Snow conditions

[KathyW]

I was just looked up crampons and ice axes out of curiosity and found Crampons start for a cheap pair around 30 bucks... not as bad as I thought and ice axes at 50 but I think I could get a good deal on ebay I found a few on there too...

How much more time this winter do you think I could actually use crampons and a ice axe?

Bigwookie: If you pick up the ice axe, I have a spare pair of aluminum crampons you can borrow until you buy some. Get in touch with me if you decide you're going to get an ice axe. The extra crampons I have are Stubai Ultralights.

I think we'll be playing in the snow at higher elevations for a couple more months this year at least.

Probably San Jacinto from the tram is one of the safer snow climbs around, but it still gets icy up there. I did Baldy and San Gorgonio in snow before I knew what crampons and ice axes were, but I certainly wouldn't recommend that anyone else do that. You could go out to Dry Lake from the South Fork Trail and probably do fine without any special gear. The trail gets slick, but it's pretty safe and you're likely just to fall on your butt if you fall. As long as you stop at Dry Lake you should be fine and that's a full day as it is in the snow.

[Bigwookie009]

That would be cool Kathy! Although I just realized that I should be getting my tax money back soon! Maybe I will be able to do some real winter mountaineering yet! For ice axes how long do you think they should be? Also I don't think I have ever seen them at REI but they are online do you think they sell them in the store? Or where do you guys go to get a ice axe?
I think Ill have a hard time finding crampons though since I have a size 14 shoe... a lot I saw say they fit up to 12 or 13 on a few maybe a 13 would work

hahah Im starting to get excited that I might be able to do this soon actually!

[climberslacker]

hey big wookie, the adventure 16 in south oceanside has both the raven and the raven pro. About sizing, the staff are extremly knowledgable.

-CS

[Bigwookie009]

Nice thanks! Ill have to go there and check it out! Thats the one I think looks best actually so thats perfect!

[Sally]

Bigwookie, I got BD contact strap crampon with ABS and and the Raven Pro axe from Nomad Ventures (a small shop here in Temecula. there's also one in Idyllwild and I think Escondido) They were $120 and $100, about $10 more for each than I could have gotten them for online, but the guy in the store made sure the crampon would fit my boot and the axe is short enough for little ol'me.

Kathy, Nomad also has ordered a copy of "Freedom of the Hills" for me.

Climberslacker, we should all get together and practice. Can you ditch school on Wednesday? - lol I also have Sundays available.

[Bigwookie009]

Sally: Thats about the same prices I have been seeing. I think I might actually go and order that book too I bet it will be some good reading!

[climberslacker]

Wookie, if you really do live in O-side the Adventure 16 has the book too,a dn the contact crampons. They are right on the corner of coast highway and vista way.

-CS

Disclaimer: No I don't work there, just love the store and teh people working there!

[Bigwookie009]

hahaha alright I will have to go there and check it out then, thanks man