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Hi all,
My buddy and I are going to head up for the 4th. Hopefully no avalanches this time. ;^) Wondering if anybody has been up lately? Also what the trail & route conditions might be? Thanks in advance.
Wes
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Yo Wes, Check out my pics from last weekend.... Mt. Whitney MR - 6.26.10Btw, your snowball is still up there!
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I knew I could count on you for the info! Congratulations on your summit Mike! Great job guys. Nice pics too!
Wes
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@ Gigamike - Did you guys just scramble up the MR avoiding the snow? Did you happen to get a look at the approach to Russell? Trying to get an idea on what the snow level is looking like, seems like its melting quick.
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The snow in the chute (and just about everywhere) was a mess. We were literally swimming in the snow. Some of the snow in the chute was avoidable by taking the rocks but not all. The top of the chute is dry. A large snow patch in the final 400 plus runoff down the center of the final 400 to be avoided.
Russell's approach looked clear but not being there could not guarantee that.
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Hey Wes more pictures here then you want to see start at #127.. BTW.. is the guy that I met with you on your overnite summit on Baldy 3weeks ago going with you... mark MR 6/26/2010
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The EB route is dry except for the usual bank of snow at the top of pitch 3 (which can be avoided), but the melt makes the belay a bit damp and can put a bit of skidaddle on your C4/XS.
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Mark, good job and congratulations on your summit! Nice pics. Thanks. Yes my friend Jesse is coming up. He has spent the last two weekends on top of Baldy and he is feeling fine at that elevation now. So we will take it slow & hopefully everything will work out.
Wes
Last edited by westhegimp; 07/01/10 02:44 AM.
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AxeMan thanks for the beta. I take it you were just on it, so congratulations!! Pics? TR? How was it? Do tell.
Wes
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Wanna trail a rope behind you?
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Richard, already doing that this time.
We should wait for the snow to melt then go!
Wes
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RichardP, How’z about you snag a day-permit (for 2) and I’ll trail a rope. Deal? But, I can’t make the 4th. Name another date. Wes, Have fun on the EB and do tell about the genesis of Mt Snowball. Enquiring minds want to know  Cheers, RickG
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Graham,
The first rule of the genesis of Mt Snowball is you don't talk about about the genesis of Mt Snowball! ;^)
Wes
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Rick, the only weekends already planned are 07/09 and 07/23. Pick a different one and I'll try my best to get the required permit for the North Fork.
BTW, if you haven't heard, Mexico is down to you and me unless Mike decides to come along. I'll give him a few more weeks before I start firming up the transportation issue.
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Mike and I are going to hold you to it Wes. Looking forward to a trip up either the East Face or Ease Buttress with a Master.
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Sounds good Richard.
OMG! My pack is 47#s!!! No H2O or crampons or Ice Axe or tent. WTF? I'm going back to day hiking. ;^)
Wes
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Right On!!!!!
What do you have in it besides climbing gear that makes it weigh that much?
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Poor Wes, he has to carry all the "normal" climbing gear 
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Graham, The first rule of the genesis of Mt Snowball is you don't talk about about the genesis of Mt Snowball! ;^) Wes Hehe……I believe it’s also the 2nd rule  Poor Wes, he has to carry all the "normal" climbing gear I thought “normal” for Wes was just a chalkbag and shoes  Have fun up there guys and please post/report on the conditions. I hope to get back up there soon.
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Richard,
14#s is food because I'm on a diet. 5#s of pads because I'm not young anymore. 15#s Rope and climbing gear. The rest is crap I don't need but can't do without. Book, camera, day-pack to hold my boots (I can't wait for the snow to melt), jacket, down jacket, etc.
I can get rid of the rope & rack, then I will have room for more food, yeah thats the ticket.
Wes
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