Josh Lewis

I almost fell for this myself, Mark calls me and tells me to jump on this deal, but then as he was talking to me I caught the each details which turned me down, but if it was for the pair, heck yeah I would get it!

Darn it, too bad its 100$ per tool, or else I would totally buy it right away!

I am interested! I could provide one glacier rope, also I have a snow picket, and have some spare perlon if anyone needs to use some for this trip. I have never acually been inside a crevasse and have wanted to, I very much would love to get the experience in, one question remains for me, are there crevasses at that time of year? If so I am completely game for this idea!

The people at second ascent were quite honest, they were telling me I "could use them" but modern tools were better quality and nicer to use. I have more of an interest in steep snow climbs, something like Big Four Mountain when snow covered. But I could always wait longer and get the modern tools.

Here I am, I've been fine. I've been hiking and waiting for climbing season to come back.

Went to Second Ascent with Mark the other day and the cheapest ice tool they had was 40$ which is a good deal, but it was old fasion style and was a little iffy. The cheapest good modern ice tool I saw for a single tool was 130$ or so. So I'm guessing Mark got his ice tools (100$ for two) for a deal that is almost never heard of. Suppose I'll wait it off a while.

I called it powder stuff because it sounds cooler. I have not lead on rocks before.

As I say better safe than sorry, but better sorry than hurt. ;-) You definatly have me questioning this. Perhaps I could just go back with the Dark Peak idea.

I've summited Mount Baker. I've got some scrambling experience. I've done a small amount of rock climbing at Index with Mark. I have rock climbing shoes and the powder stuff if that helps. I also have a glacier rope so at the very least I would think that should be brought. My worry is loose footing when going up, if it is both exposed and unstable steps I don't like that, but if its steep scramble with exposure I would have to give it some thought. I already knew to bring a helmet and ice axe.

I heard that as well. Can you not use protection on the 3-4th class stuff? To me it's the danger part that gives me the most worry. Also is the 3-4th class part choss (loose rock)?

I have a friend Gimpilator (Adam) who may be joining. I choose this place because I like this range, I also like Bananza Peak but was worried how technical it was, the views of Bananza I'm sure are good. I chose May to avoid some of the bushy like setting. Thanks Tazz for the suggestion, I'll have to get back with him sometime. Mark, I chose it also because it seemed like a good one for that month, also the approach does not scare me, I mean why would I have spend 3 days on Sahale biking and hiking up the mountain? If I added another peak I'm sure it would be an awesome adventure! I'm not a big fan of short stuff any ways. ;-) Thanks guys for your support. Although if I just had one partner more this might work just perfect.

It looks fun to me, but perhaps I could do it and then do another mountain to get more out of going all those ways.

Mark! You know when you post photos on summit post there is a large button that you can get a photo that takes up most but not all of the screen, I suggest using that next time. An example is here of one of yours: It is the same amount of work to use rather than the original big size. If you look here you can see there are buttons for diffrent sizes. http://www.summitpost.org/image/585660//first-day-on-the-ice.html No editing of photos required... ever! I just let websites do the resizing for me and them get the mediam or large generated photo. Always keep in mind if you scource your photos off of the original especially when its high resolution its going to be very big. SP is not the only site that has medium sized images. ;-) Besides that, nice trip report, good to see you posting one. I will admit, you helped inspire me a bit more into ice climbing. Cheers Buddy.

It's worth it lol! I brought all my money last time, but I could not spend it, they are also closed today, so I was thinking mabe tommorow.

As long as you do not have a side stop you could do it in about 1 hour and 15 minutes one way, and thats from my house, if you do it from your house it may take longer, unless you come over to my house and then we both go. Now when you throw in extra stops and such it becomes a bit more complicated. I plan on going back in a while. I could still see the inside of the store and it was just filled with so much gear that it almost had me drooling, even the ice tools were visible with the ice screws and such.

Later this year around May I want to climb Dark Peak which is near Lake Chelan. I wanted to do it from this route: http://www.summitpost.org/route/165326/swamp-creek-route.html Glacier gear and such is a must. Also its a long ways to get there. If anyone is interested in joining me let me know. I may be able to have my brother join me if we can't get a third person.

Just went there today in the pouring rain, and blame it they were closed at 4 because of new years, atleast I got a gps from a friend on the way and it was only 1$ for the multy bus rides which took hours. Oh well you live and learn. I guess I'll have to watch out for the holidays. Also Mark if you want to join me your going to have to take the bus with me. ;-)

I've climbed with two people here on cascadeclimbers, once on Rainier which for me did not go so great, then the second up Mount Baker which went wonderful.

I know that I'm shooting the moon here, but its worth a try. Is there anyone here selling a pair of ice tools for around 100$? My friend bought a pair for around that much.

I am totally interested for going to Camp Muir! Is paridise open at this time of year? I've got the gear I need for the trip, I've been to Camp Muir 5 times, which I would love to go again! Let me know, I do not have a car so I would have to car pool but I could help pay gas, ect. I could ride the bus to where ever to meet which I live in Lynnwood. I am avalible from now until this coming up Sunday which leaves November 25,26,27,28,29 open for this trip although I would have to be back at the latest on the later part of the day of the 29th. My email is admin@hikrs.com I would also be avalible for other snoeshoeing places.

One of the problems in this current society is liability. No one wants to take the risks of having someone below 18, or at the very least many do not want to take it, which is understandable. As for me in my younger days (I'm still young ) I would hike, and then got into scrambling, but for many years no one could teach me. Often what I have seen is that it is either the dad climbers who can teach there childeren, or the people with enough money for climbing classes that get into climbing at a young age.

God bless you Dane! That was great! I full heartedly agree with you! I encourage you for what you are doing. The day kindness is just something that cannot be done in this world is the day I want nothing to do with the world. I tell ya, it is good to have a heart for people, not just climbing. I myself have had plenty of gear offers which I am very grateful of, it has taken me a long ways. Without the people who have offered help/volunteering to go on trips with me, perhaps I would not have an interest in climbing. My friend Mark (one of the posters above) has greatly encouraged me with climbing, he took the time to teach me, and go with me climbing, associated me with a scholarship, and for one to say that it was unnessisary I believe to be wrong. I once hit a point were I almost lost my passion for climbing, although I have climbed few, I have hiked much, and now am given the oppertunity to go further. The giving gear is not just to "have them be more prepaired" but is also an encouragement, I know I myself have been encouraged by nice people. I will also agree with the part that work too is important. To get my harness I had to dig a ditch, wheel barrel stuff which helped me get to where I am today. But the extra help of nice people made a diffrence. You would be amazed at how far a little kindess can go, or atleast I know in my heart even a little bit from people have helped me much. When I am older, I plan on being one of the people who help provide gear to the people who could use some.

I too would take the offer if you did not live so far away, I do not know of any bus that goes from Lynnwood or Everett to Leavenworth. Heck if you were near by I wouldn't mind helping you for free. (I like helping people who need help). Well hope it goes well with the drive way deal.

I'm sure the route is in better conditions by now.

Yeah, December is a splendid time to attempt that route. Those where my thoughts as well. I value my life thank you very much.