kurthicks

check your e-mail.

I had to trim one lug on the sole to get my sarkens to fit. I got the leverlock version on a size 45 with the regular bars; they barely fit with the standard bars.

From WA DOT! The pass will open at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10. March 08, 2005 March 10th marks the earliest-ever spring reopening of the North Cascades Highway. “While it never closed during the ’76-’77 drought,” said WSDOT Twisp Maintenance Supervisor Don Becker, “The crew is very pleased to beat the old record by nearly two weeks.” The previous earliest opening was March 22nd, 2001. Ten days from start to finish is a new record for clearing the highway. “Travelers will find bare and dry or bare and wet pavement over the entire route,” said Becker. Crews have been working continuously since Monday, February 28th to remove layers of ice that covered most of the 34-mile closure zone. “Usually, it’s a giant snow removal effort below avalanche zones,” said Becker, “This year, that was the easy part due to the small amount of snow. The challenge turned out to be breaking through miles of ice that was 2 to 14 deep and firmly bonded to the pavement.” “A combination of equipment fitted with special ice-cutting bits, use of crystalline deicer applications and warm temperatures are all aiding the effort,” said Becker, “This is the first time we’ve been able to set a reopening time this far in advance, but with no avalanche threat, it’s predictable.” w00t w00t

1993 - Mt. Thielson 2002 - Ice, rock, aid...

we were up there about 3 weeks ago. no ice on TC at all. the avy cone wasn't even big enough to get into the hidden couloir, it would require rock moves. the NWB couloir would probably have hard mixed on it now too, there were some others up there on that route, maybe they'll have more specifics. maybe i'll post pics if i ever around to it. other thread

but this anchor isn't redundant. I'd use 2 slings in case one get chopped.

http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/threadz/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/438628/an/0/page/0#438628 probably gated for a while still...

I know a few people who have. mixed reviews... Some like the fact that they don't stretch (no leather), so the fit out of the box is they way they will stay. Others seem to hate the fact that they don't mold that well to your foot since there's no leather... All of these people mail-ordered, so they couldn't try different models on first. Just make sure they fit reasonably well initially and you'll probably be ok.

less good news: "March 02, 2005 Almost immediately the optimism for a quick opening was dashed when the 7" to 14" of snow turned out to be nearly solid ice. Crews juggled around some equipment and brought in a D-5 cat and have a couple road graders with ice blades coming. The pass won't be open by this weekend (March 5-6). Crews will be working through the weekend and next week too until they can break through the ice and get the highway open." WA DOT

^BUMP^

I've got a Highgear that seems to be working out nicely. I saw some on clearance for $100. battery is easy to change, straps seem durable, not too bulky (but it is pretty big). supposedly the altimeter is good to 29k

Having used the I/eldo tents: I've been happy with my Eldo since I have room for boots, spare clothes, cooking, etc. There's not enough room for putting packs in it comfortably, unless you're camping solo...it could be done in stormy conditions though. My partners and I are generally under 5'10", so we're not filling it up with ourselves, which makes the tent a little roomier. FYI, I've set up a hanging stove system in it and it saves considerable floor space. edit: it all depends on your size though. I really don't mind carrying the extra half pound so I have lots of room.

but routes like TC are bare. interesting.

thanks rat. you all can go back about your business. nothing to see here.

good news! Feb. 28, 2005 Crews started the snow removal process today. (on hwy 20)

2 sunny days of climbing instruction at Vantage. I've got a sunburn to prove it.

anyone know the status of Chiwawa road? the WA sno-park website says it doesn't have enough snow to groom, but I'm wondering how far it's drivable? gated? Kurt

it's mentioned on summitpost. "Northwest Couloir: Accessed from lower Big Creek. This is an ice climb...Find the couloir in question and climb it. The final portion leaves the ice for Class-4 rock..." beautiful looking line.

Trango Mountain Harness http://trango.com/prod.php?id=98 9oz! $35

NEB of Chair looks in, but harder than normal, from pics...

my girlfriend has a pair of montrails that fit that bill. she likes them,can wear them all day, and climb well with Charlet Sarkens. not sure what model they are though. got them at REI clearance super cheap

lots of clothes/stuff on sale at EMS www.ems.com click on February clearance or the main pic. enter: PRESDAY as the coupon code and save an additional 20% Kurt

Smith makes those fan goggles, the Turbo series, i think. spendy though. the cheapest ones are around $130.

supposedly there is a small WI4 flow around Lemolo lake, but not much else that I've heard of. go explore and let us know.

11worth is more like leavenworthless for ice.