JasonG

Thanks guys! I know Darin, they are amazing. Kit (guy in the pic, and long time USFS employee) thought that those yellow cedars may be contenders for the oldest trees on the MBSNF. Given the altitude, species, and size, he thought they were both easily more than 1000 years old, maybe even approaching 1500-1800 for the scraggly one.

This was the economy option for dorm space at Trump University.

Because REI buyers never leave the office.

Yep, sure does. That's a tough call then. Maybe a thinner sock and lower profile footbeds will make the Alps comfy out of the box? They seem like a fantastic boot. I am impressed with the re-design. One tip I've found is to not lace the boots too tight. There isn't a lot of padding, esp. around the ankle. Even without the boots cranked down, my feet don't seem to slide around.

Probably not a bad idea to wear your helmet when traveling across boulder fields off trail, though I had never really considered that before this accident. I've certainly taken a tumble in this type of terrain before, but luckily haven't been seriously hurt. I can see how it would happen though. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Trip: Cinderella - East Buttress Date: 6/4/2016 Trip Report: Both Curt and Darin have written up TRs on the mythical East Buttress of Cinderella with a lot of swanky beta, so I'll spare you a retelling. Suffice to say that the Green Creek valley is a pretty special place, even for people used to such places. This was my third trip in there and I think I may even be more taken with the beauty, solitude, flora, and interesting geology than I was several years ago on my first visit. The climbing is pretty darn good too! This time we found the excellent climber's path that is now established into the upper valley and it made a world of difference. The easy(ish) travel means you can hike in after work (2- 3 hours) to the excellent camps and be ready to tackle your choice of high quality routes early the next morning. For dads like myself, this area has quite the remote feel without the time commitment of getting deeper into the range. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The East Buttress of Cinderella isn't the best route in the area, but it is, long, scenic, and worth doing (IMO). As you can read in Darin's report, a soloist can race up it in a couple hours, but it was a pretty full day for us, even with a bivy in Green Creek. Expect climbing to mid-fifth or so and some looseness (for this area, not bad for the Cascades in general). I realize I'm talking up the area a bit, but I think it could use a bit more love, if only to keep the climber's path established. Although, Blake's new book features Green Creek, so maybe you'd better get in there while it is still quiet! Gear Notes: Medium rack to 2", with emphasis on the smallest cams. 60m half rope works well. Helmet! Rock shoes are nice.... Approach Notes: Bridge still out over Middle Fork. Log upstream. There is a VERY NICE climber's path that leaves the elbow lake trail at the end of the long traverse just before the major switchbacking commences. Look for obvious tread traversing steep slope below the trail. Easy to follow all the way to treeline. Good camps below Green Creek arete, on other side of the valley near the major creek junction.

I think it is time for people to advocate (to their electeds) on behalf of the USFS to re-establish those hundreds of miles of trails that have been neglected or abandoned for decades. Sure seems like hiking is getting popular enough for voices to be heard. Spreading out the use make a difference, though perhaps not on the dog front. I agree that Fido should be left at home, though I'm sure some of you will say I'm a terrible person. That's OK, I know.

If you're talking Corkscrew, River crossing likely too high. If you are talking Bedal, probably steep snow on the ledges. I'd wait a month.

You have have more success posting this in the partners forum.

Good point on the stream crossing. Long ago, about this time of year, we crossed on a giant snow bridge (avi debris), but I bet that is gone by now with the hot spring. Descending via Goode-Storm King col isn't too bad (only one extra rap in addition to raps to and down from black tooth notch), but makes for a long summit day. People do this if they aren't carrying over.

Ha! AKA the Bedayn? That thing looks nasty, at least from below.

Making the most of the injury, nice! Yes, Townsend on a clear day is a pretty great viewpoint. But the rhodies sound like a nice touch, I really like that north side of the peninsula this time of year. Cheeky chipper, that one.

I don't believe so, but my memory is hazy. I remember the terrain is broken enough that you wouldn't want to make a double rappel. And, being that the descent thru black tooth notch is the route of ascent for those doing the 100 highest, I imagine the anchors are in good shape, and numerous. Goode gets a fair amount of traffic, for good reason.

I agree with Wayne, if you get the wedder, Goode should be good(e) to go. Early season is key with that one, at least if you want smooth sailing to get on the route without steel. The NE buttress is so cool, if that is where you are headed. There is a perfect bivy on the actual summit, which I would highly recommend.

I got my second pair of Trango Alps this year and love them. More comfortable than the last iteration and look to be similarly durable. I don't have a source for deals, they are a relatively new boot so I imagine you won't see a sale for some time. I was wondering how the Triolet and Alp could fit you similarly, my experience is it is either one or the other but not both with Scarpa and LS. Sounds like this is what you have settled on as well. I wouldn't expect 10 years out of them though. My last pair of Alps were pretty trashed when they were ready for a re-sole (~6 years). But, it probably depends on where you climb mostly. The North Cascades are pretty hard on boots and mine never survive to a re-sole.

Long shot.....but if anyone finds it, beer for you! I think it was left at the little A-frame outhouse, very close to the parking lot.

Justice Bowie is the O.G. Rugged Outdoorsman. Just don't forget his pups, Truth and Valor!

Oh, man those are some fantastic images! I will be sure to check out the full gallery. That slope on Sherman fails huge in the spring every few years and runs way down the Boulder. I will let the guys at Western (who study these things) know that it went again. It is an awesome sight to behold. From reading the full TR on your site (most excellent), sounds like you could have used one of these: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-tropic-comfort-hoody-ii?p=52123-0

If you're free, you should go with Ben!! He's as solid as they come, with a gold-plated (Smoot approved) tick list.

It's usually not the bridges you see that will get you. After falling in a hidden 'shrund unroped ~10 years ago I pretty much always rope up crossing crevassed terrain. Partially because I have dependents now, and partially because I saw (vividly) how it would be to die that way. I got a second chance, but many aren't so lucky

Did Bill survive the car?

So perfect. Amazing actually. The epitome of weekend warrior smash and grab. Love it!

The NPS doesn't like people pruning on the trail, but they haven't caught anyone that I'm aware of. They just complain loudly when they discover it. Why they refuse to maintain the Boston Basin trail is beyond me (but not surprising). Part of it was a road, and all of it was constructed and maintained for years. There is a permit system in place in the basin to limit use, and frequent ranger enforcement. Volunteer groups would gladly (and do!) maintain it. There is just no good reason to let it grow in. Perhaps everyone could let them know if you feel the same?

I love, love, love the cloud sea! One of the best things about an early start or a high bivy around these parts. Thanks for the report, that is a great area. And dogs are (always?) allowed in wilderness areas, at least in my experience. National parks are a different story, however. Did the hammock keep the rodents off you?