Braumeister

Seems more like he was there on "business"

www.trekkieclimbingwankers.com

No, on the motorcycle he stole when he broke out of the prison camp in "The Great Escape". Hello, he's already in Germany. Why escape, go to the U.S., start a successful business, and THEN travel back to Germany and wack Hitler and three members of his inner circle? I bow to the master... Have a great weekend, Greg! B.

Steve McQueen would have successfully jumped the barbed wire, rode to Berchtesgaden, snuck up and smoked all three, plus Bormann, and been out of there. But the real question is, since the photo predates McQueen's masterpiece Bullitt, would he have arrived at the location on two wheels in his '68 Mustang GT?

How do you think they fight off the cougars? Isn't that what the bolt gun is for?

Nice group shot of Der Fuehrer, Reichsmarshall Goering, and Dr. Goebbels. A few well-placed shots with an M1 Garand would have solved a bunch of problems right there. Would you recommend the M1C or M1D? WWSMD? (What Would Steve McQueen Do?)

Tears streamed from my eyes after reading that! Thanks to whoever is responsible for that little invasion--you It's almost quitting time here in the Midwest--have a good weekend! B.

And that Mulan is HOT!!! I mean, for a cartoon...you know... We're currently working through the Little Mermaid at my 2.5 year old's domicile--talk about a hottie! Though I noticed the "modern" version has the non-penile cover for the new kiddies--seems the about-to-be-fired Disney cover artist only left his mark for a short while... Dad's picked out Pocahontas next...

I was up there 7/13-7/14 (see my TR). The route is in good shape, the approach trail is easily followed, but you will likely have to melt snow at the Lunch Counter (I didn't stay there overnight nor did I look very hard when I passed by). After gaining the false summit, a switch-backed scree trail can be seen approaching the true summit on the left side--take this instead of the boot track in the snow as it is much easier (it looks like loose scree from a distance but when you get there you will realize it's pretty firm and provides for easy hiking). Follow the advice of another poster and come prepared for the glissade down the false summit (gore-tex or trash bag)--absolutely fabulous! The trenches are getting pretty deep, so have fun! If you're running with the pack, the descent should be no problem. Otherwise, the trick on the descent is to take the first gulley on the right below the Lunch Counter; after that gulley, you'll descend a very steep but short snowfield before finding the first post marking the trail and you're home free. If you are ascending this portion of the route in daylight, you'll have no problems on the descent. Might be another story if you're doing a one-day sprint to the summit and back, though. Make sure you have some victory beers in your car at Cold Springs!

OK, NOW I feel like a wuss... Nice job! Hell of an adventure!

I’ve been reading through the comments to my original post and can appreciate both sides of this argument. I don’t take these comments personally (Fejas, I hope you feel the same way) but can understand where some of you are coming from. Our decision to climb Hood as I described was based upon several issues including but not limited to: 1. Our accomplishments earlier in the week (see my Adams Sloggage TR) 2. The strengths/weaknesses of the individuals in our group 3. Available time 4. Recommendations & route descriptions from local friends who climb there often Thanks again for your thoughts and comments—they’ve been interesting and helpful. I look forward to seeing you all in the mountains some day. Happy climbing! B.

The guidebook I read on this route reported 35 degree slopes on the Mazama Glacier and I concur. Maybe 'ol Dan was climbing 60 degree slopes out of one of those monster Alaska-like crevasses that are all over this route...

Whatever--maybe all climbs should start from sea level in order to be "legitimate." I'll be sure to run my next itinerary past you for approval. Dickhead.

