K_Y_L_E

Thanks for the insight Baltoro.I did not know that people could be nominated for the board. Maybe something those on this board should consider? Dru seem sto have lots of time on his hands. Although I do not think REI has been marketing directly to the urban campers, I do think that they could/should do something to reach those that feel ostracized. I think that they can progress the company while still holding onto their roots. I do agree that REI makes people want to be active in the outdoors. I remember back in Spokane, I was so friggin excited to go to our measly little REI any chance I got. I had the store floor memorized. If it weren’t for REI I would not have my gear. The vast majority (75%) of that gear was purchased on sale. I'm sorry but I can't complain about paying $60 for new skis that retailed for $850. Or $25 for a tent that retailed for $400, $60 jacket that retailed for $285, $50 pack that retailed for $150. $10 for a $70 stove, $100 for a $900 car rack system. I could go on all day. I don’t think that means I sold out the little guy I just think it means I have more gear and more money left over than you. Thanks REI! And because of gear shops like REI I now get "frigging excited" to go to places like Feathered Friends, Second Ascent and Gi Joes......Ok kidding about Joes. And hey Dennis Madsen can keep his 1M/year. I've met and talked with him, he is a cool guy. I guess my fear is that REI is headed down the E.B. road. Gear and clothes.......Some gear more clothes......no gear all clothes......Come out with an REI edition Subaru.......Close all stores and dissappear. That would be sad. Peace

Cool. I just had a wicked sweet conversation with myself!!

I was squeezed out of my mom in 1977. Don't think that counts though. My history is not so impressive. Started climbing in 94, first peak in 2002.

Anyone have the Karhu Meta? (120 fatty with built in patch of mohair).

Holy Shit I'm young

OK.....I know that this does not relate directly to AT, but I figures some'n here hasta know the anser. I just bought some Volant Machete Sin skis (Sooo heavy but sooo shiney). They are brand new EXCEPT....they are missing the binding riser plate. Do I need to have the plate to mount bindings or can I just fill the riser plate holes and redrill for my bindings? OK to tie this to AT more, as a part of this binding mount I will also be mounting a set of Naxos to some Atomics that I have. Who do you all recommend for this? Thanks for the beta. Kyle

Me too Bogen! True or not, a pretty good story and pretty good pics too. No way in hell you would catch me in a spot that tight. Anyone wat to go spelunking!

I have gotten some damn good deals at REI (ie 50-90% off). I shop where the deals are. If Cascade Crags has it cheaper than Feathered Friends I go there. If REI has it cheaper than Second ascent, I go there. Yeah it is nice to help out the local peeps, but its all about the Benjamins. I guess I just know what to expect when I go to REI so I am not bothered by it. Do I hate seeing Chet and Buffy with their little Jessica and Tyler shopping there for pink Nalgenes, chocolate covered cherries, a $400 "rain jacket", and a North Face work shirt? Yeah. But no more than it bothers me to be ignored or belittled by self proclaimed uber climbers. I have a pretty big dick, I have nothing to prove. 4" IS big.......... right?! DAMN!!! Anyone looking to sell some leashless ice tools or a single wall Bibler? peace homies

I'm down with the Nike F-8 I do miss being able to deflect bullets with the Suunto though

Yeah, If I was ever at Shilshole and the tide slipped out I am not sure if I would crap my pants first or if I would crap my pants while trying to run up the hill. I would probably die trying to warn others. Stupid compassion!!! I just think it is cool that the camera showed up. What are the odds?

