MrGecko

What I want from the SPOT. I leave all my travel/climbing route info with someone when I am away. I give them a well considered cut-off time for my check-in so that they would know when to call 911. I don't need anything to check in and say "I'm ok". I would like a simple device that when the sh!t really hits the fan and we can't self rescue that I can signal for assistance. I want it highly reliable and not with a ton of features for tracking my movement, sending texts, 10 different blinky lights and crap that drain the batteries. It needs one button labeled "GET MY ASS OUT OF HERE" and that's it. Regarding cell phones: GSM (AT&T/T-Mobile) cell coverage and signal penetration into the mountains is not as great as CDMA (Verizon) technology. CDMA technology was developed by the military and later bought out by Qualcomm and brought to the consumer market. It works well and has good signal penetration. What one can do is carry a Verizon(CDMA) phone that has a good antenna. You don't need the handset to be activated as all handsets must be able to dial 911 by law whether they are activated or not. Keep the battery charged up and if you have an emergency you can turn it on and dial 911. Test the handset before you head out to make sure it will make emergency calls. You can find them for cheap on eBay or Craigslist. I also carry a spare battery charger pack for my cell phone in case I need extended talk time. It runs on AA batteries, the same my headlamp uses to I will have plenty of spare power should I need it.

I am considering purchasing a SPOT system but have read mixed reviews. Anyone with hands on experience with these things, ease of use, reliability, etc. Would love to hear your comments and suggested alternatives. Thanks

Looking to run on some routes before the season closes down in Wa pass and/or mazama goat wall. Anyone interested in going out for the 6th and 7th?

Interested in the 60l pack. pM sent

North Face - Climbers Hip Sack $10 Brand new/never used has bottle holder, 2 side gear loops, two external zippered pouches and a large main pouch. Designed as a small summit bag.

A dude I know is looking for a couple of bags for a trip to Nepal. Said I would post here. If you have something you want to part with let me know. Thx

If you want to know where a good chunk of tax money goes take a look at the US's military budget and spending.

The remains: Training for Climbing, Horst - new, 2nd ed. $10

Just did some recon for an around the mtn run this weekend. I checked out from Timberline lodge clockwise to Heather Canyon, counter clockwise to Zigzag Canyon and from Cloud Cap Inn across the Eliot. After the White River crossing (easy) on the east side, a higher switch back has slid away with a land slide. The trail basically seems to end but if you go straight up thru the trees for 30' you will find the trail again. The Eliot is a bit trickier. From the Cooper Spur shelter (east side) one can find a trail heading towards the Eliot Canyon. It will intersect a trail that comes up along the east side of the canyon rim from Cloud Cap. You will find a massive carin at about 6850' on the east rim trail. This marks a good descent trail into the Eliot creek basin. Once inthe basin traverse across angling up towards snow fields in the north west corner of the upper basin. They can be ascended to gain the top of the west side of the canyon. If these are melted out gaining the west canyon rim can be difficult. I aided a thru hiker by just ascending the west canyon slope at 6850' ON THE west side but it was 2 steps up and 1 back on the scree slopes. Not fun. Alternatively I also scoped out the lower crossing at saw a hand line tied off to a big boulder on the west canyon wall down around 5900 or so. Signs say the trail is closed but some folks are taking this lwr crossing. Best of luck!

Yup USDA: http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNTlIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?recid=52770&actid=37&cid=FSE_003711&navid=110150000000000&ss=110606&ttype=activity&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pnavid=110000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pname=Mt+Hood+National+Forest+-+Rock+Climbing

Listed on the USDA's website for a climbing area near Mt Hood. Anyone have any info on this area? Routes, approach, gear/bolts and quality? I anticipate more choss with a name like Pete's Pile but ya never know

I have been hearing that the traverse from the Red Saddle around the west side is icy at this time and not very protect-able.

Is the Cooper Spur Route in any condition to climb without running into a shite load of rockfall up high?

I am looking for a most recent conditions report for the summit pinnacle and/or the Jefferson Park Glacier route. Anyone want to give up the goods? Thx

SOLD

Two jackets that were used on one trip and are in perfect condition. Items located in Portland but can deliver to Seattle area or in between. $120 Mountain Hardware, Hooded Compressor Jacket Size Med, Retail price $200 http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Hooded-Compressor%E2%84%A2-Jacket/OM4419,default,pd.html $80 Mountain Hardware, Monkey Man Jacket, Size Med Retail price $150 http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Monkey-Man%E2%84%A2-Jacket/OM3344,default,pd.html

PM'd you - in PDX this weekend, let's meet up

Emmons is in great shape. I was up there this weekend and we had great weather. the approach is fine with a little rock/dirt to contend with on the drop from 9200' on the Inter Glacier down to the Emmons. Some crevasses are opening up a bit more on the upper section of the route at 10,500' and 11,500' but a rightward traverse is becoming more popular as the crevasses are widening. This shows the descent to the Emmons from Inter Glacier: Emmons highway:

Got a whack of gear that needs a new home: PACKS 1. North Face, SlipStream, ~70L, $40 2. Dana Designs, ArcFlex Alpine, Small ~70-80L, $25 3. Black Diamond, ~25L, $10 - good crag pack 4. JanSport, ~25L, $5 - H20 bladder compatible 5. OutdoorSport, ~20L, $5 - simple top loader 6. North Face, ~10L $10 - hip pack brand new 7. MSR/Seal Line, Black Canyon Boundary Bag Custom Dry Bag, ~70L $50 SHOES 1. MSR SnowShoes, Denali Classic with upgrade on bindings, $50 2. North Face, BOA trail runners, BOA lacing system, Mens Size US11, brand new $35 3. Vasque, trail runners, Womens Size 9, used 4x like new $20 4. La Sportiva rock climbing shoes, size 43 and size 40 @$10 5. Garmont ski mountaineering boot, plastic double boot, Mondo 26.5 US8.5, $20 6. Lowe, plastic mountaineering boot, Mens US7.5-8, step in crampon compatible $20 7. NorthWave snowboarding boots, Mens US8.5, little used $50 8. Roller Blades Mens US8.5, classic trainers TRS $10 CLIMBING 1. Petzl, Ecrin Roc Helmets - white or red $15@ 2. REI Ice Axe - 70cm length $20 CAMPING 1. Coleman Feather 442 Stove - dual fuel white gas/unleaded gas self-contained stove, with windscreen and tripod legs $15 2. Crazy Creek - therma-rest sleeve loungers @$15 3. First Need - water filter system $15 NORTH FACE SLIPSTREAM PACK

SOLD I have a brand new Hurricane Hole outer shelter. You can read more about this thing at these two sites. I don't have the inner for this tent. http://www.honedesign.com/sites/walrusgear/main_tech_hurricane_hole.html http://members.tripod.com/the_cats_pjs/id1.html

pm sent

Anyone have any recommendations where one can rent size 15 mountaineering boots for a glacier climb? Marmot - no REI - no Feather Friends - no 2nd Ascent - no Pro Mountain Sports - no Thx

I have a number of climbing guide books in good to new condition that I am typically selling at about 30-50% off list. I will remove them or post what is left as I sell out. Exit 38, Bruce - new, $5 Exit 38, Burdo - new, includes North Fork Area $10 Leavenworth Rock, Kramer - new, 2nd ed. $15 Leavenworth Rock, Kramer - good cond., 1st ed. $5 Training for Climbing, Horst - new, 2nd ed. $10

I would like to take another run on this route but tomorrow won't get it for me. If it doesn't work out for you ping me and we should talk. Did you get a copy of my topo for it? there is a sticky on this site.

Anyone want to go to Nason for a tour?