carolyn

oh ya- beck there are a lot of great places to climb along the north shore - Duluth on up. However I have only done ice climbing up north. Nipegon, Ontario canada was my first big ice climbing excursion. Im looking forward to exploring more between duluth and beyond thunder bay this winter. carolyn

kewl! Thanks for the great stories so far! I have a bit of time to share now... I was a gymnast, so always daring Started working at a camp when I was in college and did some climbing. LOVED it! Got sidetracked in life (one of many times). Moved to Minneapolis. Got even more sidetracked in life. Went out to COlorado for a wedding and saw mountains in real life for the first time (*cough cough* - that was about six years ago!) I remember one mountain in particular (Mt. Sopris) which we drove by. I couldnt keep my eyes off of it (thankfully I wasnt driving). It was one of those things where you look back and stare at it until it is out of sight). I remember thinking how incredible it would be to climb to the top of it and become part of its beauty. Someone mentioned that people climb it all the time. Although I had read a bit about people climbing mountains, I didnt have much concept of it. But I immediately knew one day I wanted to. I disregarded the thought, thinking I could never do it. I relapsed into an eating disorder i had while a child. Lost sight of all my dreams. In my recovery I have begun to realize I can take risks and follow my heart. Since then I started working at camps again, leading wilderness trips and facilitating ropes courses. I have learned a lot from the folks i work with. I decided I wanted to at least TRY climbing a mountain before I turned thirty. So last year, 2 months before my bday I went to colorado, hired a guide, and fell flat on my face! Wasnt quite prepared. Wound up getting sick on the mountain after barely starting. We had a great time finding different rocks to climb on the way down, though! It was one of the most expensive lessons Ive ever had! I was determined to return this fall (more prepared) and try again. When I got home I started climbing in the gym, working in exhange for climb time, found some folks to take me ice climbing, and began doing more backpacking on my own time. I eventually decided to apply for a scholarship with outward bound (partially to learn and partially to have another chance int he mountians without having to pay a guide booku bucks). I got the scholarship. The trip has been cancelled, but I will be reapplying and scheduling another one for the spring. In the meantime I do a lot of reading, networking, and playing around in the outdoors. Sometimes (okay, often), I get frustrated because I want to immerse myself in climbing and learn everything NOW. Unfortunately time and other life constraints make the process slow, which I am starting to accept and enjoy. Someday I want to climb Aconcagua. That is my biggest goal at the moment. I would like to do this before I turn 40. I have a long way to go, but I am determined to make it happen! I think with the exposure I have had so far in climbing I enjoy ice climbing the best. I LOVE whacking the axe into the ice, hearing the sound it makes, and sticking to it like spiderwoman-hehehe Overall, I enjoy climbing because it puts life into perspective for me. It reminds me of what is important -the here and now. being out in the woods (and someday the mountains) for days at a time is a great way to remember how important the basic necessities are in life (and yes it sure does make me appreciate beer *giggle*). I am always feeling challenged, which gives me self-satisfaction. I guess I have also found that when climbing or backpacking I am able to focus more on how my body functions rather than its "appearances". In fact I am working with local eating disorder treatment centers at the moment to start incorporating outdoor adventure into their programs because I believe so strongly in it. Whew! Long winded and maybe a little sappy at times (sorry ) My guess is I will be moving west of the Mississippi some day in the near future. Cant wait to hear from more people! Be well, be safe, carolyn [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-05-2001).]

cpt caveman... no offense taken. I appreciate your thoughts and honesty. I actually addressed your comments more on the "partners vs guiding" thread. Thank you for your insight! be well, be safe, carolyn

