DPS

I tried to do it once in August. Rockfall was continuous throught the rock pitches. We listened to it all night long then hiked out the next day.

I put Intuition liners in my Scarpa Invernos after the stock liners packed out. They actually are sloppier now than before.

For smaller stuff (Mt Hunter, Ruth Gorge) a 15 degree Western Mountaineering Apache Super Dryloft worked out well. For Denali I used a -15 degree Feathered Friends Widgeon.

Burt Bacharat's greatest hits. Seriously.

This is my recollection as well.

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.

What model tools? Pulsars, Quasars, Aztars, Quarks, Ergos?

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.

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