JasonG

I've had giardia twice, and it isn't much fun. Once it hit full force when I was back in East Creek below South Howser Tower. That was a very unpleasant walk out, and also cost me a rope gunned trip up the B-C. Unfortunately, that was the second time I got giardia, AFTER I had been selectively treating water, thinking I was being pretty safe. Due to the variable incubation time I have no idea where I actually got it, but it was likely above treeline and off trail in the North Cascades (based on the trips before the Bugaboos). Mountain goats are carriers, turns out. I worked two seasons in the Alaskan bush where we drank directly out of beaver infested waters for months on end and I never got sick, but I guess you never know. I don't carry a filter and haven't for many years. I use chlorine dioxide (AquaMira). It works, if you use it. Four months in Nepal/Cambodia/Thailand and this is the only treatment we used. Never got sick once (from the water). All that said, I still selectively treat water. I'm a slow learner.

Old Lookout trail up Sauk Mtn (usually snow-free from TH ~500' to 2500') Oyster Dome (good conditioner that is snow-free most of the winter). Suiattle River Trail from road end is often snowfree for miles, though flat Same for Thunder Creek, Boulder River trails You can often get a couple thousand vert on the Sourdough trail before you hit snow. There is probably more to do hiking wise over in the Olympics (but rain is still an issue). I'll probably think of more in the N. Cascades.....but there really isn't a lot of hiking in the winter around here (at least with elevation gain and good views). The weather and huge snows tend to limit opportunity.

Oh right, I'm mixing things up. That was my pre-nup.

Sorry to hear that @Choada_Boy, hopefully things are looking up for you all. Agreed that climbing is far from the most important thing in the world.....

We have a forum for that! Keep up the posts from the other coast! I've never done much back east so I at least would be interested what you get up to.

I don't have a FB account, but posting a TR from your phone is super easy now. Just did a test over here

Trip: Mount Baker backcountry - Top secret Trip Date: 02/01/2018 Trip Report: January total was over 235 inches! But really I'm just posting this to show that in a few minutes you can post a TR FROM YOUR PHONE! NO EXCUSES PEOPLE. 😁 Gear Notes: Skis Approach Notes: 542 to the end

What do you consider the North Cascades? i.e. how far are you willing to drive from Seattle? Do you have skis or snowshoes? Or are you looking for typically snow free destinations?

That's fine @Bronco, but I think the board could also benefit from quick TRs that focus on conditions/access updates, similar to what you find on WTA for hikes. I think once the TR database gets back up this will be even more helpful for people looking to see what is in good nick. Also, we're talking about having a sticky thread at the top of each TR forum for condition updates. So either place would be great to throw up a few pics/comments when you come back from whatever. I don't think you have to worry about being cutting edge, few of us are!

And just so you guys know @pu and @CascadeClimber, the searchable TR page will come back. Jon is working on a replacement.

If you figure that out @CascadeClimber let us know! Good to see you back here, I know I've personally gotten much out of your TRs/banter over the years. The new board is super easy to post on (even pictures, gasp), so we hope that you can continue to contribute for the next 18 years! Don't be a stranger now, you hear?

This good enough @bonathanjarrett? https://wyeastblog.org/2010/11/24/building-the-timberline-trail/

I use that lens on glaciers (around here), but I sometimes have to squint a bit (like on Rainier). I love them overall though, great for thrashing the bushes and the transitions between snow and rock. Put them on and leave them on. A steal for $100.

C'mon @Trent, the new site makes it easy to do up your own separate TR on your Africa adventures! We want to hear all about it!

I was waiting the the annual installment!! As we have come to expect, Adventure travel/climbing, with a capital A. Such great images too. Thanks for keeping us desk jockeys entertained this week!

I was a little miffed by the "thread to nowhere" descriptor. C'mon! That's how we roll! Nowhere IS our destination.

For sure, if they had been wearing helmets it all would have seemed more reasonable.

Damn. That's a haul with the road snowed over! Nice work.

Another option: https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php Two topo options for Canada..... My personal favorite though is to just use an app (Gaia for me) and ditch the paper maps. I was reluctant to go electronic for years, but after I spent a week on the Wapta and a week in the pickets last summer, using nothing but my phone, I'm sold. Obviously there is risk, but you can also destroy paper maps.

IG photos are tiny and often have all sorts of weirdness done to them to make them look "cool". This doesn't translate well on the big screen. If you have the originals accessible on your phone, much better to post those to cc.com. BUT, like you said, any content is better than no content! You were actually out climbing while I was wandering muddy trails with my kiddos.

Ahhhhhh, good attention to detail @G-spotter! I scrubbed them off as best I could in the snow then did the dishes with them Actually, the guide was kind enough to bag and pack them out. I think he was more than a little sheepish after all the fuss that was made in front of the clients about how IMPOSSIBLE it was to change the barrel. The whole thing was pretty funny after a bit of an awkward start..... Glad you liked it @Off_White!

Awesome, thanks @jon. Agreed that the TR search page is priority numero uno!

That looks even better! Have fun down there @olyclimber

This crew is ready to party with you anytime @olyclimber. As a matter of fact..... today, 2pm at my house! If the skiing sucks you may as well drink beer and look at pictures. Thanks @Kit, It was a great trip for sure. I'll wrangle poo with you anytime.