Jman

There ya go boys! I just gave you both a 5-star rating... I'm not sure it really means anything, either. But nonetheless I think you deserved them for all the hard investigative work you've done on these enigmatic ratings.

quote: Originally posted by lambone: ...we'll both go out and swing our new tools together! What?! No perverted inuendo from Dru? I'm so disappointed.

quote: Originally posted by Courtenay: Hey people, thanks -- Jman, I'll take you up on the MSR Denalis for $75. Check your private messages.

Mike, quit wasting your time on this thread and read your private messages. I want to buy your snowshoes. [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 10-22-2001).]

Mike, I'll buy them from you. Send me a pm, and we'll hook up... That is, of course, if Courtenay doesn't want those particular one. I've got a good pair of MSR Denalis (not the ascents) that I'll sell for $75. quote: Originally posted by mikeadam: I have brand new MSR's I used 2 times last year. Denali Ascents. They retail for about 160.00. I'll let you have them for 100.00 (they are new) http://www.rei.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=10989873&prmenbr=8000

quote: Originally posted by trask: I like reading Hustler better than articles about bolting. How do I post pictures to this board? Use with the url address in between. Be sure to post some pictures of moondancing for us all. I'm sure that, in the interest of all the "mostly-anti-bolt-gone-moondance-intriguer" sprayermasters, Jon wouldn't be so suppressive as to censor that... right, Jon?

Ah, Matt. You gave me one of the best laughs I've had around here in a while... Actually, now that I think about it, it was really Jon's comment that killed me. Keep up the astute journalism!

Sorry, no real beta here, but... The other week I was scoping out the glacier from Glacier Peak (was considering this an alternative to GP). It looks pretty nasty - all broken up, it may be difficult to navigate. But then again I was viewing it from quite a ways away, so maybe these words are just meaningless drivel. Anyway, from what I remember the guide books say it can be tough in late season. Do it and let us know how it goes. Guess I'm kinda slow on posting. Didn't get a chance to see A's post above before I finished this. Whatever the true conditions, have fun. [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 10-05-2001).]

LOL... man, you guys are sick!

I did this earlier this year (June, I think). The "direct" route up Snow Gulch I heartily do NOT recommend - you'd be in for several days of serious bushwhacking up steep slopes of devil's club. Early season is best when avalanche danger is low yet snow still covers most of the brush (just as Beckey's book says). A far better/easier route is via Lone Tree Pass. Relentless switchbacks that begin immediately will gain you elevation on the Niederprum trail. Not sure what conditions are like now without snow cover over LTP and up to High Pass, but (again) earlier in the season is the best time to do this "beast". Don't underestimate the time and effort needed for this deceptive mountain. Elevation gain is well over 6000 ft (when you factor in elev lost on the 'backside') and about 14 miles roundtrip. And the distance from the top of the glacier to the true summit this late in the season is much longer than usual and I've heard it's a crappy scramble/climb on very rotten rock. Have fun.

quote: Originally posted by Dru: farting is your body maintaining the pressure differential with low-pressure air at altitude. imagine if you didn't fart as you climbed everest. you might explode on the summit from the pressure gradient between your sea-level-pressure guts and the 8800m outsides. Sort of like your ears popping?... only it's your butt that's popping.

quote: Originally posted by mattp: I believe this information should be public information. Should you want a copy of anything that I receive, send me an email. Matt- Could you post/transcribe/quote/paraphrase the information here for all to benefit from? Thanks.

quote: Originally posted by Terminal Gravity: I used to eat those sesame snack crackers... but even I couldn't stand my own stench. Fart City. You sure it's those sesame things? I've never known those to cause that. I do know that the freeze dried meals make for pretty noxious fumes. The other week I just about gagged myself. Has anybody ever found the real cause of the proliferation of flatulence when in the outdoors? Also, does anybody have any ideas/solutions - like, does "Gas-X" or any other of those commercial products work? (hmm, maybe we should start a thread on this - seems like it could be a pretty entertaining topic.)

Caveman- Sounds like it might be the Kestrel (which is about 30L). Is it green? Oh yeah, I got dibs on the S.C. Vol 1, but I can't make your 4 pm deal at MM. You probably have a feeding frenzy going on right now, but I would like to hook up with you on poss Fri or over weekend. [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 10-03-2001).]

I did Whitehorse earlier this year and the road seemed fine. In fact, my fried drove his Honda Accord up there several times in the last couple of years (not to the 'end' of the road, but to the Niederprum trailhead). My vote is for the 17 (?) miles of winding road up to Three Fingers. The road condition itself is actually pretty good. It's just that the grueling curves went on for so long that I got so sick we stopped the car so I could get out and puke. Then again, it could have been my friend's driving...

quote: Originally posted by pope: Climbing a rock is, I'm afraid, a little less special than we seem to be suggesting. It's a selfish act of indulgence. You're not changing the world, you're not making your community better, you're just hanging on the side of a rock, standing on top of a mountain. Fun, challenging, rewarding, a healthy lifestyle.... sure. But if you need to risk your life and climb extreme alpine walls just to feel happy, if you have trouble finding a sense of accomplishment in your life without dangling from some half-frozen water-ice pillar, and if you find ways to rationalize participation in these activities while your family sits home unsure of whether they'll ever see you again.....guess what? You're a selfish and pitiful person. You don't deserve your children, and I don't think you're setting any kind of example for them other than demonstrating that mountain climbing is an intoxicating form of recreation. Pope- My wife says: "THANK YOU!!!" Well said. Dan- Thanks. I appreciate your observations. I don't believe climbing should be given up altogether, but it can be enjoyed by the whole family whithin reason(read Retro's post, albeit crazy IMHO). My wife intends to join me soon and my son too when he is old enough to go beyond 'hiking'. I have much to learn still as a parent and I'm trying my best not to have any regrets or create that "tension" (which I actually have worried about before). You're right - it does never end, hence my comment about committment. I look forward to the adventure wherever it may take me... [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 09-10-2001).]

