carolyn

hmmmmm [ 07-27-2002, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: carolyn ]

[ 07-27-2002, 09:45 PM: Message edited by: carolyn ]

quote: Originally posted by iain: quote:Originally posted by OfficeSpace: ...walk military style? Left right left right. More accurately: left right left left..crap I'm sketchin'! trundle trundle left right trundle right sketch sketch sketch left trundle shout shout shout right... It wasnt THAT Bad! I signed up for this course almost two years ago -before I was able to find anyone to "take me under their wing". Seeing that it was free, except for the plane fare, how could I resist? I did learn a lot of basic skills to use in the mountains which is pretty hard to come by in the flatlands of MN. And, the instructors were good with explaining things in more detail to me and/or giving me more responsibility when we encountered skills I already had. Yes, the large group was sometimes obnoxious. Lots of "strong" personalities and overly ambitious folks. But thats alright... Ive got my quarks that others had to deal with. Most importantly, I got what I wanted out of the experience. Trundle-wise...well I will admit (keep in mind Im a little sensitive to rock/ice fall after some near misses and a hit) that it was difficult when the instructors werent around to convince some of the group members that it was NOT okay to whip rocks off the mountains! where were the snafflehounds then, huh greg?!?!? [ 07-25-2002, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: carolyn ]

quote: Originally posted by Greg W: As a sidenote, Carolyn, we at People's Front for Snafflehound Protection are currently scouting sites for a Snafflehound Sanctuary and have included Minnesota on our short list. Would you be interested in hosting a small contingent of snafflehounds for an indeterminate amount of time? Please let us know, snaffles need our help. Dear Greg W, On behalf of all minnesotans I am honored to hear of your recent request for us to provide a Snafflehound Sanctuary. Seeing that the snafflehounds have been on the endagered species list for well over two years now due to the snaffle-squito's I think we would welcome a sanctuary here in the flatlands. Please be prepared to provide plenty of firearms filled with jungle juice, smokes of all sorts, and numerous types of Terminal Gravity brews in order to keep the evil one's away. In addition we ask that you arrive with pocket rockets (fully lit, of course) on your head so we can be sure you are representing the real "People's Front For Snafflehound Protection". We have had numerous hoaxes in the past and will NOT tolerate them in the future! Please let me know if you have any further questions before we finalize the mission. So....has anybody been able to access the site and see the REAL photos? I would be happy to post some of them on this site, but I cant figure it out (guess Im not as computer saavy as I thought ). Sorry if it didnt work for some of you. Yet, happy I was able to provide some entertainment mid week!

crapola! I guess if too many people try to look at it in a short period of time...like 25! then it cant handle it or something?!?!??! Anyway, if it says its temporarily "shut down" (the site), then try again later I guess. bummer!

Ive never been at altitude AND below zero temps with my pocketrocket...seperately, Ive been around 8,000ft with no problem. Ive also fired it up easily in 20 below temps. I like it because its compact, light, simple, and no maintenance...also because Im a lazy cook and pretty much just boil water, melt snow, etc. I can boil a few cups of water in 2 min or less...very important for the morning coffee However, I did have a problem with it a few weeks ago which caught me off guard. I had left the stove open to cool and kind of forgot about it. An hour or so later I went to light it and... BIG FLAMES...EVERYWHERE! I took it off the fuel canister, shook the stove a bit in case of fuel residue, tried starting it again...no go. Read the instructions and it said something about making sure it was well ventilated if you have the legs open for an extended period of time. Well, shit. I was outside!?!?!? Isnt that enough ventilation? I closed the legs for a bit and tried all over again, with no problems. Lesson learned...you know the models that are sitting around in the stores for you to look at? One match to the stove and *POOF*

