Attempt on Rainier - July 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - I flew to Seattle by way of Chicago, rented a car, and drove to Rainier Mountaineering in Ashford, WA.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - We practiced self-arrest and roped travel on the lower section of the mountain.

Thursday, July 2, 2009 - We hiked to Camp Muir and went to bed at 6 pm.

Mt. Adams from Camp Muir

Friday, July 3, 2009 - We woke at midnight and hiked to the Ingraham Glacier. After I started to stumble and the guide kept trying to pull me off my feet, I bagged it. Three of us went back to Camp Muir and waited on the rest to summit and return. Then we hiked back to the base. We were down by 3 pm.

Saturday, July 4, 2009 - I drove to Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park and walked along the beach. I stopped at Lake Quinault and saw the world's largest spruce tree on the way. I also hiked a small loop near Queets Campground. Queets is a good place to spend a peaceful week.

Kalaloch Lodge	Drift Logs

Sunday, July 5, 2009 - I drove to Ruby Beach and looked for life at low tide. Then I drove through Forks, WA to Rialto Beach and hiked to Hole-in-the-Wall. I also hiked to Third Beach. There is a popular backpacking route along the coast here.

Starfish	Sea Stack

Monday, July 6, 2009 - I drove to the world's largest western red cedar tree and then to Hoh Rain Forest and took the Hall of Moss Trail and another short trail

Hall of Moss	Nurse Log

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - I flew home by way of Dallas.