treknclime

Nice TR, lcm! Looks like ya'll had a great time!

OK...do your pull ups and dips on rings, instead.

What was the link to that speed rock climber from the Cali coast...that climbed Lover's Leap...a similar video. Link?

Doing push ups on rings positioned just above the floor increases difficulty and brings in core strengh. Elevate the feet to further increase the suffer factor...

I've seen it snow more on the 4th of July on the mountain than be sunny or climbable over a number of years. However...sometimes it's really nice. Totally a crap shoot. The best weather is prolly July 15-Aug 15, but the route can be an issue later...in some years. Have a great time!

The route above Christine Falls that I've been on in the winter...follows the regular trail. The only time I've been up there in the winter is after things have mellowed out...and we're walking/skiing/snowshoeing over tons of debris. Wouldn't wanna be in there during a high avi period, such as now. Maybe I'm a wuss... Now...MisterMO mentions a "winter route." Can you share that beta with us? I know there's a winter route up Granite Mtn (not a ski trip), that avoids all/most of the avi chutes. Was totally news to me, as many times as I've been up there. Maybe MisterMo has something like that up his sleeve??

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??

Click on attached file above for a photo. These tools are look'in for a new owner!

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

Coming within the hour...

BLACK DIAMOND COBRA ICE TOOLS FOR SALE PM me if interested. All gear in most excellent shape. I’ve got too many sets of tools…and these are just setting idle. Never used for mixed or dry tool’in…so they’re in good clean shape. I’d rather sell the whole lot together....everything listed below for $390. +++ 2 Black Diamond Cobras (hammer and adze heads): Little use…very nice! Retail $269.95 ea. Sell: $165 ea. Buy the set for $300 http://www.bdel.com/gear/cobra.php +++ 2 Android Leashes: Like New Retail: $39.95 ea. Sell: $25 Buy the set for $40 http://www.bdel.com/gear/android.php +++ Extra Cobra Hammer Head: NEW (can then climb with two hammers) Retail: $50.00 Sell: $30 +++ 2 Spare Laser Picks: NEW Retail: $34.95 Sell: $25 Buy the set for $40 http://www.bdel.com/gear/laser_pick.php +++ Shipping cost: Actual, or delivered locally in the Puget Sound area. Will take PayPal or checks.

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!