SummitPost.org

Let me try to break it down for you ExciteBike... The driver for those guide's decision making on the DC route is to schlep lemmings up the mountain and get them back to camp early enough so they GTFO before the next set of clients arrive the same day. At least that is the case for anyone they deposit on Camp Muir. That's about it. It isn't about teaching them anything... It's about turnover.

Are you an unemployed scientist by some chance? Because you seem to get caught up in individual components of what someone is saying and not understanding what folks are really talking about.

mrchad9 wrote:Let me try to break it down for you ExciteBike... The driver for those guide's decision making on the DC route is to schlep lemmings up the mountain and get them back to camp early enough so they GTFO before the next set of clients arrive the same day. At least that is the case for anyone they deposit on Camp Muir. That's about it. It isn't about teaching them anything... It's about turnover.

Are you an unemployed scientist by some chance? Because you seem to get caught up in individual components of what someone is saying and not understanding what folks are really talking about.

Clearly your vast experience climbing and guiding on Rainier is superior to mine. I mean, you've climbed Rainier what, once? Obviously you are an expert in such matters. And what is with ExciteBike? Is that supposed to be some kind of slight? I fully understand what you are talking about, I am saying you lack the experience and perspective to make an intelligent argument. As for how good you felt sleeping in, you should preface that by saying you spent three days acclimating at Camp Muir. You may have been singing a different tune if you had tried a Seattle to Seattle climb of Rainier in under 24 hrs as is typical with locals.

Alright. Enough of your continued insults and hate tactics. You've done it here and spread it into other threads. I only pointed out for the OP that most of the guides have other objectives, but you turn it into some sort of personal hissy fit.

Keep playing your games.

I was thinking the exact same thing about you. Hate tactics? Insults? Hello kettle, this is pot, you're black.

Go back and read how this began. Same with how you pitched a fit about folks not paying fees to the USFS that numerous courts have determined to be illegal.

Sure I'm not as cozy with the guides on Ranier as you claim to be. But I am sure you are more objective. Carry on.

Merchad9 is way out of line here.

As always, Excitableboy is completely right and is owed an apology.

Wow, thanks for the generous responeses from everyone! I've been busy with work the past week so I haven't had a chance to get back, but it's great to have so many opinions for my prospective trip!

The more I've been reading about it and gaining information from more experienced trainers/climbers (spoke with EMS school and put a call in to AAI) I'm thinking even next summer 2014 will be possible for a summit attempt. In terms of fitness goals and prepation, it seems a year is more than enough time to get into shape so long as I stick to a strict workout schedule and take a couple preparation classes over the winter, which I'm willing to do. Of course, sign-ups for next year start soon so I'm currently mulling it over and deciding if I'm ready for the commitment (I'm leaning towards yes!)
In the meantime, I'll continue to educate myself and keep perseverance at maximum levels. Thanks again guys and if you have any other advice, feel free to submit.

Like the other poster I am planning to do this for the first time in 2014. I have plenty of hiking and trekking experience but not climbing.

I have been comparing the different courses on Rainier and looking closely at either AAI's 8 day program and RMI's 6 day seminar. I imagine the 8 day would cover certain topics in more depth, but 6 days would be easier to schedule into my life. AAI sounds highly regarded by just about everyone while online feedback about RMI seems more mixed. Has anyone here taking either one of these programs and could comment or offer advice? Thanks!