Ramoo was doing a prodigious (as usual) May trip, on which I was invited but, c'mon, this is my time to make hay, as in dough, so alas... But it was INSISTED I participate on one particular project, where certain chunks of metal were inserted in backcountry holes, rather unnecessarily, with our job to remove them and patch carefully with epoxy. Yes, dear friends, nothing like a little bolt removal to get ME motivated.
Read MoreIt was the last day of a 10 day trip for me. The previous days had been fantastic and today's agenda was to drop into a canyon Ram had heard rumors of. The story was that a pair of bolts were sitting near a tree at the end of the canyon but as to what was between where we would drop in and the final drop was pretty unclear.
Read MoreDec 15- I was way stoked, packing for Freeze Fest, thinking about all the canyon possibilities - a good chance for me to explore Dave's Mini-Slots, and revisit old favorites.
Read More“How do you know an unexplored canyon is going to be good?”
Well, there are the obvious hints ...
Read MoreThe big day finally arrived... Mt. Stuart was finally in the crosshairs.
Read MoreWe had 2400 feet of altitude to gain, and if we packed expeditiously, we could sneak in a route on Ingalls Peak in the afternoon.
Read MoreThe plan was to hike in to Boston Basin for a 5-day overnight, with a wide assortment of classic peaks to choose from. Boston Basin is one of the most popular alpine climbing camps in the North Cascades.
Read MoreWe made an early night of it, despite a late departure from Cutthroat. A 3:30 am start found us back at Rainy Pass for The Northeast Ridge of Black Peak, first ascent by Roger Jackson and Michael Kennedy 9/1/73. With 4970 feet of gain and loss
Read MoreArriving at Larry's at 11:30 pm did not portend an early rising. Thus, the concept of "Alpine Light", roadside alpine climbing just up the road near Washington Pass.
Read MoreSpring. Usually a time of unstable weather. Ram planned two weeks out in the Roost with family and friends, and I planned to join them. The usual late-night drive brought me in to Granary Spring at 2 am.
Read MoreYes, a couple other canyons were done. But the next BIG EVENT of note was a descent of Sandthrax Canyon by most of the gang on the 30th. Hank got a bunch of great pictures, and Ram wrote a wonderful trip report.
Read MoreI woke up feeling mean. The sky did not look so friendly either, so I ducked out and headed home to rest up for a few days. Ram and crew headed off to do Shenanigans Canyon, a canyon near and dear to my heart. Photos by Hank and Bruce.
Read MoreI dropped in on the night of the 26th, for the next day's exploration - Limbo Canyon. We had explored the slot next door in November, and it was good. So we wanted to get back and see what was next door.
Read MoreHerr Ram, Martina Centava, Young (cute) Ram, Hankamo, Wyoming Dave (reclining). Malia taking the pics.
Read MoreBlack Hole, New Year's Day - Truly, this IS The High Life! Thank you all for a wonderful Freezefest. Heck, we even had WOMEN! See ya in the New Year. (FreezeFest IV)
Read MoreLet's jump right in... The Escalante River was up, so Ram and Hank had rigged a rope the night before. Now, early in the morning, most stripped naked to hand traverse the rope across the river, body hanging downstream in the current. It was cold. Better than coffee.
Read More