undermind

Anyone know of any rock in the Eastern Olympics? I'm in Gig Harbor, so I'm closest to the Staircase/Dosewallips areas. Just looking for some mid-class 5 stuff that's not a real long hike into.. Thanks

The patch or the climb?

It was great.. The weather was shi-tay half the time. The week started off lousy, and when it got better for everyone at normal elevations like Seattle/Bellingham, we remained in the clouds. Drying clothes in a tent sucks. The morning we headed for the summit it was beautiful. But as the sun came up, the clouds came with it. Then wind, then rain and snow. Moisture was freezing on faces. It turned real nasty at the summit. Total whiteout. Some horrible climbing conditions. But if I was worried about climbing in bad weather, I probably wouldn't live here.

I gave my sehll pants a pretty good rip last week on Baker. Maybe from my axe, not sure. But it's about 2" then 1" in the shape of an "L". Then one more small rip by the full zip seam. All in about a 3"x3" square. They are Lowe Alpine eVent shell pants. They probably patch just like GoreTex, but thought I would just throw that out there. What's the best patch? (or kit). Thanks!

Thank you. That's the info I was looking for..

I don't really consider boiling water cooking..

I knew that would be the response.. It just seems like it's a bit of a hassle. I call up and get the receptionist girl who puts me on with the accounting guy who says "so-n-so can tell you all about it but he's on the mountain right now, I can have him call you back" Then some simple curiosities get more complicated than I want. I'm not quite that desperate for info, just a little curious. And prefer to read about it in a casual setting.. Thanks

Good luck on Constance.. Should be fun. Yeah my crampons took a beating with the snow/rock/snow/rock routine, along with the weather. I just couldn't keep anything dry. I'm actually by Glen Cove if you know where that is. Actually on the Key Peninsula.. So outside GH city limits

Not sure how you got showers straight through Wednesday out of that.. But anyways, I don't mind climbing in adverse conditions, as long as it's not downright dangerous. If I minded, I probably wouldn't like mounatineering too much..

Tweezer, yes crampons were a must in my opinion. I suppose you could do it without them, but I wouldn't want to. Hey I'm in Gig Harbor too..

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"

Anybody get a response? Not me. Sure would make it hard to sell stuff...