hasbeen

Anyone else bothered by the 1997 date of the article? Don't think we are going to have to worry about 2004, at least not on the basis of this article. Happy New Year, everyone.

I read it differently. I believe that the "alpine" refers to alpine ski boots that conform to the quoted DIN standards. It is a little ambiguous, I'll admit.

I've used the old red G3 skins for two seasons and have not had any problems with the glue...just luck I guess. I use them on a pair of pretty skinny skis (67mm at waist) and haven't found them lacking in climbing ability. Just my $.02.

Comcast was down in Maple Leaf this a.m. and last night. I don't know about now...

This may be the best thing I have ever read on cc.com. Seeing the world through the eyes of our children really puts things in perspective. Thanks for posting.

Try www.mvsta.com for grooming reports. I think they have gone to spring rates now and reduced grooming.

pete_a: I would recommend that you bring the pressure cooker. While I can't recall the specifics (as I climbed the West Rib over 20 years ago), I did bring a pressure cooker and seem to recall that the fuel savings more than offset the weight of the cooker. I wish I could recall how much fuel we brought and I don't seem to be able to find my planning notes but as I sit here, I remember being very happy to have lugged the pressure cooker up the mountain. I hope you have a great trip. Curt

Try the blue ones if you don't have much of an arch. I've got really flat feet and the blue ones work for me.

If you can scrape together the cash, get a Feathered Friends Snow Bunting with 2 ounces overfill. It will be all the bag you need for winter around here and points further north and for spring and fall as well, without the collar and with the down shifted to the bottom.

Here's another vote for the Khamsin 52. It's simple (yes, even the lid/fanny pack is very straightforward and contrary to jordop, I use it a fair amount for trips out of a base camp). For the minimal suspension, it really does carry loads in the 20-45 lb. range very well. The only downside that I have been able to see after a few years with one is that it is pretty lightweight and can't take a lot of abuse. I like mine.

I tend to agree with Dru's assessment of Krakauer and Cahill but I'm with Off White on ROAD FEVER. The book is a good read. I laughed so hard I cried a number of times. I think Cahill did a pretty good job of capturing just how ridiculous the whole underaking was but I have to say, I ended up caring whether they made ot or not.

I have used a roca 8.5 totsec for a couple of years and have been out in some pretty warm, wet spring conditions on glaciers and have found the ropes to stay very dry. They don't gain much weight at all and handle well in the sloppy conditions. I don't know how the waterproofing is accomplished but it sems to work. I hope you let us know how they handle to conditions at Littlewet.

The Baltoro is not quite the same. It is not Newmatic crampon compatible as the heel has no place for the heel lever to hook and the sole is a bit more flexible (a litle more comfortable to walk in). I love my Trangos and was sorry to see them discontinued. The replacement Trango S looks pretty sweet, though.

Anyone have any recommendations for goggles that fit over glasses? Time for a new pair and I don't know what's out there. Thanks.

You can get the netting on the inside, if you ask for it. I've been very happy with my MK1. I was at firat a little concerned about ventilation without the Bibler vent scoops but I have found that with the double snorkel vents you get plenty of flow through. The construction of my tent is outstanding. I do think the velcro pole fastner things are a little less convenient than the Bibler twist jobs but the velcro sure is strong.

Shred: Why would there have been lees force on the anchor on rappel than when lowering? Who would have built the rappel anchor? It seems to me that if Anna had rapped off the climb the results would have been far worse. As for the force issue, it seems to me that being lowered on a single strand that went from the belayer on the ground through the topmost anchor and through all of the pro leading up to would have a provided many "force absorbers" in the form of rope stretch, the dynamics of the bely and the friction generated by running through whatever pro was already in. The rap, on the other hand would have involved a double stand through the top anchor with almost no rope stretch (at lease at the start of the rap and no intermediate pro to generate any friction or absorb any force. Moreover, if the rap were set up by pulling the rope through the intermediate pro, there would have been nothing to catch Anna when the anchor pulled. On the second issue, Anna would still have built the anchor and it does not sound like that would have led to a different result. I have to vote against the rappel... Just my $.02, however.

Are they new? Do they fit your foot? If yes, then they are worth $160, IMHO. I like mine for just about any summer climbing, from volcanoes to alpine. I've heard that the Trango S is a little more comfortable for walking (a bit more rocker?) but I can't compare since i've never worn the S.

I'll second the vote for Frostbite Ridge. It's a fun route. I was on it about a month and a half ago so my observations about conditions won't be worth much but ice was starting to show on the steeper sections below the rabbit ears at that time. There were pretty good steps all the way up from the descent after going through the ears. Have fun.

And while you are watching the film, look for the scene where Clint/Hemlock is frontpointing up an ice slope. Watch it in slow motion and I think you will see something interesting. Anybody know? Dwayner?

Try (360)873-4500.

14 miles. Every day unless I need my car for work, which is almost never. What a great way to start the day and an even better way to blow off steam after dealing with difficult clients and other folks!!! Honestly, the ride in and home is the high point of almost every day.

I was there on Saturday, too. I can't add anything to the prior posts -- lots of people, lots of sun, lots of snow, lots of turns, lots of grins. But there were also lots of snow machines... We were sitting around the rim and, unbelievably, some 'biler charged right up and over the crest, about 18 inches (I am not exagerating) from a couple of guys sitting around soaking up some sun. The 'biler then turned behind them, again about 18 inches away, and went along the cornice ridge, behind me, too, and stopped a ways away toward the summit. In about five minutes, another one came charging up the same track. The climbing ranger came over to chat and asked us if any of us felt like our safety was compromised by the 'biler's actions. The folks the 'biler went closest to said they felt a little uncomfortable. The ranger then said that if we didn't like the situation we should write to the head of the monument and to the Region 6 forester in Portland. I am going to do so and I urge all of you who believe that snow machines do not belong on the summit of St. Helens to do the same. You can get the necessary addresses off the Gifford Pinchot web site. In defense of the 'bilers, the ranger said they were pretty decent guys who were actually quite contrite about the whole thing. The ranger said that they couldn't really see where people were sitting as they crested the ridge and felt real bad about coming so close but that by the time they actually crested the ridge, it was too late to change direction... Believe what you want but even if this is true, it further emphasizes the inappropriateness of snow machines in a place like the St. Helens summit. I know this subject wa recently flogged to death so I am just writing to urge like mined folks to write letters. The ranger seemed to think it would really do something.

Just in time for your Denali trip, I'm selling an older Thaw/REI Down Expedition Parka. Color is red, size large, full baffle construction with attached full tunnel hood and double draft tubes over and under zipper. Approximately 16 oz. fill. Nylon shell. Parka is very warm and in excellent/new condition. Used on only one trip to Denali. Asking $195. I'm in Seattle but will ship if necessary. If you are interested, send me a PM. Curt

Thanks, NoToes. I can't disagree with your reaction to the "pay for the road to end" deal.

Hey, NoToes, could you drive all the way to the trailhead? If not, how far away did you have to stop. I know it will offend some that I am not on the road checking for myself but since you were there... Thanks for any info.