kenp

yes, pick up a copy of Nelson's guide book, if you finish everything there, start on the green Beckey guide. Head up the mountain loop hwy, check out Vesper peak. Many, many other climbs in the area

ah yes, that should do the job I would think. sounds like a good evening project while sitting on the deck

while decending the CD route on Baker a few years ago I found an old, water-logged wooden ice ax just below high camp. It was swollen and rusty. I packed it home and pretty much forgot about it until a recent shed cleaning. The handle has shrunk back to normal size but the metal parts are pretty rusty. I used a nylon tire brush and knocked off enough rust to see a stamp on both sides of the pick. One side says 'Zurich' with a diamond shaped shield and the other other is stamped with 'made in Austria'. It is a very long ax with a long pick (no teeth) the leather wrist strap did not survive. So here is my question, what should I use to safely remove the rust? I want to try to ID the maker and possible age of this antique tool. I will post pictures once I have it cleaned up. thanks!

I finally got mine to come off, it made a sucking noise as I pulled it off. I was going to save it but my dog ate it.

right on Ed! congrats for getting all 14 done (and without bottled o2!)and I hope he has a safe & speedy trip home

this seems really cool huh? I wanted a whippet but now I can use the poles I already have.

SOS, metal blade...kinda wired T handle tho. I've used it to dig caves/igloo. no problem yet with ice http://www.sos-find.com/pages/frameset.html

I took my son when he was 12 (some 11 years ago) to Del Campo around the 4th of July. He had been rock climbing a few times and did well with the scramble...didn't care much for the hike in or out tho. I think it's a great scramble and a fine place to introduce kids to the fine art of getting high

that sound MUCH better!

taken from the Wenatchee National Forest web site: N F Teanaway Road #9737 – Drivable to just beyond the Teanaway Guard Station. This leaves 6 miles of snow bound road before reaching Esmeralda and Ingalls Lake trailhead. Also, there is a landslide ½ mile before that trailhead blocking this roadway. I don't know the trail condition but would like too!

Dude check out Green Lake, around the edge. I don't know if it's been warm enough for long enough tho...there is a pond where I work that gets millions of tadpoles, I checked it out Tuesday and yesterday...a few bullfrogs were out but no sign of pollywogs yet, didn't see any slimey egg clusters either. I think about the time the lillypads start growing, they will be here. Might have to travel to Wenatchee!

I have a TNF gore-tex 'trekers bivy'. altho it's closer to a single tent with two poles, I have found it's great in snow/rain with plenty of room for gear inside. works just as well without the poles. I do wish I could remove the bug net. with poles, it's about 1 1/2 pounds

didn't see a stuck nut on undercover yesterday, someone else must have scarfed it. to the party of three on zig-zag, next time try yelling ROCK when you drop a large wired nut, you damn near hit me. that's why I was yelling at you

I had a spyderco clip-it...very light and compact. I kept it clipped to my shoulder strap. it's somewhere on the Longs pass trail now after it fell off. It did have a laynard hole that I should have tied a cord too as a back up. The buck knife is bigger and heavier, for sure.

Buck-Whittaker, clips to a biner, half serrated, locking blade and stays folded when not in use. nice and pointy tip and sharp out if the box.

that's best used with a gear sling that hangs from the back...

the REI padded sling works fine for dry, summer routes. I Like the option of being able to switch sides and to be able to move everything back out of the way. I carry biners on one side, pro on the other on longer routes and a non-padded sling for most alpine climbs.

I don't like the way the ecrin rock fits (I have a pony-tail) and I too thought it is a bit heavy, although a sturdy bucket. I have a edelrid ultra-light and like the fit much better. at 410 grams, you save that ounce you're looking for. it is a bit narrow and sits a little high but has plenty of vent holes and the headlight clips are flawless.

I'm all for new routes but I'd hate to see the area looking like three o'clock rock, with a bolted line every ten feet. Replacing some of those manky old 1/4 inch home made bolts is a great idea but adding a bolt to an established route...that takes a lot of consideration. The climbing at the Pinnacles has always been a bit run-out and I feel it should remain that way. I do agree with telemaker about Vertigo, it is a fun gear route on Grand Central in the afternoon when everything else is baking in the sun

My brother bailed on me, so I was thinking of something close to home, like a run up Pilchuck on Sunday (in the rain)

I gots a plan, check your pm's

I have a pair of campmor windblock fleece pants, full side zip, fly and pockets. They run a bit short and after 1 season, seem to be holding up well. much less expensive than the name brands, I'm sure that's why I received them as a gift

WTF! I started reading the story yesterday...go out last night & tell everyone about it...they all look like I'm making it up. go back to finish it this morning...SO WHAT HAPPENS?? I'm a little creeped out here folks

Way to go man! I love being in the Enchantments solo in the early season, before the hordes (people & bugs). no tick problems? Thanks for the report

anyone going up to Ingalls/Stuart this weekend?