Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Pinched Moon
I was leaving work today when I noticed the full moon rising over the Pigeon River. The moon was so big and clear that I had to take a picture of it. This Birch tree is right behind our visitor center at work and I noticed that the moon was lining up with the tree and it looked like two fingers "pinching" the moon. Pretty cool :-)
Speed climbing and the Super Sherpa
This summer has seen a flurry of interest in climbing Mount Rainier FAST... Justin Merle set the pace by breaking Chad Kellogg's record (4 hours 59 minutes) by 10 minutes on July 11th. His friend and colleague, Liam O'Sullivan, raised the bar a few weeks later by sprinting up and down the mountain (Paradise to summit and back) in 4 hours 46 minutes, besting Merle by 3 minutes... 
Last week, Lhaka Gelu Sherpa threw the gauntlet down in hopes of smashing that record. With 13 Everest summits under his belt and a previous Everest speed record (the current record is held by Pemba Dorje Sherpa), Lhakpa certainly had the credentials to do it. But his well-publicized attempt was thwarted by nasty leg cramps on the descent (something that Liam also met with on a prior and unsuccessful ascent) and so our "Super Sherpa" will have to try again another day. I suppose that we'll see him again, and other speed climbers too... But any takers better move fast, as the route is beginning to change in ways that make rapid movement harder and more challenging (but it's still great for the masses that take 2-5 days, so don't worry).
We've also been getting questions about timed ascents to Camp Muir. So for your information, here are a few facts. In 1994, Climbing Ranger Scott Wanek ran from Paradise to the high camp in 51 minutes! Not bad, eh? Most people can't even ski DOWN that fast. But don't feel bad if your normal one way time is something like 4-6 hours, because Scott also had run a personal best 4:11 mile. Of course, Wanek's record had to be broken too, and it was done last year by Climbing Ranger Andy Anderson. Andy quietly posted a 46 minute one way ascent to Camp Muir! Yup, 4,500 feet of gain in 4.5 miles. So what did you do in the last 46 minutes? Michael Phelps might be smashing Olympic records, but it seems the Rainier records are meeting a similar fate this summer too.
Post by Monica and Mike
Last week, Lhaka Gelu Sherpa threw the gauntlet down in hopes of smashing that record. With 13 Everest summits under his belt and a previous Everest speed record (the current record is held by Pemba Dorje Sherpa), Lhakpa certainly had the credentials to do it. But his well-publicized attempt was thwarted by nasty leg cramps on the descent (something that Liam also met with on a prior and unsuccessful ascent) and so our "Super Sherpa" will have to try again another day. I suppose that we'll see him again, and other speed climbers too... But any takers better move fast, as the route is beginning to change in ways that make rapid movement harder and more challenging (but it's still great for the masses that take 2-5 days, so don't worry).We've also been getting questions about timed ascents to Camp Muir. So for your information, here are a few facts. In 1994, Climbing Ranger Scott Wanek ran from Paradise to the high camp in 51 minutes! Not bad, eh? Most people can't even ski DOWN that fast. But don't feel bad if your normal one way time is something like 4-6 hours, because Scott also had run a personal best 4:11 mile. Of course, Wanek's record had to be broken too, and it was done last year by Climbing Ranger Andy Anderson. Andy quietly posted a 46 minute one way ascent to Camp Muir! Yup, 4,500 feet of gain in 4.5 miles. So what did you do in the last 46 minutes? Michael Phelps might be smashing Olympic records, but it seems the Rainier records are meeting a similar fate this summer too.
Post by Monica and Mike
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Almost Ready!
Anyone remember that flood that happened way 
back in 2006? There was a little damage to some areas of the park, with roads, trails and even whole campgrounds being damaged or disappearing entirely. The lower part of the Glacier Basin trail was one area that was heavily affected by the flooding, and for the last few years NPS trail crews along with hundreds of volunteers have been working almost nonstop on the new re-route of the trail.
