Jeff W

My initial opinion is that there are probably a lot of people on the mountain that should not be there...

I too have never climbed Mt Hood and had thought about doing so in May or June. I have read/heard that it is the most-climbed mountain in the US, with over 10,000 people climbing each year. However, I find it confusing when I read numerous posts that talk about a 50' knife edge ridge that will make your ass pucker if you have the guts to cross it, and the route through Pearly Gates is not what it was five years ago. How in the hell are 10,000 people climbing this mountain every year? Is there a month or two where the south climb is relatively straight forward?

I have worn this Patagonia DAS parka twice and it is in flawless condition. The color is titanium/grey. Comes with the stuff sack. If you are not familiar with the DAS check it out online. Is a fantastic piece of equipment and they are very hard to find. $175 and I will pay for shipping, which can't be much as it only weighs 27.4 ounces.

I use a Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0-degree bag. Weighs 3-lbs 12-oz, stays warm when wet, and packs relatively small in a compression sack. I'm sure its not as light and small as the better down bags, but is half the price and is plenty warm.

I'll get started on my diet --- right after Christmas.

I'm looking for tips on how to prevent the lenses on my glacier glasses from fogging up. I have been using Cat Crap and find the product is appropriately named; particularly the Crap part. Thanks.

Try McNett Seam Grip. I just used it to repair holes in my soft shell pants and one of my gaiters. It was recommended to me by Mountain Hardwear. Looks like it will work out great.

You mean you don't recognize the commonly used gofer knot? That's the knot where you need to go-fer you knife to get it un-done.

Check the Tri-Cities based Inter-Mountain Alpine Club website for upcoming rock climbs in Eastern Washington.

Nope; I'm still in Benton City. Most people never heard of it, others give me a bad time for living here, so I often just say Tri-Cities. It's actually pretty nice out here in the country. Jeff

Are you talking alpine style mountaineering or rock climbing? I live in the Tri-Cities. Let me know.

D'oh! Stupid brain!

It would be interesting to find out if Derek has been watching Man vs. Wild, the Bear Grylls program on Discovery. Bear seems to be eating grubs or other insects in nearly every episode. Maybe Bear Grylls could learn something from Derek's survival strategy.

Thanks for the update. Good luck on your search efforts. I'm sure the family of the missing climber greatly appreciates all you do. Jeff

I heard on the radio this morning a climber is missing on Mt Adams. Report said he left alone on Saturday afternoon to summit (from Cold Springs) and planned to return at 3 AM. Sounded like he planned to return to the trail head at 3 AM. Seems like a goofy time to climb Mt Adams. At any rate, anyone heard more about this?

I did summit Adams, as planned, and had no issues with route finding on the way up. It was returning to the trail head I got fouled up. At about 7000 feet the trail makes a sharp turn down hill to the left. My son got out ahead of me and missed the turn, which put us several drainages away from where we needed to be. With the GPS and a little bushwacking we hit the round the mountain trail and back on track. Other than that no issues. Nice climb; definitely want to be in shape.

Based on the input --- fall/winter sounds like the time to go. Thanks.

Summer is passing fast and I have not hit all the peaks I wanted to this year. Have never climbed Mt Hood, and don't see any recent trip reports. Any compelling reasons not to climb the south route in late September or early October?

That looks like a photo from the Space Needle --- correct?

I have the Patagonia DAS parka and am very happy with it. The DAS parka is cut large to fit over your other gear, including a climbing helmet. They are extremely light and come with a stuff sack that packs very small. I put it in my summit pack and it really takes up little room. The DAS stays warm when wet which is a key factor in the NW. It was worth every penny I paid for it.

Here is the way I see it --- if you decided to take up some other activity, golf for example, you would likely take lessons from a competent instructor to start out. You could read golf books, or have friends give you pointers on the course, but probably would develop quicker with instruction. Using the golf analogy again, you are better off learning the basics and practicing to improve. I suggest taking a course with one of the guide services. After you have the basics down, reading books and getting out on climbing excursions will be more useful.

Sounds like a great trip. I am going up with one of my sons next Friday and am looking forward to it. I don't believe you mentioned anything about drinking water --- or melting snow for water. Did you melt snow, or were you able to find some water from another source?

I really like my Asolo Expert GV boots. I have a wide foot and it is hard to find wide width mountaineering boots. They have pick up attachments for semi-auto crampons. Check them out.

On the weekend of August 23-24 I plan to climb the Mt Adams South Spur Route with my son. We both have all the necessary gear, and I have no question about either of us possessing the skills needed to do this climb over two days -- with the exception of route finding. I would guess it will be easy to follow the trail to Lunch Counter, but have read in posts that the route from Lunch Counter to the summit is not so straight forward. I have also read many cautions about staying on track during descent. Apparently it may be easy to get off track on the way down. I would appreciate feedback on this issue. Thanks.

I would recommend wearing good hiking boots and gaiters. Crampons and ice axe are not necessary. A pair of trekking poles are great for balance when hiking over snow and rugged terrain. I also suggest a backpack to carry the 10 essentials and 3-4 quarts of water. Although it was warm and sunny at the parking area, it was windy and cool at the summit. That amount of water may seem excessive, but it is a rigorous climb and about 10 miles round trip.