mr.radon

FYI - just throwing this out there. The area has to be "Signed" for the pass to be required.

Ya know Rob folks have been trying to pull that kind of stuff for years. That's why the VIN number is in about 20 spots on your vehicle. You'r only going to invite towing and compounding in a lot for further study. The only VIN number easy to see from the LEO prespective is the one on the dash. The Park Service/National Forest meter maids write paper tickets, they don't check plate numbers to VIN's anyhow. Plus a peice of paper placed on the dash takes care of that. So far in over 7 years of swapping plates to avoid NW Forest Pass obligations this has worked. If WA state can turn a blind eye to illegals getting DL's, they can turn a blind eye to NW Forest Pass and Discovery Pass violators. Not to mention how does a tourist feel when he wants to go hike and he can't because he has to go to some local hardware store for a pass, there is no way for the unsuspecting tourist to pay on the spot. But that is minor to the rest of us getting ripped off. The first 6 tickets I received I ignored. I ignored the repeate letters saying I had to appear in some court somewhere. I never had a collector sent after me was never sent a letter telling me how the case came out. I think they just throw these in the trash too if you don't pay, but that was many years ago. After those first tickets I acquired some used plates off a junk car not registered to me. Will continue to use it till I get towed. Amazing, only LEFT coast governments have decided to go down this fee path. But then again there has never been a tax/fee a Liberal politician couldn't support.

LOL - How about you?

Yesterday I swapped plates at the Little Si trailhead and got a ticket. Ticket is now in the trash. Had a slight smirk on my face as I drove off seeing all the lemmings with valid passes. Wait, isn't hiking a healthy activity the govmnt wants to promote? Just get rid of the trash cans and toilets. Make trailheads free to use again. No reason to keep these features at trailheads anyway. There is a anti-litering law on the books, carry blue bags or wild cat it. Its not like with our climate the stuff stays around very long, and I'm sure a dog a few minutes behind will find the secret treat tasty.

Yeah, and maybe setting aside some of the money they make by selling lumber would be a good idea? Why is only CA, OR and WA doing this? Very idiotic that a logging company can come into the forest and MAKE money by cutting down trees. Well, add a tax on their privilege to make money and use that to fund the trail heads. Heck most of the upkeep is already being done by volunteers. I don;t have issues with National Park fees, just these National Forest fees, Discovery fees, and all the other stuff. Heck with National health care coming around the corner the govmt should be paying people to go out hike and stay healthy. But noooo.....

num1mc People that know me know I've been doing this for MANY years. See my post from 2008: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/813246/1 I have not paid a ticket yet. The first four I got I ignored, but I kept getting the letters. Last letter was five years ago. My solution was to grab an old set of plates off a junk car (not in my name). Whenever I pull into a parking lot I swap plates real quick, I lock the car and cover the VIN number. So far the 15 some odd tickets I've gotten have never been traced back to me. I'm well over 50 unpaid tickets and have yet to be tracked down like the rabid dog I am. Funny part is I've never been ticketed for expired plates; 2003 LOL... I wont rest till this system is abolished. Don't forget your friend I personally doubt that Mr Radon goes to all this trouble of hiding his VIN and surreptitiously changing plates back and fourth every time he enters a parking lot. Just last weekend, parked in the Mt Si parking lot, was a WSDFW truck which was very difficult to spot as a LEO vehicle. I'm sure he would like to give Mr Radon a little hard time, especially when all these tickets come up on the computer. Fact is, anyone who would risk cuffs, jail time and a ride with a policeman to fight this is foolish, or blowing smoke up our ass to sound all tough. I just don't buy it

Trip: Mount Rainier - Paradise - Fuhrer Finger Approach Date: 7/2/2011 Trip Report: Me and two friends scoped out the Fuhrer Finger route with my telescope. Will be doing the route this Friday. Watched a lone skier (on his back) ascending the upper part of the finger. We stowed the telescope and headed up. I was amazed how much snow was still up there. We were able to skin in from the long term parking lot. We left Seattle at 7AM, so we were not that early. We managed to skin across the Nisqually lower then normal. Not many crevasses yet. Saw the rock fall, impressive how far it came. We passed a party of (6) hiking up to climb the Kautz and a party of two on A/T gear passed us to also head up to the Kautz. Also watched two skier's descend the route. Also, two parties of three descended the route. After a beer we all skied back to the car. The snow was soft down low. Great skiing though, need to wax again. As we were hiking out of the Nisqually basin another small land slide came off and crashed down the upper Nisqually. So cool. Lots of people hiked to Muir that day, must have been a couple hundred on that trail OMG! Also, I was checking out the party of six, they made camp at Camp hazard, as I was watching a large block of ice broke off and crashed passed the campers, several stepped back, teh view was awesome in the telescope. Just before we left they had another small slide on the Nisqually. Cutting turns back down: Afterward I pulled the scope out again and saw three climbers on the Success Cleaver route. Snapped a quick picture. Gear Notes: A/T gear no rope. Approach Notes: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1194431

I got some plates at the junk yard. When I park, I switch plates. Problem solved.

