[pika]

Okay, I admit it. I used to be addicted to elevation gain. If a hike didn't have at least 2500 feet of vertical, I wouldn't do it. I'm in recovery now, but I fell off the wagon on Saturday. Big time. The hike from Christine Falls to Camp Hazard on Mount Rainier is the most strenuous day hike that I've ever done. It's elevation gain is an even 8000 feet! This is the fifth time I've done it, so clearly I have a short memory when it comes to pain and suffering. We used snowshoes most of the way, ice axes part of the way, and we never needed the crampons (I always carry them, just in case). We were a bit sluggish, and got back to the car by headlamp, so I guess it really didn't qualify as a "day" hike. A more detailed trip report and photos can be found at: http://pbehmer.com/epics/20040424