It’s almost time for our next challenge. We’ll be meeting Alan Arnette and his buddies Patrick and Robert in Colorado at the end of April for an attempt at three 14ers over four days. We’ll be updating this post as the pre-climb preparations progress. Check back for updates.
Weather Watch
Missouri Mountain | Mt. Belford | Mt. Oxford | CAIC Avalanche Information
April 19, 2009
Avalanche picture seems to be looking better. The CAIC has reduced the threat level from “high” to “moderate”. It doesn’t look like the Sawatch range got as much snow as some other areas on Saturday.
April 19, 2009
More shopping today with some of the additions, mostly minor stuff, added to John’s gear page.
April 18, 2009
Leaving in less than a week. Avalanche danger is significant thanks to recent storms and it’s sparking some discussion in the group about alternative routes – even alternative mountains. So far the consensus seems to be that warmer temps will melt or consolidate recent snowfall but we’re all keeping a close eye on conditions and possible alternatives.
April 8, 2009
Communication between all the climbers is increasing as we nail down the final details of the trip. We’re still sorting out details about plans about food and tents but it’s all coming together nicely. Jermaine’s gear shipments have arrived. More detail about his gear will be posted soon. We leave for Colorado in less than two weeks.
April 1, 2009
Gear shipments continue to arrive for both of us. All of the major purchases are in – or will be within a few days. The trip is about three weeks out and everything seems to be coming together.
March 22, 2009
A short list of some of the gear John will likely be taking on the Colorado trip has been added to the site.
March 19, 2009
John here, I’m completing most of my new gear purchases for April’s climb this weekend. This morning I picked up a Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Jacket, Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons, REI Switchback gloves, Julbo Dolgan glasses, REI Merino Wool Expedition socks, a JetBoil Personal Cooking System, and Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile gaiters. This round completes most of the big purchases. I need to buy new base layers and small miscellaneous stuff and I’ll be done – for now.
March 19, 2009
Considered buying snowshoes ahead of the climb but REI rents them to members for next to nothing. Rental should cost us about $30 per pair for 4 days while buying a decent pair would run $150-$250 dollars.
March 13, 2009
We’re launching the TeamNSC Stimulus Package next weekend. Companies like Mountain Hardwear, MSR, The North Face, REI, Outdoor Research, Action Wipes, Clif Bar, Asolo, and Jetboil are all going to get a little TeamNSC love as we continue to gear up for the Colorado 14ers and beyond. It’s the least we can do.
March 7, 2009
Phone meeting with Alan Arnette to discuss gear requirements. Discussed the possibility of taking sturdy three season tents and agreed that they may be viable but will re-assess as the climb nears. Wind chill is hitting -15 to -25 currently and that’s a bit on the chilly side. However, there’s still some concern that we may see warmer than usual weather, which could trigger some instability, as the climb nears – especially on Missouri. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
March 4, 2009
We both ordered the Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Bibs. There’s more info on those at REI’s site.
March 1, 2009
We found Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parkas on sale at REI and each grabbed one. Along with REI Power Stretch Fleece shirts for the middle layer.
