undermind

Hello, I have no experience on Mt Baker.. I'm doing a week-long Alpinism course with AAI (American Alpine Institute), and am trying to get an idea of where we'll be. All I know is that I think we'll be on the Easton Glacier. From what I've read, you start on the Schreiber Meadow trailhead and head up the Railroad grade. I was told we would spend most days at the "low camp" and one night at high camp. I'm assuming the low camp would be on or have access to the snow since we're learning glacier techniques. I was told there is now running water at low camp. Can anyone tell me where these camps might be, and at what elevations? I'm trying to get an idea of low camp, so I can plan accordingly (like whether I will be close enough to snow to bury some perishable food) Thanks!

Yeah, I was thinking about those. They're no heavier than a power bar, and can provide a meal if you bring along a couple mayo, mustard, and relish packets and throw it in a tortilla. They even put clams and other stuff in those foil pouches.

ha ha

Wow! I was only kidding about the hat! I shall never say bad things about the hat again. I'd wear a paper bag with 2 eye holes if I had to. Bad burns are a nightmare. I've got an OR Seattle Sombrero that's got an unusually large brim. And I mean large compared to other Seattle Sombreros.. Then maybe a bandana on the neck, and plenty of sunscreen on the face for snow reflection. And polypro's on the hands..

Thanks guys. Yeah I got some Dermatone Zinc Oxide and I'll try the Aloe Gator. We'll see if it works as well as the Neutrogena. But I'll have my skin melt off before you catch me in one of those hats..

I love that guy!

I'm just thinking about alternatives to the power bar lunch diet on an extended trip. I'm spending a week on Baker's Easton Glacier, and want something different to eat for lunch. Often it's cold enough to keep things "refigerated", but I'm not sure what elevation I'll be at, and the temperatures I'll encounter. Hummus ingredients don't seem terribly perishable on their own.. What other interesting food tips do you guys have for something a little different? I'm not looking to do any cooking, and in fact, I'm not even bringing any dishes or anything.. Thanks..

I usually use Neutrogena Sport SPF 45, which is great, but I'm wondering if there's something better for glacier travel. I'm spending a week on the snow on Baker next week, and I know I'll roast.. Anything higher SPF? And where do I get zinc oxide for my nose?

Oh yeah, that's the other reason we passed up the lake. It was a Monday night and it didn't look like anyone was there, but it definitely pays to get out of day-hiker or daring-car-camper range.

Well, we did it and had a great time. (aside from the weather.. we got huge amounts of hail and snow on the climb) A note on the camping.. We thought Lena forks camp was great. I suppose it doesn't have that big open feel that the lake has, but we preferred it over the lake. We had it all to ourselves, and the valley was pretty cool with the mossy boulders and the bubbling creek on both sides. Not gloomy at all. But I guess the real reason we didn't camp at the lake was that I didn't have my fishing pole. That's torture...

KYLE, I was just up last week on Tuesday 6/14 and conditions were good. (weather wasn't, but oh well) The south couloir snow was very climb-able, but I wouldn't wait too long. Condidtions are ideal now, but the snow is melting out in the narrower sections. When the snow bridges are gone, it will be a little trickier..

Speaking of "camp", is there running water at the base camp? Is the base camp in the Valley of Silent Men, and is it an actual camping area?

Hello, Thought I would give the Brothers a shot in a couple of days. I've never attempted it, nor have I been to the Lena Lakes. Any route notes or tips I should know that aren't mentioned in the ONP Climbing guide? I'm climbing with one other guy. Are you guys roping up this time of year? Thanks

I was up there when they were found.. It was pretty amazing how little concern there was around camp, and how scarce the "search" effort was. The news reports didn't seem to match up all that well with what happened. At least they gave them probably more credit than they deserved. "experienced climbers"

Uh oh, the code changed. If anyone has the new code for May, let me know!!

blue_morph, who makes that sleeping bag cover?

So how many do you have?

These look like they might work.. Buck Whittaker Revolution XT: Buck Whittaker Short Approach: Gerber Chameleon II:

Wow, quickest 5 replies I've seen

As long as I can get it in pink.. I have no problems finding knives, I only have problems finding clip-in knives I can attach to a biner. Maybe it's overrated, but it's what I need.

I have the REI Kilo Plus bag with Pertex. (I guess just regular Pertex, does not specify Quantum) But there is so much more to a damp sleeping bag shell than just shell material. You can have the most waterproof shell in the world and still have a wet bag due to body vapor or exhalation. I'm trying to find the perfect solution to having a dry bag every morning. Here's a thread on this exact topic: http://forums.backpacker.com/thread.jspa?threadID=61303&tstart=15

Hey, what climbing knife do you guys prefer? Looking for one with clip-in capabilities like the Petzl Spatha. And also one that you can open with one hand and locks in the open position. I did see a Gerber Chameleon knife in the $45 range, but it's more than double the weight. Any others?

Awesome replies. Didn't quite expect this good of information!

I love the Scarpa Alpha's. I've been following this thread, and thougt I'd offer my differing opinion. And I'm sure many others will as well if they stumble onto it. I've worn every pair of plastics that I can think of, and the Alphas feel the best to me. But that's me. But what you can say about the Alpha's is that there is just not a lot of nonsense on the boot volume-wise. They are not bulky like the Koflach's, Vasque's, Inverno's, etc. But they also can't offer the kind of warmth those can. If you feel that they can handle the cold of where you need them to be, then they are the boot to own in my opinion. They are low profile, very precise, and hike wonderfully. Other's can probably tell you better in regard to handling Canadian Rocky Ice. I have actually been in Canadian Rocky ice in a lesser boot and was fine. But depending on yourself, you may want more warmth.

cool, just found it again. PM me if you'd like it.