[pct-l] mountaineering side trips

[m.karon@xxxxxxxxx (Marshall Karon)]

In Oregon, try Thielson, South and Middle Sister. Mt. Hood not recommended
in summer. In Washington, Mt. Adams (may need a permit).  Some people do
climb Mt. Shasta. It is not on the PCT, but is close to Castella. Climb up
Dick Peak at Lake Tahoe. And, of course, Mt. Whitney.

Truth is, most through hikers only hike the trail and are glad to get a lift
to a grocery store. Amazing what hiking thousands of miles does to your
inclination to hike elsewhere.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@attbi.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ripperton Matt" <maripper@mindspring.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Cc: <jbm-pct03@nc.rr.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 10:16 PM
Subject: [pct-l] mountaineering side trips


> 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
> >
>
>
>
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