kcclimber3

Live in Kansas City; looking to hook up with someone to climb Hood end of June. I am flying in on Wed. that week. Have climbed Rainier, Shasta, Grand Teton, Elbrus, Aconcagua.

I read on the Mt. Rainier website that the DC route is no longer a viable and safe route; Crevasses are wide open and too dangerous to negotiate. Climbers have been dropping down off of Ingraham Flats and over to the Emmons.

I am coming to Seattle for business on Aug. 28 & 29th. I plan on staying for the long labor day weekend and would like to find some partners to climb either Rainier or Adams. I would be available beginning Thursday Aug. 30. I did Rainier (Emmons) last Aug., followed by a trip to the Tetons where I climbed the Grand. I just returned from a successful trip to Russia, climbing Mt. Elbrus. I'll have a rental car as well as all necessary gear, including tent (Marmot Thor 2P). I will fly home on Labor Day. If doing Rainier, I would like to try the DC route, spending a night at Muir & Ingraham Flats on the way up. Thanks!

thanks everyone for the feedback...I will check each out; the golite may be a bit more versatile and it only weighs 21 oz.

I'm going to Elbrus at the end of June and would like a recommendation on a good summit/day pack that is lightweight, hydration compatible, and just large enough (2500 cu in?) to store essential extra layers, etc. I have a 75L Pack that I will use on our ascent up to the barrels, but would prefer not to use it on summit day as it weighs in at around 6.5#. Thanks...

thanks guys for all your input; I do appreciate it. Crazy T: I may pm you with additional questions as the trip gets closer...thanks in advance.

how long does it last? I am planning a trip to Russia this summer to climb Elbrus. Living in an elevation of 700', I intend on spending a few days climbing ~14,000' in Colorado the week before I leave. Will this aid in my acclimatizing if there is a 5-10 day interim before I actually get there to begin climbing? Thanks!

Thanks....pm sent.

or.....is there anything that is written? Thanks!

any chance on getting an audio copy of the speech at REI?

I too have just finished Escape from Lucania by David Roberts: Must Read...Great book about a great man and also his climbing partner Bob Bates. Washburn was one of the first mountaineers to subscribe to 'fast & light'

Going to Ouray next week? We usually go to Buen Tiempo for dinner almost every night...I'll buy you a beer!

'Though my heart is with Alpine: Spend more time improving my rock climbing skills/technique Have too much fun in Ouray NEXT WEEK!!! Enjoy the Elbrus trip in June!!!

From the pictures, the Columbia doesn't seem to be able to accept either step-in or newmatic crampons. This could be an important difference...not to mention that La Sportiva is a far more accepted mountaineering brand.

Marek, Very descriptive & inspiring read....great pics!

What condition are the Cobras in? Thanks,

You have been in our thoughts... You have touched our hearts... You are 'on belay'... Climb on men....climb on.

Well said Couloir....

Testament of a Climber I climb… because I love to; Because I love the environs where mountains are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my climbing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because the mountains do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience; because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don’t want to waste the trip; because mercifully there are no telephones to answer while climbing; because only in the mountains can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there; because maybe one day I will climb my Everest; and, finally, not because I regard climbing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant…and not nearly so much fun. *Adapted from the book Trout Magic, and with all respect to it’s author, Robert Traver. My condolences to the James family and continued hope that Brian and Jerry will be rescued.

The question has come up as to "Why?" Here is something I adapted to explain my 'Why'... Testament of a Climber I climb, because I love to; Because I love the environs where mountains are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my climbing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because the mountains do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience; because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don’t want to waste the trip; because mercifully there are no telephones to answer while climbing; because only in the mountains can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there; because maybe one day I will climb my Everest; and, finally, not because I regard climbing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant…and not nearly so much fun.*Adapted from the book Trout Magic, and with all respect to it’s author, Robert Traver. My deepest condolences to the James family and my continued hope that Jerry & Brian will be rescued.

Hi, I sent you a pm

I've got 2 trips coming up: Emmons Route on Rainier in 12 days followed immedidately with a trip to Grand Teton. The excitement has been building for 2 months and is now totally consuming my every thought: Gear check, buy more 'stuff', train...train hard-train smart. What 'stuff' am I missing? Buy back-up for my back-up stuff! When I go to work, I can barely concentrate on anything but "how many hours til I get on the plane for Seattle, and DO I NEED TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE!!!" I've got the bug!

What's the beta Ivan? I am planning on going up the same route about a month after Nikki...

Hey Guys...thanks to all for your info and insight! Much appreciated...

I have read that one should gain approx. 1000'/day for proper acclimatization. Since a lot of the approaches require a single day hike to either Muir or Shurman ie; 4-6K gain in elevation, how quickly does or can one acclimatize during a 2-3 day trip to the summit? Is there anything you can do to help the process or minimize the chance of altitude sickness? Thanks!