jonthomp

Sat.--Ft. Ebey mtb with Dave Schuldt. Sunshine, wow! Sun.--early AM up Mt. Forgotten to check on posible ski lines (while there is still plenty of snow up there, it's not on any of the good terrain); then walk in Discovery Park with the kids. Mon.--run around Green Lake with my 6-year-old while he rode his bike, then later around again while my soon to be 3 year old daughter rode her trike.

Don't know where the info came from, but here's the thread that CC was referring to (I can't find where the snow totals are coming from though): http://www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=19896

Same as James, this "guy" knows his snow and I'm inclined to agree with gapertimmy--lots of rain, new snow, no real freeze/thaw cycle the last couple weeks, and lots of bottomless (now saturated) mush. Ripe for soft, wet slides and climax avies. Don't let that keep you out of the mts., but be smart--assess the snow and know what's above you that may come down. For a related story with a happy ending follow this link to the 10th entry down and let's all have happy endings to whatever adventures we have planned this weekend. Be safe, smart, and have fun. http://www.turns-all-year.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=tr0405;action=display;num=1085368150

I only have one day this weekend and mt. biking is the plan. How about next weekend?

and more biking and more

True enough. Mc.Spires are blocked by the hill in the foreview.

Here's the current view of those peaks taken from the Newhalem webcam: http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/nocacam/nocacam.htm The flat topped one is The Chopping Block. At the right of the photo are the McMillan Spires I believe.

I am going to get out somewhere on Saturday. Pretty sure the weather won't be cooperating for getting up Little T, so have all but abandoned that plan. I'm game for whatever though. Mt. Aix, Frying Pan Glacier, other ideas? How about the rest of you?

Wow! Glad to hear he is "okay". I was suppressing visions of the same thing as we downclimbed. There was an axe found up there, but it sounds like it was found too soon to be your friends. Might be worth checking, though. Wishing a speedy recovery. The axe thread is at: http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/threadz/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB30&Number=349292&Forum=f30&Words=&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=349292&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=0&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post349292

another great source for planning trips and reading about the exploits of others is: http://cascadeclassics.org Can this be made part of the links page as well?

Likewise, I've seen people rapping the bridge at Exit 38. They set up and were taking leaps over the side and zipping to the bottom. I don't really understand it as a sport, but to each their own. Like Merv said, not really any stranger than climbing. Climbing just seems "normal" to us, though insane to many.

Definitely an accurate impression. The Cathedral Pass/Lake area is an amazing place. I would think it is still snowed in and like I said we were snowed on in August and unfortunately didn't get a chance to do the best of the rock climbs. There is one route on the cliffy (SW) side of the lake that looks incredible. Starts with a (5.10?) crack for a couple pitches to gain what Beckey calls a 4th class ridge. Doesn't look like 4th class from the lake, but probably is. From the look of the rock, this place should get more visits.

It's not Thursday yet, but my partner has to bail for this weekend so I am open to just about anything. Primary objective now--find turns, anywhere, anyhow.

As a main objective or plan B? Are people interested in trying to hook up at a trailhead Sat. morning, early?

I did that trip two summers ago, the first weekend of August. We bailed off the east butress when it started to snow and scrambled the easy route which is fun. Also hit the ridge route that runs south out of Cath. Pass, and Remmel, and Cloudy(?). All in WA. highest hundred. However, going in from 30 mile we logged over 60 miles in four days with our side trips. There is a way into Cath. from further north that would shave off miles and get you to some solid, technical rock. There are a ton of routes 5.8-5.11. I want to get back in better weather and enjoy what the area has to offer.

My friend and I haven't sorted out leave times, but our plan is Sat. up Little T as high as feel like going, weather permitting. Otherwise will have a backup in the area. Here's a link to an old TR of the same trip-- TR on Cascde classics.org link fixed by snoboy

We're just getting an early start Saturday and not bother with camping. Our goal is to ski from as high up Little T as possible and maybe have lunch at its summit. We'll see what the weather has in store. May have to plan B it.

Anyone know more than what Beckey says of these? Steepness? Do they hold enough snow to ski? The photo in the "CAG" makes them look like fun lines. Are they?

My bad. I only have the first book, not the second so I wouldn't know what is in it. Nonetheless, a fine route even if it is in the book.

There are several glaciers to cross. Extent of crevasses depends on your route. Mostly things are still buried beneath lots of snow. My attitude toward roping up is not to unless actually taking the time to belay and/or place pro. We never felt the need as conditions were mostly good and the risk of falling felt minimal. We climbed with our harnesses on, but never pulled out the rope. The only place I wished for a rope was downclimbing the summit chute, but it was in the pack at the base of the chute. Other than that, things felt safe enough. Of course, "safe enough" depends on your own level of experience/comfort and the specific conditions you find. Definitely bring a rope and use it if you feel it's necessary. Most of the glaciers right now are more like big snowfields, but there are some hidden crevasses starting to open up (we found some crossing the upper curtis on the descent). As far as boots, I wore my plastics. While they could be better for hiking, nothin' beats 'em on the snow and there's lots of snow. You'll be happy with the warmth and waterproof. Carry running shoes and hike in those. Switch to the plastics when you hit the snow. What route are you planning?

Great mountain in a great area! Many routes are in great shape right now. Head on up! A winter ascent out of the ski area and rip down on my tele boards. That's my next objective. Glad you enjoyed the pics. My climbing partner took most of them. I haven't gotten my shots developed yet.

I might have to go in Monday instead of Saturday!

Any idea where one can drive to? Into the White River Campground yet?

Clean Break. It's a 1300' ridge route up the east side of Juno Tower. Goes at 10b/c with many pitches in 5.6-5.9 range. Cross country approach so you would likely be the only one in the valley. The first 10a crack is one of the finest around.

I did one route up on Kangaroo about 15 years ago. I can't remember exactly which one (think it was the south face), an easy moderate with good pro and reasonably solid rock. Though from looking at the route info I may be confusing it with the N. Face of Kangaroo Temple. Too many brain cells gone since then and not a good enough climb to burn it in my memory forever. Personally, I would choose one of the more classic routes unless you've done them all.