[pct-l] mountaineering side trips

[Ripperton Matt" <maripper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Ripperton Matt)]

Question for the list - I was curious about other mountaineering
possibilities along the way?  I know the north cascades are great, but I
will probably not make it that far this year as I have to return at the end
of August.  Do any thru-hikers stop to climb Shasta?  Mt Hood?  I found some
info on Hood that seems to indicate the climbing season doesn't go very long
into the summer, is that true?  Are there guide services anyone would
recommend?  Or any other interesting peaks?  I am not really a "peak
bagger", but I love high terrain & would love to take advantage while I'm
out there.

Jared -
On Rainier: If you have someone you know in the area who is experienced
enough to take you up safely, as some have suggested, then OK, but I would
highly recommend a guide service for someone with no mountaineering
experience.  I did an expedition seminar with RMI a few years ago as my
first mountaineering trip, and I was impressed with them.  This was a 6-day
program with quite a bit of instruction, which may not be what you're
interested in, but they also have a standard 3-day climb: one day of skills
review, one day up to Camp Muir, one day to the summit & back down.  I went
around the first week of September, and had typical big-mountain weather:
cold, vicious wind & snow some days, other days (including the summit) were
lovely. Summit day is long, but shouldn't be a problem for someone in
thru-hiking shape.  It is a beautiful mountain.

On the gear questions: Do not underestimate this mountain.  It's true that
it's not extremely technical, but it's still roped glacier travel - axe,
crampons, harness, helmet.  There are some pretty steep areas above
crevasses where a slip would be bad news.  Some people used heavy leather
boots, but most had plastic.  Any reputable guide will not allow you onto
the mountain with them unless you are properly equipped.  You will not be
able to get by with your trail equipment, and trying to do so it to put
yourself and the others you are climbing with at risk.  The gear is
expensive, so I would not buy it & send it to yourself there.  If you climb
with RMI you can rent almost everything you might need.

Hope that helps,
Matt

  >
> Message: 3
> From: "Jared McClain" <jbm-pct03@nc.rr.com>
> To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2003 16:47:04 -0400
> Subject: [pct-l] RE: PCT-L digest, Vol 1 #859 - 10 msgs
>
> Does anyone have any advice they would like to pass on regarding the
> incorporation of a Mt. Rainer climb while hiking the PCT?  I would be
> attempting the summit sometime in late August or early September.  Ideas
on
> necessary equipment and type of footwear would be greatly appreciated.
> Also, if anyone knows of a reputable guide that would take the time
> necessary to insure a successful summit, that would be great.  Do you
really
> need 12 pt crampons and plastic boots for this climb?  I don't have any
> mountaineering experience but this seems like a bit of over kill, as I
> understand there is hardly any "technical" climbing required for this
> summit.  Thanks for any info.
> Jared
>