With a week to wait, my sights are set unflinchingly on the
white summit of Mt. Shasta. I talk of it
at every opportunity with long discourses that you might wish to avoid by not
asking questions. Every day I check the
weather and stare at the webcam: http://www.snowcrest.net/camera/
and hope that wind gusts on the summit will not reach 100 mph as recorded a few
times in the past week, and that snow in the form of horizontal whiteout takes
a break for about eight hours when I least want it. Today, the chance of snow was 80% with winds
up to 45mph and the low tonight should be around 16 degrees F.
The venture may depend on weather or ability or both. But one thing I want to be sure: that I carry
all potentially needed gear. And for
that I ask your advice on my packing list, some items of which are shown in the
picture. Please do not sit back
chuckling if I appear going off like some rank amateur. Rather, come rallying with delicately-worded
suggestions.
Tentative Packing List
Insulated winter boots
Thick socks and under-socks
Chemical toe warmers, just in case
Mitten-gloves, thickly padded, so the fingers warm each other
like bodies in a sleeping bag.
Finger-gloves to better handle the ice axe in case it’s warm
enough for finger-gloves
Crampons for traversing ice and snow
Helmet in case of falling rocks
Headlamp for the helmet so the summit attempt can begin at 2am
Thick furry head covering for under the helmet that leaves a
small circle of face
Ski mask and goggles to go under said head covering to protect
my identity
Propane stove for making water, and heating dehydrated food
The maroon dress that goes so well with strappy black
heels. This, in case my other oddities
fail to gather the attention I crave.