Trip: Green Mountain, Middle Fork - Bushwhaching till summit was reached Date: 6/21/2011 Trip Report: Topo: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1174612 Well Matt and I launched on an epic yesterday after work without ever realizing what we were getting into. I made a great decision the day before to pack ice axe, gators, Gu, energy bars and topped off the charge on my GPS. I forgot to recheck my head lamp batteries, they had been sitting unused in my pack for over a month now. Matt had forwarded a trip report from some guys that attempted this peak. I read it and thought, oh they were just amateurs seeing how they turned around without getting to the summit. There seemed a straight forward path to the peak on the topo map provided by Matt on the drive to the trail head. I figured summer solstice, longest day of the year, no problem. I didn’t realize there is NO trail to this peaks summit! After work (3:00) I changed and piled into Matt's car. We hit the trail head a little after 4PM, which is a few miles past the Mail Box Peak trail head up the Middle Fork road. The GPS helped find the exact spot we needed to park (right after crossing a certain bridge). After parking the car we had to back track down the road to find the little trail that follows the river. This part of the trail is flat and mushy, but a great trail. Soon we hit an old logging road, we knew we had the right trail. The Topo map allowed us to pick the right turns at the intersections of various log roads. The road started to narrow as we gained elevation, eventually becoming a well maintained trail, in some places marked with red flag tied to tree branches. The weather was warm and muggy, lots of sweat. The blisters I had gotten on McClellan's Butte two days before hurt bad, I compensated by choosing to ignore my feet. We made pretty good time to about 3,400' where we started to encounter patches of snow. By this time the temps were just a bit lower, but bugs, OMG bugs! What made the bugs even worse was at this point the GPS was frequently checked to see where the easiest route to the summit would be. We tried to go right but moss covered rocks, 4th class scramble, no trees, we gave up. We ascended to our left, which directed us to a steep gully and cliff bands. The climbing was earthy, we actually had to use the ice axe in a few places as pro to ensure we weren't going to tumble down slope, of course at moments like this the bugs knew, flying into our eyes, ears, mouths and biting us unrelentingly. The trees helped us a lot, god knows how they grow on that steep a slope, but many times they were used as aid to keep traction on the slope. We found ourselves at the top of a short snow pitch below a small steep section. Matt and I knew the descent from here would be very difficult but not impossible. I told Matt I’d check it out and climbed up, this was the crux, going left or right looked just as bad, if not worse. I told Matt I'd try the pitch. Half way up I managed to get two good footholds, but had to take the pack off and throw it to the top of the rocks. It was getting hung up in the trees, darn elastic bands. Once I got to the top I moved upward, the slope started to ease ever so slightly, but the going seemed simpler. Matt joined me and we talked about our prospects. There was no way to descend our route up without a rope, which we certainly did not have. Top out and take the old logging roads out, was what Matt and I agreed too. I did not like the idea of descending from a peak on an unknown route, but it looked okay on the topo and GPS. Between steep dirt and snow we managed to find a ridge that gave direct access to Green Mountain's saddle. The trail quickly became snow covered, slightly soft from the wonderful day we had. Our trail wandered between the trees, large tree wells made it interesting as we had to negotiate narrow snow bridges. Ice axes and pole came in very helpful. Soon we hit the saddle, turned North and headed up the summit ridge. This pitch is interesting as we had to hop onto rock fins jutting out of the snow. Soon we attained the summit of Green Mountain! The views basking in sunset colors were indescribable, so beautiful they were. Just gorgeous! Matt and I congratulated ourselves and we looked at the map, we needed a quick descent off the snow seeing how it was 8:20 and the sun would soon be gone. We back tracked, which we late found unnecessary, to the saddle, dropped off the opposite side, traversed on top of an old road to the northern saddle of Green Mountain. This wasn't simple as the slope was steeper than I thought it would be. The snow was soft and poor footing with a bad slide off. From the Northern saddle I decided to descend a steep gully to the logging road below, boot skiing! That road ended up being nothing notable as we were still in snow and the traverse seemed difficult, another road below this one was noted on the GPS and I plundered down traversing to the left as I could to keep us on a ridge and pointed in the right direction. Soon we hit this road, with the sun almost down (we were on the east side and already in the shade). From here we could see the traverse North on the old logging road to an eventual descent to the road we drove in on, however, much much further North then where the car was parked. Actually, it looked a lot like the South Bessemer trailhead! (it was) Interestingly I told the GPS to calculate "on road" back to the car, sure enough it highlighted the old logging roads we needed to take to get back. What a useful little tool, but in a car this would have gotten you much trouble! The old logging road we were on had not been used in decades, lucky for us we were on top of snow and somewhat level. I was very motivated to get off the snow before it became dark. Moving as quickly as possible we had a lot of little streams to cross, soon we were somewhat clear of the snow. However, this road had a LOT of avalanche debris and willows, OMG the willows. Leg cutting twigs. I was glad to have two hiking poles to help out on the uneven terrain. Finally I could not see and Matt had to take off his crampons. I dug into the pack for my headlamp but found the batteries dead! Matt came to save the day, arggg. Pretty much the logging road was overgrown with willows, in some places so thick it required us to drop off the road grade and hike past the impassable bushes. The road was difficult to follow as it was very overgrown, no trail, no mainteance. The GPS came in handy to insure we were on the grade. The first dry junction we hit, the GPS saved the day, there was no indication the road we needed to be on was BELOW us. We descended into the woods until I said we were now under the road. We traversed level to the grade and finally climbed back up to a now somewhat distinguishable road grade, however, totally overgrown with rocks, willows, dead and living trees and dozens of small creeks, plus did I mention it was pitch black dark and only one head lamp? At one point I had a particularly interesting problem, stepping through the mushy edges of a creek my leg sunk into the goo. The bottom half of my lower leg was sucked into quicksand muck. It took some effort to extricate the leg without losing the shoe attached below. Yuck and ouch, the soaking did not do my blister any good. However, the further North we hiked the better the road got. As the road got better we noted the beautiful stars that had popped out above us. The sight was electrifying. Matt and I spent a lot of time joking about the mess we were in and glad we were going to get out. At this point I realized we might actually get home without a forced bivy (I had been considering this and we could have done this). I had told Janet where we were going, I hoped she had not called Search & Rescue, as we were already well overdo. It looked like we would get back to the car well after midnight. The old logging road we were on soon got better and eventually a trail appeared out of no-where. By the time we hit the next road junction the trail turned into a well maintained road, a very familiar road. It was the road up South Bessemer. From there it was easy to follow in Matt's headlamp glow and the pace increased considerably. We hit the familiar points from the previous hike up this road. Soon we were on the Middle Fork, and walking South to the car. For me the biggest challenge was ignoring the blisters on my feet and the road's multiple pot holes. The car soon appeared ahead of us and relief in sight, 12:35AM! What a day hike there Matt! Nice way to up the ante. Stout hike. I give it a 12 out of 10 for an after work day hike. Gear Notes: Hiking shoes, gators, ice axe, poles. Approach Notes: Middle Fork doesn't seem to have as many potholes this year? See Topo.

