Where is the trailhead? Lesson from Mt Shasta

Sometimes I get impatient. I just wanted to get on the mountain, ascend alpine style and get back home before work. Even on a popular mountain, it can be hard to get to the trailhead. For example, the last time I went to Mount Shasta, I found the gate closed. Shoot, I didn't even know there was a gate. It was after dark. My intent was to do an alpine start. Instead I went back home. I wasn't prepared to change my plans. Time is of the essence when you are a working girl. I called the Mt Shasta Ranger station. They told me of an alternate route, where to park and I made topos to bring with me the next time. Mount Shasta is in my backyard and teaches me many lessons. If I had gone somewhere farther from home, I wouldn't have gone home. I would have been on an adventure.

What do you do when you don't feel like part of the team?

When you go on a guided trip, do you know what to expect? Do you really know what you are getting into? Do you plan to learn to climb on the trip? Are the guides suppose to provide instruction? Early in the trip, if you don't have your guides confidence or you haven't become his/her buddy, will you get enough support to summit? You may feel you are contributing to the team. What do you do when you realize you aren't part of the team?

http://www.myeverest.com/comparing-guides-logistics-climbing-mount-Everest-nepal-img-asian-trekking

http://www1.freewebs.com/mymounteverestexperience/

Who is supplying your oxygen tank?

Climbers are often encouraged to use oxygen on summit day? If your team is being supplied oxygen by Henry Todd, it may be riskier to plan on using it?
http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?id=1733

Does Your Mountain Guide Have a Hidden Agenda?

Have you ever been rushed up the mountain by your guide? This is an interesting story.
http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?news=16230