Carbon Glacier

[Superman]

Hiked out on Wednesday morning with a spring in my step and a song in my heart. Dragged my sore, tired ass home Thursday evening. According to the map, it was 9.7 miles from my vehicle to where I camped. I figure that's pretty good for an old fart who NEVER exercises.

At any rate, here is the treacherous, foreboding, difficult path:

[Superman]

Here is another picture showing just how rugged and untamed and dangerous and arduous these national park hikes can be:

[Superman]

Harrowing (notice there is only ONE handrail!!!!!!!!):

[Flieger]

Actually, that bridge does look a little sketchy in that photo.

[Superman]

Dizzying:

[Flieger]

Whoa! I like the long exposure on that. Very dreamy effect on the water.

[Superman]

Not for the feint of heart:

[Superman]

Originally Posted by Flieger

Actually, that bridge does look a little sketchy in that photo.

It's a pretty big log and the handrail is SOLID. There were perhaps a dozen of these. One (and only one) short one had NO handrail. I crossed it without the use of ropes.

[Superman]

And finally, Carbon Glacier. Lowest glacier, and also the largest, in the lower 48. Here is the bottom of the glacier. Rocks were actively rolling down that gray slope, which is actually ice with a dirt/rock layer. About every minute or so, a rock would tumble down:

[Superman]

Rainier. The one to be respected. I intend to stand atop this mountain one day:

[Superman]

Here is the interpretive/demonstrative pic. If you compare, you can see where, in the larger pic of Rainier, this zoom pic was cropped. Anyway, the upper half of the pic is the base of Rainier, and the lower half of the pic is the glacier. So in other words, the upp half of the pic is snow on rocks, and the lower half is rocks resting on ice:

[Superman]

And finally, the ubiquitous Jack Olsen pose and (attempted) expression:

[Rick V]

Very cool.
I flew out to Eastern Wa a few years back and there was a heavy cloud cover that we were flying over, you know the kind where all you see are the white clouds below you. Rainier was sticking above the clouds and was the only thing you could see.

Cool pics Supe. Looks like a worthy hike

[recycled sixtie]

Those kind of hikes could seriously lower blood pressure if done on a frequent basis. Looks like fun.

[Flieger]

Originally Posted by Superman

Here is the interpretive/demonstrative pic. If you compare, you can see where, in the larger pic of Rainier, this zoom pic was cropped. Anyway, the upper half of the pic is the base of Rainier, and the lower half of the pic is the glacier. So in other words, the upp half of the pic is snow on rocks, and the lower half is rocks resting on ice:

With that description that photo becomes a lot cooler.

[VINMAN]

Very cool Supe! Ive been on Rainier twice. One day I want to do the hike around the whole park. Just need a lot of time off.

Heres a shot from back in '96

[Superman]

Way cool, Vinny! I think I can do it, but don't have the money for a guided trip. I think I just need to find someone who's experienced, and go with them. I think I can do it. Looks to be something like only 2 miles from Camp Muir. Or less. Up about a 40 degree angle, a little more than 4000 ft elevation. I think I can do that.

Then maybe shoot some hoops later in the day and play some water polo. ;-)

[vash]

cool!!
is that your pack? looks small/light. no tent?

i need to make a few trips like that to shake out the gear malfunctions..my wife is not a hiker/camper. she likes to hand over a credit card..and check in.

[Superman]

It's actually a fairly large pack that's filled to the brim. The photo, I see, is deceptive. More experienced backpackers tend to have less gear. I have a friend whose backpack, including all his gear except consumables (food, fuel and water) weighs 7.5 lbs. Mine probably weighs 30-35 lbs.

[genrex]

Looks like a great place to hike! Nice pictures. You sure look young without facial hair, must be doing something right...

Is there still a problem with car vandalism at the trailheads?

_