chelle

Erik - A product called Technu is good for washing off and helping to control the itch.

I had a problem with really bad blisters on the approach to Glacier Peak a few years ago. Plastic boots, warm day, heavy pack... After the trip I talked to an endurance runner friend about how she deals with blisters. She said that she only gets them when she has some form of foot fungus and recommended I use Lotrimin. Sounded weird, but I did it and it helped to dry the skin out and the blisters healed quickly and didn't hurt after a day. I keep a small tube in my first aid kit. For prevention I use Compeed pads (a band aid product) on the spots that are prone to rubbing. I also changed the way I walk in my plastics. Flat footed like EddieE mentioned.

I came across this song by the bluegrass band Donna the Buffalo and really like the lyrics. Thought someone else might also get something from it. Cheers! Family Picture The world is a wonderous puzzle everyone a piece and every piece fits every piece is alive making energy energy pulls the pieces together into a round ball and there is love The ball jumps the ball rolls The ball lives in the moment I am told The ball pumps and rolls with the flow The ball laughs as it bounces Sure as the sunrise it doesn't matter the shape of the hat It all fits together into a family picture and every wall's got room for that Every piece is a part of the whole No one piece more important than the rest So stand up, take a number Every piece here's got someplace to go It's a round ball and there is love there is love

It's great to be home! Glad I made it in time to see familiar faces and meet some of the new gang. I got some much needed sleep and am recovering from my journey. [ 06-05-2002, 09:11 AM: Message edited by: ehmmic ]

Since I don't plan to go to vantage anytime soon, is there a way to buy a pass? Other than in person... [ 04-22-2002, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: ehmmic ]

Has anyone ever fought a parking ticket issued when climbing at Vantage? I got a notice on my windshield a couple months ago, and just got the ticket which is $71. This seems really excessive. They should put a self registration system at the parking lot so people won't have to waste time and gas driving around to buy a pass.

PDX Thanks for the info on a different locale. If Horsefeathers had been crowded we would have gone somewhere else. Unfortunately the place was just really slow. Got menus when seated, at least 20 minutes to take the order then another 45 to deliver it to the table.

Had a great time climbing at Smith this weekend with V. We got in some great routes despite the crowds. The big challenge of the weekend was trying to get dinner at Horsefeathers brew pub in Hood River on the way home. The two times we were getting up to walk out they saved themselves by taking our order then bringing the food... but we should have kept moving towards the door. It shouldn't take 2 hours to get a couple beers and a not so great dinner... Avoid the place if you can. [ 04-22-2002, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: ehmmic ]

What I am wondering is was this your only option for climbing the route or an experiment with only using your thumbs?

So is it Ballard or Alki? I can't figure this one out...

Nelly - I ran into this same attitude a couple of years ago when I searched for a policy so I would have something in place outside of my work group coverage. I was told that you can get around the system by stopping climbing for 3 -5 years, get a policy and then start climbing the day after the policy is in place. Apparently they don't care if you climb after they've sold it to you. One thing I also found out is that at my former company there were no exclusions for "risk" activities most likely because the risk is spread over so many people. My advice if you are at a company that offers life insurance is to get the maximum coverage you can. You can also purchase policies for specific trips if you are going on an expedition, but make sure you read the fine print because the covereage is expensive and not all of the companies will pay if you die in a mountaineering/climbing accident (the basic travel insurance policies don't). Good luck. [ 03-22-2002: Message edited by: ehmmic ]

Couldn't find a recent post to send you a PM. V can't meet you and specialed tonight. Something came up. I PM'd specialed her number. You can get it from him.

Looking forward to seeing my pub club pals tomorrow night at the Owl and Thistle. Last time we were there I think our numbers topped 25 at the height. It's a cool place. To the cc.comers spraying about alternate locations, having arguments about who started what or can take whom in how many moves, etc. Be there...or not. The rest of us will have fun regardless. Michelle

Looks like I missed out on the formalization of pub club while I was hangin upside down on the limestone cliffs of Thailand. Mattp - I think the rule book is hilarious, but it is pretty sad to see that it is necessary... I'll put in my vote for the Owl and Thistle. It's a great location and it would be good to see Dave Parker. Where has he been lurking? See ya'll then.

So Rodeo, in case you are still uncertain about which path to take. Choose climing bum! Thailand is great and the cliffs are amazing. Been here a few days and already thinking of extending.

Hey Dru - I think this was already tired by a couple of climbing bums. I recall reading something in one of the climbing rags about some guy who told everyone he had a trust fund, but the guy got killed during his last heist. Chris - I had a deal with my previous employer where I got up to 5 weeks of unpaid vacation with 18 weeks notice every 12 to 16 months, which basically allowed me to take a chunk of time off for an expedition. It basically had to all be taken at once. This was negotiated as part of my hiring package. I'm not sure in this market environment that I could negotiate such a sweet deal. Good luck!

Rodeo - select choice B! Got my pink slip two weeks ago and collected my last paycheck today... I'll be bumming around CA, WA, WY and maybe BC from April till Sep or so, with a kick off celebration in Thailand starting next week! See you out there!Michelle

Jeffers is right the environmental expedition was earlier than 1996. Can't remember the year though.

Matt - definately keep your survey to under 5 minutes (less than 25 q's including the demographic stuff). To ChucK's point if there is a way to give people an incentive do something like a drawing for some free climbing passes at VW. You should be able to get a good deal. As for enhancements to the questionnaire, you may want to add Washington Pass to the area options and also focus or eliminate the human waste/trash q's. If people aren't using facilities (bathroom or trash cans), understanding disposal is more meaningful than whether or not they are using facilities.

This is the most interesting pub club location thread yet. Too bad I was out climbing rather than staying up on the controversy. I think I may be the person who has set the location of this thing the most times when Beck decided to step down back in September... Certainly more than Dwayner. Give the guy a break. We haven't gone to Tacoma since Dec 18th. I agree with ChucK, we should set the pub club location each week for the next week's drink fest. That way we won't be wondering where to show up the next week. Let's figure it out tonight at the Swiss. See you all there! Michelle

Participating would be fun, but no military connections here. Sorry...

I have a pair of Atlas snowshoes that I am willing to sell or trade. They retail for around $250, but I'd be willing to let them go for $150 so I can buy some MSR Denali Ascents. Or I'd be willing to trade them for a pair.

Climbing anything in Boston Basin with blue skies and not a single other party around.

A wetsuit?!? Another piece of gear I have to get. Darn! And I thought I only needed to get some ice tools... BTW it was Ecuador, Bolivia will have to wait until next time....

Hey gang! I'm back from the land of great food and big volcanoes to drink some beer with my climbing friends. Oh and celebrate joining the ranks of the unemployed! I guess I'll finally get to live the climbing bum lifestyle I've been aspiring to... See ya'll at Hattie's Hat at 6:30 pm tomorrow night. Details:5231 Ballard Ave NW(206) 784-0175