JasonG

I'm going to hit 40 this year, and I'm about to look over the crest of the hill- thanks for some advance warning. I can always look forward to my boys mocking my mistakes, they're just starting to realize that I'm not infallible.

This is all the information I needed: "If you have any doubts about your ability to navigate through loose/grainy rock, vegetation, gravel, bad or sometimes no protection, and lots of lichen, do not attempt this route."

Pretty interesting

Trip: Mount Ann - Standard Date: 2/8/2014 Trip Report: The snow of the last couple of weeks has almost made me forget what a drought we were experiencing earlier in the winter. The upside to that was sun, and lots of it, even if the ski conditions were nothing to write home about. Kit and I snuck out for one last sunny day before the storms came rolling in and we were treated to the typically inspiring views found just beyond the Heather Meadows lot. It had been a long time since I had been over to Mount Ann, and after a quick chat with Oyvind (he was teaching a course) the plan was hatched to head down Swift Creek and away from the hustle and bustle of the Bagley lakes bowl. We were surprised to have the mountain to ourselves on a sunny, busy weekend, and savored the views of some of our favorite peaks from a slightly different angle. At some point in the day I remember thinking "It must be a drag to live in the Midwest." Mainly though, I wanted to post a few pictures to entertain our friend Steve who is recovering from major surgery and is living vicariously thru cc.com. You'll be out in the hills soon, my friend! These are for you:

Near CenturyLink field? LOB!

Thanks Jon, good to know. I know you guys work hard to keep this place up and functioning and it is appreciated. And thanks for not selling out! Although I've gotten used to it and have a system worked out for getting photos into TRs, I agree that improving that functionality will help the cause.

Maybe this was already posted, but has usage actually declined? As in posts, TRs, unique users, etc.? I would think Jon and Co. would have this data at their fingertips.

So you already have an axe and are looking for a second tool for steeper climbs? Ice tools are pretty tough so I wouldn't worry about buying one used. For what you are talking about any number of used tools will work. I have some old BD shrikes (X-15's, Axars, or a number of other tools from the 90's) that work just fine for steeper summer alpine routes. You could probably find someone practically giving them away for no more than $50 each. That said the modern tools certainly are better, if you are looking at steeper routes. But if you aren't, the straight tools from yesterday are still just fine and almost free.

I'd never even heard of this LO before, now I will have to check it out. Thanks!

Oh man......so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the many folks around here that knew him so well. He will be missed.

Bump. Anyone planning a road trip this spring or summer?

I missed this interview last fall, though I heard of the link-up: http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web13x/wfeature-leclerc-squamish-chief-solo The interview makes it sound like you soloed the first part barefoot Marc, is that so? Regardless, it is a very impressive day. Thanks for the inspiration!

Good write up on the blog, thanks. Given the really light snow and crusts, another reminder that now is the time to play things really safe.

Bad News: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/2-Seattle-skiers-killed-by-avalanche-in-eastern-Oregon-245061501.html I imagine that some on this board will know the party. My condolences to the friends and family.

This caught my eye. I thought LR was one of the most scenic routes in WA. I guess I need to keep PR on my list!

As Dan and others have said, you're ready. But if you really want to be an overachiever, the Coleman HW is probably the closest thing to what you are going to see on LR.

Very good point on the self arrest skills. Most of the alpine climbs around here traverse somewhat steep snow slopes where a fall could be serious or fatal. Even a relatively mellow climb like Eldorado is not trivial in that respect (though it is just the last few hundred feet of the summit ridge).

Thanks Gene. So it sounds like it is unclimbed and unnamed? Looks stout.

Did you limb somthing up there?

My short list includes most of the above (finish Shuksan via the uber awesome SE ridge of the summit pyramid) and: -Triumph NE ridge (3 days to make it enjoyable) -Sloan Corkscrew (can be done in one long day, but two is more enjoyable) -Sharkfin Tower -Ruth-Icy with bivy on summit of Ruth - East, North, or West ridge of Forbidden- all are excellent. -Frostbite Ridge on Glacier Peak (likely 4 days, make it a loop via Lost Creek ridge and NF Sauk). In 10 days I would think you could about 3 of the trips we've all mentioned. Depending on how motivated you guys are, you will probably appreciated rest days in between. For the type of routes you are interested in, July is the probably the best time of year to climb in the Cascades. That said, if the weather is forecasted to be so-so, the Stuart range or WA pass is often a better bet. 50% chance of rain pretty much means rain on the west side of the Cascades.

Awww, bummer. I had my STIHL all gassed up and ready to go.

Wondering if this has a name? It is located on the south side of Hemispheres, near the Mt. Baker ski area, a few hundred feet above the headwaters of Swift Creek. Pretty striking looking, although being south facing it probably doesn't come into shape that often. Anyone have info on this? More curious than anything else, it's way out of my league!

Politicians are pretty slick that way. I need to dig and find out some info on the bill.

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140206/BLOG13/140209377/U.S.-House-votes-to-preserve-Green-Mountain-Lookout Sounds like a good news/bad news type of bill.

I was stalked by a cougar once, but it was in downtown La Jolla.