JasonG

Giardia farts really are the worst of the worst. I wish I didn't know this, but I've been reminded twice in the last 10 years or so, including last summer.

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1149152/Trip_Report_Issue#Post1149152

The ACR ResQLink is another well regarded PLB. Plus with PLBs there is no subscription fee like with the SPOT or InReach.

Some discussion a short time ago: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1136049/PLB_PSA_plug There are older threads out there too that I haven't had time to dig up. Rad did an excellent review here (though a bit dated now): http://www.alpenglow.org/nwmj/10/101_Rescue.html I have a McMurdo FastFind PLB and I'm pretty biased that a PLB is the way to go over SPOT or InReach. There have been some high profile failures with the latter during emergencies since they don't use the military satellite system. The maritime industry, aviation, and the military-industrial complex all use the same network as the PLB. I don't care about two way communication when I'm in the hills, though. When I push the button I want assurance that a rescue is being initiated ASAP above all else.

Thanks Doug, that's a fine climb that I'm glad you got to experience. One of the very best that the North Cascades has to offer. David was quite the man, and is sorely missed: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1068512/1

Hi Lisa, thanks for continuing to post updates from your trip! Sorry that the site is giving you issues, could this be the problem?: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1149152/Trip_Report_Issue#Post1149152

Damn, Damn, Damn.

East Fury in a day? That is just plain nuts. In an impressively good way, of course. We were marveling at your Depot Creek trip this past weekend when we were up there. Hard to comprehend the speed with which you move through the North Cascades bush!

Bingo.

You and your wife get killed by rockfall. August is not the time to be heading for the summit of Hood if you're a parent. Sorry to be blunt, but pick something else.

Late July is not prime volcano time in the PNW, at least not anymore (probably was in the 60's and 70's). The North Cascades, on the other hand.....

Sounds like getting on the route wasn't an issue? We had a really broken and spooky section of glacier to negotiate. Regardless you guys made good time, that's fast.

Here's the work around: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1149152/Trip_Report_Issue#Post1149152 Would be great if you could move the content here as well, that's a fantastic climb!

Thanks, just got back last night and the work on the Chilliwack Lake road is done. Depot creek road is driveable to the regular parking area with 4WD HC (and lack of concern for your paint), we parked only about a couple km up the road before the steep bit. Kevork in the NPS ranger rig rallied to the wide spot just before the spur takes off up the hill. The spur badly eroded in the past couple years and is unrecognizable as a road spur any longer. Turn left at the cairn and stay on the left side of the gut.

They'll have that fully explored by the end of the week in Cleveland, don't worry.

Don't forget under the sea! A lot to discover and map down there. Well, maybe not. I suppose the Navy already has a good idea, but they aren't going to share what they know.

I think I would keep permit-less access on the down low. WeyCo doesn't seem to be enforcing it up around the Twin Sisters, but no need to poke a sleeping bear. I've heard the local land manager isn't keen on enforcing this with climbers, so the less we bother them with calls to reconsider, the better. This is a corporate decision across their ownership and is unlikely to change. They own the land and there isn't anything we can do about it, other than quietly continue using the land like we always have! If we were in the UK we would have the "right to roam" across private land, but not here. That's what is making America Great (Again)!

Wondering about the status of the road, heard that it was in pretty bad shape last year.

Having walked that approach a few times, including once in the rain/mist, you are most certainly a glutton for punishment. Heading upwards thru the wet brush (and the attendant soaked boots and clothing) dissuades most folks. West Mac is a worthy objective though (so is Inspiration!), so I'm sure you will be back.

Thanks for the reminder that I need to get out of the state and see more of what this great country offers!

Mountain Forecast is garbage. Go with the UW.

There goes the neighborhood. In all seriousness though, the NR of Blum is indeed a good climb. It's a grunt though.

Thanks Jeffrey, glad you like the photos! I don't use anything special, mostly a Canon Rebel T1i or sometimes a Canon S120 P&S. The real key is to shoot RAW and post-process in Lightroom to make them pop. The eye is much more discerning that the crappy sensors on my cameras and the photos need a little work to match what ones eye renders. The new Sony sensors (in high end Nikons as well) are much better (more than twice the dynamic range!) and hopefully I can upgrade in the next couple years.

Just remember that partly sunny means mostly cloudy in the mtns. That and "upper level low, weatherman's woe"

You'll be fine, is my pure speculation. The wedder, on the other hand....