Cpt Caveman...if you dont mind me addressing a response you had to another one of my posts (seems to fit in better here)... You are correct that if at all possible I would like to find a climbing partner during my stay in the NW to guide me in the mountains. I have a lot of jumbled thoughts on this , so I hope I can make sense. My understanding is that there are a couple of ways to learn about the mountains. You can take a traditional course or learn from others and on your own the "hard knock" way. Im guessing I am not the only one who has a budget and cant afford the cost of a guiding service. Therefore I must look to others who have the desire to teach their passion of the mountains. Im fully aware that NOT everyone WANTS to do that. I respect you for knowing where you stand on the issue- Knowing that you dont want to put yourself in a situation where you have to "teach" people while you are out trying to enjoy a climb. I have respect for people who set limits as much as I do for people who will reach out and help others. I guess at times I wonder though...(and I started a post about this)how others got their start? We all started out as beginners. We all required a mentor, a teacher, a supporter. At times I feel like my biggest hurdle in my desire to climb isnt the fact that there are no mountians in the midwest...its that often new folks are discouraged to pursue their goals because there is some secret knowledge that is unattainable to them. I could be way off base here, but I think the most important secret in climbing is a positive attitude, persistance, and desire to reach a goal. Again, I respect your thoughts , decisions, and setting of limits. I just wanted to share my side of things as someone new in the community. and Dr. Jay.... thank you for your encouraging words. be well, be safe, carolyn

We all start out as beginners. In my short time on this board I have received a lot of wonderful advice and suggestions. I appreciate it very much. Ive been wondering how others in this forum got introduced to climbing? When did the desire to climb start? How did you learn? Where did you learn? Who took you under their wings and helped you gain the experience you needed to continue on your own? What were your obstacles? Why do you climb? etc Im off on another camping trip for the weekend (this time for work-must admit, I dont mind being paid to camp at times). I look forward to some good reading when I return. Have a great weekend! Be well, be safe, carolyn

I appreciate your honesty hikerwa. I have been planning to come out to the NW for an outward bound course which has been cancelled. Since I got the news I have still continued my plans to come out and have been asking for suggestions of places to climb. I am tentatively planning to do some mountaineering with an acquantance who guides on Ranier. I have also asked others in this forum for suggestions on finding someone "safe" to climb with (other than hiring a guide). I have made it very clear that I am a beginner. I appreciate all who have helped me get into climbing thus far, all who have offered suggestions and advice in various ways. I do all I can to help these people out. as a beginner it can be easy to cross that fine line of asking for a climbing partner vs a guide. You want to "act" as if you know whats going on...then you realize you dont. I guess its all about being upfront and honest from the getgo. For me, even though I know guides are very dedicated and usually passionate about what they do, I somehow appreciate the gift of passion that one shares without the exchange of money more. I will definately keep this post in the back of my mind when I hook up with someone more experienced, who is not getting paid and make sure I am doing my share and then some. Thanks for the toughts! be well, be safe, carolyn [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-02-2001).]

First of all, let me tell you how much i cringed when I hit the "send" button on my last reply asking how to find a climbing partner in the area while I was visiting. I KNEW i would get some smart allek responses:P I appreciate those who have emailed serious enquiries and promise i WILL get back to you shortly. For those of you withe the "cute" responses...thank you for the laughs...however (*biting my tongue as I predict the responses*), I do wonder how looks are related to climbing abilites and safety. On a more serious note...I hired a guide while in colorado last year. It was VERY expensive! I was not intending to spend any money for the outward bound course because I received a scholarship. I was just paying for the flight. Despite the course being cancelled I am still planning to come out because I have worked my butt off training for it and deserve a vacation! This is a great opportunity to explore the mountains! I keep my fingers crossed that the acquaintance (geesh I cant spell tonight) I have who guides on Ranier will have time off to head out with me for a while. If not, I need a compassionate, patient person with good leadership/safety skills who enjoys introducing people to mountains. Otherwise...I will explore on my own within my own comfort zone and wait for the next Outward Bound trip. On a side note...I mentioned in my last response I was doing a solo backpacking trip in n. minnesota. I posted a warning about heat and I urge you all to beware of the heat whereever your travels may take you. It can be extremely dangerous as it was proven to me this week. be well, be safe, carolyn

