TR Replies
I read about the recent avalanche at Catedral. Hopefully, you were unaffected and will have an enjoyable return to the North. Remember the chocolate. ;)
author=kam link=topic=10750.msg43993#msg43993 date=1218079883]
I´m thinking about dark brown topsheet, black base, and raw-meat red colored sidewalls... BIFE!
Maybe some gray marbling would be good. You want people to think your skis have a rich hearty flavor to match the full bodied snow pack we get around here and in the Sierra.
Skip - nice to see you out skiing and not working, even if it you had to chang...
Wonderful report and photos Jason. Wow, 8lbs of camera gear -- that's dedication and it shines through in your beautiful photos. I love the Ptarmigan and enjoyed seeing it through your eyes.
I also love the fact that you did this trip with your brothers. My brother is a dedicated skier but he winters in Montana so we don't have as much opportunity to ski together as I'd like. Your report is good motivation to finally plan that extended ski trip with him.
I also love the fact that you did this trip with your brothers. My brother is a dedicated skier but he winters in Montana so we don't have as much opportunity to ski together as I'd like. Your report is good motivation to finally plan that extended ski trip with him.
Hey Kam,
Did you check out the painting in the kitchen of the spires at Frey??? Was Maxi and Rupert the hosts? We were there last August/Sept. and had an awesome time. Great spring skiing for us. We had a few weather days but we did quite a bit of touring from Frey. We'll go back for sure. I put together a little slideshow last year of our trip, if you get a coffee break, check it out at:
http://web.mac.com/donnivogs/iWeb/Site/Argentina.html
What area did...
Did you check out the painting in the kitchen of the spires at Frey??? Was Maxi and Rupert the hosts? We were there last August/Sept. and had an awesome time. Great spring skiing for us. We had a few weather days but we did quite a bit of touring from Frey. We'll go back for sure. I put together a little slideshow last year of our trip, if you get a coffee break, check it out at:
http://web.mac.com/donnivogs/iWeb/Site/Argentina.html
What area did...
author=Jason_H. link=topic=10764.msg44001#msg44001 date=1218132218">
I really wanted to add 5 or six more peaks, but I don't know if that will ever happen for me. The energy was so much to carry all that gear and skis. It would be much easier without them.
Yes, that's the balancing act I was referring to in "Steep and Far". To me it's a more...
For those who like to see more photos, check out this TR http://telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=47107
Thanks Lowell. I love the history! That route you guys did through the hanging gardens would be amazing. One day I will follow your tracks. It certainly is the better route to take, especially for a july ski.
BTW, we were thinking about how many of our descents were following Carl's. I really wanted to add Sentinel Peak, but it was more melted out than I would've liked. :) I really wanted to add 5 or six more peaks, but I don't know if that will ever happen for me. The...
BTW, we were thinking about how many of our descents were following Carl's. I really wanted to add Sentinel Peak, but it was more melted out than I would've liked. :) I really wanted to add 5 or six more peaks, but I don't know if that will ever happen for me. The...
author=Jason_H. link=topic=10764.msg43973#msg43973 date=1217998508">
Looking far down the valley, the hanging cliffs below the blue-encircled outline of the appropriately named Blue Lake, it appeared feasible to go down the valley. I’m unaware of anyone going this way before. In Tom Miller’s book, THE NORTH CASCADES, there is a photo of them at Blue Lake in the 1950’s. I tend to think from other photos in the selection that they came in along the Hanging Garde...
Speaking of bife, Skip suggested that I name my next pair of skis BIFE de CHORIZO. I brought a new pair based on a design that would be bife worthy:
http://www.skibuilders.com/gallery/RPP/KKL_0039.jpg
likewise the red pair that I made for Skip which he seems to enjoy here:
http://www.skibuilders.com/gallery/SkipSticks/SkiSticks03.jpg
I´m thinking about dark brown topsheet, black base, and raw-meat red colored sidewalls... BIFE!
http://www.skibuilders.com/gallery/RPP/KKL_0039.jpg
likewise the red pair that I made for Skip which he seems to enjoy here:
http://www.skibuilders.com/gallery/SkipSticks/SkiSticks03.jpg
I´m thinking about dark brown topsheet, black base, and raw-meat red colored sidewalls... BIFE!
