HST Muir Conditioning

The HST had an eventful training climb to Muir this weekend. We started out from Paradise around 10AM in the morning on Sunday, under cloudy skies and great climbing temperatures. It was an eye opening trip for many of our team as this was the first time they had been on a mountain of Rainier's class. The team made amazing progress at 1000-1400 feet per hour, much faster than we initially planned for. These Warriors continued to display that, despite personal injury, they can overcome anything. They also became very familiar with their partners feet as well as the beautiful scenery as we slowly worked our way up the Muir snowfield. We reached a cold and bitter Muir that afternoon, where we enjoyed some cold lunch, tested out some of our new "snivel gear," and refilled our water. We headed down after about an hour, and, much to our relief, we were able to glissade from just below Muir to just below Panoramic point due to both the conditions as well as some much worn glissade trails from previous climbers. Unfortunately, just below Panoramic point, one of our climbers was injured while glissading, and we were unable to move him down the mountain due to his limited mobility. After checking out a few routes down, we decided to enlist the help of the park's climbing rangers in getting our guy down.  Glenn the rest of his climbing ranger team, continued to display their absolute professionalism and skill in moving our climber back down to Paradise. Its always an awesome experience to operate with them.

All in all it was a critical day on the mountain. Our climbers proved to themselves that they can overcome the challenges that  both their injuries and mother nature throw at them. They also received a key lesson in how Rainier can go from being beautiful to dangerous in an instant. I was proud of how well our team-mates reacted under pressure, both physical and mental. They are definitely a strong group ready for further challenges on the mountain. I'm proud to climb alongside them.

Enjoy some pictures from the trip:

Break time

Moving up

Glissade

Almost to Muir

Glissade on the Muir Snowfield

Mike's up!

Trail

Moving strong

HST Rainier Training Climb

HST Rainier Warrior Climb Team Members -

On Sunday, 17 July we will climb from Paradise to Camp Muir in preparation for the climb next month. Muir is a great training climb as you will experience the effects of altitude, glacier travel, and mountain conditions without the need for technical equipment.

We will meet at the JBLM WTB, and be on the road by 700. Contact Lou if you need a spot in the WTB van. We will leave Paradise and head to Muir via pebble creek to the Muir snowfield. At Muir we will have lunch and learn a few basic mountaineering skills. After lunch and training (and possibly a snooze in the afternoon sun), we will head back down to Paradise. We should be back at the WTB no later than 1900 that evening.

Wear: Ball cap/hat, sunglasses, wicking shirt, hiking pants (not cotton), wicking socks, hiking boots preferred (not trail shoes)

Pack:  Water (camel back and extra bottle (3 liters) minimum), Food (energy bars, trail mix, jerky, meat sticks, PBJ, etc), extra pair of socks, light long sleeve top (silk weight is fine), warm snookie cap, gloves (a pair of liners for warmth and a pair to use), Waterproof shell top and Waterproof shell bottom*, if you have a sleep mat or a small pad to sit on this is a good idea, Walking poles** (Optional but highly recommended), sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), The 10 essentials.

Bring a camera with extra batteries for awesome pictures. If you want to bring a GPS to play around with on the mountain feel free. 

* Waterproof breathable top and bottom (Army issue Goretex works great). If you don’t have access to military or civilian gear either for yourself or through a friend, let Mike or Josh know and we will see what we can do.

**Poles - You can rent them for cheap at REI ($2 for members $4 for non-members)

Anything more you feel you need please clear with Mike P.

You will likely wear hiking pants / shorts with your tshirt most of the way up. The warming top or WP Top is for breaks, hanging out at Muir, and emergencies. You will be hot.

Have: In an extra bag or carry in your pack (and leave in the van) for the end, dry shirt, dry pants/shorts, flip-flops, bottle of water/gator-aid.  ( I SUGGEST CARRY IN AN EXTRA BAG)

Bring money for a greasy breakfast!!!

Info:

 Maps: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/mount-rainier-maps.htm

 Info: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm 

Weather:   http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/rainier_report.html

Obama awards JBLM sergeant with Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor Tuesday to a Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army sergeant who lost his hand in Afghanistan when he tried to toss an enemy grenade away from himself and two colleagues.

"Today, we honor a singular act of gallantry," Obama said. "The Medal of Honor reflects the deepest gratitude of our nation."

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HST Meering

HST - All team leaders, climbers, and support climbers will meet at McNamara's in Dupont for a Rainier Warrior Climb meeting onThursday, July 7th from1800-1900. We will discuss the Baker and Rainier climbs, training, and equipment. It will be a great opportunity to meet the other climbers and the leader id you haven't already done so. Please RSVP via the invite email.

http://www.mcnamaraspubandgrill.com/

Thanks
HST