chelle

I can schlep heavy loads on expeditions with it though...

The Khamski wouldn't really work for overnights even though the suspension will support the weight. It carries a full climbing rack, harness, shoes, water, and a rope nicely though. I hiked with one of the Bora 60's on a 3 day backpacking trip, maybe 30-35 lbs in it weightwise, and had terrible time with hip brusies because the thing didn't have a contoured harness. For me that part of the pack is key. I think Arc'terryx makes a woman's pack now. One tip I can offer is to load up a pack she thinks is comfortable with the sand sacks they have in the store and have her wear it for at least 30 minutes. Walk around the store. If it is still comfortable buy it. It's too big an investment to not spend some time wearing it. Or buy it at REI so you can return it for and exchange if you need to.

Check out the woman specific packs that many companies are making these days. If here hips aren't too big she may be able to use a small size unisex pack, but a woman's contoured hip belt will make a big difference to her comfort if she's got any amount of weight in it. The woman's models also shape the shoulder straps differently, narrower shoulders and countoured straps that accomodate her "rack". For overnights I use an Osprey Isis and love it. It's a big pack though. For lighter loads and day climbing trips I use an Arc'teryx Khamski size small. The suspension system is great for up to about 40 lbs.

He used to climb with Chouinard and Ridgeway back in the day. I think he's had a longterm interest in the sport. VF is a great film. I have it on DVD and could arrange for a cc.com viewing if someone wants to offer up a space and a DVD player.

Thanks for the burgers GregW. Very tasty. Nice to see so many new faces. We should definately do it again. How about June 18. Celebrate the solstice and the start of summer...and the end of another quarter of school.

You comin' to the BBQ? We can maybe make some plans then.

Serenity Crack to Sons of Yesterday. Haven't done Sons yet, but it is the reason people climb Serenity Crack from what I hear. Avoid it on a weekend... If you're there for long enough time your rest days for weekends or climb obscure routes on those days. One adventure with only 1-2 5.10 moves is Overhanging Bypass on Lower Cathedral. It was one of my favorites last spring. An old school route with great views. Another weekend adventure climb is Absolutely Free 5.9 (I think) on the Lower Brother butress. You'll have the whole place to yourself.

Coward! Your dogs are big, but they are the sweetest puppies. My neighbor has a pit bull. She's a sweetie too, the breed just gets a bad rap.

Shit, seriously, I get that same thing. It's things like this that make me wanna smack somebody. They do that because they read a paper version that the assistant printed off for them. They don't know how to use the email system, but they've been using the phone since they were 4 or 5 years old.

Just got back from a nice conversation with the supervisor at the Wallingford post office. Seems carriers have the discretion to decide not to deliver mail to a house where a dog barks. Actually they have the discretion to decide to hold mail service if you live next to someone who's dog barks. WTF?!? We haven't had mail in days because the neighbor's dog barked at the mailman while his owner was sitting right next to the dog in the front yard...in complete control of the dog. Now our landlord has to move our mailbox before they will resume service. Lame!!!

Whirlwind, a bag of chips and salsa won't set you back more than $5. That's a good contribution.

Out of a nalgene bottle that is. Let's be discrete folks. I think the paper bags were a tip off last year at GG. Too much good beer was poured out on the beach that night.

One more reason for a toast...

Welcome back Holly. Figured you'd resurface after the taxes were filed. Let's go climbing when your toe's healed.

Nice TR Winter. I plan to get down there someday for the fest. Glad to hear Vinyl is still getting a groove on and pleasin' the crowds. I know the base player. They are an awesome group of guys who just started grooving in a garage about 5 years ago and decided to start a band. I've missed their last 3 performances here in Seattle.

I was gonna bring the lettuce, tomato, and onion too. Cheese eaters...you're on your own. Don't touch the stuff. Anybody know what the headcount is? I'm thinking maybe 30? Erik if you're coming I'll take down my line and bring it to the park. Should I bring the come-along to assist with set-up, or just some carabiners?

Nice work Carolyn. Now you can rope gun Figger8 and me up the Tooth next time we climb it. Are you coming out here this summer?

What kind of tool are you looking for? A spare straight alpine ax, a hammer, or what?

I thought that Momento was pretty freaky. Kinda extreme and you couldn't stop paying attention or it stopped making sense. Had to rewind a couple times cause I knew I missed something.

Anybody else out there seen the movie "13 Conversations About One Thing"? Kinda in the same genre of "Waking Life" but not animated. Makes you think about how perspective and the sum total of little experiences add up to some serious stuff.

So right now we have some discussion groups and other activites led by Erik. We have some burgers provided with non-grocery store procured beef from GregW.We still need some other picnic stuff (chips, dips, salads, and sides) to munch on, buns and condiments for the burgers, paper plates and stuff.We need an estimate headcount so here's a poll so we can figure it out. Attending or notI am attending soloI am attending with 1 guestAttending with 2 guestsNot showing up 'cause you're all freaks! I'll bring some condiments for the burgers: mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomotoes and pickles.What can the rest of you bring?

The Ballroom on Fremont Ave on the north side, just west of Dayton. There's some space out front with an outdoor fireplace where we'll all be hanging out.

Trask - is there a list of the 57 companies or do you have to look through each country file to see which ones? Was Brown & Reed on the list? From what I've read they've worked with Drug companies and terrorist governments for years as "contractors" and is a subsidiary of Cheny's former employer...

HB makes a kevlar helmet with a brim. Not as wide as the one K is wearing here though.

Since you've suggested a location that won't kick people out at 10pm, will the party still be raging after 9:30? I have night classes on Wed, but will drop by if people are going to still be there.