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<DIV>Just spoke with a good friend last night who was spending the night in Winthrop WA (Rainy Pass). He was with 9 other thru-hikers that had turned around near Chinook Pass yesterday afternoon due to poor conditions (limited visability and 6 inches of snow). They decided to overnight in Winthrop and had made a decision to make another effort as a large group to get through the final 70-80 miles.</DIV>
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<DIV>The weather forecast looks like it will be a challenge for this group of 10 as the weather front has moved in. This may be one of the final groups to give it a go this season. While I am not certain this was the wisest decision given the conditions I understand how strong "finish fever" can be. The 46 mile final day through the fire closure that I did last year was clear evidence that our judgements are sometimes impaired by this fever.</DIV>
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<DIV>I will anxiously await word that the group reaches the terminus or turns back again.</DIV>
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<DIV>Elevator</DIV></body></html>