fooman

Hrmm. I'll try giving the rangers a call tomorrow and see if they have any more useful information. Probably planning on doing it as an overnighter just for kicks. Either this weekend, or possibly next.

Excellent pack. As a matter of fact, the best pack I've seen for BC skiing. I like packs that have a nice cozy spot for everything, and the DaKines excel at that. Great shovel pocket that will also fit your skins but not much more, someplace handy to put your shovel shaft and probe, bladder pocket and other internal pockets to organize things a bit. The pack access is awesome, I can't tell you how many people gape at it when I open up the entire backside to find something without digging around. Only minus is the 'map' pocket underneath the lid is a complete waste, never used it, and it's not the lightest pack in the world, though that's not a big concern of mine for a day pack. It carries a load very well. FooMan

I agree, the clipfix setup is actually my preferred skin attachment system. Nice and secure once you get the length right, they'll stay on even if you glue starts giving up the fight. Easy to put on, very secure, and easy to take off with the skis still on, what more can you ask for?

Considering giving Shuksan a go on skis this weekend if the weather cooperates. Anybody know how much skinning on the road will be possible? Also I'm thinking early in the year is good as most crevasses will be well covered and skinning should be fairly pain-free. Any word to the contrary? Many thanks. FooMan

Thanks guys, ya I'm hoping the recent warm weather and rains might have melted some of the snow we got last week off. Guess we'll find out. Doing the last pitch with a couple inches of snow on it sounds interesting... guess we can always turn back if things look sketch at that point. (they are new so I'm not going to push too hard) Will give a TR.. hope the weather holds through Sunday. FooMan

Thinking of taking a new climber to the Tooth on Sunday. Is the standard route in any shape to climb right now? I know the 3rd pitch is probably going to be steep snow, but I'm not too worried about that. As I remember the route doesn't keep much snow and gets a good amount of sun, so I'm thinking it'll be clear by then. Any word to the contrary? FooMan