JoshK

I would say 2 out of every 3 snowmobiles I am passed by insists on gunning their engine as they pass, annoying you with their horrid 2-cycle sounds.

Ya take the good with the bad I suppose. Wet is often better cause, just like here, it sticks to everything

Not even the hectic pace of improving computer and database technology can keep pace with the stunning growth in the touron/gaper outdoor crowd.

Yeah, that's lame. Post what you find out Scott. I agree that a lot's a lot. I paid for the pass, and I park where I want. If it means one more sno-mo rider can't park, so be it. I got there first and I dont particuarlly care that he cant go pollute shit anyway.

The thing that sucks about the rockies is that 54cm will be blown off in 3 days when the sun comes out and the wind comes back. No, in all seriously that sounds sweet. Actually got some very good "spring powder" turns yesterday tho that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I'd park there anywhere and bring it up with the judge if you get ticketed. If you bought a snow-park pass you paid to park there, no matter how you plan to get up the hill. First come, first serve.

I've never done LR, but from what everybody says, this seems to be the case...the crux is the length of the route and keeping an eye on weather, etc, since that can be tricky from tha side of the mountain. Being in good shape and moving quick are probably your best bets. I would second the NR of Adams recommendation. You get nearly 10k or vertical from trailhead to summit, it's a reasonably long ridge (*nothing* like LR, granted) and you get altitude. I did it in like half a day, so if you are in shape for LR, you should definitely be able to do that.

Battle Ground? Damn, now I undestand why you seemed so militant, Nate.

Weather looks good east of the crest... SATURDAY...PARTLY SUNNY... HIGHS IN THE MID 40S What y'all doing?

Silverstar is a great mountain. I've never climbed it from that side (just from silver star creek), but it's a very cool vantage. Are you looking for something where you absolutely won't have to worry about snow evaluation at all? It is perfectly possibly you'll find a snowpack you are comfortable with upon evaluation at silver star, but if you are looking for something where you dont even have to make a call, I understand.

I'll second Matt's concerns about the Price. I have not summited the route but I have been about halfway up it and in the cirque twice before. It's a more serious climb than the N face or FCs for certain. It's one huge benifit is I can pretty much assure you won't see anybody else back there at all.

The N Face will likely be mostly snow at that time. It is generally steep snow or ice depending on the season, probably around 45 or so. It depends on how confortable your party is on steep and exposed snow/ice. If you aren't, take skis up the sulphide. I've skied it in May and it makes for a great trip. If you feel up to the north face, it's probably a good time of year for it, I would imagine there is a good deal of the slide alder and other nasty shit still covered that wouldn't be in the summer.

I wasn't doubting at'all. I was just kind of surprised it hadn't been done before (not belittling the accomplishment at all!) since it's a very prominent peak and route.

I have no experience on the Tahoma whatsoever, but sometimes even low angles can be quite scary for newbies, esp. when climbing in the dark. I've seen the emmons freak people out that aren't climbers.

HAHAHAHA. I hadn't seen that Sky! That is pretty hilarious. Good on ya guys anyway, I think that would be a reallly amazing area to explore in the winter if I had the time. To get a cool climb and a great ski and a huge bonus!

How is it that these really well known and obvious mountains dont get winter ascents earlier? I figured that would be the kind of stuff people would hit first??

Wow, really? That would surprise me. Nice job guys! Those pictures are like jizz factor 11. Amazing!

In my experience the ID and bibler tents actually stay quite a bit warmer due to the "thickness" of the tent material. I tend to think in any sort of weather where I would be wanting to carry a tent that is so light and "not really waterproof" I wouldn't bother with a tent at all. For more severe weather, i'm sorry, but I would much rather trust a sturdy Bibler or ID than this thing. My ID weighs just over 4lbs. To save about half a pound for less waterproofness, warmth, durability and peace of mind, it really doesn't make any sense to me. Again, if I am not exepcting reeally bad weather, then why bother with the tent? My partner and I did the ptarmigan traverse last June and dealth with rain/wind/wet snow for 2 1/2 days using nothing but ultralight bivies and a siltarp, for a whopping 2 1/2 lbs total weight. I think going with a sturdy tent for winter and bad weather use and a lightweight bivy+tarp solution for lower impact weather makes much more sense.

huh? I'm confused. I leave for a few days and people and rumors are floating about me or something?

Which side is randle on? I think the north ridge would be a cool, relatively safe winter climb. 7 or 8 miles ain't *that* bad if you're on skis and go in during a time when the snowmobiles aren't plentiful.

I've never been there, but I understand that its big, and they're expecting a large turnout. That's why they chose it. Yeah, it's quite large. I just get a bad vibe from that congregation. But there are other concerns for a memorial, obviously

Ugh...City Church...<shudder>

OK, is there something wrong with mine? I can get them to prerelease by torquing them when they are buried under heavy snow.

Damn, I wonder if they've improved them? I have mine set to 10 and I can get them to release generally if I push it. Sweet pic too.

It totally depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for something to take big drops on and really rank on, than the dynafits probably aren't the best for you. If you are looking for a very well rounded setup that climbs well, packs on your back super light, and skis most everything well, than the dynafits are awesome.