DPS

I took today off as a vacation day so I could have a four day weekend. Looks like I will be working in the yard instead of climbing.

Bump means he is moving the post to the top of the post list so more people will see it.

Perhaps it is a reference of Plutonium 239?

My current trail runners are Vasques and are much more water resistant than any other trail runners I have used. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,96476_Vasque-Endorphin-Trail-Running-Shoes-For-Men.html

The road is typically gated at Paul Peak ~ 5.5 road miles from Mowich Lake parking lot so you will not be able to drive the road.

Hello, I would like to get out on Sunday and do something alpiney but I would rather not get buried in a slush avalanche. Any suggestions for a safe, solo alpine day trip? Also I wouldn't mind a partner. bighurtbob@hotmail.com Dan

Me too.

Did I mention I am bringing the beer?

Looks like my plans for the weekend fell through. I am looking for a climbing partner for this Saturday (May 10) for alpine. I am thinking of either the North Buttress Couloir of Colchuck or NE Couloir on Dragontail. I would like to be at the trailhead by 6:00 am requiring a 4:00 AM departure from Issaquah. I can drive from Issaquah and bring the rope/ rack / apres climb beer. Newbies and hardmen are both welcome. I fall somewhere in between. If interested please email bighurtbob@hotmail.com. Thanks, Dan

Nice work! Do you think it may still be in by next weekend?

Hi, Did anyone get a look at the West Face Coulior of Silver Star (AKA Allen/Keller route)? If so, how did it look? Was the snow/ice continuous? TIA Dan

What about the Integral Designs MK1 XL (or whatever the long version is). I like my ID MK1. Folks seem to like the Mountain Hardware EV2 quite a lot.

Art by Fire in Ballard has a nice selection of bowls, vases and the like.

If the symptoms are from the neck up (stuffy, dripping nose, head cold, etc) then it is ok to train. If the symptoms are from the neck down (lung congestion, body aches, fever, etc) then it is best to lay off. Once I did not follow this adage and ran when I had chest congestion and ended up giving myself pneumonia which put me down for a much longer time than if I had just laid off for a couple of days.

I bring a tag line or double ropes only if I plan on rappeling a large route. The utility of a tag line or double ropes are realized on big, steep, technical descents. I once descended this route in Alaska making 22 60 meter, double rope rappels. If we had only one rope we would have had to make at least 44 rappels, using twice as much gear for anchors and taking much more time.

Red mountain is a classic ski descent.

Niiiice!

I would not expect to be able to drive to the White River campground, the road is typically closed until Memorial Day, or later, most years. This adds about 6 miles or so to the approach.

A down bag will keep you much warmer than down clothing.

I have a Fish duffel bag. It has worked out very well so far.

My daughter was 5 when she started.

Backpacker's Supply (aka Marmot) in Tacoma is probably the closest store to Rainier, although Whitaker runs a store very near the southern park entrance that may rent gear.

Marmot Mountain Works in Bellevue and Tacoma rents tents: http://www.marmotmountain.com/rentals.htm

I really like my Serratus Genie but would love it if it were made of more durable fabric (sail cloth!) and had two compression straps on the sides to hold pickets, skis, etc. I also added bungee cord to hold my crampons.

I took some friends up Rainier a few years ago. They were avid sailors and had stuff sacks made from sail cloth and they gave me one. I use it to carry pitons and ice screws. Even though some of my screws are missing caps, the teeth have never cut the stuff sack. That material is super tough and light. I would buy a pack made out of it.