scottgg

I'll fly in the face of those with half empty beer steins, and cast my vote for jens suggestion! But who is larry? Maybe he's just pissed because he hasn't been invited in the past?

Yeah, that line on the right of my first picture was steeper than it looks but pretty well formed. There are also some really cool lines between our route and the north face couloir! I would reccomend coming out via the valley if your on skis, like Phil suggested. Have Fun!

Good job, sounds like a great day in the mountains. I headed up there Thursday night, and we were greeted by a locked gate at Longmire. So we played on RMI's styrofoam ice wall, awsome sticks the whole way up:)

Climb: Abiel Peak-North Face Possible FA Date of Climb: 3/11/2006 Trip Report: I have been intrigued by this peak, the “Ben Nevis of the Northwest”, since reading the brief description of its many unclimbed lines in Washington Ice, by Jason Martin and Alex Krawrik. Jason shared his take on the peak’s potential, and gave me beta on the line he and Gene Pires attempted in 2002. My usual partner was un-amused by my cryptic midnight ravings about this “sick line”, and excused himself with a newfound interest in geo-caching. So Mark Bunker agreed to join me on what would turn out to be a great adventure. After a scenic bus ride, I met Mark in Federal Way, and we were off. The approach hike was straightforward, if long. A ton of fresh powder needed to be blazed through, and we kicked in a nice trail to Lake Annette, across its frozen surface, and up to the base of the Peak. Our route in red, North Face Couloir entrance marked in green. We hiked up the highest snow finger right of the summit, left the snowshoes and my pack, and headed up to the fun stuff. Mark offered me the first lead, which clocked in about WI3 and ended up at a rock belay on the right side. After grabbing the rack, Mark traversed onto the main flow, approx 80degrees, and ran the rope out to a tree belay, just below the ridge. Swinging up the second pitch in great neve! This second pitch was great, two steep pillars connected by 60degree neve…sweet! We unroped on the ridge, wallowed up to the summit amid snow flurries and took in the seldom seen (for me) view of the peaks south of Snoqualmie Pass. Summit Shot, with Granite Mountain We descended the route via two double-rope rappels, and hiked out, where Mark was gracious and patient enough to occasionally wait for me to catch up. Headlamps stayed warm and dry in our packs on the descent, so we are not sure if it really counts as a winter ascent, ha-ha! This was a fun line, guarded by a slightly longer approach than other Snoqualmie Pass climbs. There is, as noted in Washington Ice, several awesome, unclimbed lines across the breadth of the north face. Many burly mixed climbs await their first suitors, so go check it out! Thanks for a great climb Mark! Gear Notes: Black Sabbath, large malnourished rabid dog to guard car and aforementioned Black Sabbath, screws, slings, and a small rock rack. Approach Notes: Hide your car in a ditch then snowshoe/ski up Lake Annette Trail (exit 47 off I-90)

Anyone interested in heading up near snoqualmie pass either Friday or Saturday to check out a route I have been eyeing? PM me. Scott

Has anyone done this route in winter, or have any beta concerning it? Thanks!

I am going to try and squeeze in a jaunt up that delightfully picturesque hill-thingy during the next week or so. Just yesterday, while trolling elliot bay in dear old dads boat, I wagered my dearest that I could surmount the mountain within a fortnight, and now I am afraid I am in over my head! Mt Rainier appears to be covered in a ghastly white substance, I can only assume snow, and I am in need of your chaps help! Has any one hiked on the trail called "Fuhrer Finger", or perhaps the "Nisqually Icefall/cliff" during this god-less time of year? Any information will be recieved by a most grateful heart! Ta-Ta

I am open Thursday (Feb 16th) afternoon thru Friday night for something around Snoqualmie. A very cool High pressure/ cold front is moving through the area, and the avalanche danger is looking good, so several elusive routes should be in shape. I am thinking the north grove on Chair Peak, or the NE slab on the Tooth.

Help! If anyone found a black Canon digital camera in the parking lot this past Saturday, please email me at scottgul@hotmail.com. Its very important, no questions asked, and I'll offer a reward. Thanks

Does anyone know where I can rent a portable climbing wall? We are putting on a outdoor event at the UW, and a climbing wall will be a nice addition. Thanks!

Does anyone have any recent info regarding the colchuck lake area in general, and triple couloirs or the north east couloir on colchuck specifically. I am heading up their this weekend and any info would be greatly appreciated!

Hi- I live in seattle and guided for Rainier Mountaineering last summer. Have seen hood from a distance and would like to do a winter ascent. I can take the train down to portland/salem and we could carpool, weekends are best. I would prefer to do something on the north side, but am open to other routes. let me know. Scott

good on ya for getting out there and giving it a shot

yeah, lots and lots of pins and bolts!

I know the conditions suck, but I want to get out there anyway! I live in Des Moines (in washington) and I swing cobras. send me a message if your interested