Great story! Nothing like spending the weekend inside a Slurpee machine, eh?
BTW, I've had better luck with NiMH batteries in cold weather, but they loose their charge all by their lonseome, so must be kept charged up until the last possible minute (and maybe 'maintenance' charged on the hike with a little solar charger).
Thanks guys! The ironic thing is I just bought my first real pair of mountaineering boots - LaSportiva Nepal Extreme, but opted rather to use my heavy backpacking boots (REI Spirit) because the former was too stiff and heavy, especially for the long approach. I figured if I went light and fast, I would be able to warm em up adequately the whole way. I guess for sub zero temps in windchill, this doesn't work... a sobering experience, to say the least : ]
Tom, I'll try out the NiMH batteries for cold weather. My camera does great as long as the temps don't drop too low. Perhaps I'll invest in a cheaper film point-and-shoot camera for cold weather stuff. Thanks for the info!
Nice story. I got an A-70 and never had problems in cool alpine conditions. Aside from starting with fresh batteries, and shutting off all extra features (all of them!), I also keep it in a pocket next to my chest.
Thanks for the great story, and for the reminder that mountaineering is a "round trip" . I have had good luck with the more expensive Lithium line of batteries from Eveready. They are quite a bit more expensive, but last much longer, weigh a lot less(a very compelling point for me) and can give a good charge at colder temps than standard or even heavy duty alkalines.
Yes, I'm planning on finishing the job soon - sometime between March 23 and April 3. Anyone interested? This time, it will likely be a dayhike attempt in the snow, and a really early start (2/3am) to pass the canyon before the sun hits. email me.
I also recommend lithium batteries, since they're supposed to do better in the cold and really are about 60% the weight of normal batteries. But both lithium and NiMH cells are 1.2 V, while normal alkaline are 1.5 V, and some older cameras can't handle the 1.2 V, so test them out. I also keep my camera stuffed inside my jacket, next to an inner layer. When I take it out to shoot, it cools down and I only get a few shots, but then I rewarm it and can repeat the cycle.
Bob Burd - Jan 10, 2006 11:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentGlad you saved your toes, Bro!
Three cheers for a fine effort, nonetheless!
Tom Kenney - Jan 11, 2006 5:41 pm - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentGreat story! Nothing like spending the weekend inside a Slurpee machine, eh?
BTW, I've had better luck with NiMH batteries in cold weather, but they loose their charge all by their lonseome, so must be kept charged up until the last possible minute (and maybe 'maintenance' charged on the hike with a little solar charger).
Desert Solitaire - Jan 12, 2006 12:59 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentThanks guys! The ironic thing is I just bought my first real pair of mountaineering boots - LaSportiva Nepal Extreme, but opted rather to use my heavy backpacking boots (REI Spirit) because the former was too stiff and heavy, especially for the long approach. I figured if I went light and fast, I would be able to warm em up adequately the whole way. I guess for sub zero temps in windchill, this doesn't work... a sobering experience, to say the least : ]
Tom, I'll try out the NiMH batteries for cold weather. My camera does great as long as the temps don't drop too low. Perhaps I'll invest in a cheaper film point-and-shoot camera for cold weather stuff. Thanks for the info!
ktnbs - Jan 16, 2006 11:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentNice story. I got an A-70 and never had problems in cool alpine conditions. Aside from starting with fresh batteries, and shutting off all extra features (all of them!), I also keep it in a pocket next to my chest.
sierradiscgolfer - Jan 17, 2006 11:38 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentThanks for the great story, and for the reminder that mountaineering is a "round trip" . I have had good luck with the more expensive Lithium line of batteries from Eveready. They are quite a bit more expensive, but last much longer, weigh a lot less(a very compelling point for me) and can give a good charge at colder temps than standard or even heavy duty alkalines.
Cy Kaicener - Jan 18, 2006 8:09 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentThat was a great trip report. I am glad you saved your toes. Here are other peaks that you can do from the bottom http://www.angelfire.com/petermarsh/sts.htm Cy
Cy Kaicener - Jan 18, 2006 8:14 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentHere is a corrected version of that link http://www.angelfire.com/or/petermarsh/sts.htm
KathyW - Jan 18, 2006 9:15 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentVery good report. Yes, It's more important to make it back down safely than to make it to the top - I was reminded of that recently.
I've looked down that east face from the top of Olancha - very steep and rugged looking.
TempestPeace - Jan 21, 2006 4:26 am - Hasn't voted
Trip Report CommentAre you planning on going again?
Desert Solitaire - Feb 20, 2006 3:18 am - Hasn't voted
The SequelYes, I'm planning on finishing the job soon - sometime between March 23 and April 3. Anyone interested? This time, it will likely be a dayhike attempt in the snow, and a really early start (2/3am) to pass the canyon before the sun hits. email me.
lavaka - Aug 30, 2006 4:33 pm - Hasn't voted
batteriesI also recommend lithium batteries, since they're supposed to do better in the cold and really are about 60% the weight of normal batteries. But both lithium and NiMH cells are 1.2 V, while normal alkaline are 1.5 V, and some older cameras can't handle the 1.2 V, so test them out. I also keep my camera stuffed inside my jacket, next to an inner layer. When I take it out to shoot, it cools down and I only get a few shots, but then I rewarm it and can repeat the cycle.
Nice adventure, by the way!
farrisgl - Nov 23, 2012 12:05 am - Voted 9/10
Nice WriteupThanks for the great report. We did Olancha in far less trying conditions in 2009.