But I digress, effort is a catalyst for satisfaction and I don’t shy away from it, rather embrace it and wallow in the rewards whether they are big or small. Sweat and struggle is the well of life in my opinion.
Congratulations, amazeing trip, and thanks for the great tr!
I remmember how severe those boomers were down in Ashford, must have been quite an adventure to endure in a tent up in the hills.
<...
Thanks Scotsman. That slide alder was hell. Ha. But I'm not afraid of suffering if the venture is potentially worth it. I can't say I'll ever go down that valley again though. That'd be crazy talk :)
Beautiful trip report. An amazing adventure and the writing about the slide alder hell made me feel I was there.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Quite a contrast to spring skiing- I was there in November 2005.
http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=3520.msg14931#msg14931
http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=3520.msg14931#msg14931
Thanks for the clarification!
Well it still looked like loads of fun.
I just wanted to be sure so I could assess conditions. Still thinking of heading out there early next week. Hoping for the best.
Alan
Well it still looked like loads of fun.
I just wanted to be sure so I could assess conditions. Still thinking of heading out there early next week. Hoping for the best.
Alan
I think that you may have Dave_R's TR confused with mine, BigSnow. We never went on the north side of the Pinnacle. I was trying for optimum resolution when I chose the sizing for Photo #1, but it is really too small to be useful. I was facing almost due west when I took the shot from a snowfield below the summer trail. As is the case on all my trip reports, I feel that the limitations on photo quantity and quality prevents a true summery of the adventure.
Can't seem to figure out the aspect in photo 1.
Is that the south aspect of Coleman Pinnacle? It doesn't look like the NorthWest side.
Alan
Is that the south aspect of Coleman Pinnacle? It doesn't look like the NorthWest side.
Alan
Nice tracks, Bob! Sorry I missed you in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Brad and I are going out somewhere this weekend, probably Baker. I know you're busy then, so we'll just have to keep trying.
Don
Don
VERY nice read, Jason.
And an impressive trip and knockout impressive photos.
Thanks for sharing it.
And an impressive trip and knockout impressive photos.
Thanks for sharing it.
Yes, I did put a lot of effort in this yesterday and part of today. Ha. It actually went pretty smoothly for me and probably only took 12 hours or so. Not bad for 7500 words!!!
And a machete would not have been sufficient. I am talking verdant forests of slide alder!!! Damned if I didn't get a picture of it. Ha. Maybe one day a fool will follow our route and get a photo for me :)
I'm glad you liked snowbell. I really enjoyed writing it. As it is rare I get to wri...
And a machete would not have been sufficient. I am talking verdant forests of slide alder!!! Damned if I didn't get a picture of it. Ha. Maybe one day a fool will follow our route and get a photo for me :)
I'm glad you liked snowbell. I really enjoyed writing it. As it is rare I get to wri...
Excellent TR Jason!
You had mentioned this trip pending with your brothers some time ago and I had forgotten that I had not seen a report. Better late than never. You clearly put a lot of energy into this one. Thank you.
BTW-
Perhaps the next time that you muster a 95lb pack you might as well add a machete. You probably wont even notice it.
You had mentioned this trip pending with your brothers some time ago and I had forgotten that I had not seen a report. Better late than never. You clearly put a lot of energy into this one. Thank you.
BTW-
Perhaps the next time that you muster a 95lb pack you might as well add a machete. You probably wont even notice it.
DAY FIVE: Dome Col to Agnes Creek (between slide alder paths)
Morning drizzle had continued unabated until we figured it was nice enough to go. To the east there appeared to be hope, but further west was not promoting desires to stay put. It wilted slightly before withering away entirely. Without much said, we packed up and skied to the edge of the Chickamin Glacier and dropped off toward Gunsight Peak. With so many days of food remaining, it was sad. So much effort to carry it all an...
Morning drizzle had continued unabated until we figured it was nice enough to go. To the east there appeared to be hope, but further west was not promoting desires to stay put. It wilted slightly before withering away entirely. Without much said, we packed up and skied to the edge of the Chickamin Glacier and dropped off toward Gunsight Peak. With so many days of food remaining, it was sad. So much effort to carry it all an...