Now to the fun part...
The first mile of the new trail is almost ready to be opened! Trail crews are working on the finishing touches like some beautiful bridges to keep your feet dry crossing creeks, and rock walls that not only look cool but actually add to the stability of the trail. They should have the trail open soon, although the actual opening date has not been set, so until they actually open it please respect the closed area so crews can work uninterrupted to get projects finished. For now enjoy some of these photos that rangers were able to take during our sneak preview the other day. Stop by the White River ranger station for the all the latest information on the Glacier Basin trail, or any other trail for that matter. 
If you happen to come across a trail crew out working be sure to thank them for all the hard work they do on our many miles of trails here at Mount Rainier.
As for conditions on the upper mountain these days everything is in spectacular condition. Many groups have been out climbing and skiing all over the mountain from Ptarmigan and Liberty Ridges to the standards such as the DC and Emmons. All reports have been of excellent conditions. The sun has been out, winds have been mild, and fun is being had all over, so check out some of the new route updates get your gear together and come climb with us!
back in 2006? There was a little damage to some areas of the park, with roads, trails and even whole campgrounds being damaged or disappearing entirely. The lower part of the Glacier Basin trail was one area that was heavily affected by the flooding, and for the last few years NPS trail crews along with hundreds of volunteers have been working almost nonstop on the new re-route of the trail. Now to the fun part...
The first mile of the new trail is almost ready to be opened! Trail crews are working on the finishing touches like some beautiful bridges to keep your feet dry crossing creeks, and rock walls that not only look cool but actually add to the stability of the trail. They should have the trail open soon, although the actual opening date has not been set, so until they actually open it please respect the closed area so crews can work uninterrupted to get projects finished. For now enjoy some of these photos that rangers were able to take during our sneak preview the other day. Stop by the White River ranger station for the all the latest information on the Glacier Basin trail, or any other trail for that matter. If you happen to come across a trail crew out working be sure to thank them for all the hard work they do on our many miles of trails here at Mount Rainier.
As for conditions on the upper mountain these days everything is in spectacular condition. Many groups have been out climbing and skiing all over the mountain from Ptarmigan and Liberty Ridges to the standards such as the DC and Emmons. All reports have been of excellent conditions. The sun has been out, winds have been mild, and fun is being had all over, so check out some of the new route updates get your gear together and come climb with us!
Unique visitor at Grand Portage State Park
We had a unique visitor today at the state park where I work. It was a rather chilly and blustery day, but that did not seem to deter this intrepid little woodpecker. He spent most of the afternoon pecking at the trunk of a fallen Spruce tree. He also apparently was not bothered by my presence, as I was only about 10 feet away from him when I made this picture. My first thought was that it was a Black-backed Woodpecker, but I have since been corrected and am told that it is an American Three-toed Woodpecker. Whatever he is, he sure was a pretty little bird and was a lot of fun to watch!
Friday, November 9, 2012
The Outdoor Retailer Show SLC
I'm back in SLC. Hopefully for a few days of climbing and to see the newest toys. I'll update this blog post as often as possible over the next few days as I explore the show. Check back when you have time to see what I think are going to be the cool new toys for next fall.
If there is anything specific you want to see, let me know and I'll try to track it down.
The new Batura! New zipper, should be a big improvement, which is not the TZip I first saw. Most importantly to mean totally new lace system. Thatshould add some stiffness to the cuff and again be a big improvment on the new boot. I'll know more soon on this one. But it looks very good. I've had a love-hate relationship with this boot. But the basic design is literally time proven so I know it can be done very well.
Previous comments on the 1st gen. Batura;
http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//04/la-sportivas-batura.html
http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//04/scarpa-phantom-guide-vs-la-sportiva.html
The new BD mono...lwt 900g and very cool. Still in prototype form and not being shown at this OR. But very close to productionand should be available early next winter. Buuuutt! I' ll be climbing on these while I am here in SLCand in Chamonix next month. Very exciting.
