grandpa

His posts have been few, but he has probably contributed more useful tips on climbing safety than most members. That's the way I see it.

my thoughts exactly! I'll take a few good contributions over a lot of maybe interesting, but mostly useless bullshit.

I'm not sure why you're so negative about the webcam, Loren. It's a useful tool, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Look at how it was installed, my guess is that it won't last the winter.

No, it's the (relative) lack of thunderstorms. But "don't ever say never" because there are TSTMS out there, so watch the weather.

Absolutely! I love 'em! I learn a lot from them.

Yeah, so was I. I'm tentatively considering a summit this September, doc said foot should be good by then. Then again next summer. Fergit the charmin, send pics!

Now, that's the funniest thing I've read all week! ...and I agree, that wouldn't be the greatest. I'll be with you in spirit, but I had to turn back the opening in July. I have new pins, screws and some wire in my foot, so gotta get that all back to 100% first, maybe September. Have fun!

I've wondered the same thing many times myself. I took the grandkids to the Nisqually wildlife refuge this Christmas based on his description of the place. Didn't see anyone though...

Yeah, and you don't have to shovel the rain. It takes care of itself...

I was wondering if you'd receive a reply on this. Send me some pics, when you get back... I'd love to see 'em. have fun, Dave

Sandy, I'd put a compass in my pack also. And, there are maps of the area available at Alpine Ascents in Olympia that are printed on waterproof paper for $7, and I bought one. We can use that as well What GPS are you guys using? Dave

Aw, that thing's not much to complain about, you're just getting started. That little gadget is probably the most minor of intrusions you're just getting started with.... Enjoy your youth, such as it is...

...yeah, what she said!

Oh, yeah, my kid has some of those. Nice, now that I see what they're useful for. Thanks.

Buff? Big Ugly Flying Fellow (B-52)? Ok, funny mode off, what is a buff?

He's not much interested in climbing That might interest him, he has shown a recent interest in photography (hasn't everyone with the advent of the DLSRs) Now ya got it! I'd be interested in the aforementioned guide, if not for him, but for me. I'll soon be the same boat and I DO like hiking and LOVE the Cascades. Thanks, edit: changed bear to beer. Better for drinking.

Indeed, it is. I grew up in Oregon, had heard of Rainier all my life, but never had the occasion to actually SEE it until about 6-7 years ago when my son moved out there. When I actually saw it for the first time, it appeared to be "quite a mountain". A year or two later I drove up to Paradise, and no kidding, I was in awe. Still am. In the past 5-6 years I've read a lot about the mountain, the weather, and peopel's experience regarding it, and have gained some knowledge, and great respect for the conditions to be found there. I took my son and two of his cousins up there for a hike to Muir in July of '08. We still talk about the trip even though we turned around at around 8900' due to some clouds moving in over the ridge to the west of us. I wasn't familiar enough with the weather patterns to know whether this was going to be a problem or no, but felt that this was the right move. As it turned out, by the time we made our way back to the bridge over the Nisqually, things had cleared up. But that was fine, we had an excellent time, and I can try again, and again... I really appreciate all the advice and different views of the activity.

That's the way I figured it, but right now, I don't have the time to do that. I'm 1000+ miles away from the mountains where I could do this in steps, so I'll have to do it however I can. There WILL be a day though.... Thanks for the insight.

The boss is retiring soon, has family out in the Seattle area and his camping is via 5th-wheel, not tent. What PNW "exploration", or travel guide might anyone here suggest as a suitable retirement gift? thank you

Thanks, guys....it's good to hear what the experienced folks already know...

The pros are as you stated. The cons seem to be a mad 'cattle-drive" dash to the summit for the sake of the title. That interests me not so much. I want to look and see. Just like when I'm out of town on business, I don't have much interest in sitting in the bar after work, but like to go see what and who is where I am. The bar can wait until dinner time. However, I see little possibility of doing this on my own or with a climbing partner the first time. I'm here, and the mountain (and its opportunities) are there. So the $1-2K that I'll spend will be money well spent. I've considered this, but Rainier is closer to where I am when I'm out there. But, Adams is "on the list" I like that idea, had not thought of it. I could go with that. Thanks.

Herein lies my dilema on the subject of which tent to purchase for a specific purpose. I am going to hike up to Camp Muir and I intend to overnight, either by choice (of a beautiful evening to watch), or by being forced to in the event of weather moving in, and I would imagine that would involve high winds, blowing snow, etc. Here (North Dakota) when the wind blows over the snow, the snow eventually finds its way into EVERY small hole in anything. So for this reason I expect that a 3-season tent (mesh) would be mostly useless, even with a fly. Am I reading this correctly? Is a 4-season what I REALLY want? I do intend to use it again and again, eventually to attempt a summit and this is why I think a 4 is what I want. I also suspect that there are 4-season tents that can be well ventilated, and that ought to solve my dilema. So, for this particular intent, what might you all suggest? Thanks all in advance....

Gotcha. Point taken, WELL taken. True (according to what I've read), and as I'm not familiar in the least with the area above Camp Muir, this is something I didn't know/consider. I can do that. My first (and only so far) attempt was in July 2008, and it was sloggy snow the entire route from the parking lot to where I turned back due to incoming weather around 9000'. But I'm slightly better prepared now, and will "keep at it". Thank you, good to know as I've not been to that side yet. I'm soon to retire, so anticipate much more time to explore, and expect not to have to do it in mad dashes from here to there and back.

Doesn't seem like much of a "jump" on the day's trek. Is it logical to to hike another 1/2 day or so to a suitable location? That seems logical Good point, thanks Yeah, tent it is. I'll take more time if I have to in order to carry the extra weight. Now to decide on which one. Thank you for the advice.