hasbeen

I am sorry to hear this and my sympathies to you, Dwayner. One of my earliest memories is of spending hours looking over my Dad's battered copy of Kon-Tiki and being utterly transported to a world of adventure. It is one of the first books I remember and I can still see in my mind many of the pictures. I really think I can trace my love of adventure and, in my own insignificant way, the unknown to that book. I am sure that many others could say the same thing.

I do. It works great, I think.

Bentgate is having a ski sale right now. Used rental gear also. I'd recommend them for a domestic source with pretty good selection.

And his "Downward Bound" is probably the funniest climbing book ever written. Hoist one (or several) for Batso!

I recently got the same treatment with a 20-year old XGK (minus the shaker jet as this could not be retrofitted into a stove as old as mine). I'm old too but I don't have a beard. Not to burst your bubble but I think it's just a pretty darn good company.

I still use my old Chouinard Alpine hammer, though I don't climb steep ice much any more. I use my old Chouinard "North Wall Hammer" with the blue epoxy shaft that rattles pretty regularly and still like it a lot (though it's a little heavier than my Air Tech Racing). I still have an old terrordactyl (you know, the one with the funky spliced polypropylene "leash") but I don't use it and can't believe I ever did. Finally, I still use my Kastinger double leather "tele" boots and Trucker Mountain Edge skis and find them just the thing for some early spring climbs.

I have a single wall from Integral Designs. It was cheaper than the similar Bibler and is made out of the same stuff. Condensaiton is not a problem and I have to agree that the light weight (approx 4 lbs.) and small bulk are real attractive. The tent construction is bomber and Intrgarl Designs seems like a great company. I got mine from Jim Nelson at Pro Mountain Sports. Check out the various models. They are still expensive but a better value than the Bibler IMHO.

Keith: I sent you a pm, too.

I have a precip parka. It is pretty breathable, has good ventilation (pit zips and core vents) and it is really light. Packs very small, too. My only complaints (and they are pretty minor) are that the cut is a little baggy around the waist (even for a fatty like me) and the hood is kind of snug for wearing over a helmet. I have used it a couple of seasons for bicycle commuting and alpine climbing and find that the coating is plenty durable as is the outside fabric. All in all, I like it. You might want to compare it to the lightweight Lowe competitor (priced about the same, I think).

I have a Mk 1 XL. I got the light floor and have some concerns about its durability on anything but snow and moss but no holes yet. I've pitched it on rocky ground and such and it does seem to be tougher than it first appears. As for the external screen, you can get it with the screen inside; that's how I got mine and it's fine. The construction is first rate. It is cut very accurately and sets up very tightly but it is not difficult to set up. I have used it in all seasons and have had no condensation problems. Mine has two vents (one on either side at the peak) and they vent quite well. They seal well in bad conditions too. With the XL, you get a little more length for cramming junk at the foot. The MK 1 regular is apparently too short for anyone over 5'7" or so. I am very satisfied with the tent and recommend it highly. I just couldn't see paying the price of a Bibler.

Thanks, Sloth. I'll let you and Lambone work out your thing by yourselves; I ain't gonna get in the middle of that one!

Here's another vote for the Bean Guide Pants. They were out of the bean catalog for a while but are back in now. I got mine last year and used them in the early spring in very wet conditions and found them great. I generally leave my bibs at home now. The fit is good and the pants have a built-in web belt that keeps them in place. Good pants at a good price.

Thanks, Lammy. If you can post details, I'd appreciate it.

It's been years since I had an avalanche course (too many to admit) and the last one I took was not in the Pacific Northwest. I've been meaning to take a course here for a couple of years. I think this winter I will. Anyone have any recommendations for good courses this winter? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for the reminder, Jon. I just made my call to Senator Murray. The person who answered the phone took my name and city of residence. It took all of 10 seconds. Call now if you don't have time to write. Her office phone is (202) 224-2621.

I'm definitely intrigued but my brain hurts enough from just being at work. I think I'll stick to reading the posts for the ropeup carpooling.

Another vote for the Mini-Works.

I climbed the 200 feet from the trailhead to the Big Four ice caves with my 5 year old and 9 year old. We then pulled hard on some rad boulders at end of the trail and we skated around on the ice at the toe of the snowfield. They were suitably impressed with the sound of a big chunk of ice falling to the floor of one of the caves. I only hope we have one more weekend of good weather becasue I have one more alpine trip planned before the snow flies.

If you've only got two people, try driving/sleeping in two hour shifts. I've found that you get pretty good at falling asleep almost immediately and waking up quickly when your two-hour driving or sleep shift is over. You can keep this up just about around the clock. A buddy of mine and I did it this way when we drove a 25-foot rental truck from Boston to Seattle in just under three days.

I've worn some Schoeller pants on snow and rock I find them to be about the most flexible garment I've ever worn. The are very water repellent, very breathable, are comfortable in a wide range of temps and, contrary to what some say, I have found them to be quite durable/abrasion resistant. I got mine from L.L. Bean and while I am not usually a fan of their stuff (except the venerable Maine Hunting Shoe) I have been very happy with them. They are not so expensive from Bean.

Mr. Blister: If you see a snafflehound wearing an old gray t-shirt, it's mine. I'd really love to get it back if you don't mind rasslin' the bugger. Thanks

I'll do one better than the big hole in the shirt. Those snafflehounds actually STOLE my shirt. I set it out to dry whith a big rock on it and left for the summit. I never saw the shirt again.

Another vote for Eucerin. A doc turned me on to it when I was working out on gym apparatus and climbing a lot, both of which involved a lot of chalk. The stuff works.

I was up on the West Ridge on July 8-9. If that is recent enough, send me a private message and I'll give you any info I can.

"He who climbs and runs away lives to climb another day."