We have a great climbing area on the N.Shore, along Lake Superior. I had never climbed rock there before (the ice is all inland, anyway). It was fantastic! Somewhat intimidating while standing on a car size boulder, staring at a great big wall in front of you and nothing but this magnificent, endless lake behind you...waves crashing. aaaah! I spent a ridiculously loooooooong time on a particular climb that I honestly didnt think I could top out on. I dont know how or where I got the strength to finish...but I did. What a great feeling! I also learned what is meant by "sharp rock". My hands are ripped to shreds! One person backed out on finishing the climb. her husband, a non climber, rapped down and they were going to take an "escape" route out. Unfortunately the water was too high and they couldnt get to it...so those of us in my group all learned how to rig a pulley system in the dark. Later, I read in a guidebook that the particular area we were in is the only place in the midwest you can truley be "marooned". Werd! Alpinek (and V)- when I was on my outward bound trip we climbed the finger (?) next to the route you did, I believe. I remember wishing I was climbing that instead...looked like a lot of fun as I watched a couple rapp off the route. Glad you enjoyed it.

quote: Originally posted by michael_layton: I took a deet shower and formed a perimeter of deet around my bivy and it barely worked. You sure you didnt put a hole in your bivy sack from all that deet and give free reign to the bugs? Last year the mosquitos were so bad out here that even the reppellant they use in the army (Jungle juice?) didnt work for me. they are never great out here, but a bit more tolerable this year. What Lambone heard is right...those pesky things like clean, sweet smellin' folks. SO, dont shower before you head out (why would you anyway?). Smoke helps tremendously, as a few had mentioned. Any stuff without deet works well for very short periods of time...you have to keep reapplying. As silly as this might sound, you might want to invest in a net to cover your head. They actually have netting in the form of pants and shirts, too....I havent gone that far. They really do work in keeping both the flies and the squitos away,though. We sell some pretty potent stuff at the store. Usually people heading out to Africa purchase it...you have to spray your clothes and do a bunch of other stuff in preparation. I can look into it more if you like. And Lizard Brain...we have mosquitos that size, LITERALLY!

Hey, Im finally getting some of my photos online and organized from my trip in the cascades earlier this summer. Thought I would share some of them with you all. Enjoy! photos

quote: Originally posted by erik: drul- gustavs is beat.....who wants to han gout with tourons and tupperware floaters...erik Ya, but dont they have that "peach" ? "I'll take a budweiser, please!" (or maybe just a big pitcher of water!)

quote: Originally posted by The Anti-Twight: I'm sure the slides are great, it would just be better if it were silent, or someone else did the talking. Sounds like this is the same slide show I saw last nov. It was the first time I had seen Twight speak and was looking forward to the entertainment. To my surpise, the actual slideshow only voiced the opinions of henry rollins and a few other musicians. The rest of the presentation was story hour as he read excerpts from his book. I was glad to finally see one of his presentations. Yes, the slides were great. But It didnt meet the hype people brought on. And now I dont have to buy the book, because he read it all! Having Backes in the house (little did I know he practically lives in my backyard) and hearing him introduce twight was one of the hightlights for me. I say go...if ya like it, GREAT! If you dont...then ya have one more thing to bitch about!

Seeing daniel's photo of silverstar was fun. as I mentioned in the thread it was the first peak I climbed. It got me thinking and wondering...what was the first peak , rock, or ice climb you did? What was it like? -c

wow! Lots of great thoughts on this thread! First of all I want to reiterate that I dont blame consumers for finding the best deal and running with it...even if that means ordering online, overseas, etc. I didnt start buying climbing gear until I began working at the shop, so I wasnt aware of barrabes or other online deals until about 6-8months ago. I work a few hours a week. In exchange, I buy gear with my paychecks. If I have a big order, I save those paychecks and use the prodeal. Guess you could call it a bartering system in a sense. I know everybody doesnt have the time to do what Im doing. Heck, I dont know how much longer I can fit it into my schedule. So what will I do then? Will I support my local shops or order online where I can get better deals? I dunno! I imagine I will do what most of you do....buy what you can online, used gear, etc and get the rest from my local shop. I appreciate hearing people defend/support their area stores for the most part. My point in the first post (other than the topic was hitting a sore spot on that particular day ) was to emphasize how hard it is on the smaller stores, especially when people come in to look at gear, try it out, etc. only to walk out with nothing in their hands. It was a friendly reminder to support your local gear shops. I forget who mentioned how it was good the customer told us he was now going to buy his gear online and walked out empty handed. I thought of that, but didnt want to ramble in my first post (kinda like I am now ). You are right. It needs to be brought to the attention of the management/owner/buyers...not just this one time, but every time it happens. Its also been mentioned numerous times on this thread that the stores will need to change/adapt. Im wondering what people suggest. This topic is all fairly new to me, as I alluded to earlier. However, Im eager to learn and hear thoughts/opinions.

