To the summit!!!!
Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 6:22PM Mt. St. Helens
Snowshoe to the top (Lord willing)!
To begin with, I have to say that I’m very excited to be taking this group up the mountain! Please understand that this trip will be a summit attempt, which means a few things 1.) We’ll be trying to maintain a steady snow-shoeing pace (so if you don’t consider yourself to be in decent/fair physical condition, you might reconsider attending) 2.) Although it is our goal to make it to the top (the rim), note that it is an “attempt,” meaning that we might not make it due to time, weather, or other safety restrictions.
While summiting is the apparent goal of the trip, there are a few other goals that are equally (if not more) important. First, I’ll be teaching some mountaineering skills along the way up. Some will include; use of an ice ax, roping-in, and snowshoeing technique. Second, this trip will be centered on bringing glory to our Father in Heaven and the Creator of all that we’ll be enjoying!
Well will be meeting at Starting Grounds on Saturday Feb. 13th at 5AM, this way we can hit the mountain at sunrise and have the best chance of making it to the top. We’ll drive to Marble Mountain Sno-Park and heading out from there. Expect to be back around 7PM of the same day.
Here’s a list of essential things you’ll need for the trip. If you don’t have any of the items below, borrow them from a friend or me. I have very limited gear, so first-come first-serve on my stuff.
• Snow jacket and pants (waterproof)
• Gloves and Hat
• Layered clothing, long-johns, fleece jacket, etc. (as we climb, we’ll be getting hotter, so plan on shedding layers)
• Extra clothing (hope for the best, plan for the worst. Bring extra socks, gloves, underwear, and dry stuff in case of emergency)
• Boots (high-top and waterproof, if available)
• Backpack, medium sized (school backpack is an example of the smallest size you’d want for this trip, acceptable, but not ideal)
• Sack lunch (bring more extra food, you’ll be burning a lot of calories and you’ll need the extra food. Granola bars, fruit snacks, extra sandwiches, etc.)
• WATER WATER WATER!!! (at least two quarts per person)
• Sunscreen (yes, you can sunburn in the snow)
• Medical release form
• Snowshoes *** (we’ll be renting from REI, price is $20)
• A good attitude!
***I’ll handle all the rental logistics. All I need from you is your name and your money.
Here’s a list of things that would be to your benefit to bring, but aren’t required. In other words, if you have anything listed below –bring it, if you don’t –don’t go buy it.
Trekking poles *** (available to rent from REI, $5), Ice Ax, Climbing harness (for demonstration), Avalanche snow shovel, Map and compass.
The leaders on this trip will include me (Randy Bister), Brandon Marten (mountaineer extraordinaire), Koby Padilla, and Scott Bargaehr (guest mountaineering/ climbing expert).
I’m way stoked about this trip, as I hope you are! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have 360.909.7559 or randybister@gmail.com
Sign up by calling or emailing me (Randy) or Koby Padilla. Last day to sign up is Sunday Feb. 7th.
A few things to consider:
1. It would be to your advantage to take yourself on a few conditioning runs or walks to help prepare your muscles for the trip.
2. Drink lots of water daily leading up to the day of the trip
3. Eat well at least 2 nights prior to the trip. Lots of complex carbs!
4. Go to bed early Friday night.
Reader Comments (1)
That's insane! I hope it goes awesome though! Watch our for Yeti's.