DAY THREE: Yang Yang Lakes to White Rock Lakes with ski descent of Hoch Joch Spitz
The weather woke to a gentle breeze and perfect skies. Ah, the fortune we’d become familiar with! It was our plan this day to climb another steep chute to access the ridge above Yang Yang Lakes. Kicking steps was brutal in the heat which was fantastic even in the early morning. Once on the mellow ridgeline that traverses to steeper slopes above Le Conte Lakes, we rested next to wonderful tarns which flo...
The weather woke to a gentle breeze and perfect skies. Ah, the fortune we’d become familiar with! It was our plan this day to climb another steep chute to access the ridge above Yang Yang Lakes. Kicking steps was brutal in the heat which was fantastic even in the early morning. Once on the mellow ridgeline that traverses to steeper slopes above Le Conte Lakes, we rested next to wonderful tarns which flo...
The tracks from your second picture were still visible yesterday. I brought skins along but never took them out of my pack. My skis are so devoid of wax that I was able to climb up out of several basins without the use of skins.
I guess we should have checked the north side of the Pinnacle yesterday. It must have been too hot for the goats where we were. But then, we didn't see any hikers either (at least until late in the day).
Being new around here, love to know exactly where Steve Pool is.
Thanks
Thanks
Hey I was up at the Frey Hut a couple of months back dreaming about skiing some lines we could see from the windows. How was the snow pack? I saw some AT gear hanging above the window and figured someone was making a few turns. A lot of people told to me I should check out Mendoza for some turns. Are you guys headed their? Does this pick look familiar?
mj
mj
author=cascadesfreak link=topic=10750.msg43958#msg43958 date=1217965831]
Most bars seem near empty until after midnight, but still crowded last night when we left the Irish pub at 5:30 am!).
sounds like you guys are livin' la vida loca out there!! i'm hungry just reading your posts...please please please bring me back some meat and chocolate. :)
author=Zap link=topic=10750.msg43888#msg43888 date=1217649657]There´s been a good stack up of storms rolling in the last several days and Catedral is now skiable from top to bottom (the lower slopes had no snow cover when we arrived here last week). Good wind-drifted powder skiing up high yesterday in-bounds with sunny weather!
Hopefully the current storm improves the conditions at Catedral.
If the forecast holds (raging snow storm going...
We hit the paradise area on sunday...skimmed across pebble creek..loved it!!! and Yes..my 11 year old climbed the route without a complaint. We left the visitors center at about 12:30 and hit the top of pebble creek at about 1:30. Good job since it looks like you were able to climb higher and grab even more snow.
Funny...everyone thinks we have lost our minds skiing in August. We love it!!
Funny...everyone thinks we have lost our minds skiing in August. We love it!!
I have been wanting to make it up there for two weeks now but life has been conspiring against it. Your report offers much hope that it might be worth trying still.
I have done this trip often in the first week of August and I have to admit that the coverage looks better than I have ever seen at this time of year.
Alan
I have done this trip often in the first week of August and I have to admit that the coverage looks better than I have ever seen at this time of year.
Alan
I can definitely attest to the suncups on Muir. I was up on snowfield yesterday as well and the upper section was firm suncups, which mellowed closer to Pebble Creek. I wish I'd gone to the Paradise glacier.
Thanks for the report. I'm looking for someplace with minimal suncups to get some August skiing in this week, and Paradise Glacier sounds good, especially compared to Muir right now.
The crampons would have been useful for crossing the wide snow fields to get to the longer fields. Booting up worked fine.
Cross the first saddle you see (visable in the pano shot), and you'll see lots of snow. Anything in the next valley over will be the same conditions, although slightly longer runs. How far you want to hike is totally up to you, but the snow doesn't improve until you get much further up Baker. Good luck!
Cross the first saddle you see (visable in the pano shot), and you'll see lots of snow. Anything in the next valley over will be the same conditions, although slightly longer runs. How far you want to hike is totally up to you, but the snow doesn't improve until you get much further up Baker. Good luck!
Thanks for the TR. I am trying to encourage a friend to continue skiing through the summer. We'll probably end up at Ptarmigan Ridge tomorrow rather than the longer up hill hike to Heliotrope Ridge.
btw I've never brought crampons to Ptarmigan Ridge in the summer and generally we kick steps instead of skinning up the snow fingers.
btw I've never brought crampons to Ptarmigan Ridge in the summer and generally we kick steps instead of skinning up the snow fingers.
author=Zap link=topic=10750.msg43888#msg43888 date=1217649657]
El Boliche del Alberto for beef de lomo.
