S1W

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=911_morons

Mark, You could get to some stuff in the Tumwater by foot from town. It would be a long walk to the Icicle. However, you would probably have very good luck hanging out at the 76 station on the corner and looking for climber cars in the morning - just ask them to give you a lift into the Icicle (if thats where you want to go). That approach often works better than thumbing a ride (although that would probably also work). A good plan might be to get to 8 Mile Campground in the Icicle. From there, there are a number of crags you could hit within walking distance. Get a copy of the guidebook for an idea of whats around there - Leavenworth Mountain Sports is right on the main drag towards the west end of town. Also, you'd probably have no problem getting someone to give you a lift back to town Sunday afternoon. Good luck, and if I make it there this weekend and happen to see two young guys that look like they need a ride, I'll stop and give you a lift.

SummitchaserCJB - please give it a rest.

You would really rather have classic lines, lines originally put up with fixed hardware, fade into obscurity?

People talk too much about chopping bolts on routes that, too often, they have never climbed, are not capable of climbing, and never plan to climb. Now people are talking about chopping bolts they don't really know anything about and others are talking about chopping bolts they haven't even seen and don't know anything about. All of this seems unreasonable to me.

JPark, Thanks for posting this. Index climbers - cross post this on your Facebook pages, email it to your climber friends, whatever you need to do to get the word out.

Berl, The closure is mentioned on mountainproject and in the Yoder guidebook. I'm not sure if it affects the entire Royal Columns or just part of it. I've made a few phone calls to find out, but haven't had any luck getting an answer.

I've climbed a bit at the Royal Columns and the Bend and know that they get decent sun, but unfortunately they're currently closed for raptors. Can anyone recommend some other crags in the Tieton that get decent sun this time of year (that arent affected by the bird closure)? Thanks!

Not sure what your objectives are, but for most of the peaks down there you really wouldn't need porters. The hikes to the huts on peaks like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are pretty short - short enough that if you think you cant take all of your stuff in one go it wouldnt be unreasonable to make two trips. That said, it is Ecuador and if you are willing to pay someone to carry your stuff and cook for you, I dont think you'll have any problems finding someone. You might try giving Safari a call/email. As for shops, Tatoo (http://www.tatoo.ws/splash) would be the place to go. Right in Gringolandia in Quito.

Hey MIIIchael, Is there a section that explains how to get stronger without actually having to do much or work hard? 'Cuz that would be sweet.

The sounds that you hear while he is buried (almost sounds like whimpering, which would also be appropriate) sounds a lot like the sound of someone breathing through an Avalung. The valve makes a slight squawking sound. Scary video! Edited to add: Oh yeah and there is that, too.

Interested in a day trip to WA Pass? Teams of 3 looking for a 4th? I'll be in the area and could meet you at the Blue Lake TH. Just looking to get out and enjoy a Fall day - dont mind leading, etc.

http://supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=941401

Hi Marc, http://mountainproject.com/v/washington/north_cascades/washington_pass/105797867 Several other routes in that area that fit your criteria as well. A few hours drive from Seattle.

From the WCC website: "as of Spring 2009 we are told that the Snohomish PUD plans to maintain at least part of what is called the "South Shore Road" and access to Spada Reservoir. The approach hike to Static Point may remain little further than it has been in recent memory." Further details in the link below: http://www.washingtonclimbers.org/Current/staticupdate.htm I'm not sure that I completely understand what this means. Does this mean that we may soon be able to drive to the old TH? Or does it mean that access will remain as it was last summer and that the road will not be closed even farther back?

Big thanks to whoever (Fenderfour and crew?) worked on the Shady Lane trail - much better!

Excellent photos - thanks for sharing!

http://www.coppworks.com/video/longway/longway.html

Red and Yellow Aliens, then C3s for the smaller sizes (Red C3, Green C3, Purple C3).

Anyone wanna go? If you PM, drop a quick line here to let me that youve done so.

PMing you

Hey Sean, If you are psyched about getting out and learning the basics of mountaineering, then yes, planning your climb in August will give you plenty of time to get prepared. Read up and find some friends to learn with and practice skills with. Make an effort to get out every weekend from May through August and climb other glaciated peaks in the North Cascades. The only possible downside to this approach is that after having spent all summer mountaineering in the North Cascades, Rainier may seem a bit anticlimactic If you are not serious about learning how to climb and just want to tag the summit (thats all a lot of people want to do and there is nothing really wrong with that - be honest with yourself) then definitely take danielpatricksmith's advice and go with a guide service.

Anyone make it out to Index today? Nice day in Seattle...wondering if it rained out there. Thanks!

Damon, Went up yesterday afternoon and it had rained a bit at Exit 38 and there was still a bit of snow here and there. Seemed like things would have been wet, but I cant really say since we just turned it around and went to Little Si (where it hadnt rained) and it was good to go.

Rocky Joe, Yeah, I guess that is the idea - it is to be used to belay/lower, sort of in the same situations that you would use a grigri. I dont really get it and I'm not really a fan either - I've played around with an ATC Sport and it does give a slightly better ride/catch on thinner ropes than most other ATC style devices, but not by a lot. That said, I dont think that myself and many of the other climbers around here are the intended market for that rig.