DPS

Far more difficult than you can imagine. Old Rag is equivalent to Tiger Mt, basically just a hill. Hood is steep, icy, prone to rock and ice fall, is relatively high, has far more elevation gain, has no trail other than a boot path in the snow. People die on it all the time. Beyond the physical and technical demands, experience and judgment is required. That is perhaps the most valuable asset a professional guide supplies, good decision making skills. Yes. You are better off going with a guide. Timberline is reputable, never heard of the other one. Probably, but conditions are different from year to year and can change quickly. I personally won't climb Hood later than May.

PM sent. Interested in mid week climbing.

I've always felt like the range has been unfairly passed over in the various select guides, but perhaps that is a good thing.

Uli Steidl?

PM sent.

I sweat a lot so my glasses fog as well. I tie a cotton bandanna around my neck and use it to wipe my glasses every so often. It also doubles as a neck cape when tucked under a ball cap.

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You will probably like this thread: Hiking boots for Rainier, on children

Sorry, I gave you the wrong email address. Try this: softwareninja@live.com

Hello, I just picked up a Black Diamond hammer which came with a bunch of extra picks and a spare hammer. I'm keeping one extra pick, but I can't imagine I'll use the others. They all have lots of life left, are well sharpened and nicely tuned. Each one is a little different which should be evident in the photo. I'm asking $10 a piece. If interested please email softwareninjaAThotmailDOTcom. Thanks, Dan

You need to get a camping permit in person, but if you are doing a day climb you can self register by filling out the paperwork and sticking it in a steel container. At least you used to be able to do that, maybe that has changed?

This thread immediately made me think of Mark Webster and how he always tied a 1" tubular webbing chalk bag belt through the rope as a harness back up.

Mine, mine, mine! I'll take it! PM sent.

La Sportiva Trango or Scarpa Charmoz are pretty popular. I have Scarpas as they fit my wideish feet better than LS.

I maybe up for some casual mid week outings, but it would have to be pretty easy objectives.

Thanks for the response. I've done the NR a couple of times already and I'm not in shape to do something that ambitious and I have to be back in Issaquah by 4PM on Saturday so I'm probably not your guy.

What route are you considering on Mt Stuart? Are you wanting to do it as a day climb or overnight?

Out of curiosity, what does RNWF refer to? Regular NW Face of Half Dome? Also, PDL?

I was curious so I took a look at my Scarpa Charmoz boots which are very similar to La Sportiva Trangos. Under the removable insole is a cushioned midsole.

I'm hearing rumors of a lot of ice. Seems unusual at the beginning of June is all. Yesterday I spoke with a friend back from Lib Ridge. He reported ice from 12,500 to Liberty Cap. Love the annotated route photo.

I lucked out running into you. No way would I have nailed the route finding on my own.

Muy bueno!

Ditto. That water scoured initial gulley was cool. Another option in early season is to climb the West Ridge Couloir, a moderately steep and pretty fun gulley directly below the West Ridge notch.

Nice TR, beautiful photos and prose. FWIW, an unplanned bivi on the WR of Stuart is de rigueur, usually due to route finding issues. It is kind of like a small orange drink, nobody likes it, but it is part of the full meal deal.