With the 2011 Climbing For Soles pledge drive for Redeeming Soles having ended, we've began to plan the 2012 charity climbs.

The 2011 climbing season was a great year for snow travel in the Northwest mountains, during which I was climbing while on Hep C treatment medications. The 2012 season will have a completely new outlook with the addition of a physical trainer and coach, Kamini Fonesca, who is head trainer of Refit Komplex in Seattle and a group of strong climbing partners.

The pledge drive will be based on each 100 feet of the total vertical feet traveled during 2012 major climbs.

Individuals will have an opportunity to have their own Climbing For Soles pledge drive during 2012. Each individual will submit their climb(s) itinerary for approval. Once approved, individuals will receive their own pledge web page. This is still being developed, so, please watch here for more details to come soon.

I'll also be training throughout the remainder of the Hep C treatment, which includes use of a low grade chemo-therapy drug Interferon until April 2012. With the help and support of Kamini and Liver Specialist, Dr. John Scott, and major supporter, GOD, I look forward to a much more successful climbing season and pledge drive.

During the fall of 2011 the Climbing For Soles charity pledge drive, which will benefit Redeeming Soles, schedule will evolve, with the following climbs being planned:

• Mt Hood - March or April 2012 - 5,000' vert.
• Mt. Baker - May - 5,000' vert.
• Mt. Adams - June - 5,000' vert
• Mt. Rainier Disappointment Cleaver route - June 9,000' vert
• Mt. Rainer Emmons Glacier route - July 13-15 - 10,000' vert.
• Glacier Peak - July - 8,200' vert.
• Mt. Rainier Disappointment Cleaver route one day attempt August - 9,000' vert.
• Mt. Olympus - September - 5,000' vert.

Keep your eyes here for updates on the schedule and opportunity to make a sole impact in the Puget Sound area via the Climbing For Soles pledge drive. This may turn out to be a 50,000 plus vertical feet major climb year schedule!