J2TheZ says: Are you able to do Lindsey on the 7th instead?? I have to work on Monday but I have off Tuesday. I live in Trinidad so it is only a hop skip and a jump away. I would be willing to try either route. Lemme know if you are a little flexible. John
BillMiddlebrook says: Last year we were descending Drift and saw a small chopper delivering to a mine in that area - could be the same one. It's probably around this location, but I don't know exactly:
Edge says: The main difference is that a tent pole has an elastic cord holding the sections together and an avalanche probe has a steel cable with a tensioning system on the end. By making the pole rigid like this, the sections won't pull apart when you pull the probe back out of the avalanche debris. Also the tip is pointed so it penetrates the debris. For more info on probing technique, see "Probing 101" at http://www.backcountryaccess.com/english/products/probes.php
14erkid says: Last year when I was 12 I did Sherman and it was really easy. Also I did Mt. Evans last month and it was easy too. I would recommend these peaks because a kid around my age would really enjoy these peaks.
James Scott says: After hearing that the Hourglass is free of snow, I'm wanting to get down there Monday and give it a shot. I will probably drive down later on Sunday, and walk in early morning on Monday. Anyone up?
DaleP says: Also,I have done Mt.Whitney in Jan. 1999. We went up the mountaineers route but never summited as we ran out of time. However, we rested a day and then summited via the walk up route the folowing day. The only difficulties we encountered were the switchbacks and a couple places on the western side after Trail Crest. Steep, hard snow had covered over the trail but with care, those places were crossed without issue. Dale
Imnotabettingman says: Just did Bier and Sawtooth today (Thursday) and you won't need crampons or ice axes. We took cramps and axes but they were useless. There are a couple of easy snow crossings as you descend Bier, and after that it's smooth sailing. The crux of the climb has a little snow but is easily avoided. Piece of cake.
aerohr says: "Matt LaCoco" I'll usually leave them at home when I'm climbing something though, as they're rather empty calories. You've got to be careful with fruits and veggies in this way. Apples for instance, are catabolic, meaning they burn up more calories than they supply.
While I agree that many vegetables are extremely low in calories, an apple is not. The average 4 oz. apple has 65 calories. Are you suggesting that through digestion of an apple your body burns more than 65 calories? Or is there something magical about apples that makes the digestive system supposedly burn additional calories? If so, I'd love to see where that research came from.
As far as backpacking foods, I really like dehydrated fruits or dehydrated foods in general. Dried apples, mango, pineapple, apricots, cherries, etc. I like to cruise over to the Sunflower Market and buy a ton of the different stuff and mix it together into a trail mix type of thing. Sunflower market has some great deals and its fun to make your own trail mixes based on the stuff you like... plus making it the way you want ensures you don't get 20 peanuts to each M&M. Dehydrated fruits are pretty calorie dense (mostly simple carbohydrates) and if you mix in some nuts you've got some protein and fat as well.
rangerdrew says: Is anyone interested in climbing Keyhole Ridge on Saturday? It would be my first technical, alpine route. I understand its not terribly difficult.
I am a fledgling trad leader, but am quite comfortable leading up to 5.6 at the moment. My usual partner has a National Guard drill weekend coming up and doesn't like to climb a 14er beforehand.
The weather looks good Saturday morning. I can provide rope(s) and rack.
Let me know if interested.
P.S. Ill even volunteer to carry the gear if that entices anyone
IHikeLikeAGirl says: Well, after much debate with the BF about a 14 hr road trip and the strong possibility of being rained out or having far from ideal snow conditions...looks like we may attempt Blanca or something else closer to home....
Enjoy...and if you happen to see a silver Liberty in the parking lot, then do keep an eye out for us...I'm all packed and ready to go...just in case!
Would have been great to of met you all, hope you have a successful and safe climb!
hobo13 says: I'm 6'0" and the move really isn't too bad. Sort of a step across. I sort of clung to the summit block though, and no way was I standing up!
thejtk says: I'm definitely interested, but it's probably too late for me now. Stupid work keeping me late. Oh well. Normally I'd probably end up climbing something in the Sawatch alone, but I think this weekend 'alone' means something different than it usually does. Depending on how long it takes to get my stuff together I'll drive up tonight or tomorrow morning and hike with the masses. If it isn't too late and you (or anyone else who wants to do something in the Sawatch) get this, send me a PM or reply here.
Daniel Trugman says: Me too, actually. I've heard it's pretty junky. It only gets 1.5 stars (out of 4) on MP which is an ominous sign for a route of its length and aesthetic beauty.
Chicago Transplant says: When I reached the summit of Pikes there was a parking lot, a train and a gift shop. Good donuts though
I thought the whole experience of climbing Pikes was a bit crazy with all of that stuff up there, I mean where else does a 14er have a gift shop on its summit?
Stupid work keeping me late. Oh well.