Climate, Politics, Climbing on Mt Rainier in 2006

You better make the most of this cold snap and powdery snow if you're listening to the WA State Climatologists. They believe that the current trend of sub-freezing temperatures and record-setting precipitation doesn't mean much when discussing the long term forecast. They are still calling for a warmer, drier winter.

On to politics... Sixth District U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks discussed his view of global warming and Mt. Rainier in The Olympian. More importantly, he seems to have ponied up the $30 million dollars needed for estimated flood repairs:

"But everyone knows that the long laundry list of repairs,which the park estimates could run up to $30 million, will happen. 'We'll get the money in a supplement bill or in the 2007 budget,' said Rep. Dicks"

And a little climbing info... It's going to be really tough for anyone to ascend Mt. Rainier again in 2006, unless something miraculous happens fast. But speaking of money (30 dollars, not 30 million) one climber inquired about a 2006 climbing pass refund... We had to say sorry, there are no refunds, especially for this natural disaster.