Hopsing

Thanks Dru. A little more info: We did complete North Ridge of Stuart in a day a few weeks ago (from Ingalls Lk and with lots of waiting behind slower parties before eventually passing, even on lower portion of ridge). We're comfortable simul-climbing most everything up to 5.6-5.7. We've had other loooong days out before like S. face of Prussik car to car, Scimitar Glacier on Glacier Peak with a 3 hour bivy, etc. I think the buttress itself we'll be doable in a day for us. I've just never been up there and don't know how time consuming the approach and descent are. We'd obviously like to hit the difficulities around first light. Is the approach doable in the dark? We also have quite a bit of experience (some of it not at all fun!) picking our way down descents after topping out late in the day. Your standard "just escaped an epic" fare. We both have solid aerobic fitness and can suffer with the best of 'em. Perhaps that brings to mind a few more helpful hints...? Thanks again for the quick reply. Hop

Looking for a climbing party that would like to combine vehicles and ease (eliminate cycling after thrashing myself on climb) the whole shuttle thing. We'll be climbing the NE buttress. If you're headed up that way for a sat/sun climb let's hook-up! Reply to this post or email me at <climberjohn@hotmail.com> Thanks mucho!

I'm hoping to climb the NE butt. of Slesse this coming weekend (8-16/17-03) and was wondering if anyone out there had been on the mountain recently or heard about current conditions. I'd specifically like to know the condition of the pocket glacier (I hope it's gone!) and given it's condition what the best approach to the ridge proper might be. Knowing this would help big time when it comes to gear selection (crampon? axe?, deathwish?, etc.) Is this not a good time to be anywhere near the glacier? Or is it still pretty straight forward? It would also be helpful to know approx. times for the approach and descent for a fit party of two under good weather. If there is another party out there wishing to climb it this weekend and combine forces (vehicles) with us it would make the whole shuttle business way smoother. You can email me at <climberjohn@hotmail.com> Thanks for the help. I normally don't mind figuring things out once I'm a mountain, but this sucker is many many hours drive from home. The more I know up-front, before leaving town, the better. Climb on! Hop