carolyn

awww, Im going to miss you in Bellingham...Im heading up there from Portland on Sunday or Monday (9th/10th). Have a GREAT time, though!

Crossing Antarctica by Will Steger and Jon Bowermaster written in journal entries by the first man to cross antarctica by foot (and dogsledding). Im always fascinated by those who can survive in such exteme weather.

I just heard the other day about people going into crevasses, just to ice climb out. That is soooooooo crazy fun sounding! I cant wait for the day to try it! carolyn

You folks are all fantastic! Thank you sooo much for the ideas and reassurance. i never thought about the stove or the fuel. Ive been borrowing a lot this summer and was planning on picking up a stove before heading out, but maybe I will wait. Lambone, and all...what do I hope to get out out of this trip? Well as I said in one of my initial posts I had a scholarship for an outward bound course which got cancelled. I will be taking one of the courses in the spring (for free thank goodness ). I just feel like I have worked too hard this summer physically, emotionally, and financially to say "okay see ya in the spring". So I am coming out anyway! Ideally, my goal is to learn and get some experience on glaciers. I would LOVE to do some ice climbing if conditions warrant it. (cause gwad I LOVE ice climbing) A summit or two would be nice, however the learning, safety and enjoyment of the trip are much more important to me. My plans are still flexible and up in the air. I am flying into portland on the 2nd and will spend some time with a good friend of mine who wants to take me on some hikes. My uncle, who has climbed all over the world wants to take me out for a climb or two. At the moment I plan on staying in the portland area until the 9th, then I am moving onward. I will be heading to the N. cascades with my pack in some cheap rental car. There have been a few people from this site who have shown interest in taking me out climbing. I plan on meeting with some of them and deciding if we will be compatible. I also have a friend who guides for RMI and if he is given time off will be heading up N with me. If worse comes to worse, I have been looking up places to backpack and I will just do some solo backpacking for a few weeks. Unfortunately I will not be in the area for the big fall fest. I believe my flight from seattle leaves a few days before the big date.*sigh* I wish I could explain how badly I want to learn more about climbing. I wish I could even understand myself why I would want to. Unfortunately I have this complex, this fear that has kept me away from it for so long...and still causes me to hesitate at times. I wonder what makes me so special to think I deserve to be part of the beauty the mountains hold. Its time to stop questioning and analyzing and start doing...THAT is the purpose of this trip! I hope I explained it well enough. be well, be safe, carolyn [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-20-2001).]

I just wanted to wish you luck and hope that most importantly you stay safe and ENJOY yourself and the beauty around you! carolyn

Thanks, duffel bag is a good idea. Think I have seen them at that wonderful REI store for a zillion bucks. (good thing I am getting a fair amount of money from my recent car accident ). Can you tell how anxious I am about checking my gear in on an airline. EEEEKS! If I lost it!!!! *trying not to think about it* Got good rain gear. Except my boots, which decided to crap out on me last week in the rain. Dont wanna get new ones right now, so I best find some good waterproofing stuff. Sheeeeeesh, its so early out there! Almost bedtime for me over yonder!

Okay, I really AM heading out to your area soon. My plane leaves on Sept 2. Anyway, I only want to bring my backpack and then maybe a daypack. I am trying to figure out how the hell to fit all of my stuff in it, and get it on /off the plane safely. For those of you who have travelled with all your gear, how do you pack it in a way that you dont have your axes, helmets, etc hanging from the outside of your pack where they can easily get lost or stolen? Sorry, if it seems like a dumb question but as most of you know I am very knew to this. Also, what is the most appropriate type of clothing to bring. Remember when you say it might be "cold", I think Minnesota cold (mukluks,heavy shell, balaclava, etc) I will be in Portland and then the N. cascades, mainly. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have! be well, be safe, carolyn

