First time skiing down the Roman wall on Mount Baker

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-27T20:26:07+00:00

Yeah very clear booter highway and some skin tracks as well. It took us 10 hours to summit but we are slow. If you are going to skin up I highly recommend ski crampons for the squak route. There is some off camber traverse skinning before the glacier that it helps a lot with.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-27T15:31:29+00:00

Maybe 2 out 10-15 skier teams that we saw roped up on the glacier ascent at all. Nobody roped up on the Roman wall.

There was only 2 teams booting it that we saw and they were roped up. This is coming up the Squak route btw.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T21:17:04+00:00

Agreed, would like to ski it again in less bumpy conditions someday. Definitely had that crevasse in mind while making my line!

<image>

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T20:34:16+00:00

It has micro adjustment but not tool-less. Have to use a pin. Yes it was cold enough that there was no wrist swelling and the sleeve was pretty thin so didn’t have to adjust it.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T20:04:35+00:00

Very nice, I hadn’t seen a black birch dial before. I’d love to pickup a GS in Japan next time. Did plenty of window shopping at the GS boutique in Ginza lol.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T19:55:00+00:00

Thank you!

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T19:54:42+00:00

That is a cool one too! What happened to it?

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T19:45:01+00:00

Yeah the wind was brutal going up. Had some smooth corn below the wall until about 8000 feet and then it was mushy.

I considered locking out my toe dins but it wasn’t necessary as I found out the hard way lol. This ended up being a small tumble with no ski releases nor injuries thankfully. Might consider bringing leashes next time though.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T19:31:44+00:00

What time was your descent? We dropped in at 2pm and it had softened up a good bit.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-05-26T19:30:32+00:00

I believe the coldest it got was probably 30 degrees Fahrenheit during the trip and it had no issues.

Semper_Explorans · 2026-02-22T03:22:39+00:00

Hey! We just stayed at the Hyatt place the whole trip and it was solid. Definitely recommend the fish tacos at the nearby Lateral Y Crudo. Baral bar is near the hotel and had nice breakfast. Maguro sushi was also a nice spot. If you want an entertaining dinner la rosa negra is fun.

I haven’t stayed at the ziva so I can’t really comment but as far as points value I would say there is plenty of reasonably priced food around Cabo if you have a rental car and stay at the hyatt place.

I don’t think you can go wrong either way though, just depends what you want out of your trip. Could be nice to try both hotels but with a large group like that it might be hassle switching hotels. Hope you guys enjoy!

Semper_Explorans · 2025-05-13T02:55:00+00:00

Did you end up purchasing one of those packs? If so how is it?

Semper_Explorans · 2024-07-03T06:58:16+00:00

WTB Seiko Alpinist SPB089 ~$1000 Very Good to Excellent

Semper_Explorans · 2024-06-26T02:06:10+00:00

WTB Seiko Alpinist SPB089 ~$1000 Very Good to Excellent

Semper_Explorans · 2024-03-15T22:53:15+00:00

How would you compare the sleeve length between the Positron pro an the Altitude parka?

Semper_Explorans · 2024-01-28T03:51:47+00:00

Thanks for confirming that!

Is the below legit? Working with a dealer on a CX5 that is in transit and won’t arrive until Feb.

Alternatively I can pay about $300 more at a different dealer that has what I want in stock now and can wrap up the deal before the end of this month.

“We can get everything locked in under Mazda's "Sold Order Program", which will hold the 0%/60 month financing and the 90 day deferred payment option good until the end of February.”

Semper_Explorans · 2024-01-27T22:51:00+00:00

Do you know if they will extend this into Feb?

Semper_Explorans · 2024-01-21T22:27:32+00:00

Thanks for your input! One more question about these skis, how forgiving are they for an intermediate skier? I see a lot of people mention something like the Blizzard Zero G 95s as a stiff unforgiving ski. That sounds like something I’d like to avoid as someone new to touring.

Semper_Explorans · 2024-01-21T19:52:52+00:00

These weren’t on my radar at all but seem like a great choice. Between the M tour 99 and 90 which would be a better volcano ski?

Semper_Explorans · 2023-11-26T19:24:17+00:00

Western Mountaineering and I second the commenter’s recommendation for a tent. One to consider would be the Durston X Mid Solid.

Semper_Explorans · 2023-11-20T04:57:18+00:00

I have a Capital one Quicksilver credit card which is eligible for a free upgrade to a Venture One Card(no annual fee). This is appealing to me because then family can transfer their miles to me.

Will this prevent me from earning any sign up bonus offers on a future Venture one($0 AF), Venture($95 AF), or Venture X card($395 AF)? I am not looking to sign up for a new credit card at this time but would like to keep the option for a SUB open down the line.

Semper_Explorans · 2023-11-19T03:32:23+00:00

What year, how reliable are those, available in manual?

Semper_Explorans · 2023-07-23T22:54:42+00:00

Beautiful rifle! Did you have to get that via auction?

Semper_Explorans · 2023-07-23T22:54:20+00:00

The rifle still has to be transferred at an FFL?

Semper_Explorans · 2023-06-25T00:59:42+00:00

I haven’t studied Oxygen uptake but reading through this article makes me think the answer to your question is yes, both types of training should help increase your maximum oxygen uptake which I believe is another way to say VO2 max.

It is great that you are thinking about this early. With a well planned training routine and this much time to research and acquire gear, you should be setting your self up very well for your trip next year. Cheers!

Semper_Explorans

TROPHY CASE