dreimer

Being a newby, my goal in '08 is to get geared up, and take a 3 day trip to Rainier, hopefully in the fall to ensure a summit. If all that comes through, '09 should be even better!

I'm in a similar situation, where I'm shopping for a pack and boots. My question is more about WHERE to touch and feel these things... Where in the Seattle area is a place I can try on a pair of Millet Onesport, Olympus Mons, or Koflach Arcis, or Trango's? Don't even mention REI...they rarely have these type of boots in stock. I've tried on lots of packs so that's not a problem for me. I have also resigned to the fact that I will need multiple boots.

First is some classes...With Mt. Rainier close, I thought it best to summit that a few (more than 3) times before even THINKING about anything bigger... Any suggestions on how to get the equipment started, or what classes you think are best, etc...would be great.

I took a look.....I'll get a feel for things before I jum in there... Thanks!

Hey all! I'm new to the forum, and thought I'd say Hi! I've been in the PNW for a good 12 years, but have never really hiked or trek'd here. I'd like to do some Mt. climbing, and thought I'd read up online, and in print as much as possible before taking a leap. Lived in Colorado for 20 years, and have been skiing at 12,400+ many, many times, and have had to do what some would consider "climbing" to get to where we wanted to ski down, so I'm no stranger to altitude, or the effects of not being ready for it. My main goals are to summit Rainier, maybe Denali, and then think about the Himalaya's. Maybe a low on first Cho Oyu??? I know....ambitious, but I think it's possible. Anyway, hello, and remember to be nice to new people! ~Dan

As a first post, I thought I'd chime in... From the complete OUTSIDE looking in, as I have NEVER climbed anything more than the wall in the Supermall, it seems to me that some on the climb (The Lebanese guy) actually stopped, and tried to offer some sort of assistance for over an hour. It was then that the lead dude convinced him to continue, and leave the guy, so as to save himself. Better to have 1 dead than 2? I would like to think that I would try to assist as best I could, to the point where I felt I needed to save myself, or someone that was thinking more clearly convinced me to save myself, or someone forced me down....That's what I "think" I would do....you never know how you are going to react in those situations until you are presented with them. Until you have passed a near death person at 28,500....then speculate. By the way, Hello everyone! New here, so be nice!