chris

Am I the only one who just learned about this threat? Construction could close Hwy 2 for long periods over 3 years. http://www.savetheskyriver.org/

Why? I started writing a lengthy response, then remembered that I'm really running for myself right now - not really spraying about it. And I remembered that last time I started spraying about stuff, I lost my enthusiasm for doing it.

I know its Wikipedia, but this is a good place to start getting educated: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501©_organization#501.28c.29.284.29 So it appears to me that these groups aren't seeking tax-exemption, but are simply seeking to keep their donor list private.

Do you still find yourself squinting? If you already have the strongest lenses, its got to be the frames. And a tight fit isn't necessary at all - just something that blocks the reflected light from the sides and below. I routinely use two pairs of more casual ski glasses (Native's), one pair with a brown lense for overcast/low light days (and driving) and the exact same model with a darker lense for sunny days - so dark that I can't use them to drive. Another possibility is that you're simply light-sensitive. Your profile pic looks pretty ginger-y, and folks with impossible-to-tan-fair-skin are also more likely to have light-sensitivities. You may need to check with an ophthalmologist.

Bump.

@ Kevbone - I agree. @pink - rappel tat is left behind for a reason. On popular routes, more permanent anchors last longer, require less maintenance, and make more sense and leave less of a visual and environmental impact than much of the trash I see at Washington Pass and Boston Basin.

I am completely biased, but I don't think you can go wrong with Snoqualmie Pass. Of course, its very close to almost over (if its not there already) - but there's still the Muir snowfield and the south side of Mt Baker, Mt Adams, and Mt Hood to get going on!

Umm, no. Not a necessity for MOST climbs. Unless the climb has a walk-off descent, fixed anchors are a necessary evil. And in my experience, more climbs require rappels than provide for walk-offs. If and only if a route is very popular (like the West Ridge of Forbidden) do I advocate for bolted anchors to replace the ugly tat that litters every horn.

Before this devolves, IB is in the wilderness - the USGS maps (at the time) showed an incorrect boundary. That was part of the controversy.

Call Whittaker Mountaineering (also part of the RMI empire) and ask - if they don't, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

This tent was purchased 10 years ago, and it says something that the design has remained virtually unchanged in those ten years. This is a bomber four season tent, and this particular one has seen action throughout the Cascades, the Alaska Range, Mexico, and Ecuador. Mountain Hardware's page for the current version: LINK Retail for a new tent - $700.00. Yours for $175.00 - 75% off, OR BEST OFFER.

Photos posted!

Hi Folks, sorry for dropping off the interweb this week. Photos posted - I've gotten several responses for this tent, and I'll be answering them immediately.

Photos posted and PRICE REDUCED!

These boots are two seasons old, in the older green/lime green scheme. The liners have some wear, and the shells are scuffed, but the soles are in great shape. I think these are arguably one of the best boots on the market for their cost. They tour well and ski well. This pair has been on two Antarctica traverses, so I can vouch that they also work well in cold temperatures. Photos coming soon. BD page for the current generation (different colors): LINK Wild Snow Review from 2010: LINK These boots cost $639.00 new. Yours for $190.00 - 70% off! PRICE REDUCED - Yours for $125 - more than 80% below retail!!

Sale Pending to Zeroforhire. This tent is five years old (the yellow version), and time to update. Two patches and seam sealed. It weighs just over a kilo and is a breeze to set up. Photos coming soon. Black Diamond's description: LINK This tent retails for $359.95. Yours for $110.00 (70% off).

In like-new condition, this tent has only been used a handful of times. I'm selling because I have a few too many tents. Photo coming soon. This two-man tent weighs just 3lbs 7oz. From BRM's website LINK "Single wall tent with an durable external frame system that allows you to set up your tent in wet conditions while keeping the interior protect until you’re ready to climb in. The Invasion multi vents and zip open mesh front door allow for superior air flow in a single wall tent. The main spine pole reaches out into the vestibule for increased strength and additional space without adding additional weight. A new pole locking systems reduces the pole movement by locking the crossing poles together for additional strength." This tent retails for $569.95. Yours for $225.00 (60% off) plus shipping - or delivery in Seattle.

It certainly could close the access from Heart Lake Road, perhaps even jeopardize climbing entirely - the owners want to clear the timber and then develop the land for single-family houses. I'm emailing the WCC and AF. This is potentially a Bad Thing.

I'm flying to Chamonix next week, and in standard operating procedure, still haven't found a place to stay. Any recommendations (other than plan ahead)?

Outstanding! I just bookmarked this page for later this spring. Thanks!

There are three guide service concessionaires and 12 (I believe) annual single-trip permit holders. The single trip companies, such as Pro Guiding Service, typically operate at smaller ratios and can offer you the personalized trip you want. Start looking now - the Park Service should be able to tell you who those companies are. Another possibility is to join one of a number of climbing clubs, many of whom finish their basic climbing class with an ascent of Rainier. Its hard not to be insulted when asked to pirate guide, since money is usually the first reason people look outside of the concession guide services. I understand, but I also am trying to make a living here, and as an AMGA certified and IFMGA licensed guide, I can't afford the consequences of being caught operating without proper permitting. It would destroy my reputation with land managers and give guide services good reason not to hire me as well, since what guide service would want to admit to land managers that they employ a known pirate guide? That's the risk the OP is asking an AMGA certified guide to take by pirate guiding. Tvash, believe me, we're working on it. Its a whole other topic and I don't want to hijack the thread. Feel free to PM me with follow-ups.

Says enough for me.

Is that public, or an example of cragging on private property within public sight?

Bump. These boots are still for sale, and are 40% below retail. The punch added 2mm to the width of the ball of the foot. If North Bend is out of your way but you live in Seattle and are interested, let me know and we can arrange an opportunity for you to try these on.

And answered!