funny joekania I echo Gregs response. Ive found it really puts me in the moment....somewhat healthier way of forgetting shit (bills, relationships, work, etc) than Ive used in the past. Ya, ya, I know the "healthy" part might be debateable. I also enjoy how it challenges me to think differently. i (think) I kind of like scaring the shit out of myself. And of course, its FUN! Ive always loved being outdoors. Climbing has taken my respect and enjoyment for the outdoors to a different level. Nice post Bronco

Thanks for posting the pic. It brought back good memories... This was the first peak I ever climbed....a mere month and a half ago. Looks like it still has nearly as much snow! I have soooo many photos of it (and others). If I only knew how to post some, I would. Oh well. Thanks again! carolyn

quote: Originally posted by Dru: I think we just got a "quarter inch of rain" in 5 minutes this morning, flatlander. Better YOU than ME! We've had numerous days in the past month where we have gotten nearly a foot of rain in less than 12 hrs....so a quarter inch on top of that is damn near close enough to make me have to swim to the crag. look at this...Im starting to debate over who has received more rain...time for a

Thanks for posting the article Carl. Do you have the link to the article by chance? Last weekend I walked into the store I do some part time work at (a locally owned, mom and pop outdoor retailer) only to have one of my co-workers share his story of spending an hour or so with this guy, setting him up with ice climbing gear...spent time showing him how to use the reverso even...gave him A LOT of personal attention. When all was said and done the customer said, "Thanks a lot for your help. Now I know what to purchase off the net." My coworker is a rep for grivel and a few other companies, so he had more than one reason to be pissed. I, myself have run into this from time to time as well...especially when trying to sell boots or shoes....spending time to size their feet, running around to get their sizes, letting them try a pair out in the cave or ice tower... I dont blame the customer for wanting to get the gear at a better price online. Heck, I started working at the store because i COULDNT afford gear at retail. There may be people here who disagree with me, but I think it would have been much more appropriate for him to just say thank you for your help and leave. Without supporting the smaller gear shops by purchasing gear thru them, where are you going to go when you want information on the gear your oogling? Where are you going to go if you want to see it before you buy it? If you want to try something before you throw out the bucks (gear isnt cheap any way you look at it). Easy access to route beta? etc. (ya, ya, I know...a more experienced partner, someone else who bought the sheeet before you, someone who has been there before, blah, blah, blah ) ah, maybe Im talking out my Just wanted to share my initial thoughts on the subject. next....

For what its worth we were able to escape the predicted quarter inch of rain today! Managed to get a few climbs in.... however, this was after an evening of pessimism...and till sunrise! Next time I choose to be a bit more optimistic....climbing w/a hangover in 100 degree heat is much worse than wet rock. Question....Although I was witness to a thunderstorm while in Portland last month,I hear they are rare. Is that the same in the seattle area as well?

okay, this post is somewhat pointless...more or less a vent. Why does it always decide to rain on the days I can get out to climb? (can you hear the whining tone? ). And Im not talking just rain...downpours, thunder, lightening. Climbing wet rock was fun and challenging for a while. Now its getting OLD! At least on ice, winter storms (out here anyway) dont affect your ability to get out and swing some tools. I think I like ice better! Thanks for hearing me out... now Im going to go watch yet another amazing light show in the sky (something positive HAS to come out of this summer's weather!)

