Beck

It is not purely corporate forces driving the hoardes of cragcrowders. Corporate forces may encourage yearly updates to your gear or ski quiver via annual "product updates" or new "color schemes"- just look at the monstrosity that REI has become! What draws people to the mountains are the same urges that draw all of us- vistas,grandeur, recreation, connecting with the earth, getting grimy. Society and American Culture are the tainting forces at the crags and the big walls, the classic routes and the "hot spots" Rude behavior, hogging routes, dropping rocks, loud music, louts on routes, are all more emblematic of our failing as a culture to embody and encourage a vital and cooperative outdoor ethic. [This message has been edited by Beck (edited 05-22-2001).]

Rob, I used the word BOMBSHELTER metaphorically, this is the new BETAMID that weighs in at 2.2 lbs. a pound and a half lighter than the MEGAMID.

I have to concur with this TR regarding the snow conditions. While climbing in a different locale this past weekend I have to report unconsolidated snow conditions on most aspects. While by this time most climbers are expecting firm corn snow and well consolidated spring conditions THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The snowpack (as of Sunday 4/20 at least) showed significant storm layers from the last weeks snow and hard crusts atop weak grains or buried surface hoar. We need a prolonged period of cool nights and warm days to cook this snowpack down, the forcast looks promising. [This message has been edited by Beck (edited 05-22-2001).]

Will concur with Smoker that the Sitcum off Glacier Peak is one of the nicest, most sustained glisades you can do in the Cascades- that whole earlier chat Re: debris up the butt shows me not many climbers are giving the standing glissade a shot? MUCH MUCH more fun than sitting and more graceful too, you can carve turns like skiing and change directions as well.

The snowpack isn't settling into consolidated springtime snow conditions yet and the Ptarmigan Traverse demands a stable snowpack. I wouldn't do it so soon this year, as we've gotten quite a bit of late season snow. Our plans for the Forbidden Traverse over Memorial Day may get hosed off as well.

Just a note to all that the new tent from BD ROCKS!! 2.2 pounds of dual pyramid tent that sleeps two and sets up on your trekking poles- think of two smaller versions of the Megamid joined in the center- it is the BOMBSHELTER that is a fast and light school's wet dreams!

go to any optometrist and specifically ask for "glass lenses for snow and high altitude use. I have looked into this in depth and when the optitian calls the lab any reputable local lab will get your lenses from a speciality lab in Cincinnati. There are the only lab in the US that does high altitude lenses and i imagine opticus uses them as well. My lenses cost just over 120 dollars. Bring in some Julbo frames and get your glasses done cheaper, just make sure you get "high altitude glass sunglass lenses. ------------------