FireTrailPCT

Going the cobbler route sounds like the best idea, as long as the guy has been doing it for a while. You obviously want a good job done on these, not a half assed job. Ask first, see if they even can fix em up. You're right about REI, though, they don't stock shit, but you gotta love the return policy. Good luck on getting them fixed. Post again if you get em done, let us all know how it turned out.

Are you sure they don't carry a 48? I thought I saw a guy once with size 14's, getting ready to go to Ecuador for 2 weeks. He was renting, though.

Damn! I just bought a pair of La Sportiva Karakorums last week. I haven't even wore them yet. I hope they give me at least a good 2 years.

I've got vacation time I have to use by the end of July. I'll get back to you and let you know.

Wow, Steph, these are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing.

Great photos, especially "Exiting the ice". Sounds like you had a good climb.

I realize this so late in coming, but I just found this post. I covered a 100 mile section of the PCT last July. I had 75 lbs crammed into a Kelty Coyote 80. Great pack, I just brought too much crap with me. I didn't plan on a resupply, so I packed all the food and anticipated clothing for roughly 9 days. I did it in 6, brought home 10 lbs of food (started with 28 lbs), and the pack held up perfectly. Kelty has been around forever, it's worth checking into. They are wallet impared friendly as well. Mine was $175 on sale at REI. Happy Trails.

It just so happens I have Thursdays and Fridays off. Let me know what your plans are, and maybe we can hook up next week.

Thanks for the info. Will definitely take your advice.

I am a beginner at climbing, but want to learn as much as I can. I'd like to hook up sometime, but I don't know if you want to have a rookie along for your climbs. I am available Thursdays and Fridays.

How difficult would it have been to manage the 10' "step" if you only had one ice ax? Would you have been able to manage it at all?