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Training and Colorado
With just 3-weeks to go until ice climbing training in Colorado and less than 5-months until Mt. Rainier, training is intensifying. I was planning to workout each day in February as a test to see where I am at. Of course, a couple of days have turned into “off” days. I try to make up…
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Planning Continues
Most of the required gear has been taken care of for Mt. Rainier, except for two jackets that are on the recommended list. One of them is a windproof/waterproof parka, with down insulation. In trying to justify the cost, and what would seem to be limited use on the mountain, though the weather is unpredictable…
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Obstacles
Rain has fallen the past two days. What snow we had is gone. Replaced with last year’s grass, sand, and mud, the yard is crunchy and slippery. The sun rises over naked rooftops, and bare branches reflect the light. An odd mixture of the winter month and the scent of spring. I hear bird songs.…
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Trip Updates
I hope this blog becomes a useful resource, but of course that requires me to actually have information on here. I am working on content the next couple of days, and will have a lot of stuff for here. An update on the trips for this year, and my training goals. The end of June,…
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Why Mt. Rainier?
Why climb Mt. Rainier? There are other more accessible, and lower height peaks that could be attempted? So why a mountain that on average has 2 deaths per year, one of the largest amounts of snowfalls, and many glaciers? I first got the idea from reading “No Shortcuts to the Top”, by Ed Viesturs. A…
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Mount Beckey
Biography of Fred Beckey Originally written on 07/11/2009 for a job interview. Somewhat obscure and averse to fame and the public spotlight, with only visions of unclimbed mountain peaks, first ascents, new routes, and woman, Fred Beckey is a climbing legend. Born as Friedrich Wolfgang Beckey on January 14th, 1923 in Germany, his parents moved to Seattle,…
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Dreams: Our Reality
Dreams: Path or Reality What will it take to trust this path? How many more years will I take the steps carefully, always watchful, before I finally give in and trust, not only this direction, but more importantly, myself? Dreams far beyond my physical reach are an integral part of each day. I have read…
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Welcome
Welcome to Mountains and Ice. This blog will be about nature, tackling mountains and ice, and the journey it takes to get there. I have often eluded to a deep fascination, almost obsession, with mountains and ice on here. I have had very tasty bites and morsels of these portions of nature, that have left…