treknclime

I once was walking along the glacier up to the Trench (actually about 3 days away from it), and Paul dropped down out of the sky in his supercub, to say "hi" and to see how we were doing...even though we didn't fly with him. Was a pretty impressive experience. We did fly with a guy named Mike Ivers, who started Gulf Air. A sad deal...a few weeks after he picked us up, he flew into a peak on his way in to pick up some rafters. RIP.

Let us know what the conditions were like during your trip; hope you post a TR! Good luck!

There's some good guidebooks out there for them, which'll cover almost everything you need; try any of the Rob Rachowiecki books, published by Brandt. Rob's got a number of books out there, from trekking to climbing, and many editions have been published. The first three peaks are well documented and doable. Chimborazo can be icy, and the appoach to the glacier can be prone to ice/rockfall. Cotopaxi has avi danger after big dumps, right on the last big slope up to the rim. The last peak has access issues, since the approach crosses pvt land, and the owner is semi-cooperative. There's also a bergshrund that prevents a summit ascent some years. Cayambe can be the same with wide slots, but there always seems to be a work around (sometimes thin, but OK). Plan extra time to acclimate than you would think, and you'll enjoy the trip more. Be careful walking around Quito alone at night. Best to go out with someone. It's a great trip, and you'll have a good time.

Sounds like you're talking about "typical" boot bang (I think??). Maybe not though... I've worn a number of Koflachs, and most are OK for me. One time though, I got some boot bang from a pair...and hte pain lasted for a whole summer season. Ended up selling the boots. Not sure quite what caused it, and have occassionally gotten it since then, but it goes away with a little TLC. When I get it, I usually put in a foam pad, cut so that it straddles my ankle (and rounded at the top)...and it can be worn between two layers of socks. For extreme bang, I wrap the pad on with an ace bandage...which adds more padding. I started carrying one in my FA kit. Descents seem to agrevate the issue...especially in soft snow. The rear foot ends up getting left further behind (so to speak) when walking, which exagerates the bend...and the pressure on the shin. To further prevent the issue, I also wear two thick wool socks...and ice and ibu when necessary. Your sounds more like a blister problem though, but could be related. Good luck.

Good work, Iain! Gracias!

Anyone know of a place to deposit used alkalines and lithiums? For some reason I was under the impression...that if a place sold batteries...they had to provide a disposal means, too. Maybe Radio Shack? I've never felt too good about dropping them into the garbage...knowing they'd end up leaching out in the landfill.

They say lithium's don't get whacked by the cold until like -30/40 f/c...so cold and/or altitude isn't an issue. Great for lamps, players and digi's. Haven't tried the AAA's, but need to find a source. Sometimes it's hard to find the AA's...because they're behind the counter or all sold out. The lithium's are a popular item for mak'in crack. Lithium's are expensive...so the plain'ol Costco Duracell AA's are a budget way to go for most uses, but aren't good in the cold. I've also been using the rechargable's for longer trips...and use an small inexpensive solar charger to recharge along the way (buy at boat stores, like West Marine). I figure the more I can use rechargables...the more $$ I save, and less chemicals end up in the landfill.

There are a couple of ski shops in Gresham that you'll pass by on the way up to Govy. Not sure what time they close, but I've scored mine there. Don't know their names or addresses, but maybe someone else does...??

Roadcut...good idea, Ade. Time to keep an eye out for a place.

Sunday was windy at times, with some fog in and out. Wet up higher, with rain. It was melting in the Canyon and possibly rained there, too.

Bradford Washburn...Boston Museum of Science. Not sure if he has color pics available, but for a fee, the b&w's are high quality and worth the $$ if you're planning a project.

Old school...works in a pinch when gear short. Lots of bolts behind...a short leadout from the double biners...and a clean fall if there's pilot error.

As of last night...there wasn't much snow on Si...mostly pockets, here and there. Quite a bit of dirt now, too.

The road is usually closed at the gate during the winter...which is about 5 miles from Mowich Lake. If the freezing level has been high and there's been little snow, it maybe possible to drive to the gate and park there in the parking lot. If the freezing level has been lower and/or there's snow on the road, you may need to park along the road below the gate. Ski the road in light gear, and the milage will fly by...especially on the way down. In some years...when the snow level is way low...it's possible one might need to ski up to 5+ miles just to get to the gate (which makes for a good workout, if nothing less). Beware of the snow machines below the gate...and be sure to take a shovel in case you get stuck when you park alongside the road (many folks get stuck).

Rakaposhi...how many ascents has it seen? Std route on GII?? Lots of difference between the mtns, I guess. Viesturs wears'em.

Schweeeet. I had something about Dave's work...but didn't want to mention it. The beta on Ramuta is helpful. Thx.

BASE jumping...if caught..in Yosemite...will get ya fined $2,500...plus...the NPS takes all jump gear (like $2k plus)...and it's breaking a federal law. Doesn't seem fair. Does the punishment fit the crime?

Best place...best rubber?

Wiiild Things, Patagucci, Clouddevil, ?? Other options than the GoLite...or it's truly da bomb?? Hooded...Primaloft...and fits well over layers...with a helmet?

Ade...I like it when I get straightened out... Thx!

Wiiild Things, Patagucci, Clouddevil, ?? Hooded...Primaloft...and fits well over layers...with a helmet?

What does Yates say about it?? Could be the indirect force of the releasing bar tacks ("if" the force is strong enough), could cause stuff to walkout, release, reposition, or ?? Maybe mid-way pro would drop out, leaving only the top one? Wonder if some testing has been done to test out the idea??

Guidebook Stupid me...thanks Dru.

Guidebook...website...beta??

For some reason I thought they recommended against chaining up the front wheels on a Tundra...because it reduced the necessary slip that's needed when making turns (binds the differential, or something like that). Not sure if that's right?? Also...what'da all think 'bout putting studs on rears on a Toy? I'm not keen on the roadwear aspect, but...