mtn_mouse

Who needs a corkscrew??? Wine comes in cardboard boxes now.

What a stupid question. Anyone who has spent any time at all in the woods would know the answer.

"Freedom of the Heels" -the mountaineers.

OK, maybe not the most hardcore epic, but a great story. During world war II, a group of Italian soldiers were taken captive by the British. They were transfered to a POW camp, at the base of Mt Kenya. With nothing to do all day but look at the mountain, some of the Italians who had climbing experience began to day dream about climbing the mountain. After a few months, it became a plan in reality. They aquired extra rations, and some make shift equipment. Then one night, they escaped and began the climb. Once out of sight of the POW camp, they encountered lions and had to keep fires going to keep them away. Climbing, and alternatinly hiding, they made slow progress up the mountain, but did keep going up. They described the upper meadows as having flowers 8 feet high, and pitched their tent tied between two flowers. After several days they eventually climbed one of the peaks, and began their descent. The climb was hard on them, and as they descended, they headed towards the POW camp. Once near the camp, they decided to break back into the camp and blend in. The British of course knew they had been gone, so punished them, but they were a bit amused by them too.

Bug, I have some old SMC 12 pointers (thats cause I am old too) and have used them on snowpines ok. Have you used anything like that on the new plastic T2's? And how is climbing with T2's as compared to Koflachs etcc.?

Ted and I tried following you up the snowfield last year in deep snow. Can't imagine not having something to float on. It hurts just to watch Ted on tele skiis. Need to get him on something else. Those split snowboards might just do the trick. Short aren't they? like less that 100cm? I heard you were supposed to be in the mtns this weekend. Can't fake it now that you've posted here!

I'm sure Dru takes a laptop and cellphone with him while climbing, from the amount of posts he has accumulated!

Why not take skiis up to muir in april anyway? Even if there is a good boot track to follow uphill, it is not likely to last with the unstable weather that time of year. Now, going downhill, once past pebble creek, there is no 'stairway to heaven' to screw you up on the way down like in summer. Snow goes all the way to the parking lot. Why not take advantage of a nice ski (tele) ride down?

Well maybe you should limit your posting to: aqueousgeochemist.com

You wouldn't like the blues for climbing, besides they're full of wild animals. Now, the Wallowas, lots of high peaks, almost 10,000'. I will post some pics in the Oregon photo section, once I figure out how to wade through the operation.

Nobody hates you Dru. They are just jealous!

Sure you can, at least from the SE washington blues. Climb the highest peak, Oregon Butte (6000+) and look west on a clear day. Rainier is clearly visible. And as far as rock climbing, you would have to go to the wallowas or elkhorns mostly. Howcome hardly anyone posts for the wallowas?? They are great.

If I am going to post more, we need a new "Climbing in the Blue Mountains" forum. The Blues are part of the cascades (I can see rainier from here). However, the peaks are boring and climbing would have to be limited to trees. Maybe Alpine K could moderate it.

Beware the Mtn Mouse

From Goblin gate down is a nasty area, but that is called Rica canyon. The grand canyon of the Elwha goes upstream past Lillian river, and almost up to the Mary's Falls area. Like you said, it is very unproachable. I have heard of people dragging their kayaks all the way to Elkhorn 12 miles or so, and taking the river out. Too bad to lose someone so adventurous.

Forest Insects, by Berryman

Bailey range, north end. Cold, yes, but what awesome weather otherwise. Sun Sun and more sun.

Hey Rich

NO NO NO, everywhere I look now, I see Bark Beetles!! Even in spray.

Sitting in my chair listening to Neil Young. I've been here for 8 hours, looking at site after site of bark beetles. Can life get any more exciting???

(from the state parks website) Beacon Rock offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing except where it interferes with nesting raptors, primarily on the south face. The presence of the falcon nest requires that the south face be closed to technical rock activity February 1 to mid-July annually; open the rest of the year. The east face is closed year-round due to environmental sensitivity. Call the park at (509) 427-8265 for more information.

Just one word, Shania Twain<---Hero

Hi Dick, funny you were just talking about that area today. How about giving us a TR on Mt. Presley?