2morehours

This isn't really a current update, just trying to help BUT we skied the glacier a couple months ago and the road was barely snowed in to the trailhead, so I would have to ASSUME that it has been snow free for some time by now. You'll have to walk some ways, probably to the final old growth hill that gains the ridge. Please post if you check it out, I'm anxious to get back myself. Good luck!

...nah...

I was at Annette the other rainy day, by the looks of Granite Mountain, there isn't too much snow left. (It WAS snowing a bit at the lake)

Climb: Mt Persis-West Ridge Date of Climb: 4/22/2004 Trip Report: I got out of class mid afternoon and got in the car with no destination in mind and the Smoot book. I hadn't been to Persis yet, so Persis it was. Got to the trailstart at 4, feeling a little pressed for time. Maybe it was the lateafternoon light, the perfect spring snow from high ridge on, the solitude, the views, but I really had an enjoyable stomp up the ridge. The views, for a mountain so close, are amazing. Summited at 5:30, knowing I'd be back for Index soon... I would reason this climb will be at its best during the next couple of weeks, then the snow will be gone. I've heard it's a bore, but I HAVE to see the summit of Baring next week... Gear Notes: shoulda brought another cervesa.... Approach Notes: ....exactly like the book says. The trail takes a squint to find

Bush affirmed the policy of no casket pictures for this or that reasons. Do we need to see these kind of pictures to hammer in the reality of warfare, or is it too much disrespect to bear on the families??

sorry, that was a tirade on the mounties - to each thier own in the mountains....

Yes, but does the beer flow freely? Last fall was pretty fun. I can't remember who gave the slide shows, but I realized my nuts may never descend. Whichever one of y'all did the McMillan traverse.... After working in "the industry" for way too long...here's to 99.9% of the mounties... I would press for credentials before I roped up to any of the leaders. (and there ARE some kick ass leader btw)

Libs/Conservatives blah blah If you can, with sincere honesty, objectivley research the GB politics and feel confident that Cheney/Bush are the clear choice for America, please enlighten

Do you HAVE to BURN everything? Value Village is preferable to the beach. sorry you have to that

I'm headed to Tahoma in the next couple of weeks via the East Shoulder. Am I correct that a traverse from Paradise is the only approach this time of year? Any good TR's? thanks

Great film MVS - I admit as I've gained experience in the mountains, your site has been invaluable. Keep up the awesome work!

So I'm in the dark about the major gripes against designating Wild Sky Wilderness. How is designating another slice of land in a world of clearcutting a decietful, left wing ploy?

I am trying to be accomodating to you by avoiding the areas you have scheduled. I know other people use this too to avoid you the Mountie groups. Mounties

This proves nada, BUT, I too have a friend in the know about bears who swears on his mothers grave that he's seen a griz in that area too, albeit years ago....

Ron Gregg owned OR before he died in an avalanche last year. Not the flashiest gear, but the guy had his heart in mountaineering and engineered stuff that worked and was made here in the USA. After Ron's death, Dan Nordstrom (of Nordstroms) bought OR and is apparantly after a bigger slice of the pie that is the outdoor market. Talking with CS, this means offshore production and redesign. I'd say the hardcore user will be less focus than the REI crowd, but who knows. I do know that they will take back, replace or repair anything for any reason by way of policy. anyways....

Climb: Three Fingers road scouting- Date of Climb: 4/15/2004 Trip Report: Hadn't been on the 3Fingers road since the washout a few years back and was curious to see the status. The washout is fixed but there is still 3 feet of snow on the road 4 miles from the trailhead. And now you know....

Those pics are awesome! I've been eyeing SK for a while but haven't made it happen yet. Good call on Mutchler, that is making me drool.... to you!

...oohhhh, there's GOT to be a Skeletor worthy line here...

Yes, I'm aware that a sheet of fabric softener is the ideal, lightweight thermal pad. BUT, after much contemplation, I picked up an Exped down airmattress It is notibly warmer and super comfortable. I really recommend looking into them.

http://www.summitloft.com Sorry if this is old news, but it's a pretty interesting site from a fella that's spent weeks on the 4/5 of the WA's volcanoes.

I have this orange pack and use it a lot for what you're talking about. The contoured geometry makes it seem smaller than it is, but it fits great for climbing and skiing. Like most other Ospreys, the shovel/axe/gearloops etc... organzation is awesome. It does have an offshore look and feel to it, I was initially weary of the durability of the seams/materials but so good so far. It has tiny carbon (i think) struts that I think are as much to keep the form of the pack as they are for distributing weight. That said, it carries a load pretty well. Reasonably priced - The best pack ever? No...but I would still recommend it