After climbing Adams earlier in the week (see TR on the Southern Washington Cascades page), our party of four decided to attempt Hood on Thursday, 7/17. We paid our $15 for a ride to the top of the Palmer Chair (yeah, I know, "Peak Baggers!") and began climbing at 8:00 AM. Snow conditions were firm and excellent, providing good cramponing the entire way up. Passed two climbers on their descent just below Devil's Kitchen as the sun was hitting the crater on what was to become the most bluebird day of the whole week. The bergrshrund is melting out but we easily negotiated the left side, crossing at least one suspect snow bridge (maybe it's the newbie in me, but I was a little nervous). We climbed a nice set of stairs on the Chute, unroped. Snow conditions remained firm until the Pearly Gates where a thin layer of ice over the pumice and rocks was experienced for ~ 75' until it turned to loose chalk. Gained the summit at 11:30 AM for outstanding views of Jefferson, the Sisters, Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens--not a cloud in the sky! Met a guy at the top who was preparing to descend Cooper Spur with his buddy and find their skis. We were all a little nervious during the descent through the Pearly Gates but we all made it without incident (my buddies didn't even kick any rocks down on me!). Due to lounge-time at the summit, we missed the Palmer Chair by 45 minutes and descended the route on the ungroomed ski runs until reaching Silcox Hut where we walked back on the road to the parkinglot, arriving at the car ~ 3:00 PM. Retired to the Hood River Brewing Company for microbrews and fish tacos All in all, a fantastic climb in the most unbelievable conditions!

Party of five climbed the Mazama Glacier/South Climb Sunday 7/13 & Monday 7/14. Found this to be an exceptional route for new climbers looking for glacier experience and fewer crowds. SUNDAY We parked the Gear Bus (the rented Ford Windstar) at Cold Springs and began hiking at 3:00 PM, taking our time for photos and jaw-drops, arriving at Bird Creek Meadows at 6:00 PM. Due to the lateness of the day, we bivied @ ~7,600' instead of Sunrise Camp. MONDAY Woke @ 5:00 AM, roped up, and began climbing, traversing the lower section of the Mazama Glacier to gain the right side. Negotiated several small crevasses in this area with no difficulties. Higher on the glacier larger crevasses were visible but all are obvious and easily avoided. Made the decision to traverse the Mazama again at ~ 10,000' to avoid the steep ramp connecting to the South Climb while wearing overnight packs. Climbed around a small bergschrund before scrambling over rocks and pumice to join the South Spur. Dropped packs at ~ 10,200' and began the ascent of the South Spur. Reached the false summit @ ~ 12:30 PM in windy conditions that prevented rest stops longer than five minutes. A large lenticular could be seen forming at the true summit so we did our best to hurry to the top, electing to use the switchbacked pumice trail instead of the booted-in snow climb. Summited @ ~2:30 PM just as the clouds socked in the view, but got a dynamite summit picture taken by a couple from Hood River who were climbing with their pooch. Upon descending the first snowfield and gaining the pumice slope, the cloud cover blew out and made the descent visible. Rather enjoyed the long glissade in perfect bluebird conditions after descending to Piker's Peak, though the summit continued to experience on-off cloudiness. Arrived at Cold Springs for beers and clean clothes around 6:00 PM. All in all, a great climb on a route that was obviously much more interesting than the typical South Slog. RECOMMENDED. (Also see my peak-bagging Hood TR on the Oregon Cascades page.)

Any recommendations on the best way to sneak a 6 pack of Olies into your partner's pack for summit celebration?

Found Eiger Sanction in the bargain VHS bin at my local K-Mart for $5 some time back--oh, yeah. My second favorite line (next to the one somebody above already mentioned): Clint: "That route doesn't provide for a retreat." German Hardman: "Of course, I forgot--retreating is something you are quite experienced at." Let's not forget Clint's stylin' 70's lifestyle. I think he was after Captain Kirk's record on making it with as many chicks as possible--he chalked up points with a groovin' black chick and a strong silent Native American woman in the Eiger... No barriers there!

Similar experience with my Komperdell poles--a drunken ski accident left me with a snapped lower section on my Contourgrip Antishocks--Komperdell.de referred me to an American distributor who charged $13 for a replacement section including carbide. Since I still plan to drink when I ski, I ordered two...

So guys like me can breeze in from out of town on our vacations and climb in good weather during the week! We get the added bonus of impressing our flat-lander friends with climbing photos of blue skies and smiles! Of course, we'll be in the pubs on the weekends...

