The skyline training paid off

[KathyW]

I'm back to report that my training hikes up the Skyline trail this past winter/spring paid off - I made it up Mount Rainer this past weekend. I must say though that the higher elevations are tough for me. I did the Rainier trip with Alpine Ascents, a guide service in Seattle, and we took 3 days. The first day we backpacked up to Muir Camp from Paradise (5500' to 10,100') and I did great on that part of the trip. The second day I struggled when we moved camp from Muir to Ingram Glacier (10,100' to 11,200'). I thought about just stopping there, but everyone talked me into trying for the summit. I'm glad I did because, although I was sucking air and moving slow the whole way, I did make it up that last 3000 feet.

I know this is off topic, but here are some pics from the Rainier climb:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/gallery/3166313#174085530

I'm looking forward to more training on the Skyline as soon as the weather cools down.

[Mountain Impulse]

Congratulations Kathy. Way to hang in there.

Augie

[john m]

I did the exact same hike with Mike Horst as lead guide with Alpine Ascents on June 24-26. It's really interesting to look at your pictures almost a month later; the snow has really shrunk! In addition, I see that the high camp has been moved to a new location and there are many more obvious crevasses.

Alpine Ascents did a great job and the second night at altitude really helped everyone. Try Diamox for the higher altitudes, it helps me a lot.

I stay in shape by doing Idyllwild (Humber Park) to the top of SJ on a regular basis. Skyline has its seasons, the Humber Park trail has a wider window of time when it can be used.

Alpine Ascents has a website full of interesting hikes; what's next for you?

[KathyW]

john m: I'm allergic to sulfa drugs, so I don't think I can take Diamox.

I agree with you that Alpine Ascents did a wonderful job. Mike Horst was our lead guide too. The other guides were Lapka Sherpa, Jason Thomas, and Todd Passey. They all have great climbing resumes and were so kind and helpful on the trip. I sure will look at their service for my next guided trip. http://www.alpineascents.com/guides.asp

It has been really warm up there - so everything is melting and opening up fast.

I like the hike to San J via Humber Park too. After it warmed up this year I tried to make it up to higher elevations as much as I could. Since Memorial Day I've done a number of peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation and I struggled every time I got over 11,000 feet; so I knew Rainier was going to be a challenge.

I don't know what's next for me. I always thought that I would like to head to Mexico for a volcano climb once I got Rainier, but I'd really need to be able to acclimate for that.

Augie - Thanks for the congrats - I appreciate it.

Kathy

[magikwalt]

Wow...With the heat we have right now it looks like the trip to take! Congratulations on a great trip and thanks for the pictures.

[Cy Kaicener]

Congratulations Kathy - The Mount Whitney training also paid off. The pictures were, as usual, superb.

[KathyW]

Cy - Yes, Mount Whitney plus Dicks Peak, Mount Rose, Trailmaster Peak, Candlelight Peak, Mount Shasta, Mount Brewer, Baldy, and the Ten Thousand Foot Ridge in the SGW since my last trip up the Skyline Trail in May. My house is a mess because I never have time to clean it and my cats don't recognize me when I come home anymore.

[Davis2001r6]

Thats awesome, my trip starts Monday with RMI. I can't wait!

[KathyW]

Davis - you are going to love the climb - it's so beautiful out there.

[zippetydude]

Wow, Kathy, you're amazing. That's a great achievement and an experience that you can treasure for a lifetime. If we ever run into each other on the trail (which we never seem to!) , I'd like to hear about your Ranier experience, it sounds exciting.

z