I find it kind of funny that when I remember back to highschool and how I used to get mad at the people who were able to wear the REAL "izod" shirts and addidas shoes (hehehehe, that sounds soooo silly now). They were the "rich preps" (sorry, Im not much of a 'labeler', but I remember that being the label they had). I always wondered what made them so special because they had such nice clothes and I had to wear the hand me downs? Later in life I learned (thank gwad!) that what you wear doesnt make you who you are. these folks who had all the good clothes, cars, bikes, etc were people who had money. Some of them were assholes. Some of them were nice. All of them had insecurities, strenghts and weaknesses - just like me! I guess this post kind of reminds me of the highschool or college experiences Im sure many of us had. Clothing and gear does not make us more or less of a climber. Its our own insecurities which make us think that we need the good clothes or we dont need the good clothes to be labeled a "climber". Once we get more confident in our abilities and/or our personalities we start realizing what is right for us individually and what others have or dont have wont bother us so much. If you wear wool, fleece, or whatever because you have found that to be the best for YOU then so be it. If you are wearing it to be different and "cool" you are losing out. Heck, I know a guy who leads dogsledding trips in N. Minnesota and wears cotton - everything. Crazy? Rebel? Stupid? Naw, just found that it works better for him (still dont get it, but whatever works! ) Now, from a "newbie" (can I tell ya all I am beginning to hate that word) I will explain this... When looking for appropriate clothing to work outdoors in the winters here in MN I immediately looked at the expensive, REI, North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, etc. I thought thats what I was SUPPOSE to have in order to stay warm and dry. I bought some of it to test it out. I liked some of what I got and Ive given away or stored others. I had to learn by trail and error what works best for me. Maybe a lot of the people who you run into on the mountians with this expensive gear are just trying it out for the first couple times to see if it is a right fit for them. In time they might realize its not necessary for them...then again, they might realize it is. this is getting long, but I feel the need to continue.. A great example with me might be the fact that I have a silly, bulky looking edelrid helmet that I have inherited from work. At times I think, "shit I better go out and buy one of those Petzl helmets so I dont look like a moron". Then again, who the hell cares. If the helmet fits and serves its purpose then why bother? Maybe someday I will be able to afford or find another helmet which I like better. Maybe not. My point being, a lot of emphasis is put on not looking dumb (just like in highschool)...therefore my own insecurities lead me to think it is necessary to go out and get the "hip" looking gear. So I go up into the mountains for one of the first times wearing my petzl helmet and whatever other clothing/equipment I thought was necessary to look like a climber. I dont know what I am doing. I look like and idiot. And then I get judged by others for being one of those gear heads who doesnt know how to climb. See how that becomes a no win situation for someone new to all of this? It would be easy for me to get defensive or look "cocky". I guess I just hope that we can all get past the "looks" and remember why people are in the mountains -newbie or not....because they LOVE it! quote: "And from the other hand why a newbie’s don’t take upon themselves to learn a little more in depth the essential skills before hitting the trail?" Ive been given two trains of thoughts on how to learn...take a course or two and/or go out and experiment, learn by trail and error. I personally do NOT have the money to hire guides or take a bunch of courses. I have had to beg and plead people to take me out. I have had to do things solo. I have read books and asked numerous people questions. I KNOW I have made some silly mistakes that could have been costly. Who here hasnt? I dont believe there is anything that can completely prepare you for the mountains. You can know the basics, but from there it is all about experience. And you dont get the experience by reading a book or having a guide take you thru things step by step. Finally, you wonder where in the industry sets the standards? Well, you, me, and everyone else involved with enjoying the outdoors set the standards. No one else. We are the ones who are responsible. Not an easy pill to swallow at times. Sorry for the length of this post. I appreciate those of you who made it thru and allowing me to express my opinions on this topic. be well, be safe, carolyn

Uncle Tricky, That was a great story to wake up to and read right before going to...WORK Thanks for putting so much effort into it! It really was a pleasure to read and envision. To many more moments like these in life! carolyn

Oh ya! They also work real well to pull a car out of a ditch! except the knot usually holds longer than the rope. [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-18-2001).]

Any ropes course facility or experiental education organization would probably be happy to take them off your hands. They are used for initiatives and games. Also to train people how to tie various knots.

Thank you so much for the great stories. I laughed and smiled a lot! Im so jealous of those who have spotted wolves...cascadeclimber was that you who said you saw a pack? They are my absolute FAVORITE animals. I swear I saw one when I was in the boundary waters area a couple years ago. I was driving down a road and it was there one second on the side of the road and slithered away so quickly I didnt get a great look. No dog could move as sly and graceful as a wolf. Turns out there was a pack living in a gravel pit (of all places) about a half a mile away. So, how abundant are bears in the N. Cascades? I will DEFINATELY watch out for those goats, cute as they may be from afar. Dru- that photo is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing it! If it wouldnt kill the server, we should start a thread with fav photos from the mountains. Keep the memories coming! they are great! be well, be safe, carolyn [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-18-2001).] [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-18-2001).]

okay, I am revin' up for my trip to the NW...I finally have my flight worked out and I will be leaving in a few weeks! (can you just see my eyes sparkling?-THREE weeks away and free to explore a new world) Anyway, I was wondering what are some memorable things people have seen while they have climbed or been out hiking? What can I look forward to? Even though I am not in the NW now, I would be happy to start with some memorable sites I have seen over the past few years while out and about. *Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Looking up into the hills and seeing a mountain goat (or sheep as they insist to be called) on a ledge, with a black bear hanging out right underneath. INCREDIBLE Kodak moment! Too bad I didnt have a camera *Running into my first bear in Colorado. *giggle* The first few times I went up to N. Minnesota to camp, we would make sure we left our garbage out and sit outside all bundled up waiting for a bear! (I know, thats BAD:P Now I hang my food up high and PRAY I wont have a visit). I FINALLY saw one as I was starting a leisurely walk in Colorado Springs. Darn thing was ready to hit the dumpster. Fortunately it ran after I yelled at it. I forcefully retreated back to where I was staying. *Camping on a lake in the boundary waters, a friend of mine and I started howling to see if there were wolves nearby. I will NEVER forget the magical sound when they started howling back. It was definately a LARGE pack, and nearby *Knowing a bear was on a trail I was hiking last week, I whistled and sang all the way. For some reason I started whistling a silly song about five birds as I took a break. Honest to god, five little birds flew around me and hung out on a Pine tree next to me, singing along. *Speaking of birds- After hiking up to Hanging Lake in Co. I had a bird decide it needed to hang out with me. It sat on the limb of a tree next to me, moved to the bench next to my arm, and eventually to my shoulder. People kept staring at me. But this beautiful blue bird was keeping me good company. *Ice climbing in a nearby site. I was soooo damn focused on throwing the axes right (one of my first times out), when someone I had seen there before said, isnt this a beautiful day. I remember turning around and looking at the valley and the snow lingering down. It reminded me that my technique was not so important. What was important was feeling how beautiful my surroundings were and enjoying it! Im going to leave it at that for now. Im excited to hear what others have seen! be well, be safe, carolyn [This message has been edited by carolyn (edited 08-10-2001).]

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).]