Jakub's summary of first meeting

Hello everyone:

I thought the first meeting went well and Bill gave us a lot of useful info regarding what to expect. We went through a gear list so that we can ask for the right stuff for the holidays and we set the agenda for training.

The RMI site is a good reference for everything, and if we decide to go guided we can consider them. Check out their individual gear lists and see what you want to own. A lot of stuff can be rented i.e. plastic boots, crampons, axes, avalanche transceivers, and even helmet, harness, gaiters, etc.

As far as training goes, we all agree that it is key to start now and train hard. Again, the RMI site offers a lot of helpful tips. Make a training schedule and stick to it. We'll figure out a way to share progress. Our plan at this time is that everyone trains on their own at least 3x/wk aerobic 30-45 min at 80% max heart rate and strength training. Rick and I will also start the stepmaster with a 50lb pack once a week and once a month we'll all go to a set of steps with 100ft elevation to do a few thousand feet with the 50lb pack. By Apr we plan to do 5,000 with the pack in the Shenandoah's.

We'll continue to meet once a month to cover 1) terminology 2) rope work 3) anchor placement 4) crevasse rescue 5) snow conditions 6) snow camping 7) GPS /navigation 8) First aid/wilderness medicine, etc.. When there is an opportunity we'll head out with ropes, axes, and crampons to practice on the snow. The chapter to review in Freedom of the Hills this month is Snow Travel and Climbing. If you haven't already, plan to read the whole thing - it's all relevant.

I think that those most likely to climb are divided into two groups - those that are here in Baltimore meeting regularly and those that are elsewhere. A few folks like Veru and Brad are planning to take courses. Some like Tim have (in my opinion) enough experience already. I think Rainier is a good mountain to do on our own with appropriate training, information, and teamwork.

Jakub

First Meeting (Baltimore)

We've had our first successful meeting regarding the climb. In the photo, meet (from left to right) Bill Ensor, Jakub, Rick Kiegel, and Jerry Jackson. Bill is discussing his experience climbing Rainier with a guide a few years ago.

I'll post more info about the specifics in a bit. Quick highlights were - developing a serious training regime, meeting at Pretty Boy to do "the steps," equipment that needs to be purchased/rented.

More soon!

PS Check out these public photo albums for a "route map" and some intense crevasse photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/okmtngirl/RainierFavorites and
http://picasaweb.google.com/okmtngirl/RainierCompletePhotoCollection

Veru's experience & training

Me - Age 34; Height: 5’7”; Weight:120lbs

Hiking/Mountaineering: I have been hiking & camping from an early age and recently started exploring mountaineering in high altitudes.

Experience includes hiking in Tatra Mts. (Slovakia) with Denise and Jakub in ’96; mountaineering/glacier climb to Reinwaldhorn (Adula Mts. in Switzerland) in August ’06, reaching summit at 3,402m; mountaineering to El Plomo (Andes in Chile) with Jakub in October ’06 to 5,000m (turned back before reaching summit at 5,200m); climb to Villarica - active volcano – in December ‘06 (Chile) at 2,847m.

Rock Climbing:
First rock climbed at age 16, but haven't been that active in the sport until recently. Started rock climbing (Jan. 2008) at an indoor rock gym (Go Vertical) in Philadelphia 1-2 times per week.

Thoughts about Rainier:
Since my climb with Jakub to El Plomo in Chile, I’ve been increasingly interested in mountaineering & backcountry camping. I am 95% “in” for Rainier and really look forward to the climb!!

As far as doing Rainier with/without a guide, I think we should all prepare and educate ourselves in an attempt to do it guide-free, but perhaps re-evaluate our group in the summer and then make a decision. For me personally, I do not have specific/technical knowledge of mountaineering, especially not in emergency situations. I am planning to take a basic mountaineering course in Spring ’08 which addresses these issues.

Training:
I am currently running 2-3 times/week; 30-40min. each. Runs will increase in duration over time. Use of bike for transportation; Capoeira (heavy physical fitness class) for 1.2hrs, 1-2 times/week; rock climbing 1-2 times per week; occasional hiking; skiing/snowboarding this winter.

I will continue with above workouts when possible, but also do more exercises to build upper-body & lower-body strength. Supposedly, Jakub has a "training" plan for us to sleep in tents when we go skiing in a few weeks! ;-0 Maybe even build ice caves!

In terms of "intellectual preparation", I will continue to read books, info. on the internet and training guides about mountaineering in general, in addition to specific information about Rainier.

I'm going to India, Nepal and Tibet in Spring 2008 where I plan to take a mountaineering course and trek in the Himalayas. Trekking includes the Annapurna region (Nepal), reaching elevations of 3,500m. & Everest Base Camp and surrounding area (Tibet) reaching elevations of 7,000m. I’m still researching various organizations in India and Nepal for my training course, so please feel free to email me if you have any suggestions. So far, India has been recommended over Nepal. Right now, I’m looking at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, India or the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, India.

Contact:
Veronika Simon
ahojveru@volny.cz
c# 267-752-7254

PS - GREAT JOB ON THE BLOG, DENISE!!! ;-)