Rad

That's the spirit! Gorgeous pics.

One solution is to carry an energy storage battery with you and recharge your phone as needed. They come in different sizes and even the big ones that hold 6-7 phone charges don't weight much more than your phone. Edit to add that I LOVE Gaia. I have not used Strava and can't comment on it.

No more water bars?

Thx!

Way to get 'er done! How was the trail coming down from Rainy pass? NCNP reports had said lots of trees across it. Thx

Great send, great story, and great history. Thanks for sharing.

I'd look carefully for damage from rodents, rockfall, or rubbing on edges in the wind. If no visible marks and I'd say it's probably good to go.

I think the river x-ings are going to be raging right now. Should die down in a few weeks.

So is Sherpa worth doing as a stand alone? Seemed like a long slog for a short climb. I like your linkup.

Nice! The forecast is for 6" of snow on top of Vesper in the next 24 hours, so it might be even more alpine tomorrow...

I haven't been there but some on here have started on the E Ridge of McMillan Spire as part of a Southern Pickets traverse. I suspect the best way to go us to approach via the old road and then climber's trail for Goodell Creek to the South Pickets and then hop over the ridge S of Mac Spire to get to Azure. If you dig on the interwebs I bet you'll find someone who did that. Coming up Stetattle valley would be truly masochistic and likely unnecessary.

NCNP trail conditions report is not encouraging - Park Creek trail closed due to fire damage, many trees down on the PCT near Rainy Pass, and impassable high water on several creek crossings. Between these and our narrow time window we'll probably save this one for later in the year. Just wanted to say I appreciate all your helpful comments. Thx. Rad

Thanks for the great beta and heads up on creek xing. Hopefully we'll find a log or snow bridge. If not, we may actually use the rope in the crossing. Also, we'll be crossing in the early morning, which is typically the lowest water time.

Great. Thx. Our plan is to bang out some miles on the PCT in the evening, cross creeks early am and climb the NE Butt, bivy on the summit, and descend and return to the car on the following day. Def psyched. Do we need 60m for the raps off the summit? Debating whether to bring twin 60m 8.7s or a single 70 that we'll fold in half and use like a twin.

Got a rare family/work window for a 60 hour outing into the mountains next weekend. I've been keen to go grab Goode but worry that it might be icy. Consistent snow above 5k, depending on aspect, according to NPS. We're happy to boot/crampon up some firm snow but prefer to avoid two tool mixed/ice terrain given partner experience (and mine). How do you think Goode will be? Would love to hear other cool ideas. Ridge traverse on Silver Star? TFT?

Bill I love that you post these. Thanks! I found something on Steep and Cheap that looked good to replace my beater crag rope for short routes: Beal Booster Dry 9.7 60m for $136. When I googled it for reviews, which were good, I got an ad for the same rope for $111, but only in the ugly orange vs nice blue. Blue 60m on SnC: $136 + $8 5-10 day economy shipping = $143 total Orange 60m on Backountry.com: $111 with free 2 day shipping. So I went for $111 and will endure the orange. Thanks again.

I scrambled up that peak when it was snow-free in July in around 2000 before wife and kids. It was a mostly enjoyable outing in a physical in your face kind of way. More type 1 fun (fun while you're doing it) than type 2 (fun in retrospect but perhaps more suffering than fun while you're doing it). I've been meaning to take the kids back to backpack in that area. Someday... Thanks for bringing back memories.

Summit schmummit. Looks like a successful outing to me. Mountains - check. Sunshine - check. Killer views - check. Friends - check. Workout - check. No injuries - check.

Agree

To keep your feet dry on snow go when it's hard. Approach shoes plus strap ons will be fine in these conditions. Guide Five Tennies have become my shoe of choice for most outings. They're comfortable enough for hiking, work great for up to 5.9 or so, and can take strap on crampons if needed (I don't choose those routes that often frankly). BUT if the experience is going to have a lot of soft steep snow or scree and dirt that would go into your shoes I may choose a boot with a shank and higher top. Mine are old Makalus, which are really too heavy and bulky to want to carry up anything where weight/bulk matter. I'm sure there are better options for these scenarios but I'm not inclined to spend $$$ for these rare occasions.

Wow! Worth the wait! thanks for posting

And volunteer to help keep it nice: DARRINGTON ADOPT A CRAG https://www.facebook.com/events/883142025148804/ When: Sat Jun 04, 2016 Where: Darrington, WA The Mountaineers, led by the Everett Lookout & Trail Maintenance Committee, is organizing a stewardship day on the Eight Mile trail and at Three O'Clock Rock in partnership with the US Forest Service and Washington Climbers Coalition. Space is limited so registration is highly encouraged at https://www.mountaineers.org/explore/activities/stewardship-darrington-area-1 (non-members will need to create a free, simple account log-in to register). Mountaineers members and the greater climbing community are invited to give back to this beautiful granite climbing area on National Trails Day. Contact Katherine with questions at katherineh@mountaineers.org.

You guys have Walmart?!? Road trip!

We've hired nannies through care.com. Sittercity is another good spot. Services like Annies Nannies are $$$. You might post on Craigslist and see what comes back. Oh, and you might not want that image on your profile for services, though it is cute. Good luck!