slothrop

Thanks for hippin' me to the new lingo, cheif. I knew a deadpan pedant like you, cj, couldn't resist correcting my mischaracterization.

Renting plastics is a good way to go. If you end up really liking the DC route and want to do more of the same, buy some stiff-soled (full-shank) waterproof boots, leather or plastic, that will work with your crampons. "Crampon-compatible", used to describe boots, usually means that the boots have welts in front and back for crampons that attach using heel and toe bails. But any old hiking boot can be used with strap-on crampons. I wouldn't recommend going with your current boots in any case, since they don't seem to be stiff-soled.

It's been too long since the we've seen a massive ground invasion. Israel should just roll straight into Damascus, link up with the 4th ID in Baghdad, and plow right into Tehran. If you're going to escalate, go straight to the top.

You are a Zen master of annoying sarcasm. Since when did "wasabi" become a catch-phrase?

What do you mean by "hiking Rainier"? It's a pretty big mountain. Are you climbing to the summit, hiking to Camp Muir, doing the Wonderland Trail, or just wandering aimlessly on glaciers unroped and alone? Clarifying your objective will make it easier to give advice.

WTF is wasabe?

I heard someone named Becky drilled a bolt in the mountains around here. But that was a long time ago, I'm sure she's dead now.

I thought this was the idle speculation and slander thread.

All RMI guides do all week is slog up and down the DC, of course they're not going to be good rock climbers.

Sweet baby Jesus! You're a good person for helping those folks out. I look forward to next weekend's TR.

Hardy har. McLane says: "The Raven, A4 5.9 8p". I think Cannabis Wall is a more likely candidate.

Cool, Doug. Squamish is a great place to get trad mileage.

Rap down and do the South Ridge, too. Or climb to the top of the East Peak before you head out along the ridge.

Fairweather, we all secretly listen to mostly Joan Baez. Oh, and tapes of Jane Fonda's voice. She can say anything and we just swoon.

No, it was at the Tully's across the street from the sweet granite in Renton.

You could leave one of those ropes, your second tool, and the ice pro at the top of the ice, too, if you take catbird's suggestion. That way your packs are much lighter for the slog to the top. We did a carryover via the DC in 10 hours from high camp to the Paradise parking lot, including a nice break at Camp Muir.

A large amount of freight traffic goes up and down the viaduct, since it goes through industrial SoDo and right by the port facilities. You're paying for it because you're a responsible citizen who understands the concept of the public good. Ask Mayor Nickels why it's not being built yet. Perhaps you'll care about replacing the viaduct after it falls down and Seattle's afternoon rush hour traffic backs up into Tacoma.

You only need a big piece for one pitch, so maybe it is worth the savings.

From Wikipedia: I wonder if the island can be hit by a *snicker* Taepodong??!?!?

Maybe it's a scale model of the mountains forming the border between India and China, used for planning the INVASION!

Cotton kills. You are all sketchy. There are countless cases of testicular hypothermia documented in ANAM, isn't that enough to convince you? Every piece of synthetic fiber that comes into contact with my ass retains a whiff of that lovely aroma forever. Heat and exertion only cause the dormant stank to reassert itself with greater fury each time. Perhaps silver-lined shorts, as ketch suggests, are the cure, but I'm sure they're not cheap. Cotton and wool, on the other hand, come out of the wash fresh as a daisy and stay mellow for a while. I've never had a problem with comfort with natural fabric undies, any season of the year. Except that one time I skied down St. Helens in my underwear and fell a lot. Cotton briefs with those "nice flat seams" are definitely available.

Aphex Twin, Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Not to be confused with SAW Vol. II, which is a little disturbing. Yo La Tengo, And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out I second the Getz/Gilberto combo. Some random songs, maybe you can find 'em on iTunes or something: IQU, Loving You Sebastien Tellier, La Ritournelle Brian Eno, Deep Blue Day (on the Trainspotting soundtrack) Don't forget the System of a Down for when you just can't take it anymore.

Yup.

Great photos, Gary! You got some fine light for sure.

Nice TR. You could do the Improbable Traverse on Guye in no time after work.