Pete_H

Great story. Classic example of ideology taken to the absurd.

Maybe because its a bad idea.

Snow camping mid-winter in the Cascades does not add to the richness of my wilderness experience. Well ... I take that back because sometimes it does. I guess it depends on the experience you're after. I enjoy the reward and solitude of a fully self-sufficient alpine endevor and have done many. However, a B.C.-esque hut system in the Cascades would add options for other types of experiences that are just as rich. The Cascades is indeed large enough for a hut system that wouldn't corrupt the flavor and nature of the range. Furthermore, how much different would a hut be, say for example in Boston Basin, than 20 tents spread out all over the glacier? One isn't exactly going to find solitude there the way it is. The hut on Muir has not ruined any experience for me. I've actually never even stayed in it. I've never even climbed the DC route. I've climbed other routes that are less trafficked just as someone could do in the Cascades if they wanted to avoid the area where huts where in place. The environment and solitude of B.C. hasn't been ruined by having a very extensive hut system. In fact, I'd argue that the opposite has occurred as huts and better access spread the use out over multiple areas.

Its not a really big deal to solo the DC. Its been done in sneakers in under 5 hours. Helmstadlers probably done it in a lot less and just never told anyone.

I'm guessing guided trips start super early for a couple reasons. First, things can get more dangerous from sun exposure, such as snow bridges softening up, wet avalanches, cornice and serac collapse, etc. Its also easier to move when the snow is firmed up as opposed to slushy and deep. Second, big guided groups include people of different abilities and some people may be really fucking slow. Finally, if anything did happen and someone got injured its better if its noon instead of 6:00 p.m. So a competent, fit person probably wouldn't have to leave Muir at 2 a.m. to tag the summit unless they just wanted to get done early.

Of the handfull of times I've climbed / skiied Rainier I've never brought a shovel. Since this guy is supposedly going solo, a shovel isn't going to help him for anything but digging a pointless hole.

and a snow saw. Or for less weight (and energy expenditure) you could just bring a tent.

If I was a guide I'd want to be at the pub spending my tip by cocktail hour too.

Wilderness has its place but so does multi-use areas. It seems to me the expansion of Wilderness Areas are a tool to limit access. By transferring land from the Forest Service to Wilderness Area the FS doesn't have to maintain roads or regulate multi-use, just a few foot trails here and there. All justified by a false ethos of conservation. In Washington, access is already so shitty, it would be a net benefit for all outdoor enthusiasts if we could have more huts / permanent structures (built using mechanical tools) on Forest Service, National Parks, and Wilderness Areas.

You're fucked. Like the rest of us.

I'm not sure what the difference is. But you probably have a point.

Its pretty funny, and well ironic too, how you promote yourself as such a champion of diversity and defender of the persecuted. But when you actually encounter anyone from outside of your sheltered socio-economic bubble the arrogant judgemental white man comes out.

You should check out Renton. Its right next to Tukwilla and the granite is huge!

You can commute from Wenatchee. No problem.

Maybe. But you should have known what I meant. Its your fault, really.

You're such a hip metro sophisticate.

My bad. I meant Fall City, not Granite Falls. That would definitly be too far.

And though Pat can be a complete dickface, I'd agree with him on this.

Furthermore, the political affiliations of the eastside tend to run right of Communist, so therefore, completely off Pat's approved neighrhood list.

Also, I don't know if you have your jobs locked in at Harborview; but if your still shopping around you may want to look at working on the eastside. Bellevue and Kirkland have a fairly large hospital system (Evergreen in Kirkland, Overlake and Group Health in Bellevue)which would offer a better commute for you. As far as quality of life, I think Missoula has Seattle beat hands down, but obviously greater career opportunities here.

Hey Duckfeet, I'm a former Missoula-ite. Now I live east of the Cascades, but I've logged a lot of time in Seattle. The Issaquah, North Bend, Granite Falls area is probably your best bet for non-urban living within commutable range. I don't think the commute would be to bad, especially if you work some what off hours. You'll be spending some time in traffic but I-90 generally moves along pretty well. Though, things might be getting worse with the 520 bridge toll. Someone here who does the commute daily may be able to offer better input. I'd like to say that the Seattle area offer some of the same feel or appeal of Missoula, but it really doesn't. That said, there's a whole new range of mountains for you to explore, there's a great outdoor community here, and Harborview should be a pretty exciting place to work! Good luck!

When I show up at your house, hang out with your dog, try on your wife's underwear, and drink your beer, then I'll be stalking you.

"The banning door?" That doesn't even make any sense.

Die.

Supper with a side of lithium maybe.