First crampon I have actually seen that does fits the Scarpa Ultra. Obviously some serious thought went into these guys.
Just a couple of the new things I saw today. I'll get much more content up in the morning.
Grivel, La Sportiva, Wild Things, Brooks Range, Westcomb, Arcyeryx, Boreal, Black Diamond, OutDry, Kuhl, Petzl were the players today.
I'm really excited to see Wild Things back and into hard core alpine climbing again, clothing and packs!
The clothings lines for us as climbers are going to be a signifigantchange.
I was one of the first into Gortex back in '76/'77. If it does really work as well as they say, POLARTEC Neoshell, is going to make an even bigger impression than Goretex did originally.I have a buddies that have been climbingfor a full year in Neoshell nowand they are impressed."The answer."
Neoshell is a super lwt, 4 x stretchy softshell that is water proof and more breathable than any thing pevious by a good amount.
Wild Things Guide pack
New Camp tools...can you say Ergo?
Super lwt touring crampon from Camp...very cool.
Boreal Fruit boot with Black Diamond Raptor....which willnow a stainless version BTW.
Carbon fiber mid sole....more to come on these as well.
Brooks Range which has a ton of neat things I'll be writing about and using...two man bivy sack here.
New tools by Grivel :) $700 retail for the all carbon version $500 for these. Nice tool but a little pricey!
The Ueli Steck Wagner knife is pretty slick as expected...more coming.
Official word from Petzl this morning......new Quarks are shipping. Extra picks aren't going to be available until March. New Nomic and Ergo won't be available again until fall of for a new release of "improved" version.
Brooks Range's new clothings line
Petzl's new helmet colors
Trango's new ice tool.....which I seriously think will be pretty good in comparison to the "big boys"!
Zamberlan Mtn Boots....again another one I really think could do well in any comparisonAlways nice to see someone building stiff boots again.
More to come when I get home!
New Black Diamond Half Dome helmets and a bunch of new glove designs I really liked.
If there is anything specific you want to see, let me know and I'll try to track it down.
The new Batura! New zipper, should be a big improvement, which is not the TZip I first saw. Most importantly to mean totally new lace system. Thatshould add some stiffness to the cuff and again be a big improvment on the new boot. I'll know more soon on this one. But it looks very good. I've had a love-hate relationship with this boot. But the basic design is literally time proven so I know it can be done very well.
Previous comments on the 1st gen. Batura;
http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//04/la-sportivas-batura.html
http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//04/scarpa-phantom-guide-vs-la-sportiva.html
The new BD mono...lwt 900g and very cool. Still in prototype form and not being shown at this OR. But very close to productionand should be available early next winter. Buuuutt! I' ll be climbing on these while I am here in SLCand in Chamonix next month. Very exciting.
First crampon I have actually seen that does fits the Scarpa Ultra. Obviously some serious thought went into these guys.Just a couple of the new things I saw today. I'll get much more content up in the morning.
Grivel, La Sportiva, Wild Things, Brooks Range, Westcomb, Arcyeryx, Boreal, Black Diamond, OutDry, Kuhl, Petzl were the players today.
I'm really excited to see Wild Things back and into hard core alpine climbing again, clothing and packs!
The clothings lines for us as climbers are going to be a signifigantchange.
I was one of the first into Gortex back in '76/'77. If it does really work as well as they say, POLARTEC Neoshell, is going to make an even bigger impression than Goretex did originally.I have a buddies that have been climbingfor a full year in Neoshell nowand they are impressed."The answer."
Neoshell is a super lwt, 4 x stretchy softshell that is water proof and more breathable than any thing pevious by a good amount.
Wild Things Guide pack
New Camp tools...can you say Ergo?
Super lwt touring crampon from Camp...very cool.
Boreal Fruit boot with Black Diamond Raptor....which willnow a stainless version BTW.
