rock-ice

I do a lot of scrambling and steep snow and ice (not much class 5 rock). This last weekend I was on colonial and snowfield peaks. I do alot of stuff like that. That happened to be where my pack strap broke too. Luckily I was only two miles from the trailhead on the way out.

I've had the same pack since I started climbing about five years ago. It was an "pine forest" that my uncle grabed for me when he was in korea for about $20. It has done allright, I guess. But in the last year its been ripping and generally falling apart. Over time i've repaired it but now that one of the shoulder straps has ripped off, its just dead. So, with no previous experience shopping for a climbing pack I was hoping for some good advice on what to look for and any brands I should avoid or pay extra for. Note: I need something to accomidate a couple days gear.

Amen. I agree one-hundred percent. Its a waste of time to drag all of your gear all that way when there are bomber sites, with great views, and now probably running water, a bit lower.

Beckey makes it sound pretty straight forward and the approach appears shorter than the east side routes. Much more fun than the 5 or so mile approach to Peggy's pond. Let me know when you get back if it wasn't too bad. Enjoy and bring deet.

Seems to me that vantage has quite a few good ones. Stems and seeds stand out (kinda tough for learning) and Martha something or other. Check it out. Good luck.

I know its not climbing, but for the past six or seven months I've been working up to and planning a speed hike around the wonderland. At first I thought about 24 hrs but realized that might be too ambitious for my first time around all at one time. And besides this way its easier to drag someone else along. Anyways I was looking for any lightweight water (filtration) and food tidbits. Has anyone else done this trip or others like it. Any advice would be great. thanks.

I also heard about this. Quite a few S&R suv's were plowing up the road saturday morning. They said something about it being an injured skier who had called on his cell phone and was going to try and make his way down by himself. My guess is he wasn't on the south spur because with all the people around going down "alone" is impossible and all they need do for help is yell. Hope they were alright.

There was only small patches of snow at cold springs this week and i suspect there even gone now. I don't think you even hit snow on the trail until 1 or 1 1/2 miles out. As mentioned above the snow gets real soft real fast because of the hot days and fairly warm nights. Try and get up the slope early in the day. When I was up there this last weekend there were a ton of skiers there for the southwest chute none of them said anything bad about the descent.

I actually heard rumored that the record was faster than that. Does anyone know for sure???

I think your story has already been stolen and put under copyright. If I could only remeber by who... Lets see... all I can remember is horrible graphics and explosions. Must be vertical limit 2.

I was scrambling in above the White River basin last Saturday so I had a good veiw of the upper mountain and was surprised to see fresh snow from 10k up. But I guess its that time of year already. And with the rain we've had since then I wouldn't be surprised to see a bit more. The route, as you might know from your D.C. climb, joins the cleaver route at 13,700.

Are you sure it started with an N? Someone mentioned the Tahoma earlier. It has everything you described: a long approach, its often done in 3+ days and the scenery is spectacular. [ 10-10-2002, 11:10 PM: Message edited by: rock-ice ]

I heared from somebody that there is a fair amount of developed rock in and around wilkeson. Does anyone have any good info about the area, the routes and how to get there from bustling downtown Wilkeson?

Lightbulb moment: Could Icy Hot or the like help prevent frostbite by warming and consequently increasing circulation in extremities? Just a thought...

One of my favorite areas in the state, enjoy the hike. Old Snowy is as mentioned is mearly a scramble, but fun with great views of Rainier, Adams, St. Helens and Hood in the distance. Last time I was there I went up Hawkeye point which you have to walk over to get to Johnson from Snowgrass flats and from what I could see there appears to be a small trail to the top. Be sure to bring a camera. Enjoy.

I know the guy that took the photo glen's link goes to. AN ESTIMATED 3000 PDS. on the back! The car weights less They must have also had too many of those mushrooms...

I recently bought my first pair of rock shoes and want to make them last. So, I was wondering if you could throw at me some tips for cleaning and overall taking care of them, since I am new to this branch of the sport. I am most interested in learing how to insure the sole doesn't wareout any quicker than they have to. Also, how do you tell when your shoes need to be resoled? Thanks

http://www.mountainboarder.com/

Mountain Boarding???

Dang you guys got blasted! Its an accomplishment to summit in winds like that. I'll bet several people will come back with simliar stories from this weekend. [ 08-03-2002, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: rock-ice ]

Thats pretty messed up. Yesterday, THE 27, I asked a attendant at the Nisqually entrance if he knew when the road was going to be open and he said he didn't even think they were even going to open it this year. Now that says a lot doesn't it.

I've actually done Daniel in a day as a training climb. I carried about 3 times as much stuff as nessicary to make it sufficently grueling. As for this weekend I would gladly leave around midnight to get up Hood, Eldorado or Little Tahoma. The only problem will be convincing my friend that climbing several thousand vertical feet on no sleep is really as fun as it seems (and will be worth it on Rainier). Thanks for the suggestion.

Lambone, Thanks for the Eldorado idea! I am taking a serious look at driving up after work Friday and getting a ways up the trail that night. One question. The becky guide says the trail heads difficult to locate. So, I'm concerned about arrive in the dark and not being able to even find the trail. Any advice? Thanks

Sorry, I didn't even mention it the reason I was looking for a day climb is because I have to be back by Saturday night even if that means late.

A friend and I who are climbing Rainier the weekend 3rd were planning on going for a prep climb to make sure he's truly ready this weekend. It was our intention to climb something like Adams or Little Tahoma, because they are fairly non-technical, but provide a good workout. Only one problem, my pal can't get friday off work for a long drive and approach hike. So, my question is does anyone know of a good non-technical day climb in preparation for Rainier. Thanks P.S. Is it at all practical to climb Little Tahoma in a day.