Trip: McClellan's Butte - Regular route Date: 6/19/2011 Trip Report: Fourth try was the charm. doesn't look like anyone reached the summit recently as at the bench tehre weren't any footprints. Had a beer and apple on the summit, hung around for about 25 minutes and headed back. Man there is some snow still out there this year. Crazy. Trail data Gear Notes: Gaiters, ski poles, mountaineering boots. Approach Notes: Snow started at 3,400'. didn't need crampons, only use ice axe on descent. GPS came in handy as fog reduced vis to 150' a few times.

Dude, we were the two skiers, saw you on the Roman Wall heading up into the clouds. Looking back it didn't look like it would clear at all... Awesome it opened up for you, sking in that soupy mess was NOT fun. Nice line!

Trip: Mount Rainier - Emmons Date: 6/27/2010 Trip Report: Climbed Rainier from the Emmons/Winthrop route. Brought AT gear to 12K. Tagged the summit and returned to camp on skis. The day before we ski'd the "ramp" and had a great time. Route is in great shape, very direct. No "main" trail has formed so you can pretty much route find to your hearts content Inter was VERY slushy...lots of slides on its sides. Several other skiers left later then us and descended from the summit on skis. They said conditions were great. Approach Notes: Used AT gear after Glacier basin. No ropes needed on AT gear. Inter had a few slides, stay in center.

Regular winter trailhead, upper Alpental parking lot. Stay on left side, just before Source Lake peel off uphill. Follow boot tracks and skin tracks to PineApple pass basin. From there, you can't miss the gully. Ski down uphill tracks. Nice chute a little to the left.

Was up there three weeks ago. All but the last 500 yards are clear, big sink holes in the road. Snow covered 80% of the trail.

That short section before the last pitch to the summit. I usually don't post Tooth TR's but the pictures turned out too cool, plus first alpine ascent for partner needs to be documented.

