JasonG

Ah young number nine, but you are forgetting the first rule of Patagonian climbing: Talk is cheap. This isn't my rule of course, but one I picked up down there. The upside is that regardless of sendage, it is a great place to be.

BUT HOW IS ANY OF THIS MINDLESS CHATTER GOING TO GET THOSE BUNK BEDS APART!!!! Sheesh people, stay on task.

Comments like this are why it is hard to stay away from spray for too long. Too funny!

The top of Hood is a good deal steeper and icier than St. Helens typically is and the consequences of a fall are not trivial. That said, in good conditions it isn't extremely technical, but I am always surprised at how steep it is for a "beginner" climb (usually when I resort to turning around and facing in for part of the descent). There have been plenty of accidents over the years so be safe and practice your steep snow skills somewhere with a good runout before giving it a shot. You are correct that it is a good next step up from St. Helens.....Good luck!

I was up fishing the NF Stilly this morning and it was certainly rain. Ugly day, how'd you fare?

Woah. This climb has been on my list as well, but maybe it shouldn't be? That sounds like quite the experience, I'm glad it all turned out OK. The photos aren't as bad as I was expecting, given your description. Maybe not up to your usual awesome standard, but perfectly acceptable to jog the mind years from now.... I know, the Rockies have always felt much more serious to me than the grades indicate. Way to stick it out and tag another of the 50 Classics! How many are you up to?

That climb has been on my list for a long time....Nicely done and thanks for the reminder! I loved the photos, that rock looks incredible.

Although I had a 50 something friend hike/run the loop a month ago and it took him around 13 hours or so....and he's no super man. Of course, Leor could probably do it in 6 hours flat. I, on the other hand, am slow and prefer to take pictures, tag summits, and catch fish. That's my excuse at least.

I've seen 9600' of gain and 31 miles written, but haven't measured it myself on a map. Pretty casual days if you are used to that sort of thing. Plenty of time in three days to scramble peaks, take a nap, go fishing, etc.

There's a lot of cc.com history tied up in that blocked word.

The last two winters were pretty unsettled as I remember them....with some huge avi cycles.

I knew Kit Lewis et al. were on a tear in the 80's, but man some of those routes..... Having just been benighted on it on month ago, I can't even imagine the west arete of Eldorado in the winter. Yikes! Thanks for the reminder of your ongoing list Lowell!

Shhhhhhhhhhhh......You don't want to make Tim mad, now do ya?

Interesting....so the spray keeps them from drying out and cracking?

I'm sensing a lot of anger Pat. I'm sorry.

Heaven forbid we actually quote from Bible regarding the nature of faith. From Hebrews 11: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Under that definition, I think a lot of religious folks, scientists, and even atheists can agree that they all have their own version of "faith". It seems like believing that matter is eternal would require some degree of faith (after all, where did all this stuff in the universe come from?). I can understand not subscribing to a particular religion, but not believing in a God, period, does seem to require a bit of faith. Wasn't the Big Bang a creation event? Infinite matter from an infinitely small place?

Most winter routes are avi/weather dependent (be careful!). That said, you can also check out the Tatoosh range in MRNP (in addition to Hood). All of the peaks become much more challenging in winter conditions and the access is quite good. Pinnacle, Lane, Unicorn, etc.

You forgot to fill it before you left for AK!

A second for the Volkl Nunataq! One of my regular ski partners has these and pretty much thinks they are about the best thing going for those that spend most of their time in the backcountry. A great mix of features make this a good all arounder.

Thanks for the recommendation Darin, I'll have to check that trip out! I've hiked the first part of Lost Creek Ridge, but it has been more than 15 years. Time to connect the ends.

Gotta love grandparents!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemone_occidentalis Old Man of the Mountains or Western Pasque Flower. Very cool plant....

I'd say that 15 of the 30 miles is in the alpine, either on ridges or traversing meadows. A lot of bang for your buck.

Thanks for the compliments! Gene, you're mostly right. I went back and added some captions to clarify some of the peaks. Hopefully it helps. Oh, and we took three easy days with time for meadow lounging, peak bagging, and fishing. Such a good trip!

Trip: North Fork Sauk - Pilot Ridge Loop Date: 10/1/2012 Trip Report: I'm not one to normally rave about backpacking trips, but this trip was unexpectedly spectacular and pleasant. My wife and I were lucky enough to find childcare for a long weekend at the end of September/early Oct. and get out to enjoy the fall colors on this loop. Wow!! Miles and miles of alpine splendor! My verdict, it should be on everyone's list who likes that sort of thing (even climbers). The loop is about 30 miles roundtrip, and you don't need to car shuttle. Good camps abound, though water is somewhat scarce in late season (we camped at White Pass and Blue lake- good camps and abundant water). Side trips included White Mtn for sunrise, Kodak peak for a chat with a speedo clad gentleman and his dog, and Johnson Peak to check out an old LO site. Blue lake has feisty Rainbows, in case you are into fishing. But don't just take my word for it, the photos don't lie (and these pictures don't do it justice)...... Sunset at our White Pass Camp: Mt. Pugh at sunrise from White Mtn: PCT at White Pass from White Mtn: Glacier Peak from near Dishpan Gap: Summit Chief, Chimney Rock, Overcoat (L-R): Sloan, Bedal, etc. (L-R): Mt Pugh: Sloan Peak: Mts. Daniel and Hinman: Mt. Pugh, and Whitechuck (L-R): Monte Cristo Peak: You do have to cross the NF Sauk, but there are good logs to walk: NF Sauk Old Growth: Gear Notes: Whiskey, fishing tackle, decadent food. It's backpacking baby! Approach Notes: Easy drive from Darrington on 2WD roads. Hike NF Sauk trail to White Pass, turn south on PCT, head to Dishpan Gap, turn west to Blue lake and Pilot Ridge, following it westwards to the junction with NF Sauk trail. Hike back to your car and quaff beer.