Hello all! As some of you have read in my post entitled "suggestions" , I am not completely familiar with the weather in the Northwest. however I know it has been very hot this summer over the entire country. As all of you know its extremely important to stay hydrated in this heat. However, I ask you to take extreme caution if it gets too hot - it can be fatal! Its easy to say that and believe it wont happen to you...however it CAN! I was recently out on a trail for two days. Expected temps were in the mid seventies. It turned out to be in the 80's with a great deal of humidity = in the 90's. It didnt reach that temp until I was at my half way point. I had plenty of water with me (I was weighting my pack with water infact). It didnt matter how much fluids I was getting in my system...it was still too hot. i was fortunate enough to get help from the trail and put in a situation to prevent me from moving into heat stroke. I stand by all my actions and KNOW I did not act stupid or irresponsible. Its just amazing how easily the heat can affect you without you even knowing it - very deceiving. So again, I ask where ever your travels take you that you use caution. Be well, Be safe, carolyn

Hey! Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I have been taking them into consideration as I try to map out a plan. I have also been looking at various websites to get more ideas (or elaborate on some already mentioned). Thus far, Mt. hood, Mt. Daniel, Mt. Ruth, Three Fingered jack, middle sister, mt baker, dragontail peak, Eldorado Peak (ugh sounds TOUGH), Mt. Maude and Red Mountain. I have more on my list to check out as well. I guess IDEALLY, I would like to spend a day playing around...learning self- arrests and glacier travel. then spend a day or two doing some easy walk ups , and a two day climb with a little bit of technical difficulty. the more I look at the "popular" mountains, the more I think I dont want to focus on them. Not that they are not beautiful. there is a reason they are popular. Because I dont feel the need to climb a BIG mountain right now. I need to learn the necessary skills and enjoy being in the mountains. That doesnt require well known peaks. (hope that doesnt offend anyone) They are not scratched off my list...but definately not in the front of my mind. Can anyone tell me more about Dragontail Peak and the surrounding area? (ha! and for all i know that might be a POPULAR peak) well, I am off...I am doing a 4-day solo backpacking trip on the SUperior Hiking Trail starting tomorrow morning (near the boundary waters). The midwest should not be forgotten for its beauty (and bears, and mosquitos, and humidity, and black flies, and....hehehehhehe). I will check in again next week! Be well, be safe, carolyn PS...odd question, but in case the person I expect to be climbing with cannot get off of work, does anyone have suggestions as to how to find a SAFE person (someone who knows what they are doing, patient, and a good leader) to hang out in the mountains with? [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 07-30-2001).]

Hey thanks for the suggestions thus far! I really appreciate them! Haireball - I have not had much luck finding guide books in MN stores on the cascades, so I will unfortunately have to wait until I arrive in the area. Should REI have a sufficient amount of books? I will be spending some of my time climbing with someone who I met on the ice in canada. He guides trips up ranier for RMI. Unfortunately, not being from the area he is not familiar with much more than ranier. I trust that I will be in good hands when it comes to something more techinical. I would love to hear more ideas. Are people open for me to contact them via email if I need more specifics (directions and such)? I planned on spending a week in the Portland area doing some backpacking as a final "training" and to get used to an altitude higher than 0 (actually minnesota DOES have SOME hills ). Any suggestions within an Hour or two of the city? THanks again! be well, carolyn

Hello I just found this site tonight and was hoping I could get some suggestions from those of you who live in the NW. I received a scholarship to participate in an Outward Bound Mountaineering Course in the N. Cascades. Unfortunately due to low enrollment it looks like the course will be cancelled! (wasnt expecting that ). Anyway, I have decided to come out to the NW with or without Outward Bound backing me. I know some people who are somewhat experienced climbers and backpackers who will head out into the mountains with me. Im looking for suggestions or ideas others might have on various climbs or hikes in the Cascades. A bit of background....I am in Minnesota , so I do not have much experience in the mountains. I have done a little bit of climbing in colorado. I have done some ice and rock climbing here in MN. I have also done quite a bit of backpacking in N. Minnesota. I would like to do some easier (walk up ) routes...but dont want to rule out some of the easier technical routes. I dont mind doing some of the popular climbs. However, I would prefer some obscure, relatively unknown/unpopulated areas to explore. Is it true there is not much ice to be climbed at this point? Im coming out in Sept and would LOOOOOOOOOOVE to find some ice!!!!! Thank you in advance, carolyn ps....please tell me the mosquitos, black flies and humidity are MUCh less out there than they are here [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 07-23-2001).]