Trip: The Tooth - 5-10-2009 Date: 5/10/2009 Trip Report: First alpine climb for my partner Matt... Left work parking lot (car pool) a little after 6AM. Drove to upper Alpental parking lot. I had skins on AT skis, partner was in boots but was carrying downhill skis and snowshoes. Saw WAC group behind us. Tried to haul ass, long story short they caught us. At the basin below the Tooth we passed the WAC's and to my horror saw a big group of Mounties ahead of us This was my climbing partner's first alpine rock climbing trip ever, gym rat meets early PNW approach. Oh and I was the one that convinced a beginner skier to hump in downhill gear. Stashed skis below notch. Made it to notch, waited for partner who arrived with the WAC group hot on his heels. They had mentioned that two instructors humped in about an hour before to put up "FIXED LINES". Arrived at base of climb. In horror I saw said fixed lines and instructors, plus the Mounties were there gearing up. So there were the two of us surrounded by 18 WAC's and Mounties. Switched to rock shoes and roped up. WAC's and Mounties were cool with allowing us to pass. Interesting 25' section of deep snow, had to kick step in rock shoes, not fun. Final pitch finally decided to place pro for newbie to remove! (other then the bomber belay anchors I made for him to avoid the rap anchor CF) Topped out, 3rd and 4th to reach summit. Enjoyed two Pilsner Urquell beers at the summit, watched weather move in. Were motivated to head out. Rapping through 18 climbers was a nightmare. Got to base just as rain started. By the time we descended from the notch it was raining hard. WAC's and Mounties were in for some fun. Ski'd down basin while newbie learned what wet snow and a pack do to ones skiing ability. Met up with me and switched to snowshoes. About one hour had passed, still no WAC's or Mounties had descended. Back to car and warmth, waited for climbing buddy to hoof it out. Gear Notes: AT skis, rope, rappel device, beer, smile. Approach Notes: Approach: Got an early start, firm enough to walk on. Late start bring flotation or skis. Exit: Soft wet snow. Skiing was pretty good. Route: Its the Tooth... Weather: Nice then rain.

Contact the SeattlePi and SeattleTimes. I'm sure they will sponsor your kid and do a nice story on him. With all the publicity I'm sure someone will step forward if they did it at a younger age. But what's the point? Reminds me of Jessica Dubroff.

That's insain. In CO I paid income and sales tax but as a percentage of my income it was far less then WA. At least in WA I can go to OR an buy big ticket items and get out of the sales tax. Right now my monthly tax on my house is more then my payment. It used to be $243/month, now $564/month. Also, because of Brightwater I pay $65/month sewer. Bu that is not the point. The point is the FEE program is UNAmerican. What is to prevent them from increasing this to $100/year? Nothing.

Here is the web site to go to for more protest the NWF Pass http://www.freeourforests.org/ I can't believe anyone on this site buy's these passes. More people need to know that these passes are only for Or and WA. All other states access to national forests is FREE. Only in WA and OR do we have to pay. Please write and call your senators and Representatives to complain.

No, but it was made perminent. It is no longer a demo program. However, only the national forests in the PNW are required to pay. We are lemmings.

Hans, I thought you said the conditions were bad? You made it sound like you were going to get blown off the side of the Mt.; 30mph gusts? Weak... Lets to it this summer. Willing to rope gun/short roep you to the summit if I have to. I added hard points to my Ti rods so you can quickly clip in when the wind picks up again :-) Being bolted to a lead weight like me should hold you down.

Lets be clear about the plates. They were not ripped off some car at random. I bought a parts car from a guy in Leavenworth, hauled it over the pass. I never got a title for the parts car. It had plates on it and that's what I use. When I was done with the car I used a Sawsall to turn it into scrap metal and took it to a metal recycler. I lived in CO for years. They would shoot people if they tried to pass a similar program in CO. The rangers in CO think we are crazy to put up with this program. If this were valid at all Nat. Forests I'd gladly particapate. But it is not. So many people here in the Pacific North West do not understand that in other states NO ONE pays for access to PUBLIC lands. Only us dumb lemmings in WA and OR have to do that.

I have not paid a ticket yet. The first four I got I ignored, but I kept getting the letters. Last letter was five years ago. My solution was to grab an old set of plates off a junk car (not in my name). Whenever I pull into a parking lot I swap plates real quick, I lock the car and cover the VIN number. So far the 15 some odd tickets I've gotten have never been traced back to me.

Also, about access roads, when I lived out there I had a VW rabbit and a LeBarron convertable, I got to ALL trailheads without problems. When I visit to climb I rent sub-compacts and have never had an issue with trailheads. Even did Engineer Pass with a rental one year. Non-4X4 rental I might add. It didn't save any time via driving around though. And to clear up, the easiest route up a CO 14'er never exceeds 4th class. Pick up a 14'er climbing book. They have one now that has a topo and route description. Gerry Rouche I think is his name.

Yeah, how about that Hans...try #3? Still no summit... Lets hook up and nail this one for you after my big day.