JasonG

Email sent, thanks for the heads up. I think MRNP's "deficient" staffing levels at the $30 fee level are adequate- I don't really see much of a need to expand patrols or staffing. Trying to save people from themselves is a sure way to spend lots of money . .. Since Gator left the blog hasn't been really very current either- I usually find more up to date conditions info right here.

. . .meaning that you take them back when they are worn, and they are replaced a la REI? 5 times, eh?

Good to know, thanks for posting.

Thanks for the compliment, but have you checked out his site lately? I've got a ways to go . . ..

Trip: Winchester Lookout - The long way Date: 1/3/2011 Trip Report: It was real pretty and we should have had great skiing, but Scott discovered a broken binding once we got to the cabin. Oh well, we had more time to enjoy the view and talk about Dallas. We had the Pleiades in full view and it brought back a lot of memories. A visit by Mr. Scurlock was a great surprise, and the spectacular views didn't disappoint. South slopes were hit hard by the sun, but north slopes were quite nice for whatever form of downhill locomotion you enjoy. A great place to spend the night, but a bit of a grunt from the highway. We should have had sleds like the rest of the folks in the know. I was surprised by how busy the area was in the middle of winter, but sleds make for quick access, I guess. Lucky for us, we had the lookout to ourselves. Enough blabbing . ..here are some photos. Gear Notes: Whiskey Approach Notes: Long and scenic. Where are you supposed to park? We were scratching our heads at all the "No Parking" signs at the DOT maintenance yard.

Awesome show, thanks Jason!!

Hey everybody, this is tomorrow night!! Also, I forgot to mention that you should check out Jason's great websites: http://www.cascadecrusades.org/index.htm http://www.alpinestateofmind.com/ Hope to see you tomorrow at the show. . . .

So . .. did you take your draws back from him? Looks like he wasn't handing them over, even when caught red-handed- unbelievable! You were far nicer than I would have been, for sure. . . .

Thanks a bunch for re-posting that. Quite the story. It is interesting the difference between the perspective of sister (peace) and John's climbing partner (sadness) when reflecting on the story/ending of John's disappearance. I think climbers, on the whole, take little consolation in the whole "at least they died doing what they loved" explanation. At least for me, the death of a fellow climber (especially a friend) is an all too real reminder of the chances I take heading into the hills. The sadness comes when thinking that the activity you love could cause your family great pain some day and, at the same time, realizing that quitting isn't much of an option either.

With the full on caps, I almost thought Fred was organizing his own party!

Sorry, I never checked back on this . . . Jens- Nope, never did run into a nest, that would have added to the fun for sure. Layback- Maybe PG13? Certainly there were sections that were pretty darn thin as far as gear goes, but maybe if you were wearing rock shoes it would be PG. I was trying to be tough and only brought boots, but rock shoes may have given some piece of mind for average joes such as myself. Although, there was a fair bit of dirt that boots were good for . .. Tread- Bummer about the fall! Were you able to hike out under your own power? Thanks for the correction about Potterfield, I read his account a long time ago. We went over to look at the traverse from the U notch and it looked . ..interesting.

After what happened to that guy over in the Olympics, I don't think I'd be challenging a billy! Not to mention, I heard of a dog being disemboweled by a goat near S. Early a few years ago. I give them a lot more respect than I used to . . .

Yep, that TR is what prompted my quest. I have found the information I seek from other, first-hand, sources. Now I need to be man enough to act on it. . . .

Storm clouds gathering around South Nesakwatch Spire. Having completed the enchainment (just in time), we got utterly drenched on the hike out. Brandon and co battled their way up the south face of South Nesakwatch during the worst of it, it would be good to hear their tale . ..

C'mon people . . .I think Darin had the right idea- your "singular" best picture.

Cryptic . . ..I sense a theme.

Jason Hummel 7pm- January 5, 2011 - Skagit Valley College Nelson Hall, N-121 "Backcountry Photography In the Cascade Mountains and Beyond" Please join us at the monthly meeting of the Skagit Alpine Club as Jason Hummel showcases his images from the past year. A far-ranging show, it will include photographs of the North Cascades, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Bailey Range, Olympic Coast, California, and Peru. Along the way he will share stories of a life spent in the mountains beginning with an early introduction by his outdoor family. He’s agreed to come back to civilization to speak to the Skagit Alpine Club for one night and we’re excited to see what he has in store for us. We will be meeting in Nelson Hall - N-121. Jason will go on after our regular business meeting, which starts at 7pm. Here is a link to a campus map: www.skagit.edu/images/color_mvCampus.pdf. We hope to see you there!

Wondering if anyone has info on this striking feature? I have heard through the grapevine that it is a first rate climb, but perhaps run out? Trying to figure out whether or not to put it on my list . .. Thanks for any info!

This isolatedchaser spoof is certainly giving Klenke a run for his money: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=899860 Never a dull moment around here.

Must . ..not . .. .

Must be the Christmas spirit around here, name changes abound . . .

I think it can be done, see if DPS can tell you how. I seem to recall a time in the not so distant past when DPS when by his full name on this here board. Might involve Good luck, I've wondered about this as well. Don't worry Phil, I just thought the all caps conferred that you meant business!

I'm glad that blob has a name. I was mighty disappointed when I climbed the Throne years ago and found out I wasn't on the summit of Storm King. We didn't have a route description, and I don't think a map either (I guess the map is wrong anyways). We had bailed from an attempt in the NE ridge of Goode (T-storms) and decided to head up to the G-SK col and try our luck on Storm King. Going up the col REALLY sucked. Everything was dangerously loose . . . I was glad to belay from a sheltered nook as rock (and curses) rained from above. Only one of us led it (thanks Doug!), and a rope was trailed for everyone else. I guess I will make it back one of these years for the true summit, but it is a long haul any way you cut it . .. Thanks for the background and photos Paul.

i hope it will be like the dwight watson archive housed online at uw....good news!

email sent, thanks Off_White! While I haven't had the chance to climb in the park yet, I sure hope to someday. It would really be a shame if access was closed before I had a chance to visit . ..