Adirondack
It's confirmed: ice climbing Jan 22 to 24 with a private instructor in the Adirondacks. With this out of the way, I'm much less likely to die on the West Rib of McKinley, and much more likely to be allowed to try.
It is confirmed. I'll be going ice climbing Jan 22 - 24. Private instructor and all that. The guide company has a lodge in the Adirondack Park. Crappy five hour drive each way.
I ordered my crampons, since I'd rather learn using my own instead of borrowing theirs. And I have to buy some heavy gloves.
With this out of the way, I'm much less likely to die trying to climb the West Rib of McKinley, and much more likely to be allowed to try to climb the West Rib of McKinley. Apparently those two qualities are related.