Jeff W

I climbed St Helens on the Monitor Ridge route yesterday. As you pointed out the Climbers Bivouac opened on Tuesday. I also found it odd to see how many people were unprepared for this climb, especially considering most of the forest trail is still covered in heavy snow. We opted to stay on the snow field as much as possible to avoid scrambling over the rock. All the snow made for good glissading on the way back down. The trail through the forest is generally easy to follow, just look for the blue diamonds on trees.

I finally came to the realization that when buying my first rope I needed to get one that was best suited for what I most planned to do; one rope won't fit all applications. With that in mind I bought a Beal Rando 8mm Dry Cover 30 meter dynamic twin rope. I will mostly carry it as a just-in-case rope when hiking to peaks throughout the state. For example, tomorrow I am hiking to the summit of Goat Peak near Bumping Lake. Never been there - may need a rope at some point. I also plan to use this rope for glacier travel. Did I buy the type of rope best suited for these applications? Can I rap with this rope if I encountered a situation where necessary? Thanks.

If I might add one more tip; keep your group together, don't split up. I have encountered this situation more than once and it is very uncomfortable. When others chose to lead the way even though I knew it was the wrong direction I followed rather than split up. Eventually they realized we were headed the wrong way and I was able to re-direct and hike out. Obviously, don't follow into danger.

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Would you please describe the ropes you are selling. Thanks.

Yes, it will likely be very hot the last half of July; but it's a dry heat. It could easily be 100 to 110 but if you have plenty of water and don't get yourself in a bind you should be fine.

Although I really like Salt Lake City, I would choose Moab without question. I used to work in Monticello, Utah which is about 50 miles south of Moab and about 7000 feet elevation. Within an hour of this area you hit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Abajo Mountains (11,360), The Needles, Natural Bridges, canyoneering opportunities, exploring ancient Anasazi ruins -- the list is endless. You will never be at a loss for something to do. I would go back immediately if I could work there again.

Curious --- thought you would see what?

For raps using 8mm can an ATC be used? Use 2 biners in this configuration. Thanks.

I plan to buy a rope and hope to find one that will serve several functions. Probably half the time I will use it for glacier travel with two or three persons. The remainder of time will be for top roping, and also carrying when I expect there may be need to rap on scrambling trips. It seems like a 50m x 10.2mm dry rope would be a good choice except maybe a little heavy. Any suggestions on one rope that will do it all?

You should check out the Inter-Mountain Alpine Club from the Tri-Cities. I know they have members that are climbers. See I-MAC website.

I'm alway the last one to hear!

The Department of Fish and Game, recently issued this bulletin: In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Department of Fish and Game is advising climbers, hikers, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert of bears while in the field. “We advise outdoorsmen to wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear manure: Black bear manure is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear manure has little bells in it and smells like pepper.”

That sounds pretty reasonable and within my range of capability. Thanks.

I suppose it comes down to my level of comfort. I don't have concern with exposure, and scrambling is fine, but I don't have experience with alpine rock climbing. If I need a rope and knowledge of placing protection then this climb likely exceeds my current capability. I'm trying to find out if the Tatoosh Range Traverse is scrambling, or more than that.

I'm researching climbing opportunities for this upcoming season that are reasonable for me with limited climbing experience. On Trails.com they indicate the Tatoosh Range Traverse is "one of the ultimate scrambling experiences." Sounds like a trip that fits my ability. Anyone done this and have insight about level difficulty? Thanks for the information.

Personally, I go to the mountains to scare the shit out myself. Nothing quite like walking up on what you first think is a grizzly bear, but then realizing it's only a bull moose that you just startled...

From Wikipedia--- Kemp has been subjected to many paternity suits, having fathered thirteen out-of-wedlock children with nine different women[citation needed]. This number is alleged to be even higher, resulting in Kemp being an easy target for commentators' jokes (including a story arc in the syndicated comic strip Tank McNamara the week of September 10, 2007). One of Kemp's children, Shawn Kemp Jr., is a highly recruited basketball prospect who may attend the University of Kentucky like his father --- Not sure I would be looking to Shawn Kemp for guidance on raising kids.

I raised three sons and, reflecting on the past, suggest the following: 1) Don't put work ahead of your kids, 2) Be there for them, 3) Listen when they talk. Seems like such a short time ago they were running down the hallway in pajamas on Saturday morning. Now they are grown and doing their own thing. Like the old saying, raising kids is the most difficult job you will do with no training.

Tony, you asked what is a troll: Trolling is a game about identity deception. The troll attempts to pass as a legitimate participant, sharing the group's common interests and concerns.

Just another data point as you try to figure out what boots to buy. I spent the day snowshoeing at Bumping Lake area yesterday and wore the Asolo's I previously mentioned. Feet were warm and dry all day. It was snowing heavily, the temperature was around 12-degrees so there wasn't any water, but I was very happy that my feet never got cold at all. Getting cold is my main concern with this style of mountaineering boot, but these performed great.

Check out the Asolo Expert GV. They are Gore-Tex, can be used with semi-automatic crampons and pair weight is 3-lb 10-oz. I have a pair and they are great. Mountain Gear in Spokane have them.

I might plan on not straying too far from the car the first trip. I plan to take one of my sons, and based on past experience we may end up packing up and walking out at 3 AM - again. Thanks, I'll check those spots out.

Thanks for the ideas. I'll check them out on the map.

I want to get out for some winter camping to develop skills needed for cold weather mountaineering. I live in eastern Washington. Can anyone suggest good camping locations? I have read about Paradise area at Rainier but sounds like parking greatly limited. Thanks for any information.