Mt Rainier 7/16-7/20 Hike to Camp Muir

Writing long winded play by play posts is not my style. Hopefully the pics and the descriptions will tell most of the story.

Ever since Dick Bass wrote 7 Summits I have read almost every mountaineering book ever published. Last fall I decided to stop living vicariously through these authors and get off my ass and attempt to climb a mountain. So I started training last Fall.
Since I have no mountaineering experience, I need a guide service. I went with International Mountain Guides (IMG). I can't say enough good things about them. I would climb or trek anywhere with this company.

Now the Climb, I flew out of NYC on Monday morning. Arrived in Ashford in time for a short hike on the mountain. There was still snow down to Paradise (Where the D.C route begins) at 5600. The next day was my acclimatization hike to Camp Muir at 10,000 ft. So you have to hike 4400 vert feet in 4.5 miles. 2/3 of which are on a featureless snow field..




A Marmot


Camp Muir

It took me 4.5hrs up, 2hrs down..9 miles round trip. According to the local hikers, that was fantastic time for a first time flatlander.

more tommorow

What was the skill level of the other participants, all first-timers?

Did the guides give any instruction during the acclimatization hike (self arrest, roped travel, crampon technique, etc), or did that come later?

See anybody skiing the Muir Snowfields?

Only one real first timer in the group.
I did the hike solo, no need for crampons or ropes on the Muir Snowfield. The major problem is on the descend if the weather comes in. I had a map and gps.
There was a half day of glacier travel training, but I have crampon and ice axe experience.

A ton of skiers and borders. The place is paradise.

So that's why you were hiking Hunter with a full pack.

Awesome. More please.

Yea Jason, ditto what Harv said. Awesome ! I bet you're still stoked from that trip. Hats off to you ! It's impressive what you did and surely not something you'll ever forget.

That trailside Marmot lookin to score reminds of the ducks we see at Sandy Bay Lake George. Every boat that pulls up to moor they zip right over to see if they can get a snack. Fortunately most don't feed them.

BUT...

What's a duck's favorite snack ?

Cheese and quackers.

Made that up myself while there today. My gal laughed pretty good.

Damn it, that was my next guess. Rocks looked like they were Pacific Northwest volcanics, lots of hikers... Shoulda guessed Ranier.

Anyway, looks sweet! Well done!

I will try to finish off the report tonight..I hope..Lots of pics from many sources to sort out

Excellent. I am looking forward to the rest of your report.

how long did it take?

Hike to Camp Muir with the group is 5.5 hrs..
Whole climb was 3 day..About 23 mile of travel..

was anyone skiing?

I mean, did you get pictures of anyone skiing?

Plenty of skiers and boarders.. but no pics..sorry