freeclimb9

quote: Originally posted by thelawgoddess: so, what specifically do you see as the climbing applications? anything cold and wet. ice-climbing comes to mind as does mountaineering.

I just got back from the Interbike convention, and saw a great product with obvious applications for climbing: SealSkinz. They're woven gloves and socks with a blown urethane bladder that's windproof, waterproof and breathable. Because they're woven, there are no seams and they have a comfortable texture inside and out. Because the urethane is blown, there's no seams on the sandwiched barrier, and the stuff is stretchable (not things that GoreTex can do at all). I'm usually unimpressed with new items, but this one blew me away. They're currently used by the military, too. http://www.danalco.com/

Since the beginning of this year to bring a gun into Canada, you fill out a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration Form at the border, pay $50CAN, then get a 60 day permit (renewable up to 12 months) that lets you buy ammunition. Most handguns and all automatics are prohibited. Ordinary rifles and shotguns are considered "non-restricted". I've pretty much settled on a Remington 870, or a Mossberg 500, since there's a lot of aftermarket parts for them including a folding stock (that doesn't prevent reaching the trigger, BTW).

Why? whim? kismet? cause a friend got me involved in a crazy idea? all of the above?

quote: Originally posted by greghinemeyer:

This will be a tool for Polar bears. From what I've read, you see the damn things a long ways off unless you're in broken ice, or don't have a dog with you. With a pump action gun, I can have half a dozen loads with the first few being non-lethal deterrents like a siren, a flame thrower, a bean bag, then the buckshot and slugs. There are a bunch of load possibilities with a shotgun, so that's why I'm going for a 12 gauge. Plus, it will be handy for my new job:

SiPix Blink. $40.

I'd like to get a large bore "survival gun" with the ability to operate in sub-zero temps (but a multi-shot capacity is preferred). I recall seeing 12 gauge, foldable stock, sawn-off shotguns for bush pilots when I first visited Alaska. Is there something commerically available? The Ithaca 37 Deerslayer Storm with a shortened barrel might be the ticket --especially with a rifled barrel that they're giving away till New Year's. Other ideas? (BTW, a handgun is not an option since I'd like to go to Canada).

Bear spray. I'd die of fright before the bear got in the 30' range. That stuff works better for road rage incidents. I want a shotgun. Besides buckshot and slugs (probably saboted), 12 gauge shells come in ferrets (tear gas), bird bombs (explode), rubber slugs, flares, strung balls (buckshot held together with wire that cuts flesh very effectively), or dragon's breath (shoots out a 30' flame). The rifling of the shotgun barrel (gives about 25 yards more accuracy (about 100 yds). I need it to work in very cold temps. A semi-auto is preferred, or a pump action. What models will work in the cold?

quote: Originally posted by sexual chocolate: One more question. The 6 feet of wall that i'm knocking out is a load-bearing wall, with 4 truss ends resting on the top plate, which is 2 2*4s stacked. Is this enough support, or should I shore it up, and if so, how? dude, you're scaring me. In a word, no. Two 2X4s over a 6' span won't be enough support. If you want to be crude, but effective, frame the opening like any other (i.e. put in a header with support posts). It might be easily possible to hang the truss ends in joist brackets on a header embedded at ceiling height (which would give a one level ceiling), but it's practically impossible to say without seeing the house. The load will determine beam width. BTW, you'll have issues with moisture within the walls. At the very least, use a low permeability interior paint.

Typically, framing only represents 10% of total construction cost. Therefore, you're not saving that much. Nor would you gain much space by using 2X4 versus 2X6 depending on the length of the wall pop-out. Otherwise, without seeing your house, it's tough to give an opinion. Why was the house framed with 2X6 in the first place? Are the walls exceptionally tall?

harsh lesson for ya remember, 1 power tool = 1 bag o'crack, o'weed. Leaving a power tool in plain sight in a vehicle is not a good idea. It somehow raises their vapor pressure, and they evaporate.

Summary: protect your partner, protect yourself. It ain't rocket science, skippy.

Q- What beats a great pair of legs? A - A leather strap, or hairbrush.

restaurant selection hinges on the four word phrase "All You Can Eat".

The Lilloeet Chamber of Commerce has undertaken the task of putting on an Ice Festival. Hurray! However, it looks like they're in need of help in the form of ideas. If you've got five minutes, please read the following letter, and respond to Bernard. Thanks. From Bernard Schulmann: Hello all Lisa Morello, Catherine Schulmann and I have agreed to take on organising the 2003 Lillooet IceFest. We would like to see the event work out well for everyone and to that end we want to make sure that the interests and needs ice climbing community are met. Our plans are also to make sure that we begin the process for planning 2004 at the same time. Here is our list of what the event should have this coming year: We would like to: * find someone to give a talk with slides one night. * create a good climate for climbers to interact on a social basis * one of the bars to have a decent band for the Friday and Saturday night * have gear try outs back * have ice climbing clinics * have introductory sessions for people who want to try teh sport out - especially Catherine and other locals. * organise a gear swap * try and get easy access into Phair creek made available for the weekend * work with some local snowmobilers to get people into areas that are otherwise difficult to get to. What we need from the ice climbing community: How much are people willing to pay to come to the IceFest? For the clinics? etc.....Who can run clinics? How would we develop an introductory session for people wanting to try it out? What would be the best weekend? I am thinking either last weekend in January or the US Presidents day weekend. What do people want to see on the program if cost and time where not an issue? What are the crucial places to get the message out at? Who else should we be in contact with? Is there a need for low cost accommodation - ie $10 a night? Are there things/products the local sporting goods store could stock that would be hekpful to have on hand for the weekend? Catherine read the Chicks with Picks site is a keen to try this out. We can do much of the logistical organisation to make an event possible, but we need help with the more specialiszed aspects of the climbing community. We can be contacted at 250-256-0137 or 250-256-0354. Tell us what we are missing out on - our aim is to make a skookum event. on behalf of the the organizing team Bernard Schulmann bernard.schulmann@lillonet.ca

from the they're so high, they're high artichigh.com website: "Only icebergs offer big wall ice climbing. There are no mixed routes here! Big wall, multi-pitch ice climbing is unique to icebergs and provides a new and rewarding challenge for accomplished climbers." Wow. What amazing spray.

quote: Originally posted by Cpt.Caveman: I will suspect you want to rent one. ?? come up for air.

quote: Originally posted by Gordonb: I have found this whole thing very disturbing. How if an experienced climber can die like that, can I have any chance? No. You're doomed. And stay away from bridges and tall buildings.

quote: Originally posted by nwclimber: Is it possible that Kropp placed his pro with the cams . . . positioned incorrectly? (At the obvious risk of sounding as callous as the post by nwclimber) Umm, duh?

Chongo avoids you because you're such a mooch AND a bogart.

brukb wrote: 'Besides, have you ever climbed in a foreign country (not Canada)? Most of the climbing is areas of "political unrest".' I call BS on this blanket statement.

that's a lot steep. Even in that funny Canadian kind of money.

freaky stuff: http://www.iht.com/articles/72411.html