Frank Swenson

Thank you all for the thoughts and advice. Which is the biggest thing I wanted to get. Sure I'm looking for a way up the mountain and I'm willing to learn and I am attempting to do that as we speak. I felt it would be a better trip for me by not going commercial and that is why I was looking for a private group to go with. For me I felt it would be a better all around experience. All of you have added to the list of things I need in my bag of knowledge to make this happen. Thank you. Ps. Jeffwestly this is a dream and a non conventional attempt at it, not me attempting to get everything for free or a round about way. I always pull my own weight, be it in knowledge or sweat or action. Please don't be a glass half empty guy instantly.

Thank you for your comments, yes. Have been reading, and I have done 4 St. Helen's climbs, been to Muir many time, both in groups and solo. I have claimed on Mt. Hood and have done Mt Elizabeth both in snow and summer conditions. These things I didn't elaborate on cause I hate sounding like I know it all. I DON'T. Thank you for seeing what I was about and not just joining the band wagon.

Thank you for the advice

I'm a life time resident of WA, avid runner and hiker who has been hiking lower Rainier for years, including yearly trips to Muir. I am looking to join a group of climbers that are going to summit Rainier this spring/summer. I am open to all suggestions, questions and information that this forum can give me. I would really prefer to climb with an experienced group versus a commercial group. Please help me make this lifelong dream come true. I am recently 50, a distance runner and coach in very good physical shape and not afraid of hard work, but I want to be safe and successful in making this climb. I am willing to listen and learn and to prove that I'm ready and capable of being a productive part of a climb group, not an anchor. Thanks in advance for all the help. Frank Swenson

life time resident of WA, avid runner and hiker who has been hiking Rainier for years, including yearly trips to Muir. I am looking to join a group of climbers that are going to summit Rainier this spring/summer. I am open to all suggestions, questions and information that this forum can give me. would really prefer to climb with an experienced group versus a commercial group. Please help me make this lifelong dream come true. I am recently 50, a distance runner and coach in very good physical shape and not afraid of hard work, but I want to be safe and successful in making this climb. I have lots of past rope work experience in the area of repelling as well as time as a Challenge course facilitator, so not a total novice to Ropes. willing to listen and learn and to prove that I'm ready and capable of being a productive part of a climb group, not an anchor. Thanks in advance for all the help. Frank Swenson