rob

Cool!! This is the kind of stuff I like to do, we should join forces!

nice blog, that looks like a cool trip!

Now I want to go skiing

I've carried big loads (week long trips) in my cilogear (for the record, I think mine was the 60L). It carries well for a frameless pack, especially if you pack wisely, but it was not the most durable pack I've ever had. It lasted about two seasons of heavy 4-season use before the shoulder strap ripped off (almost exactly upon arriving at the parking lot after a 5-day ski trip of all things). It was an earlier version of the pack, and I'm sure Graham would have fixed it for me but I fell in love with another pack in the meantime Edit: P.S. if you want lots of "Extendability" and customization for different trips, then you will LOVE the cilogear packs.

I didn't know Chris, but from looking at the contentment in his face in all of the pictures, and reading the kind words from all of his friends, I can tell that this guy won at life. Nobody gets to choose the time and circumstance of their departure -- and I'm sure that his feels all too soon and tragic -- but on the other hand it looks like he had a pretty awesome life and judging from the response here, I'd guess that his will leave quite a lasting impact. So, to that extent, I suppose he'll never really be gone. To lead such a life and leave behind such a legacy -- well, that's something. I hope that doesn't come off as callous or cavalier over the internet from a guy who never even met him, but that's my take anyway and for some reason I felt like I needed to say it.

the good part about eric posting on this thread, is that we know that he hasn't fallen off the SE corner on one of his drunken solo excursions Who's Eric?!!

Wait, I forgot how to mayor. Is this how you mayor?

Alternatively, you could come out and do a multi-day glacier skills course with a guiding service, instead. Many offer longer courses which will give you the skills to climb rainier with people you meet here in the partner's forum.

We're rooting for you, Stubbs!

I'm not sure what your question is. But, Being able to wait for a good weather window as you suggest will improve your chances of summiting. Where do you live? If you want to skip the guide services, you have enough time until next summer to get some skils and if you have some skills then maybe you can find a couple of local partners Why Rainier? There are lots of other, funner climbs in the Cascades, if Inwere you and wanted to travel to the Cascades and hire a guide, I would book a three or four day north cascades trip instead -- unsolicited advice, I know. But you will likely get more personal instruction and attention this way and have more varied climbing over more interesting terrain.

Pasayten! I want to ride my bike up there and climb something. What a great place

Hey, I'm getting back into it after a loooong break and looking for either a belay-slave who wants to follow me on 5.easy stuff while I get my lead head back (I'm happy to lead everything), or alternatively someone to rope-gun on harder stuff (I'll follow anything) Mid-week works well for me, thinking next Monday. PM me.

it's still OK to toke in the Muir hut, though, right?

I know this isn't really meant to be another SPOT thread, but I've personally dealt with SPOT in emergency situations and they handled it basically like they were completely retarded. I hope I never, ever have to deal with them in an emergency ever again. Additionally, I brought a SPOT with me to Rainier for a week in winter and couldn't get a single "Hi I'm OK" message out through the clouds the entire week. I do like the "It's not an emergency but I need help" functionality the SPOT provides (for example, if I can't find my bike when I get back to the trailhead and need someone to pick me up, etc.) but I have basically zero faith in the SPOT reception at this point to count on it ever for anything. YMMV!

Yeah, it's super awesome! hmm, like national parks?

+1! that SPOT shit sucks ass, I always bring a real PLB with me now. They're so small and light these days.

I thought spray was dead? This is not good for my 12-step program.

Wasn't GGK going to move away because he hated it here too much? Or because he doesn know how to ride a bike in the rain or something?

I think you mean nucular

I think he already has! What a life

Entire Nation pitches in to save Yosemite

You mean it's hard to fight fires in wilderness terrain? WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT???? OMG SAN FRANCISCO MIGHT LOSE THEIR WATER (but not really)

This mishap doesn't strike me as one that needs a lot of "analyzing and extrapolating upon"

OMG I CAN'T WAIT FOR WINTER

I got your cat 5 right here