TG...I can relate. Altho we dont have any mountains around here, I learned while on the OB course last month and backpacking around here that I prefer to be by myself when travelling on foot...even if it takes the extra work. I dont however, mind someone WITH me...someone to meet up with at the end of the day or check in with periodically. For me its more that I enjoy going into my own world when hiking, not so much personality conflicts, different goals, etc. Actual climbing is a different story...I do enjoy climbing with other people. As a newbie, I havent been too picky with partners because I feel I can learn from everyone and anyone (even if its learning how NOT to do something). Ya, sometimes I get irritated with minor personality defects...but hey, Ive got plenty of them myself and I expect them to deal with me. I guess its important if you dont know already WHY you climb and why your partners climb to figure that out. Are you both out to have fun and enjoy being outside? are you both trying to challenge yourselves to the max? Are you going for speed records? If your not in synch with goals, then difficulties will definately arise. Can you comprimise your goals from time to time in order to get out and climb more often with others? Maybe even consider taking a newbie under your wing...they might be more open to developing your drive, ethics, and goals as they learn from you. Just some thoughts. -c

Here's another... Brrrring! The phone rings at FBI Headquarters. "Hello?" "My name is Sven and I'm calling to report on my neighbor Ole Olson. He is hiding marijuana inside his firewood." "Thank you very much for the call sir, we'll look into it." says the agent taking Sven's call. The next day FBI agents descend on Ole's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They apologize to Ole and leave. Later that evening, the phone rings at Ole's house. "Hey Ole, dis is Sven, did the FBI come?" "Ya!" "Did they chop your firewood?" "Ya sure." "Good, now it's your turn to call. I need my garden plowed."

eh, being from Minnesota, i git all da good sven and ole jokes! [ 06-24-2002, 11:26 PM: Message edited by: carolyn ]

It seems that Ole was sitting in a bar with his best friend, Sven. "I chust don't know," Ole complained. "I come home and Lena don't have my dinner ready. Seems to me a man ought to be able to have a hot meal when he comes from work. It ain't right, you know." "Oh," Sven said, "I had a problem like that. I would come home and the house would be messy. I told my wife, "From now on, I expect the house to be clean when I get home!" "And vot happened?" Ole inquired. "The first day, I didn't see anything. The second day I didn't see anything. The third day, I see that the house is clean as a whistle." "Wow! Chust like that!?" "Yeah, just like that. I wear the pants in my family." "By golly, I vill try that myself!" exclaimed Ole. A couple of weeks later Ole runs into Sven, and Sven says, "So what happened, Ole? Did you tell your wife you expected dinner on the table when you get home?" "You betcha," said Ole. "Chust like you said. I told her what's what." "So what happened?" Sven asked. "Oh, pretty much like with you. The first day, I come home, I don't see nothin'. The second day, I come home, I don't see nothin'. The third day, I come home, I can maybe see just a little bit out of my left eye."

Thanks for the info Uncle Tricky! I saw a mass of ladybugs on copper peak a week or so ago...but no one could seem to explain their presence. Nice attention to detail with that first photo gary [ 06-15-2002, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: carolyn ]

