treknclime

Oleg...I've climbed Denali in regular liners and foam ones. Have always liked the extra "insurance" the foam ones give...just in case it's realy cold (i.e., April & May). The foam or aveolite ones are usually a bit lighter, too, which is helpful if you have a long or bitter cold summit day. I also wear Forty Below overboots above 14k. Not sure if I'm a wuss...or just wanna keep those toes. So far, it's worked well. The overboots can also be used with polarguard booties...around camp...or with the foam liners. Nice to give those feet a rest after a long day on the hill. I'm always in Koflachs...so not sure about the Scarpa Invernos. Maybe someone has specific info 'bout those puppies on Denali.

Scott Brakes has a kewl training site... http://www.alpinementoring.com/index.html

Nice alternative...good thinking! Thx!

Me. Check out these rings...they come with adjustable straps. http://ringtraining.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/preorder.html Alternatives??

Was thinking to hit Red Rocks in January. Route suggestions for moderate routes...that are warm enough to climb then? Places to stay? Thanks!!

I for one will miss Fairweather's posts. He also forgot..."Subaru driv'in" and "dope smok'in" COME BAAAAAAACCCCCKKKK Fairweather!

Good question, John. I used to climb the road cuts up the W side...and could often get up the road in low snow years, when the road was "closed," but the gate remained open. Got in some early ice there. Wonder how the E side of the highway is do'in. Scott?

Yes, the N face proper was climbed at least a second time by George Dunn and Eric Simonson, circa 1976ish. I would imagine the NE face has seen a number of ascents. The W Ridge (Grade VI-V, 5.8ish), was climbed in winter by Paul Cook (RIP) & team in the '80s. Lots of ups and downs. Yoder's also did a new route up one of those W face gullies some years ago as well. The Dunn & Simonson's climb, if I remember right, experienced hard snow, rock scrambling/climbing, and some of it was very exposed and run out. Think they used pickets for pro. I think Van Steen's Rainier guide book shows a photo of their climb. I would think the route to be in shape after a good amount of snow...later season...after there's been a chance for the snow to harden up...and during a cold spell to minimize rockfall danger. If you go, be sure to post a TR.

Saw some guys racking up...getting ready to climb Narada on 12/17. Looked down the falls later in the day, and it was wet, but the climber's left side looked climbable. The visible routes above the Nisqually Bridge looked marginal, but then again...we didn't spend more than a few seconds look'in at them. IMHO avi danger would be the issue now, at least for awhile. There's a winter weather advisory for the Rainier area through tonight; they're expecting 4-10". Not sure what they received the last few days snow-wise, but the freezing level varied between 5-9k for several days, so the new stuff is probably setting down over a hard crust. Post an update if you head up.

Closed in Tacoma, too, I think...

Dru is right; they make more than one toe bail for many crampons. Call BD and tell them what kind of clearance/fit issues you have, and maybe they can send you some more narrow or wider bails. Let us know what you end up doing. I have some Montrail Lhotse, and ended up taking the dremel to the heel to get the snug fit I was looking for. Have done that before with a number of boots, in order to get that custom non-wiggle fit.

There's the traverse, and I wouldn't really call it a "descent" line...it's certainly not quicker.

So what's the DT schedule, dawgs? Love to see that Issaquah DT spot. Wished I had a Niterider light!

How long is the drive from Seattle?

B...aka Fairweather...dude, take it easy, amigo. There are a lot of larger fish out there to fry...and Jon's explanation sounds reasonable. Why don't you call some buddies and you can slam some brews...or hit the rock gym and work out your agressions there.

A Chinook jargon word that has come into general use in British Columbia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. It has a range of positive meanings. As described in the FAQ from Skookum, the word can have meanings from 'good,' to 'strong,' 'best,' 'powerful,' 'ultimate' and 'first rate.' Something can be skookum meaning 'cool' or skookum can be 'tough.' A skookum burger is a big hamburger, but when your Mom's food is skookum, it's delicious. Source: Skookum Looks like ya'll had a skookum trip!

Hey...I found a black strap...which I think some Portland drytoolers left/lost at E38. Tell me the date you were there...and I'll send the strap via USPS...no problemo. The strap is a loop...about a foot long, which extends to about 3 feet with clips on each end. Not worth much, and if you're like me, I hate dropping stuff...even small things...and thought you might want this back.

Bummer, dude. I know you were wearing those the other day.

Some deep think'in going on here. Interesting stuff, and all good contributions. Will look forward to hearing more.

I've seen the ice along Turnagain Arm...what's in Palmer? I'll be up there a few times again this year...and hope to get out on some ice while there. Temps have been mild at times in the past couple of years. Last year they had a pretty normal snowfall. I was up there the year before, in January, and the ice was pretty slim...since it wasn't all that cold...and there wasn't a lot of run-off (not much snow, at least along the Arm). Would like to hear more about Palmer.

I also heard that if there's no snow...there's a lot of human waste on the route. Not sure if that's rumor or ?? In any case, I think going on snow would be more fun vs. going up cinder and pumice.

Looks like it's just above Martian Slab...with the top of Grey Whale a little bit around the corner of the pinnacle. Potholes would be up behind the photographer on Dinosaur Tower. The slab in the foreground looks steeper in the photograph than it really is...and the ground is not far below. Prolly a good place to show a kid how to friction up some gentle rock, imho.

Is it possible to approach Chikamin via Gold Creek? Can be done in winter...but how about now, without snow?

NOLSe loves his...he's got a couple. It seemed to work great for him gearsling wise. Planning to get one as well. Haven't heard any complaints... NOLSe?

MEC used to sell some nice nylon trekking pants; couldn't find anything like it on their site. Do they still make some?