NWben

Sounds like trading in your wife may speed up your timeline also... hah. j/k

44 is probably a safe bet, maybe even a 44.5. You don't want your toes hitting at all, and you're feet definitely swell when you're climbing. I know they aren't boots REI normally carries, but as a Scarpa retailer they can always order them for you and then you can return them if they don't fit well.

For what you are looking at I would recommend the Triolet or Mavericks. The Mont Blanc is an amazing boot, but it's pretty stiff for long approach hikes and non-technical climbing. As far as warmth it kind of depends on the person. I have pair of Charmoz that I've climbed Mt. Baker in early June, Adams in late October, and some mid-winter climbs of other north cascades peaks and been fine. My feet run naturally pretty warm though, some peoples feet get cold a lot easier. The Triolet is going to be a little warmer than the Charmoz, so I would think you'd be ok. I haven't seen the Maverick yet so I don't know about that one. Hope this helps!

I was just looking at doing a trip like this since it's so close to my house. I have a wedding in Bellingham on the 11th I have to be at though... If you end up going a different weekend let me know!

I like Pabst

Looks like fun Mr. Thighbolt. I climbed it a couple years ago but may be making another trip this August when my brother is home.

Wish I could go! ;-) If only I didn't have school this summer...

There's a good chance that I'd be up for Adams or Hood but I'll have to see what my schedule is like a little closer to June. Either mountain is only a few hours drive from my house so it's easy for me to get there. Keep in touch!

Yeah I'll for sure get a hold of you guys and we'll try to get out sometime soon. Thanks for all the info.

Dannible- I've heard thats a good book, I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the advice. tele turnin- I don't have a climbing partner here yet! My brother is going to be in WA for a few weeks in December, and my dad climbs but he lives in B'ham. I'll PM you.

Hey guys, I just moved to Yakima from Bellingham and was wondering if anyone knew of any good beginner ice climbing spots that are accessible from Yakima during the winter. I have some alpine experience but just starting ice climbing. Anywhere up by snoqualmie pass and leavenworth would be great too. Thanks for the help. -Ben

We'll be there for sure. We've decided to stay at the campground tonight (friday night), get organized tomorrow morning (saturday morning) and head to the lunch counter around noon tomorrow (or maybe a little sooner) and then summit sunday morning.

I'm sure they do. Give them a call and I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out and figure out which ones they have will be best for you.

If you're boots are big enough I'd even double up socks. I'll be wearing a pair of Scarpa Charmoz which are "warm weather" climbing boots, but I've had them in 15 degree weather before and been fine with two pairs of socks. Depends what kind of hiking boots they are too. If they're super light boots they might not be too good but a heavier, slightly insulated hiking boot might be ok. I'm surprised UW has rental crampons but not boots?!?!

Yeah we were talking about camping at the lunch counter but due to scheduling conflicts I think we're camping at cold springs campground and getting an early start up the mountain for a 1 day push. You're more than welcome to join in you want!

I have an annual pass. It's only $30 (as opposed to $5 per day) so if you're planning on going up more than 6 times over the next year it's totally worth it to get the yearly pass. And that way you don't have the inconvenience of having to stop for the daily pass each time. I'm fine with camping anywhere.

Thanks for the update. We're still planning on heading up this weekend (like Hobson said) so we'll let you know how it goes. Thankfully the forcast is calling for a lot calmer winds (13-16mph) a little clearer skies and less precip. Hopefully stays true!

Are you guys planning on meeting at the trailhead or in Trout Lake? It sounds like ElectricEric and I will be joining you guys later on Friday. Ashish- If I were you I'd wear the Mont Blancs. They'll be perfect for this kind of weather and I bet a lot more comfortable than the Invernos. I've been wanting to pick up a pair of Mont Blancs, they're awesome boots.

Eric- I'm still planning on going for sure, early on friday. Or saturday, depending on if everyone else is going fri-sat or sat-sun. Did you say you have a gps unit?

Yeah you can never tell with weather around here. Sometime you just have to wake up in the morning and take a look out the window. It doesn't necessarily have to be sunny and blue skies to be a fun climb though! Just make sure you bring good shell gear

Well chalk me up for the earlier group (whatever time it is) and I'm ok with starting either the 14th or 15th.

Whenever. Turns out I don't have to go to class that day so I'm totally open. How long does it usually take to get to the lunch counter? Maybe meet at the ranger station around 12 or 1? We'll see what works for anyone else that wants to start earlier. I just think it would be nice to get camp setup in the light and get a little extra R&R!

I'm bringing a 2 person tent so someone can stay with me. It's not a huge tent so we might get a little cozy but I think we'll manage for the night. I was thinking that it might be nice to start a little earlier on Friday (the 14th), is there anyone else that might want to start earlier and shoot for the lunch counter to camp? I think bill was planning on this... but I know a couple of you can't make it until later.

Yeah I think we should for sure get an early start. I have a 2 person, 3 season tent (REI Passage2) that I can bring. It can be used as a roomy solo tent too but certainly is comfortable with 2 people. If we don't need another tent I'll bring a bivy sack.

Yeah I'll bring the pack, just in case you don't find one. I think its about 80L so you'll have plenty of room... haha. I would for sure plan on bringing crampons, but you won't need plsatics. I don't think it will get very cold, and the plastics will kill your feet on a hike like this. I've never been on Adams though so you might want to check with someone that has.