More Californians, No Doubt!
Alpine ice season here, except for the volcanoes, is like February, March, and sometimes April. If there's good enough wedder, of course.
Mark and Colin, great TR, but sorry you guys failed to locate the elusive alpine Denali sheep again. She's up there somewhere, you'll find her eventually!
Everyone I know just uses low-top approach hikers for summer stuff.
I guess a more waterproof version of the same would be cool. The Montrail Hurricane Ridge is close, but still not completely h20 proof and doesn't climb all that well.