vlw

It was a nice day. I hope somebody got out climbing,I cant believe Americans are that hard working.

Will be staying at the YHI near the Amtrak station and will be in there Sunday night. Cellphone 503 260 8201. On Bainbridge on Saturday at a wedding. I forgot to mention I also have no transport (but I am sure I can figure out public transport if needed to get some place for a rendez vous.)

Visiting Aussie mainly on a work trip getting climbing withdrawal after a week in Portlands endless grey. Maybe Seattles the same- but if the weathers OK would like to get out climbing on Monday ex Seatle. My gear is a bit limited: rock shoes, chalk bag, belay device and harness. Havent researched if any ice in a day trip range but I also have ice tools, crampons and boots. Lead 5.11 and WI 3 (a conservative estimate). So if anyone wants to help out please send me a msg. Will know where I'm staying and have a phone by tomorrow. Vanessa

I think the stuff we will be doing in the Cascades will be things like climb North Ridge of Baker and ski down something easier, conditions dependent, so nothing too difficult. I am told steeper ice isnt too bad in AT boots so I guess I'll give things a go and see how it feels and make sure my new AT boots will be compatible with my crampons! I will try and experience different bindings doing some resort skiing before committing.... thanks

As an Australian with no experience of AT gear I will shortly be visiting the US, partly with the purpose of buying some skimountaineering gear for use on a trip in 2013 that involves moderate snow approaches and hopefully more technical climbing. I am only an intermediate skier, probably done more telemarking in the past than resort skiing, and far more interested in doing harder stuff on the way up than tricky ski descents. I have read the excellent summary of skimountaineering gear on here, plus the AT thread and consulted some friends and am still very confused. I am hoping that more informed, prejudiced opinion will help me decide what to buy! My initial thoughts were to get Silvretta bindings for use with my plastic mountaineering boots realising they are a major compromise for descent. But I think I will get more use out of them for my trip in 2013 which is on the Antarctic Peninsula, and spring ascents in NZ which is where I do most of my climbing. My friend I am meeting in Seattle for 2 weeks of skiascents is horrified at this compromise and suggesting I forgo the Silvrettas and use a dedicated AT set up and boots, but he comes from a ski background and only recently got into mountaineering. Is there any happy middle ground, are Silvretta bindings adequate for skiing with AT boots, or should I look at 2 sets of equipment ie AT boots and bindings for the 2 weeks in Washington and buying Silvretta bindings for use with mountaineering boots for other trips?? I'm 167cm and 57kg (I think thats about 120lb)and any advice would be appreciated as its not a sport one thinks about much in OZ. Thanks, Vanessa