spotly

Thanks. I took a scrubber to the rusty spots and there was some pitting underneath so I had a shop take that out. The few black (rust?) spots on the shaft probably go pretty deep so I'm going to leave those alone - maybe see if there's a wood cleaner than can pull it out.

It's a trade-off for sure. But a free camping area there will draw the people that bring the needles. Better to forego the camping and have a clean area to climb in. Vantage isn't any further from Seattle than it is from Spokane and I'm willing to drive there for a day if I wasn't risking a needle in my ass or feces on my tennies. As it is, there's much better climbing closer to Spokane.

Fence it all off with a small-gate access. Prohibit camping and put a crapper further in, which is maintained via a gated access road. That would keep the concert goers out - maybe.

Anything in particular that makes the Lowe/Bryne versions better? Since we're on the subject..I've used my a lot but have never fallen on one nor used one for aid. Are they very difficult to clean once weighted?

Lowell and Dane, Have you maintained those in that condition - did you have any polishing done on them? I have one that that has a few spots of rust that I'd like to get removed. I'm sure there will be some pitting under them. Plus, it's left a small black spot on the bamboo, just below the head - not sure if that'll come off. I can leave the spot on the wood alone but I don't want the rust to get any worse so thinking about taking it in to get it polished. Any suggestions?

I don't think I'd go as far as to say dumb and trendy - wouldn't want to risk the public condemnation But the thing does have enough limitations that I wouldn't see its usefullness for most of what I do. Maybe in the gym but heck, it's only 50 feet from the curb to the gym door so I'd suck it up and carry my "heavy" ATC that far...with some help. As far as a biner brake, useful to know but I don't wouldn't choose it over my ATC given the choice. No doubt some people can rig it up fast enough but I'd cause an epic rapping a long multipitch with one. If there was some kind of edge it had over a regular ATC, I'd reconsider.

Ahhh. I guess I was trying to multitask again. Thought I read Ingalls Lake.

Seems like the limited use would turn most people away. If having the extra slot ever starts bothering me, I'll just put duct tape over it

Haven't been up there yet this year but I'm anxiously waiting to hear a report as well. I climbed Fortune Peak up there on June 14th of last year and ran into snow on the trail within a half mile. I'm sure the Longs Pass trail was ok but the trail up to Esmeralda Basin was solid snow. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I have a few that are ready to be retired. They are more stretched out so I'd think if anything, there'd be less stretch on a fall. I haven't noticed more stretch on mine. Kevino, could it be the weight of the climber has increased over the years rather than the elasticty of the rope? Just asking

Are the campgrounds along the creek open/requiring fees?

Any updates? Also, are the routes on Icicle Buttress free of snow/dry?

"Big Malfunctioning"...fingers, of course I picked one up about a month ago (jacket). Very warm and not much heavier than the inner jacket and compacts pretty small. It has elastic at the waist and I've read others mention that it "rides" up sometimes. I haven't had that problem yet but have only used it on a few flat hikes so far.

I like the BM stuff personally. Their inner pants are pretty light too, so they usually get tossed into the bag if there's a chance for an unplanned bivy.

Thanks for the links. That's an excellent thread on rock climbing .com.

111, what's changed and when? Just curious. We did it in Feb a few years ago and getting to the gates then seemed kinda thin for an "easy" route. The gates were pretty cool - blue ice in the left one and steep powder in the right. Of course, we didn't have any previous knowledge to judge the route by; just figured anyone trying it in heels or with a dog would have to have been an idiot

I came from a small town, where the answer was the same no matter who you asked My first trad lead was Midway. I thought the little traverse in the middle of the second pitch was lacking in pro but easy enough. The Tooth would be a better option though - plenty of pro and solid stances.

I wondered about the crampons too. Both sets are strap-on. I'll look into the supergaiter. Sounds like a good backup plan that'll let me plan on the Towers either way. Thanks.

My Garmont Towers haved served me well over the last several years though a few winter ascends left my toes somewhat cold whenever I'd stop for too long. I figured they'd be plenty good enough for a run up Rainier in June but mt partner, who's been up it several times insists I'd be better served with plastics. I can't afford to pay for plastics for a single trip so I'd be stuck with whatever REI rents, which are the Asolo AFS Evoluzione. These things look like they'd make for a miserable approach. Anyone here used theses? How about the Garmonts - good enough for June up Rainier (wheather dependent of course)?

I'm looking to pick up a lighter weight parka than the one I have now. The Vapor looks like it's got the same features I'm used to but at only 16 ounces. Anyone familiar with this one? I'd prefer a removable hood but I can always compensate for that. Any better options in an ubber-light (yet comfy warm) down? I prefer a little more puffy than not but if it's too extreme, I wouldnt be out anyway - at least not on purpose anyway. I have a Montbell inner parka that I use to supplement with when it gets too cold. I'm not interested in synthetics. Thanks

Yes - nice link. Thanks. Thanks too Steve. The spouse wants a snowshoe and I want a summit, thought this would be a good compromise Guess we'll head over to Graham instead. Still haven't figured out how to stay upright with sliding sticks on my feet.

Anyone know how close I can get to the TH this time of year? Any space for a tent or two at the TH or thereabouts? SummitPost says virtually no avi risk on the route because it stays on a ridge most of the way - true? Thanks.

I've laid mine out on my walk and sprayed it down (with just a hose - not a pressure washer) when I got mud on it once. I think I'd avoid the drive due to chemicals though.

You've continued to imply that anyone who would consider using a drop loop is an idiot. Let me remind you that the OP was not about systems, something that has been pointed out to you several times...it was about pulley efficiency. If I had a 6 inch length of rope that I used as an aid for discussing how a rope is made, would you think that idiotic too - after all, who the hell could possibly climb on a 6 inch length of rope. You think that discussing something here implies that the same discussion would take place on the mountain!? Then you go on to say the "One should think about it before the crap hits the fan, talk it out in the group first." WTF - it's like listening to Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum! You've made a few good points as it relates to the OP but then you go off on this totally unrelated tangent. Try some ginko or something for that lack of focus.

Very nice! Great pics of the route. So how do you really feel about the road slog?