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Discovering the Flora of Mount Shasta One Step at a Time

There are moments on every climb of Mount Shasta when you should stop looking at what is above you and start looking down. Not at your feet necessarily, but at the remarkable tapestry of life on the ground that somehow thrives on the flanks of California's...

The Life of a Snowflake

Last winter, while in Shasta one morning before an avalanche course I was instructing had started for the day. I found myself standing alone in the Castle Lake parking lot waiting for the sun to come up. It wasn't a particularly remarkable day. It wasn't the beginning...

Plastic to Granite: Challenges of Transitioning from the Climbing Gym to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Over the past two decades, climbing gyms have transformed the sport. More people than ever are discovering climbing through brightly colored holds, padded floors, and professionally set routes. The gym has become the gateway to climbing, introducing thousands of new...

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WEAR YOUR D$%N HELMET!

WEAR YOUR D$%N HELMET!

While climbing Mount Shasta is an unforgettable experience, it is also a serious alpine objective where safety should always come first. Having the proper equipment is essential and one of the most important pieces of gear every climber...

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How to View Mountain Weather Like a Guide

How to View Mountain Weather Like a Guide

Like in normal life, weather decides most things in the mountains. It influences whether a climb is reasonable, whether the snow has significant instabilities, and whether a day feels straightforward or like a constant problem needing to be managed. I’ve dealt with...

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Mexico Volcanoes Expedition Guide: Why This Trip Means So Much

Mexico Volcanoes Expedition Guide: Why This Trip Means So Much

Why I Wrote This:I wrote this to give an honest look into our Mexico Volcanoes Expeditions for those who may not know about them yet, and to help people more fully understand why they mean so much to us as a company. For me personally, this trip is deeply personal on...

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Relaxing in Kathmandu Before Your Everest Base Camp Trek

Relaxing in Kathmandu Before Your Everest Base Camp Trek

For most trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp, the experience doesn’t really start on the trail—it starts in Kathmandu. It’s a city that hits you all at once: busy, colorful, a little chaotic, but full of life, great food, and a kind of energy that makes it clear...

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