Climb Enthusiast

This should be a great presentation by Andy Selters: Recorded audio, awe-inspiring photographs, and an insightful narration full of history and anecdotes as well as mountain peaks make this presentation into a true journey, geared to "renew your sense of wonder in the world." The event is this Friday, May at 7 pm at the Mazama Mountaineering Center. Learn more here: Andy Selters: Mountains of the Blue Sheep http://www.mazamas.org/your/adventure/calendar_event/1841/ Join Andy Selters: photographer, writer, and glacier-travel guru as he shares his latest, and most important, expedition to the remote Eastern Karakoram, one of the most remarkable places on Earth. Peaks soar above 25,000 feet, glaciers run up to 50 miles long, and wild rivers run through isolated canyons and valleys. The drama of its natural story is mirrored by the human one: once a stop on the Silk Road the region now falls in the restricted territory still disputed between India, China, and Pakistan. The combination of remote, rugged terrain and explosive politics makes it one of the most unexplored regions on the planet. Andy and his team of three Canadians and four Nepalis were the first to explore and climb in the southern portion of these mountains. Beyond climbing and naming four peaks over 20,000 feet, the team got to know the isolated people of the region

Hey folks- I am planning on taking 6 people, including 2 children, up Mt. St. Helens next Monday, and have heard that there may be some snow lingering on the upper slopes that require crampons and axe? Can anyone confirm this? I was planning on it being a hike this late in the season and won't have the gear to outfit everyone with crampons and axes if they are needed. Any recent info would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks!

Anyone been up South Sister lately via the Devil's Lake Trail? I have a friend heading up this week who is bringing some newbies with him and doesn't want them to have to rent gear if it isn't necessary. I'm having trouble finding any current conditions and thought someone here might have been out there in the last week or two. Mostly want to know where the snow level starts and if the snow conditions warrant bringing ice ax and crampons along. Thanks!

Sounds like a good trip. Thinking of heading up there and curious as to if you could give me an idea of how steep the steep snow slopes are degree wise. 40, 45, 50, 55 - steeper? Thanks!