Roger that, though I speak for Kam in sayng we´re on a strictly bife de chorizo diet. It comes raw at Alberto if you don´t specify, coincidentally. I´m saving lomo for next trip.
My understanding is it going to storm all this week - perhaps up to a meter by Thursday. We have room at the inn for one more.&n...
Nice report - glad you were able to get back up there. Hope you get the pictures back........
Sweet. Dulce?
Good to hear about powder in August, and that you are able to satisfy your taste for bife - at least they won't make you drink schnapps there!
Good to hear about powder in August, and that you are able to satisfy your taste for bife - at least they won't make you drink schnapps there!
We skied Catedral today. Some spots were about knee-deep. The powder in the morning was quite light, but it warmed up throughout the day making the snow heavy like at home. Interestingly, it seemed like the locals don´t care for powder. We found lots of untracked lines and did not have to compete for the good stuff. Powder in August is really cool.
Zap, I´m heading out for bife de lomo in about two hours. My goal is to eat bife every night before le...
Zap, I´m heading out for bife de lomo in about two hours. My goal is to eat bife every night before le...
Kam, Hopefully the current storm improves the conditions at Catedral. I assume you have contacted "soulskier"(Jamie) via Telemarktips. With your relocation to Reno, Jamie would be a good contact seeing he is a Tahoe guy. El Boliche del Alberto for beef de lomo. Mamuschka has the best chocolate. Looking forward to seeing more reports and photos.
Thanks for the update. I was there on Wednesday and it was a solid white out, and COLD. I think it was probably mid to upper thirties in the Paradise lot so I turned around and came home. Long live winter
I was actually there yesterday and saw some hikers in the west bowl. I think it's more or less done for the year. Last week it was considerably better with only one, easy carry. Nice pictures though, way to get it!
thanks jd! I guess I'm just trying to get an idea of distance from the lower camp to the summit. Sounds like a fun trip and not too tough either...
Colin,
There should be plenty of snow up there for a decent run through August.
If I were camping on the mt. I would go beyond the pass (views are not that good) to camp on the ridge above, or even the summit of Ruth - which would reward you with an incredible sunrise/sunset. Hannigan Peak, not far up the other side of the pass from Ruth, might also be nice, even if it is in the wrong direction.
The standard route should be pretty easy to find - there are often...
There should be plenty of snow up there for a decent run through August.
If I were camping on the mt. I would go beyond the pass (views are not that good) to camp on the ridge above, or even the summit of Ruth - which would reward you with an incredible sunrise/sunset. Hannigan Peak, not far up the other side of the pass from Ruth, might also be nice, even if it is in the wrong direction.
The standard route should be pretty easy to find - there are often...
Congrats, very impressive!
(I mean, not a good thing to break a leg, but if you're going to break a leg, what amazing timing to do it on the first of the month while skiing, then recover so quickly to sneak in a ski day at the end of the next month -- wow!)
(I mean, not a good thing to break a leg, but if you're going to break a leg, what amazing timing to do it on the first of the month while skiing, then recover so quickly to sneak in a ski day at the end of the next month -- wow!)
Hi there, just looking for a bit more beta on this route... thinking about heading up saturday afternoon, camp at the pass, then summit, ski, and get out on sunday. Having a hard time finding route information beyond hannegan camp though. What are the times like headed up to the summit from the camp? Any useful info on the route? Think it'll still be worth skiing after the rain this week? Thanks!
It was truly good to have you back, Jeanette. You are a real trooper. No sun, but your sunny smile lit up the hill and it was good to see you enjoying yourself again. Thanks, Ron, for a fun tour, as always, and the Mexican party. Onwards and upwards!
Excellent..the snow looks nice in those photos
author=Mad_Dog link=topic=10734.msg43808#msg43808 date=1217363202]
Thanks to the help and encouragement from my friends, it felt GREAT to be back on the snow. Since everything higher than the sole of a ski boot looks like an elevator shaft and is way to scary right now I stuck only to the bunny slope :D.
The important thing is to get back out there. Good for you for doing it! This coming weekend is the first the doc will allo...