another great trip out to the PNW! Started out in Portland visiting some good friends and family, while doing some training hikes, mostly in the gorge, for the outward bound trip. Daily schedule: early wake up call...long, steep hike....sit in a brew pub until bed time. Wake up...do all over again. Enjoyed some Terminal Gravity brew...and even breakfast with the man himself! Took a nice train ride to seattle. It was actually the only clear day up to this point, so I had some good views of hood, helens, adams, and rainier. Last fall there was very little snow on any of the mtns in comparison to what I saw this time. kinda kewl. Had a few days to visit with friends in Seattle before heading out to L'worth with Erik and friend. Ran into someone I climbed with last time I was here....brief encounter with the caveman...put my hand into a crack for the first time ...saw some of the great ice climbs you all talk about (although it was all running water at this point)...did my first multipitch (R&D)...full moon...drank some peach(?)beer and decided to stick with water for once in my life. Thanks Erik for showing me that rock can be a close® second to ice! I had a great time!!!!! Returned to seattle with enough time to unpack and repack for the next part of my trip.... For those of you around last year, you might remember I received a scholarship from OB to take a mtneering course. The course I signed up for last fall was cancelled...found this site...made contact with some of you....and...came out to OR and WA for a month anyway! I rescheduled the course for this spring. I was actually thinking as the course grew near that I didnt really "need" it. I had learned so much since my last trip...I have a lot more resources and people who are willing to teach me about climbing now...but...its free...what did I have to lose?!?!?! It turned out to be an interesting experience with lots of ups and downs. I figured it would be much more physically challenging. Not to say it was easy...it was challenging..but reasonable. The difficult part was being in a group of folks who were all fighting to be "leaders". In these situations I tend to back down. In this case, backing down meant losing some important experiences (ie/navigating, kicking steps, assessing situations, etc). Fortunately the instructors were aware of the group dynamics and allowed time for me to go off on my own and figure out how to get from point a to point b...to identify various features and safety...etc..Sometimes I was grateful for being in a group. Other times I wished more than anything to can them all and just be out there with a few friends. And frequently I wanted my own gear. We started with basic snow school shtuff. Climbed Silver Star. Crystal Clear Day. posthole...posthole...posthole Had some rockfall sweep my shoulder...had I not know what to do when I heard "rock" I would have absolutely experienced a helicopter rescue...Flashbacks of being hit by ice last season...acceptance (but not any less fearful) of climbing hazzards. Glissaded down, ripping my pants Moved over to the Copper Peak area. Climbed the finger (?). Climbing in plastics made it a bit more interesting(never climbed anything but ice in my plastics)...downclimbed to add a bit more of a challenge...oogled and ogled the route next to us (kangaroo?). Beautiful weather (again)! Copper Peak snow slog (getting a bit tired of postholing!) Great nap on the summit. nice feeling of walking off the edge of the world on the decent. Iffy weather, but still dry. Nothing better than decending uphill back to camp. (that just seems sooo contradicting! ) Solo psyched to have some 'space' and relax. kick a hole in the ground for my sleeping bag and pad. Set up tarp. Nap in sun. Wake up an hour later to incredible gusts of wind. Nasty looking sky. Rain. Snow a couple hundred feet above...erie, but kewl. Snow...rain a couple hundred feet below...UHOH! 22hrs...covered in sleeping bag...peering out every hour or so to brush snow off...cant see more than a few feet past my nose....keep head in sleeping bag....hear the wind come down the mtn....WOOOOOSH! Yell obsentities at the wind, like its going make any difference. This sucks! Back toward the road... Pass blue lake...f'in amazing! Felt like I was in the middle of a holiday card....beautiful snow falling...peaceful...liberty bell...early winter spires...dreamland! Last night out... lazy...dont take liners out of boots to dry...forget to bring into tent...snows 3 inches...FROZEN TOES on the walk out...(and I mean frozen...still waiting for feeling to come back in a few) End of the course run... 8miles(?) Knees and feet say NOOOOOO! Walk past specialed's mailbox..."Hey I know that guy!" Walk back toward his property. DOnt think anyones home. Was hoping for a big cup of coffee and a ride to the end of the run . Oh well! Overall, the ob experience wasnt too bad. Im not sure I was fond of travelling in such a large group. On the other hand, I learned a lot. The instructors were very respectful, patient, and knowledgeable. They answered a lot of my questions and elaborated on various technical skills which I already had some knowledge of. I was never bored! After the ob trip I managed to make it out to "Da Tooth" thanks to Eddie and Michelle. Yet another snow slog...but I was able to use some of the skills I had recently learned. I was coerced to climb in my plastics, which I thought was bad until I saw the poor kids who did the approach and climb in their tevas! Actually, I will probly climb a grade higher after spending most of my time on the rock in plastic this month. I had the opportunity to experience "waiting" for another group on a climb -not something you get here in MN. In this case, it was the mountaineers! I can definately see how annoying a situation like this can be. Fortunately these folks were pretty polite. Thanks again Eddie and Michelle! We returned to the city just in time for the pubclub at golden gardens. Great way to end my trip. Thanks Jay for the ride 'home'...and the tip on the airport shuttle! Im sure there is plenty more Im missing, but this is already long enough...and life starts again for me tomorrow too early in the morning...time to hit the hay! Thanks again all for great beta and hospitality while visiting your territory! -c