JasonG

So how did the petro economy switch jack home values in Vancouver? I was talking about this with a friend last night who just bought a very small condo in East Van. for 400K. He and I were wondering how everyone was paying the high prices for homes- wages don't seem to be high enough to justify the crazy cost. Asian money? He said that people are going incredibly far into debt, not saving for retirement, etc. to try and keep up. Seems like a bubble if there ever was one.

Seems like Gaia and Backcountry Navigator Pro are popular, but what do you use and are you happy with it? I've been using Avenza pdf to look at USGS quads, but I think I'm ready to pay for something with more functionality.

For the major peaks/areas (Bugaboo, Snowpatch, Pigeon, South Howser, Crescent Spires) there are bolted, well-placed stations set up for 60m ropes. That wasn't the case 10 years ago, but the Bugs are now firmly on the international guiding circuit and the anchors reflect it. Bomber!

Trip: American Border Peak - Standard Date: 9/27/2015 Trip Report: American Border Peak (ABP) is hard to ignore (especially in winter) when you are driving up 542 to Heather Meadows. And even though it is firmly on the mysterious "Repulsive 69" peak bagger's list, I couldn't keep it off my very own list. That's not to say it was quite high on the list, but it was there....for years. But, it is good to have somewhat obscure peaks on your list when therunningdog has a free day to go on a trip. You'll be hard pressed to find a peak or route that he hasn't climbed. While not technically difficult (low-mid fifth?), ABP has the full range of Cascadian challenge (minus the brush) and makes for an engaging day in the hills. You'll want to go in the late season, but hopefully not so late that the talus is a verglassed mess like it was for us. Most importantly, you'll want to follow Klenke's strict orders since you won't run into anyone who can give directions. We were the first party in two years. Choss Dawgery at its very finest. Gear Notes: 60m half rope, medium rack to 2" or so. HELMET. Approach Notes: Follow Klenke: Expect a 12 hour round trip, camping at Twin Lakes the night before highly recommended.

Trip: The Bugaboos in few words, many photos - Snowpatch, WR of Pigeon, B-C, Ears Between Date: 7/29/2015 Trip Report: You already have all the beta you need for the Bugs, even if you've never been there. So I won't bore you with the details of the trip Cfire, Trent, Curtveld, Andy, and I took at the end of July. Suffice it to say that the crowds are there for a reason- even if you'll probably hunt for a parking place, fight for a campsite, be rained on, wait in line, and maybe even get struck by lightning. Thankfully, we only checked a few of those boxes. But the Bugaboos are a beautiful range, even more so than I remembered. Gear Notes: The whole kit, and then some. Don't forget the Whiskey. Approach Notes: If you want a great place to camp the night before you hike in, I'd recommend Nature's Paradise in Brisco

Way to survive Peter! And thanks for reminding me why I have this on my list for the winter or spring.

The suspense! What happened upon your return to the park and ride?

I can understand the desire to keep guns out of the hands of crazies, or those who are suicidal. Perfectly reasonable, but certainly made difficult by how common guns are in most U.S. households. What is your solution for all the guns currently out on the streets and in homes?

Nothing is impossible for a mountain guide.

Mass shootings are scary and becoming more common (at least according to the FBI stats), but the fact remains that we are safer now than we have been in decades. Stricter gun control could save lives, and is probably a good idea, but it isn't like things are spiraling out of control right now.

nevermind

My guess is the little bump on the ridge between Sperry and Vesper, but Darin will set me straight.

oh yeah!

Love it!

I probably should have read the blog post. An "ultra vest", who knew!

Are you sure that you didn't pull on any gear? You are our only hope of bringing the 5.9 A2 grade into vogue in the Cascades.

I didn't know they made sports bras for men. I can't argue with the time they produce though!

I went up Bear the easy way many years ago and remembered the spawning sockeye as especially demoralizing. You know when you start out next to the salmon that you have a long way to go to get to the summit! Impressively quick work on that, the approach is no joke.

In my haste I missed that link, thanks! Eerie, and I'm sure lent an air of seriousness to the whole endeavor.

Nice work! Exciting looking climbing, and steep! Does anyone have a write up on the accident? I am unfamiliar with it.

Pitch 3 is just getting you ready for D-town.

5.9 A2 in the Rockies should be the ticket.

Oh, and what Rad said too.

Great TR, but I was hoping for a few bear encounters..... Funny, I was just talking to friends who were up that way this summer, but never made it over to the springs. Thanks for the update!

Warm and dry up there this past weekend, all the new snow was long gone, even on Friday. New snow on the way later this week though....