DPS

You have learned quickly grasshopper.

The course record for the White River 50 mile (8,700 ft elevation gain) is 6:32 so 45 miles ~8,000 ft in 11 hours seems to be a very realistic time.

I made a great risotto once.

That was a bold climb, bold trip report, and might I add, boldly written.

I believe you have to get permission from the Park Service to solo. From: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm "Solo travel above high camps or anywhere on glaciers is not permitted except with prior written permission from the Superintendent. You may download a Solo Climb Request Form http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/solo%20climb%20request.doc (Word document, 83 KB) or you may request this form by writing: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304. "

Yeah, you just might run into Dwayner er I mean RainDawg.

The E9 brew pub is a great place for excellent microbrew and pub grub. Trail running in Point Defiance Park is surprisingly good. Haven't been, but I hear the Museum of Glass is well worth a visit. If fine fine dining is your thing there is the Melting Pot and El Gaucho's in the recently revitalized downtown area.

Giardia is a protozoan.

I personally believe boiling clean snow is completely unnecessary so I never boil snow unless I am using it to make coffee or something hot.

I have had a partner break through a snow bridge while on skis. Fortunately we were roped at the time and he was uninjured.

I would forget the whole idea of taking a plane anywhere into the Cascades. I have flown with Kenmore Air for my job and the pilot told me they do not like to fly over the Cascades specifically because there is no place to land a float plane. There is plenty of backcountry accessible by a day's walk. I think that the Ptarmigan Traverse would fit your schedule and climbing experience and would feed your desire for a wilderness experience.

I have the Grivels and my only complaint is the points are a bit short.

*How long do these things take to heel? I'm in a ton of pain right now! I broke the bottom of my tibia, right above the heel bone. It healed in 6 weeks. (The ligaments and tendons I tore are taking much longer) *Since I am told all the orthopedic guys are on holiday, will the bone start to heal wrong if left alone for 4-5 days before I can see anyone? I walked around for 10 days on my broken leg before getting a correct diagnosis. It healed fine. *Does anyone know a good orthopedic specialist in the greater Seattle area? I was pleased with Dr. Eric Heit at Virginia Mason in Issaquah. He specializes in sports injures of the ankles and feet. He also operated on my wife's foot and achilles tendon with good results.

I had one burst a seam right out of the box. I have had another one for a couple of years and had no problems with it.

I climbed it mid july 11 years ago and it was fairly icy in spots. I used a 65 cm axe and a 50 cm north wall hammer. The combo was just about perfect.

I use a Black Diamond Betamid for 4 season mountaineering in the lower 48. It has been very adequate and has withstood some fairly strong storms on Rainier, Stuart etc. For the cost ($99) and the weight (2.2 lbs) it is hard to beat.

Rainy Pass Repair in the U district (near Dante's tavern) has always done a descent job for me, but is rather expensive. NW Garment repair in Freemont has also done a fine job and was considerably cheaper than Rainy Pass. I have used the Gore brand repair patches with good results. They are self sticking but you can iron them on for better longevity.

There is a sign that states the UW rock is restricted to use by students, faculty, and staff. This has never, to my knowledge, ever been enforced.

bump

Does anyone know how much snow is left at Snoqualmie Pass? Is Red Mountain still skiable for example? Thanks, Dan

I used a Wild Things Belay parka on the West Butt. Worked fine. Also, don't bring a plastic spoon. I sat on and broke my only spoon.

Thanks. That is Jason Martin's Web site. We went to school and climbed together back in the day.

I am taking some newbies up Rainier this summer. All of them have limited climbing experience. I want to take them out on a relatively easy climb where we will have an opportunity to review ice axe arrest and other skills before we try Rainier. I was thinking of something like Mt Ruth, but I would like to have a bad weather plan somewhere on the east side of the mountains. I was thinking of Colchuck, but it is permit season and I worry that I might not score a camping permit. Also I don't want to completely demoralize the group by making them walk the road. So, what are your suggestions for mellow snow/glacier climbs that would be a good two day trip and would allow for ample time for skills practice? Suggestions for both west and east side of the range would be appreciated. Oh yeah, we all live in the Seattle area, so something within a couple hours drive would be just ducky. Thanks!

Roboboy and I did this route as a day trip last year. I think we hit the approach just right because it was surprisingly not bad at all or at least not as bad as I had expected. Nice work!

I have the 15 degree Western Mountaineering Apache Super Dryloft. I have had it for 10 years and it is an excellent bag. I have used it for 4 seasons in the Cascades, in May in the Ruth Gorge and June on Mt Hunter. Very versatile.