I'd mostly agree with what Alpinist has written. Humphreys, Wheeler, Elbert and Guadalupe are all in basically the same category. They are all well-trodden 1/2 to full day hikes that are in many ways similar to what a Northeast peakbagger might be used to. The only difference is that you add the element of elevation. I am sure you and your daughter would enjoy any or all of them. Whitney and Kings are also similar insofar as they are both multiday trips for most folks but the terrain isn't tricky. Borah and Boundary are a little tougher with Class 2 to 3 terrain where route-finding skills are handy. And for now, I will refrain from comment on the Northwest block although I will say they are generally regarded as the most difficult in the lower 48. Hope to report back in 5 or 6 weeks.

So my western trip is officially under way and my running tally now stands at 0 for 1. My second trip to Hood ended similarly to my first with no serious attempt at the summit. Got into the Government Camp area yesterday and spent some time studying the upper part of the south side route. Regardless of what anyone else says, this route is no joke. When I came out for a guided attempt in the winter of 2011 (cancelled by TMG due to weather and avalanche conditions), the Old Chute area looked like a big poofy pillow. With much of the snow gone, the chute appeared both longer and steeper. When I looked at it yesterday, I thought it looked a little too dicey for my planned solo attempt. Hiked to the top of the ski area today for a closer look and decided it was a definite no go. Had fun on both my trips out here though. I've both skied and hiked on Hood at this point and don't know if I will be back. The journey is the destination as they say and I've now made the journey twice.

So on very short notice, it looks like I have a permit for a Mount St. Helen's summit hike all lined up for tomorrow and then it's onto Rainier for a guided attempt with IMG starting on Saturday morning.

GEM Trail wrote:Best of luck Catamount. Sorry about Hood but you will live to climb another day. We are all cheering you on for Ranier!

Thanks for the encouragement GEM Trail, but it's really not even all that important in the grand scheme of things. When I started Highpointing 11 years ago, the goal was to see the country. By the end of this trip, I will have done just that with a minimum of 45 successful summits and honest attempts of the others except Denali. There are other things to do in life than repeatedly hurl yourself at the same mountains hoping for success. So yeah, I definitely would like to succeed on Rainier, Gannett and Granite, but if I don't, I don't. The time to move on is fast approaching.

Thanks Doug. Had a rippin good time on Mount St. Helen's today. Climbed about 3K feet and was feeling strong but decided to save my legs for Rainier. I've had 3 good hikes in the last week ranging from 2,400 feet on Hood to 4K feet on Algonquin and Iroquois back in New York. Feeling like I'm in real good shape for the climb up to Muir on Saturday.

As to the other thoughts, I think I should write a book about Highpointing entitled "It's not about the summit." I'll donate a portion of the proceeds to Livestrong for stealing Lance's idea.