Fairweather

Mattp She hasn't even considered Evergreen. I was only using that institution to illustrate my point. Your reply is well taken though.

I can only hope that you take a long leader fall onto a BD Bod harness that damages your already small testicles so badly you are unable to hurl your liberal spawn upon this great nation.

sounds like she's already under political "indoctrination". and "to be fair" I went to Macalester College, alma mater of that "whining liberal" Kofi Annan. Iain, Last time I checked, indoctrination/passing along your values political and otherwise, was a parental purview. Do you share at least some of the values instilled by your parents? Or were those values erased/displaced during your tenure at Macalaster College?

My daughter is a high school junior and is starting the college search process. I only hope I am paying for her "education", and not political "indoctrination". Why don't parents demand the censure or termination of these (tenured, no doubt) professors who focus on idealogically twisted curriculum, left wing OR right wing? I've already given her a very short list of "daddy-won't-pay" schools. (ie: Evergreen State College) Fortunately, for both she and I, UC Berkeley falls into the "daddy-can't-afford" category.

Dwayner, Great post! I'm personally undecided on the merits of the Iraq war position our govt is taking (though recently leaning toward a pro-administration stance), but it is encouraging to know that someone on "the inside" of the university scene sees things objectively re: the neo "anti-war" movement.

don't feel under any obligation to discuss the substance of mine. We have no interest in common with user groups that advocate the use of motor vehicles in nature for the sake of using them. Anyhow as pointed out by Gregm, the orv'ers want the fees because it validates their activities. Jb, I beg to differ... When we try to kick snowmobilers OUT of their existing domain (Yellowstone), and motorcycles out of theirs (Dark Divide), and mountain bikers (non motorized by the way) off of ALL trails, we only create a bad (read: arrogant) image for our sport and harden the position and will to fight of those with whom we could otherwise find common ground.

Yes, true. But Hikers and XC Skiers (and, less so IMHO, climbers) seem to be the group that doesn't like ANYONE else. They seem to be the only group of those you listed who don't differentiate other select user groups. They just seem to hate them all!

JB, you seem to have a great knack for validating my posts. Thanks!

...Still no answer to my question, DFA? I kinda figured that...

Sisu, I agree with you 100%. The arrogance level found amongst many of our fellow outdoor lovers, ie: backcountry skiers, hikers, and even climbers, is so pervasive that I rarely tell anyone I am a participant . It IS too bad we can't ally ourselves with some of these other groups. But it is understandable, to me anyway, why they don't like us. It's too bad.

Here is another one. This is the final snow apron just below the west peak. Easier than it looks. I took this in August 1981.

Here is a picture I took in 1983. You can bearly see the West Peak on the far upper right. The larger peak just left of that, is Five Finger Ridge. The lower glacier is a cruise in September.

Rainier-Central Mowich Face Stuart- North Ridge Olympus Traverse- From Queets Basin

DFA, A simple answer is required.... Would the UN inspectors have been allowed back into Iraq without GW/USA/UK threatening the use of force? Better ask your PolySci professor that one. I doubt you can answer it on your own.

The "inspectors" wouldn't even have been allowed back into Iraq if GW had not threatened force! You lefties crack me up. Hey! Do you suppose France and Germany don't want us to invade Iraq because we might uncover the fact that these two countries were the primary sponsors of Iraq's nuclear program in the first place? If it were not for the Isreali's taking out his first n-program in 1983, Saddam would be running the whole mideast show right now. I don't know if invading Iraq is the right thing to do. But the "anti-war" crowd that gathered in DC last weekend were nothing but a bunch of assorted kooks with a hatred of America and nothing positive or constructive to add to this debate.

One of my first big adventures was riding my bike from Tacoma to Cannon Beach, Oregon (and back) with my best friend. About 400 miles total. We did not wear helments. As I had no bike rack, I carried a packback. We spent 5 days and had $35 each for food and campground fees at Westport, and Fort Stevens State Park. Our parents agreed we could go as long as we checked in by pay phone once each evening. WE WERE 13 YEARS OLD! My son is now 13 and I cannot imagine letting him do the same.

www.snopes.com/photos/binoculars.htm Here's a REAL quiz: Q: Who believes that the UN has supreme governing authority over the sovereignty of the United States, its military, and all its citizens, especially as that authority relates to war, environmental policy, and gun control? Who believes that government should forcefully take most of what a person earns and redistribute that income to others? Believes "from each according to his means, to each according to his needs"? Who lectures us all about the beauty of big government, demands we pay more taxes to keep his favorite Mercer Island park open, then hops into his German-made luxury automobile and rides off on another BIG adventure to save us from ourselves? A: Matt

Sloth, What about Ned Gillette? Was he travelling alone when he was shot?

My workouts consist primarily of 5x/week short runs (5k max-short hills) and a longer run (8mi) once every couple weeks. Additionally, I use a "stair-mill" at the gym 3 or 4 times per week for 45-60 minutes at a time. I usually get up into the mountains, for at least a workout, every 3 weeks or so during the winter months. (Si, Tiger Mtn, etc) The climbing partner to whom I refer runs 13 miles twice per week, and bikes almost daily. (Not sure about the distance.) He is into the whole triathalon scene. He does not climb as much as I do. I am thinking that my cardio is very good, but that my body just isn't used to the pounding I gave it Saturday. Heart/lungs could have gone on for a full marathon (easily), but I doubt I could have gone more than another 2 or 3 miles as my hamstrings were getting tight and my achilles were as tight as guitar strings. I'm just not sure if the punishment that running dishes out is a positive thing for a 40 year old guy like me. I like running, but I want to remain active in the mountains well into my old age. I'm trying to train for a full marathon this summer, but I don't want some running related injury to spoil my "climbing summer". Should I stick to the low impact cardio? Legnthen my running distance at a modest pace? Can I "train" my muscles to take this kind of abuse? Your insight is apreciated... Brian

Dru, ....not only that, but check out the photo gallery's new "top poster". Besides, I've posted many a slog report in addition to my political rantings.

Ran a half-marathon in the Skagit Valley, but the fantastic views of Mt Baker during the run made me wonder why I wasn't up there instead. Anyone on Baker this past weekend?

I ran my first Half Marathon today up in Skagit Valley. ("Nookachamps") I ran with a climbing partner who's ass I can kick pretty good on a workout trip to Muir, or on a trip like Si, or Mailbox, or anywhere! My question is this: If I can stomp him on a climb, then HOW the hell can he beat me by 15 minutes in a half marathon??!! Is running even a valid training tool for climbing? Just different muscle groups I guess?

Hey iammo! Dkemp's CC bio: has a website, photos, email address. Additionally he offers info/advice, and valuable opinions. You, on the other hand, sound like a real piece of work.

I've heard that story, but I think it was another mountain. Redoubt seems a bit remote for that kind of hyjinx. Besides, it has actually erupted in the late 80'S I believe. A "mountain hyjinx" (sp) thread would be awsome! Some others I have heard: A "female pleasure device" left in a Mazama summit register. A small Christmas tree left on top of Rainier. ...urban legend or real?...you decide.

OK. I'll weigh in on this one... A more appropriate question here would be: "Why are so many white people worried about how black people recreate in their spare time?"