster. I remember snowshoeing (it was before my backcountry touring days) up that back in '02 maybe. There were maybe six other parties on the route. Even if I did have skis, it was way too icy the top 500 feet of elevation. I remember we switched to crampons at that point (a "Why don't we bring these just in case?" decision that paid off).

I was thinking the exact same thing Jason. Jon, I was seeing what you use for satellite imagery? This past season I used OpenSnow for backcountry skiing. But not sure if I want to renew my sub again.

I have been gone from the area for over 20 years now. But I never thought that this would happen in my lifetime. Rather melancholy about that now.

That really puts it in perspective. Nicely done gents.

That is totally schwack-afied badassery.

Oh, and have a week planned in the Wind River Range in July. Family trip to Banff and Canmore in August. Alas, that will just be me looking at the pretty mountains instead of climbing them.

I spent a couple of weeks in Norway and I loved it. Their hut system is fantastic. All you literally need to bring is a sleeping clothes if you want. It is worth becoming an annual member to their hiking society so you can get a universal key that will unlock all of the public backcountry huts in the country.

That pick from N Despair... that there is a beaut.

Thanks for the report Jason, and photos (you too Steve). Started researching the Winds for a week-long trip for this summer. Would you say the bugs were Alaska bad? And how was the rock on Overhanging Tower?

Thanks Jason and Steve for doing this. All of it, from getting Kloke Peak renamed, creating and placing the summit register and most importantly, embarking on a Kloke-esque adventure to commemorate it. I don't think I ever would have climbed Step Sister or Last Sister if not for a hand-drawn "Dallas" map. Heck I still have a whole guidebook of those for Mount Erie that I will keep forever even if I haven't lived in the PacNW for two decades. IMG_5864.HEIC

Thread was worth it just for that pic of Buck's face!

Good on you guys. I remember years ago getting to the base of that thing in late September. When I was racking up it began snowing... and didn't stop until the next May. Always wondered how that climb went and how good the rock quality was. Say hi to @Trent for me.

Awesome report, awesome trip. And double bonus points for your partner having K2 Shuksans like me!!

I've done Loomis in the winter. Great fun climb... if there is snow. Unfortunately all the snow melted before we climbed it and was stuck with steep, dead hellebore that was frozen stiff. Fun times included rappelling the vertical forest by headlamp. Great views of Baker from there.

Absolutely beautiful guys. I hope you two cherish the memory of the trip for a long time. Steph, what lens did you use for your shots? I'm figuring since you were trying to go light as possible, you just brought a 55 mm? Also did you use a hard walled case to protect your camera? Thanks

I can only tell you what that has been like this season in Colorado. Out of the six avalanche fatalities, three were true backcountry (including a snowmobiler) and two were actually in-bounds but in closed areas. We have had a scary layer-cake snowpack this season, so much so that I have been playing it very conservative. My condolences to all the friends and families of the victims. One of the victims is known to us here in 'rado.

Nearly spit out my beer laughing when I read this.

Very nice. I was on top Ruth Mtn exactly 10 years ago. Very surreal day.

Awesome trip. I have to ask, do you just know everything flora and fauna under the sky or do you look it all up afterwards? I feel like I've been reading Natl Geo whenever I read your TRs. And I mean that in a good way!

That was a full-value day you got. You're guaranteed not to see anybody up there. I remember years ago bashing around for a couple of hours trying to find that "trail". Spooked a big bear. He spooked me as well. And you're right, Hagen Peak is pretty awesome.

I bouldered for the first time in 2 months and for the first time since I had a tight capsule and two muscles fixed in my right shoulder. I was weak, my balance was crap and I have girly skin on my fingers. But the shoulder did not hurt or make any funny noises. Hurray for small miracles!

I think you put it best to all of us who were lucky enough to have climbed/scrubbed routes/explored and camped with Dallas.

I'm still too shocked and numb to share anything about a man whose passion for all aspects of life should be emulated by all of us.

Funny because when I first read the post, the Pasayten is exactly what came to mind. You can definitely play with the rope on Lost and Lake peaks. Beautiful area and when I spent 4 days up there, we didn't see a soul.