Big_Wave_Dave

Illumination Rock from the west a week ago on 2/29/08

Go ahead on 'er, Mike. I wish I'd gotten some pics of the bridge areas but you went by us so fast on the descent the wind tore the camera right out of my hands. All things considered the variation is a really a pretty route right now.

I stole this excellent pic of Rainier from the TR on Little Tahoma and drew in (as best as I can tell) the wanded DC variation. We summitted on Sunday via this route, and although the route was fairly solid in the morning, walking under the seracs and over some of the bridges in the afternoon got pretty nervy. We dubbed the first area with the fixed line the Hillary step for drama enhancement. The other crossings we dubbed just plain sucky. I'd agree that this is a much longer variation than the DC. Little Tahoma at dawn: Rounding the "soft bridge" at 12,500:

Yup, here's more to drool at... (sorry if the first one is large, but there is climber detail on pitches 2-4) and above the ledge:

Yup, 1979 on my birthday via Dogs Head. I remember it as an exciting climb but I was only 12 and it was my first experience on a glacier... We camped in the parking lot above Spirit Lake and watched meteors all night. Incredible glissade down the bobsled run.

We rappelled with 2 50's so I can't help you much; my impression was that the terrain from the summit to the main ledge system was broken and offered good rap points. You could certainly make it work and wouldn't get stranded anywhere. Once you are on the ledge, it's a simple traverse then downclimb through the main gully system back to the glacier.

It's Yocum. And that's as close as I'm gettin' to it.

Holy shit, ever seen the lower Kahiltna? It's looks like Hells' own asshole ( to quote Bob Reeves when referring to another area). Anybody who has done this approach must be able to levitate over crevasses. Good luck and go early.

Wayne1112 mentioned a few years back he'd scoped it also. Might want to get ahold of him. If anyone knows about developing chossy Oregon crags it'd be him.

Huh? how dat happen?

I agree with Iain, less is more. The easier it is to see what folks are up to (or spraying about) the better. I think it adds harmony to the CC community and possibly contributes to world peace.

I agree with Iain, less is more. The easier it is to see what folks are up to ( or spraying about) the better. I

Well this might be cheating but the image is called Shasta.jpg

Is he the Fed-Ex delivery guy?

If you are really concerned about keeping your liners dry, just suck it up and sleep with them in your bag, they come out toasty in the morning. An ounce of maintenance is worth a pound of technology.

Yuk! Don't use them, they do NOT work and only add to foot maintenance issues, sock drying, etc. If you've ever tried a vapor barrier in your sleeping bag just translate this to your feet. A much better solution is to bring along baby powder and actually take care of your feet. Dry them, powder them, and change your socks. Takes all of 5 minutes and is a real treat at the end of the day. If you are determined to use them don't pay $20 at REI, buy Turkey roasting bags at safeway for $2.00. Then after you decide they don't work you won't feel as bad throwing them away.

Sorry, NE Ridge.

If you're talking about the E Ridge -- We got down with one 60M, it may have even been a 50 (several years ago when I was strong enough to not notice the weight in my pack). I believe we did some easy downclimbing but there was never a "Uh, oh, we should have brought two ropes" moment.

Yes I remember this, I believe it was on the Kennedy Hot Springs trail at Glacier Peak. Even with the curiosity factor, however, I'm not sure I want to see the photo. Did he live?

Pindude, Yup it's Harding all right.

If it's of any interest, Rowell did mention one of his favorite photos, or at least favorite portraits, that of Jim Bridwell on the February 1972 (1st winter) ascent of Keeler Needle. Bridwell is shown gnarling at the camera, hanging by goldline and all decked out in pitons and scratchy clothing. Classic portrait which apparently captured Rowells vision at the moment. Another one of his favorites was of Leif Patterson reveling in the return to greenery after the 1975 K2 fiasco. Those familiar with portrait photography will recognize the difficulty of capturing fleeting moments like these. Not to mention hanging over the abyss while doing so.

He was certainly a class act and a pioneer -- this is a big tragedy for the outdoor community. I can't say that I knew Galen Rowell, but I was fortunate enough to meet both him and Barbara last summer in their gallery in Bishop. We were gawking over one of his photographs and he approached us and asked if we had any questions. After calming my nerves I finally pointed to the photo and blurted out. "Yes, how did you do this?". He was gracious enough to spill the beans and we wound up getting a personalized tour of his place. He seemed a very genuine guy and willing to help encourage other folk's passions. Truly a sad event.

Goodness gracious, DFA has arrived at last. Sigh.... I knew the peace couldn't last forever. I expect you've already bookmarked the Spray area? And Hutch, good to see you here, how is that crampon "repair" you made on Coleman Glacier Headwall holding up?

1974 Penelope White age 5 and 1936 Harry Callicotte, age 5. I'd be surprised if they are still the "record holders".

I agreed with Mike about the studliness of the rides, but really, once you're doing either of these rides you're pretty studly. RAMROD has more the asthetics and completeness. Can't beat a circumnambulation, Death Ride seems a bit, well, contrived... Then again, not every state is blessed with a mountain and a road system like Rainier.