DPS

I missed the part of the question about buying from guiding companies. Of course Gene is correct on all points.

I bought a used pair of crampons for a fraction of retail and they have been great. Many of the new crampons have replacement front points available. I had a 10 year old down sweater with a broken zipper. The manufacturer replaced the zipper and re-stuffed the down for free. It had a life time warrenty. Most good manufactures can do the same for a nominal charge, if not fee. If you buy a used down garmet, you can always get it re-stuffed and repaired. Just be sure to buy good quality. I have seen some terrific bargains on used plastics. Maybe worn once on Rainier. Replacement liners are available as are thermofit upgrades.

Passages Northwest is an outdoor program for girls and women, aimed and raising self esteem.

The nearest ice to Seattle is in your freezer. Bwahh, ha, ha. But seriously, there is a guide book to Washington State ice climbs. Nelson's guide has a few ice climbs in his books as well. The closest semi-reliable ice is in Lilooet, BC. About 6 hours away. The closest reliable ice is in the Canadian Rockies, about 13 hours away.

Looks like washington pass?

I think this quote is an urban legend. I have heard it attributed to a number of different people.

I was thinking in terms of the best of the different types of climbs and geographical areas.

5 must do for everyone, or is this a personal tick list? If there were 5 must do's I would have to say: Liberty Ridge, Rainier West Ridge McMillan Spire (Or anything in the Pickets) Triple Couloirs, Dragontail North Ridge, Forbidden Outer Space-Orbit link up. Fisher Chimneys, Mt Shuksan

Cryptopsporidium. It has been known to kill people. No shit. Any number of bacteria: campylobacter, shigella, cholera etc. That is not to say these are up high in high abundance, but it is definitely possible to catch one of these bugs.

Thanks for the replies. I will be going trail running on Saturday (10/23), sometime between 8:30 and 9:00 either on Cougar or Tiger. E-mail me if you are interested in hooking up. Maybe we can get a cc.com trail run going. bighurtbob@hotmail.com

I like that people are including their favorite climbs, not necessarily their hardest climbs.

NW Ice Couloir, Eldorado (in icy condition) Outer Space-Orbit link up N Ridge of Forbidden Liberty Ridge, Mt Rainier Thin Red Line, Liberty Bell

Two thumbs up to Ian and Second Ascent. He helped me buy a new pair of slippers and was very, very patient. Lots of sweet looking ice gear to be had now, too.

Climb a 5.6 twice.

My first climbing partner had a TNF Steep Tech Jacket, yellow and black. The thing weighed about 5 pounds. It had internal 'armor' (no kidding!) to protect the lumbar and kidney areas in case of a bad ski crash. He wore for riding his motorcycle. It had more zippers than a 1980's break dancer's outfit.

I am going for a trail run on Sunday morning around 8:00 am. Possible venues include Tiger, Cougar, Granite or open to ideas. Anyone care to join me? Please e-mail bighurtbob@hotmail.com

Hugh Herr's?

Mycology = mushroom hunting?

I will be going for a trail run saturday morning at 8:00. Anyone care to join me? Tiger, Cougar, Granite Mountain, etc. I expect to go for 2-3 hours. Wazzumountaineer is not invited. He's too fast. Please email bighurtbob@hotmail.com

Time to renew the gym membership.

Chris, I have an old guide book written by Jason Henrie from when we went to school together. You are welcome to it, I'll try to get it in the mail this weekend. Dan

Rossi is sleazy. Really sleazy. He is a tool alright.

Song lyrics. Apparently that doesn't fly over there.

I was the first.

Ummm, I have worn my precip on two Alaskan 'expeditions' and continuously for two and half years in the Cascades. Its plenty waterproof. Do you expect it to rain while at high altitude? I wore an ever less water proof, lighter jacket for four years (two winter ascents of Rainier) and one Alaskan trip before my Precip.