Careful CBS. Some people may find your title to be just a tad tasteless. Don't forget those people that died have family in this area. Peace Kyle

Yeah, my guess is that your muscles and tendons are pissed off at you because you are running again. Although not likely, other things to concider would be stress reactions of the long bones in your foot. But I would suspect that more if you ran 10 miles a day for the past year. I don't think you tore anything, and I would highly doubt any meniscal damage since.... well.... thats you knee and it is your foot that hurts. I would back off the running a bit. Try some biking or elliptical running for a while. Use ice and advil to control pain and inflamation. Definitely check out your shoes. But remember, if you get new ones don't just start running 15k a day on them. You have to break them in. Also make sure you are stretching several times a day, especially your lower extremities. Good luck. K

I have not had any problems with mine strapwise. My brother lost a casio triple sensor cuz the strap broke. Suuntos seem to be pretty beefy. Can't remember what broke on mine but I returned 2 suuntos before I gave up on them. The alarms on the Nike are pretty nice to have. Mine has 4 time alarms, 2 altitude alarms, and 1 temperature alarm. But if the temp on your wrist hits 32 degrees...well, you have been dead for a while. If you are not looking for it to be a wearable fashion piece I would seriously consider the HighGear Altimax. That is what I take climbing. I dont like having crap on my wrist with gloves, leashes, etc. Besides then the temp reading is accurate. The watch is for hikes, skiing (Nike has a ski function), and for waking my ass up in the AM. edit Oh yeah..the Nike battery is a pain in the ass to change. It can be done, but you have to make sure you ground it when done, and you have to be careful of the rubber gasket. Requires a staple or needle to remove the watch straps and a very small screw driver to remove the backing. The suunto and altimax require a battery and a quarter.

I got it, I like it. Casio....meh Suunto...meh Highgear...meh Nike....meh, but I like it a little better than the others They all work as long as you calibrate them often. I would look at things like how often in refreshes the alt, temp, etc. And in what increments it measures. Some do 20ft, some do 1ft increments. If you don't care about that stuff buy what is on sale. If you really want to use things like temp, buy the highgear altitech clip style. Keep the watch band in mind too. Do you want it on the inside or outside of your jacket? good luck. K

Well you dont sit on "them" (or in Lances case "it"). So a cup is not really necessary, it would probably make things worse. Its your that hurts.

Whats wrong is spandex in general. BICYCLE COMMUTERS OF THE WORLD.......SPANDEX WILL NOT GET YOU TO WORK ANY FASTER!!!! If you are not racing cars you don't need a helmet to drive around town. If you are not in a cycling race you don't need spandex to commute. I especially like the guys and gals that advertise for Jet City Velo on their asses. The only thing your cycling shorts should advertise is a hemmorhoid cream.

Not really sure exactly what you want but I saw this http://seattle.craigslist.org/spo/59760036.html who knows? K

Sorry no input on the Griz, but let me know when you are ready to get rid of your atomics. Good luck Peace

I am a frigging sweat monkey, so my goggles fog regularly. I have, however, had some success with the Bolle Krait. It has the phototropic lense which is pretty cool too. Although it is not a drastic change, the lense does lighten and darken to meet conditions. I also use "Cat Crap" which seems to help a bit. The biggest thing is keep your goggles dry on the inside. So dont take them off when it is snowing, and wipe your sweat from the foam gasket every once and a while. OR botox your face so you don't sweat!! peace Kyle

Sweet, thanks. How's P-town BTW? K

I hate to bring up another soft shell question but I assure you I am only interested in this one jacket...as I already bought it and am waiting for it to arrive (campmor $134 ). So, has anyone had any experience with it. You likey? Thanks K

With the exception of the last guy, vegetarianism is a four letter word. No way am I turning to that dark stinky side. We have a few veggies here at work and they will cut farts (silent) anywhere. Wherever they are...it stinks. Everyone else is quiet about it, but I walk into the room and loudly state "who fuckin' farted", then walk away before anyone can answer. If I have to smell their ass, they have to be embarassed about it.

mmmmmm......Blair.

I don't think it is flash exposure (light is not right for that), but then again, I don't really care either.

Of course this is not the sun. True....the moon is reflecting the sun, which would be impossible if it were behind it. Also the sun is beginning to illuminate the face of the peak, again.... impossible if the sun is behind it. I don't know what or who the "photoshop" is but it sounds like a conspiracy theory to me. In truth the only plausible explanation is that there is a very tiny "second sun" between the photographer and the mountain. This is very common.