quote: Originally posted by Dan Petersen: Being a parent is an awesome responsibility. Being there for the child is a big part of that responsibility, certainly. Another big part of parenting is to act as an example... While he might not be there in person for his sons, his example does remain... Such an example might well have been tarnished if he had held himself back from a pursuit that he obviously loved simply as a sacrifice for his children Dan- I was just re-reading what you had written and felt inclined to comment a bit further on your ideas. Being a dead example is not parenting. Loving the child enough and making sacrifices to "be there" for him/her is more of an example than anything else you could accomplish. If that means giving up a career that you love, so be it. If you made the committment to have children (even if unintentional, you know the potential of your actions) then be strong enough to complete that responsibility. As one person once said to me: "Any guy can get a woman pregnant, but it takes a real man to be a father." Being a true father/mother is far more committing and difficult than any climb. And your last sentence is very grievous indeed - to suggest that he should not sacrifice his own beloved pursuit for his children to avoid 'tarnishing' his example?! Basically that means he should selfishly pursue his own interests/desires, not worry about his kids' welfare even if orphaned, and just be some kind of hero for them by making a reputation for being good at what he loves. That's not difficult, in fact it's a whole lot easier than being a father. Granted, I'm not saying that he should not have done what he did. That would be like saying someone who died in a car accident should not have driven that road. But consider what choices were ultimately made in that decision and who interests were made more important. That holds true with anything you do in life. Again, I'm not advocating to never take risks. I take calculated risks all the time. Dan Harris put it well: "We can't live with the fear of what might happen". Just consider your motivation and the consequences of your mistakes. [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 09-10-2001).]

I believe you're on to something there, goatboy. As a father to a 5-month-old, my views have changed a bit. I've been entrusted with a very precious life and figure it would be the epitome of selfishness to leave him fatherless by doing something stupid that I could control. I enjoy the mountains very much and completely intend on & look forward to sharing climbing experiences with my son. But I first have to be there to do that. You can argue that we take risks in everything we do, yes. Ever driven without a seatbelt? Sure. It's a very simple thing and you might be able to get away with it all your life. You figure if you die, oh well, everybody dies sometime, right? Poor reasoning. Before you chose to buckle-up or not, were you thinking first about your family and their needs or about your convenience? There's a fine line between necessary and unnecessary risks. You might first honestly examine your motivation for climbing. Why you choose to do something can guide you in whether or not you should. Granted people make mistakes, but when you're a parent you should be thinking first about the welfare of your child (there is no replacement for you) and the welfare of your spouse - to leave your mate 'alone' in raising children is an unfair burden and again selfish. [As a side note, I am amazed at the time and work needed to care for a child properly. I give my wife huge credit for all that she does and I constantly feel guilty for not being able to help more during the day, but I have to work to support us financially. To imagine her doing all of that by herself - cleaning, cooking, caring for baby, AND going to work - gives me a whole new respect (and sympathy) for single-parents.] Climbing does not equal life. It's merely a part of life. If you don't agree or believe this, then maybe you need a life to understand this. Don't get me wrong - I love climbing with a passion, it's just that there's a lot more to life. Also, risks in climbing do not equal risks in firefighting or policing. Firefighters and policemen are highly trained, earn compensatory wages to support families, and (the clincher) take risks to protect and save lives - not just to be on top of a rock. There is a difference. [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 09-10-2001).]

To piggy-back on Dru's comment, helmets are also essential. They are not just for rockfall. If you're caught in an uncontrolled slide (no pro, or pro failed, can't arrest) and lauch headfirst into a crevasse, ice is not very forgiving on the noggin. Same with rock bands (not the musical type). Think of it the same as riding a motorcycle - helmet and leathers may suck on a hot summer day, but should you take that unexpected spill it can literally save your hide/head/or even your life. Some may say it's uncomfortable or it looks stupid or there's nothing that gonna fall on your head so there's no need for one. Don't be fooled and don't let your ego rule over your appearance/comfort. Protect your most valuable body part... well, for some that might be their second most valuable.

Antagonizer = OfficeSpace = Chepe ?? Yeah, I saw the pattern, too.

Ahhh, poor little Antango doesn't play very well with others now, does he? Sounds like Mr. Potty-mouth needs some time out. Who taught you those naughty words? Well, all that name calling, those weak posts and idle threats... they've just got you so worked up. I think it's nappy time for you.

Beck, will Teddy R. be there?

quote: Originally posted by damngunkie: Do you realy think Im a New Yorker? I think it may be a good idea to be sure of what your going to ass u me before you make a mistake and make yourself look stupid in front of those your trying to impress. Gunk- Pay no attention to the short, balding man behind the curtain... er, I mean Mr. Antagonizer. [insert thunderous sounds and fireballs] [This message has been edited by Jman (edited 09-06-2001).]

Just curious as to why you are selling them? Also, how much use have they received?

Woah, now I'm gettin' confused. Maybe a screensaver password is in order here. Yeah I can understand having no need/want for them, especially if you no longer work there. Jeez, what a "gift" - free advertizing for them, or what?