Carbon fiber mid sole....more to come on these as well.
Brooks Range which has a ton of neat things I'll be writing about and using...two man bivy sack here.
New tools by Grivel :) $700 retail for the all carbon version $500 for these. Nice tool but a little pricey!
The Ueli Steck Wagner knife is pretty slick as expected...more coming.
Official word from Petzl this morning......new Quarks are shipping. Extra picks aren't going to be available until March. New Nomic and Ergo won't be available again until fall of for a new release of "improved" version.
Brooks Range's new clothings line
Petzl's new helmet colors
Trango's new ice tool.....which I seriously think will be pretty good in comparison to the "big boys"!
Zamberlan Mtn Boots....again another one I really think could do well in any comparisonAlways nice to see someone building stiff boots again.
More to come when I get home!
New Black Diamond Half Dome helmets and a bunch of new glove designs I really liked.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
More Toddler Camping ..
Another last minute decision to make the most of time off and go camping. Packing for camping with Mirabelle always seems not worth it as we struggle to wrangle her and gear to pack in the morning of a trip. This usually has Jennifer second guessing our decision to go, and also has us leaving later than I'd prefer. Not to mention forgetting some things. (more on that later)
The idea was to drive up and secure a site at Tinkham campground off I90, then take a hike up to Denny Slide while Mirabelle takes her nap. Securing a site was not a problem and we soon took the short drive over to Denny Creek Trail Head for out hike.
Mirabelle is at an age where she does not want to be cooped up in the pack for a trip and enjoys doing some of the hiking on her own. (Although she is not at an age where she can keep from getting tuckered out pretty quickly.) She wanted out of the pack early and proceeded to inspect every rock leave and hole near the trail. She didn't want to sleep in the pack or the Ergo that we brought along as well. So we all soldiered on to the slide.
It was surprising to see so many people there early on a Friday afternoon. She got good and tuckered out there, and we continued up to Keekwulee Falls while she napped in the Ergo until we got back down to the slide. She did a fair amount of the hiking back to the car and then we headed back to camp where we needed to borrow a lighter to start our stove to make dinner.
After dinner we headed to the river where Mirabelle just had to get in and wade in the South Fork.
As you can tell from the jackets, the air was not warm.
After a breakfast of fresh picked red huckleberry oatmeal, we headed to Twin Falls State Park to get in another hike. Unfortunately, all the hiking Mirabelle did the previous day left her a little too tired to accomplish that hike and we cut the hike short just after the switchbacks leading closer to the falls.
Speedy little hiker
The idea was to drive up and secure a site at Tinkham campground off I90, then take a hike up to Denny Slide while Mirabelle takes her nap. Securing a site was not a problem and we soon took the short drive over to Denny Creek Trail Head for out hike.
Mirabelle is at an age where she does not want to be cooped up in the pack for a trip and enjoys doing some of the hiking on her own. (Although she is not at an age where she can keep from getting tuckered out pretty quickly.) She wanted out of the pack early and proceeded to inspect every rock leave and hole near the trail. She didn't want to sleep in the pack or the Ergo that we brought along as well. So we all soldiered on to the slide.
It was surprising to see so many people there early on a Friday afternoon. She got good and tuckered out there, and we continued up to Keekwulee Falls while she napped in the Ergo until we got back down to the slide. She did a fair amount of the hiking back to the car and then we headed back to camp where we needed to borrow a lighter to start our stove to make dinner.
After dinner we headed to the river where Mirabelle just had to get in and wade in the South Fork.
As you can tell from the jackets, the air was not warm.
After a breakfast of fresh picked red huckleberry oatmeal, we headed to Twin Falls State Park to get in another hike. Unfortunately, all the hiking Mirabelle did the previous day left her a little too tired to accomplish that hike and we cut the hike short just after the switchbacks leading closer to the falls.
Speedy little hiker
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