Request to join a group to do Mt Ranier

[changrichard]

I hope you don't take this as arrogance. I am respectfully hoping to do the summit with a small group of experienced climbers willing to take a beginner and I wonder if you can point me in the right direction.

 

I have done the Paradise to Camp Muir Route 6 times this July. I just moved to Washington and at first I did the Camp Muir route as a one time challenge. I became drawn to the mountain and not a week goes by without my being drawn back to it to do the Muir route again.

 

Last week I did the Muir Route three times in 7 days with a 35 pound pack. I hope by September to try to do the Paradise-Muir route twice in one day. I’m not doing this out of vanity. I am doing this out of respect for other climbers and the mountain.

 

I realize the traditional path is to take the Professional guide programs, but they are all booked and I don't feel comfortable in the long trains of 12 to 15 strangers.

 

I'm not a "natural" but I am a hard worker. Sometimes I think I am honestly afraid someone will say “Yes” to this request. But to be afraid shows respect and a good attitude. I realize what I am asking may appear to you to be totally ridiculous and arrogant. I understand the risks and dangers and Pain and exhaustion of what I am undertaking.

 

But the least I can do is ask. I am 47, 5'10 and 215 pounds and I don’t think I will get to this level of fitness again.

 

Also to have this hang over my head all winter would really be hard. It’s as I told my daughter the other day. “I wished Mount Ranier ended at 10,600 feet. Then I wouldn’t have this hanging over my head.”

 

Respectfully

 

Richard Chang

Cell= 206 406 3631

 

[Jordan]

Take a deep breath man. No one is going to call you arrogant. haha It sounds like you're in plenty good shape to do the mountain. Its only another 5+or- hours past Muir. You might have better luck finding partners though if you post a specific weekend that you'd like to do it. There have also been quite a few posts looking for partners in the next week or to and I suspect that there will be at least one or two a week for the next month or so. Crevasses are getting big so sooner is better...