Bandit

Yes, the NF workers are ex Nazi infiltrators that want you to kiss their shiny black storm trooper boots. However, I refused to get on my knees to perform this act and was hastely removed from their air conditioned log office. I was able to procure a permit to climb but with much hesitation from The Nazi's.

Breezy, all questions are good questions. Greg W is way out of line. He is the kind of guy that will get hung out on a route like Liberty Ridge. Too much macho and not enough humble attitude. You are doing your homework and checking on what is going on. Good going. That is smart. Knowledge is power, so don't be afraid to ask questions because even the most experienced mountaineer can always learn something new.

Yeah Baby! Bust a move!!

All my friends prefer to ride the couch instead of the ski slopes or mountains. The lazy theory is right on point. Look at the teenagers. They're getting a nice roll on them too! There are too many computer and video game junkies that keep them inside with their faces glued to the screen.

Check your e-mail Kate!

Ruptured the L4-5 last July. Went through Physical Therapy, Yoga, Stretching Exercises, Swiss Ball Exercises, Ibuprofen, Bextra, and Acupuncture. Believe it or not, the acupuncture was the only thing that gave me relief. After four sessions, once a week for four weeks, the pain all but left my right hamstring. It's been a month since my last treatment. I can feel a little bit coming back into the right hamstring. I also tried massage therapy along with the acupuncture with excellent results. Surgery is a very last resort for me. Bicycling has been one exercise that has felt pretty good. Haven't really done any hikes yet. Just gotta try it out and see what happens . My doc said it would take a year at the least to heal.

Burritos with pork, onions, jalapenos, cheese slapped with tobasco sauce. Wash it down with an ice cold RedBull. Freeze dried apricots and strawberries for dessert. Maple syrup flavored oatmeal and strong coffee with cinnamon cream creamer, and two Krispy Kream doghnuts for breakfast. Snack on lots of cheese , pepperoni and Smuckers Jelly Beans.

Get up The Fuhrer Finger before the rock starts to fall. As far as skiing anything in The Pacific Northwest, including Camp Muir to Paradise. If you can't see your hand in front of your face, then you better strap your skis or board to your pack and hike down. There are no heroes on big mountains, only humble souls.

Are you a skier? Could be a great way to get in some different routes and ski ops at the same time.

Ya, a one day will work. Just waiting on some good weather.

Clear weather for Sat and Sun. Thinking of skinning up The Nisqually Glacier to get a look at The Finger. Any one want to go with?

Most people don't even try a winter climb on Rainier. Being on the mountain is always a learning experience. Consider it an adventure in your life that you can look back on and reflect on for future climbs. Put a notch in your journal as a "Winter" attempt and call it good. My hat is off to the both of you for having the guts to try and succeed. The summit isn't the measure of success, getting back down and surviving is the way you measure success. So, in my opinion you two had a positive trip. Congrats!! P.S. Like Ed Viesturs always says "It's not the summit that is important, it's getting back home that matters"!!

did you guys make it up?

The Finger is steepest from 10,000' to 11,500'. If conditions are good it could make for a sweet ski/board descent. There is some rock fall and avy concerns at all times. But an early season climb would be the best. May should be prime time. Let me know if you guys set some firm dates.

Count me in. Thinking of The Fuhrer Finger Route.

Rainman says K-Mart sucks. Wee, so does Walmart