UPDATE: A nice young man (in stark contrast to the usual grumpy older woman) answering the Trout Lake Ranger Station's phone gave me the phone number to the Yakima Nation's "Tract D Area Supervisor" (509-865-5121, ext. 657). An unnamed young woman answered at this number and did her best to answer my questions. I told her we would be walking in from Cold Springs and climbing the Mazama Glacier Route on Yakima Indian land; I was told that cars driving in to Bird Creek Meadows would be issued a parking pass by the ranger on site for $5. When I asked if this fee also applied to people walking into the area via the RTM trail, she made it sound like it was extremely unlikely anyone would know, but if we did see a ranger, he would be able to issue the permit ("But if you don't see a ranger up there, I guess it's on us."). We were also strongly urged to file our itinerary with someone for safety reasons; I explained that we would be doing this with the USFS in conjunction with our Cascade Volcanoes Pass permit and she seemed satisfied. So, it sounds like the YIN ranger efforts are from the driver's seat of a pickup truck parked at the Meadows. I can't say that I'm a bit surprised by the conflicting information, as this seems to be the status quo with Indian Tribes as evidenced by this experience and the regular business dealings I have with Michigan area tribes. It's a good thing so much revenue is available from fat chain-smoking casino goers... Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences and opinions on this matter. My hope was to find out what worked for those who didn't bother with the red tape as this was the direction I was leaning toward to begin with. I'll be climbing this route some time during the week of 7/14 and will post my experience here in a TR.

A search of this forum has resulted in some conflicting information regarding passage into the Yakima Indian Reservation for the Mazama Glacier climb--I've heard there was an agreement that the Yakima Indians were to leave the area open to recreation, but others say they're enforcing their sovereign ownership of this land. Can anyone help clear this up? Our plans are to park at Cold Springs and walk in to Bird Creek Meadows, climb the Mazama Glacier as a carry-over, and descend Suskdorf Ridge/South Spur. We'll also be climbing during the week, so I expect fewer problems, but... Should we be concerned with "trespassing" on the reservation? Do the Yakima Indians actively patrol this area? I've heard the permit process to do it the right way is nightmarish and unnecessary. Sharing any practical experience would be much appreciated!

Another plug for Makalus. Like any big leather boot, the break-in period is long (I thought 50 miles were enough, but mine took ~100 miles). My feet aren't wide (D) and they feel just snug enough. Definately tinker with the insoles for a better fit (low volume Superfeets in your case). I treat mine with Nickwax Aqueous Wax as recommended by La Sportiva and this does a great job at keeping my feet dry.

Funny, I always thought "...and Justice..." was Metallica's sell-out album (until "Load" came along...). I was branded a freak by my schoolmates when I was listening to "Ride the Lightning" ~1984 Everthing after that just didn't rock enough for me...

I'm experiencing a similar CF w/ my local bike shop (so far, I've been waiting 6 weeks for a new chain ring & three weeks for a rear cassette). "Call back next week, it should be here." "It didn't come in, but UPS hasn't been here yet today. Call back next week, it should be here." "I don't know WTF is going on with that damn distributor; UPS hasn't been here yet today, but call back next week, it should be here." I've since learned that my bike shop is not paying their bills, so I'm sure their suppliers aren't interested in extending them credit. This, after I tried to do the honorable thing by buying my bike locally and offering them the additional service & parts I would need post-sale. Jag-offs...

Here's another plug for an RMI Expedition Seminar. I attended one in June 2000 and it was a great experience; I found the guides (Lisa Rust, Anne Keller, and Adam Clarke) to be professional, knowledgeable, and personable. The equipment was good stuff in excellent shape and the food was pretty good too. The Expedition Seminar allowed a lot more time to learn the more than rudimentary skills plus we got to spend five beautiful days on Mt. Rainier! We were rest-stepping up the Muir Snowfield with our 65 lb. packs when we passed an RMI Summit Seminar group who was taking a rest stop on their way to Camp Muir. They looked hurried and tired, and some were looking pretty green due to their rapid ascent to altitude--and this was only at 9,600'! After the descent, our guides accompanied us to the Glacier Pub at the Paradise Inn and quaffed ales with us in good fashion. Truly an outstanding experience! Go for the Expedition Seminar if you can--anyone can be dragged to the summit kicking and screaming!