dougd

Congratulations on one of the better partner request I have seen here. Concise, and honest. FYI, you will be well served in the AAI course, They're good... I plan on climbing this mountain sometime next month with friends, but, if we are unsuccessful by the time your dates roll around I'd climb with ya. I have many of the attributes you seek, but I'm sure there are others here that would enjoy "joining forces" with you when the time comes... Good luck, d

haha

That "house finch" looks a lot like a purple finch... d

Check out Beacon Rock... d

A Rainier climb does sound interesting... d

I self belayed a route there once... There were some ne're do wells hanging around at the anchors and I had visions of them cutting my rope or something... Never went back... d

Well said. d

By drugs, would he have meant Diamox? d

KOMO is reporting the guy died.

Ouch...

I remember really enjoying that Baker TR and thinking, man, now that's gutsy. This man's passing is a real loss, no doubt. He was one of a rare breed for sure. May his family's bereavement be assuaged by the knowledge he lived life fully, and on his own terms. d

This guy looks like James Dean. Lucky bastard... d

Get an early start to Muir, be one of the first ones up there, and your chances are good of getting a spot in the shelter. And, just in case it's full, get busy and dig a snow cave if you have to... Good luck on the weather. d

A few slings and biners should do it. I think hexes would be dead weight. This route is pretty tame. The weather can be harsh tho... Thunder boomers move in real fast on this range in the afternoons... The double rope rappel was really fun. d

From Stefan... Yeah, the blog isn't very fresh because the first climbing rangers only started last week. They'll be primarily hiring and bringing on the seasonals, setting up trainings, schedules, and gear for the next month. So there won't likely be very much information for about 3 weeks. Muir is great. Keep an eye on the telemetry. Shoot for a period of solid weather of 2-3 days. Conditions change significantly, daily. It's all snow. Windchill averages about -5 to +5. Temps have been consistently about 15 degrees during the day. Winds 5-40, west. Expect the public shelter to be blown in with drifts of snow, so it's like camping in a snow cave, cold and dark. Expect the toilets to be loaded with snow and be prepared to dig them out! I was up there about 3 weeks ago, and both scenarios was the case. We'll get reports out as soon as we GET out! So, the deal is, they're busy as hell right now so we're on our own pretty much. This is, as it should be I suppose. d

Will do

Anybody been up to Camp Muir (and/or above) recently and care to share thoughts on conditions? d

Great advice above, especially pgc... If you are not very familiar with this mountain, be conservative when making a judgement on acceptable weather/avalanche conditions, and be honest in judging your ability to survive a winter storm up there. This little gem applies whether you go solo, or with others... It can be a killer. d

Alot of good advice here for you Bill, I like the last one best personally. Take the time to check out the local club for mountain schools. They usually provide great instruction and is a great way to meet like minded folks. It can be a great way to learn the basics... d

haha nice pic pikas. Jon, wtf is up with that "I'm white" shit... d

The hair style in the lower pic is much better for him (her)IMO but to each his own ya know?... wtf, as long as he (she) is effective. d

Ya gotta like a guy that calls himself a "mut" at his first press conference as President Elect. d

It is clear that he just received the pass and is taking his first step toward a magnificent dunk! That's the "glass half full" view... I'm here for you boi's when you need me or not... d

Steven's re election after what he has taken the people of Alaska through recently is indicative of what Alaskans are capable of I guess. I think it's ok to be incredulous about that one. whew, wtf were they thinking?! d

"BTW Matt, if McCain had been elected, I know that the name would have been different but my disappointment the same. Obama looked like the better guy then and now." Bill, you seem a reasonable person and I appreciate your recognition that Obama "looked like the better guy then and now". Having said that when you state "if McCain had been elected, I know that the name would have been different but my disappointment the same", makes you seem to be a bit of a negative nancy... d