alienPDX

They don't have venom either. The victims die from an infection caused by the bacteria in their saliva. Actually, they do have a neurotoxin venom http://www.gila-monster.org/

Does anyone have any feedback/experience with the Geronimo axes?

Thanks for the added info.

Did anyone catch last night's Oregon Field Guide segment on the NW forest pass and other user fees? I tuned in at the very end and only saw the last five minutes. All I saw were a few people stating their pro/con fee opinions, and basically it was over the issue of double taxation for recreational use of public lands. Nothing was mentioned about how the USFS subsidizes mining, logging and other destructive operations with tax dollars or about how the forest pass program was originally set up, then extended, the concept of a purchase of a pass being regarded as a vote for the program, etc. Just wondering if it even came close ot accurately covering both sides of the issue or if it was mainly public interest fluff.

NxNW (or anyone else) - do you have any GPS coordinates from the route, especially for the chute in between the upper & lower lobes of the glacier and for the saddle above Sitkum Spire?

I'm sure you are looking for hard info and not a guess but I'll give my 2 cents anyway. I haven't been up there yet this year, but I would guess that there is still a good amount of snow on the trail-- I rode Dog River in early June last year and there was still a lot of snow near the top where Surveyor's intersects. You can try calling All Season Sports or Mountain View Bicycles in HR to get a better idea. If you get any better info, please post it.

Anyone been up to Mt. Buckhorn or near Marmot pass recently? Thinking about heading there this weekend. Curious about snow levels, snowshoes vs. crampons, etc.

There is a great book called "Don't Waste Your Time in the North Cascades" by Copeland (I think) that outlines and rates a number of hikes and backpacking trips in the area from "premier" all the way down to "don't do"

I find that scrubbing my crack with soap, water and a washcloth gets it clean & fresh even after a long hot day at the crags.

Thought this might be of interest to some of you out there. Obviously, some of this text was pulled straight from MHW's PR department ... Columbia Sportswear and Mountain Hardwear Join Forces Thursday March 13, 4:00 pm ET PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2003--Outdoor apparel and footwear leader Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM - News) announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Mountain Hardwear Inc. for aggregate consideration of approximately $36 million, including approximately $30 million in cash and $6 million of debt assumption. ADVERTISEMENTThe merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of Mountain Hardwear and is expected to close on March 31, 2003. Mountain Hardwear designs, develops and markets the most technically advanced equipment and apparel available to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, many of whom are icons in the global mountaineering community. Mountain Hardwear, which is based in Richmond, Calif., recorded an unaudited $31.4 million in revenue during 2002. Upon closing, the company will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear. Columbia Sportswear's senior management will host a telephone conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, March 13, 2003. To participate, please dial 800/358-8449 in the United States (outside the United States, please dial 706/634-7408) five to ten minutes prior to the call. The call will also be webcast live from the investor section of columbia.com, and archived for two weeks. Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle commented, "By acquiring Mountain Hardwear, we continue to build a dynamic portfolio of strong outdoor brands. We are committed to upholding Mountain Hardwear's brand integrity and authenticity for the benefit of its intensely loyal consumer base. Mountain Hardwear will continue to operate as an independent brand. "Backed by Columbia's financial strength and operating expertise, the Mountain Hardwear brand provides Columbia the opportunity to profitably increase sales by up to $100 million over five years. Our growth strategy for Mountain Hardwear includes further penetrating high-end specialty retailers, expanding its current product offering, expanding international distribution, and selectively broadeningretail distribution of its products consistent with its specialty store heritage and authentic brand and consumer base. Over time, we plan to integrate sourcing and distribution functions, which should provide us with the opportunity to increase efficiencies and expand gross and operating margins for both companies." Mountain Hardwear President Jack Gilbert, Vice President of Design and Sourcing Paul Kramer, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mike Wallenfels will remain executive leaders of the company they founded in 1993. Mountain Hardwear's employees, many of whom were also involved in founding the company, will remain at the company's headquarters in Richmond, Calif. "We needed a corporate partner who agreed that pushing the limits of what is technically possible is the essence of our success, and who is committed to fueling that vision," said Gilbert. "This transaction marks a significant milestone in the development of our business, and gives us the opportunity to continue building the Mountain Hardwear brand on a global scale. Columbia understands the unique value, positioning and integrity of the Mountain Hardwear brand, and togetherwe are committed to providing leading edge apparel and equipment to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals." RBC Capital Markets represented Mountain Hardwear in the merger.

I wasn't referring to actually riding down any significant vertical making tele turns, only thinking that it might be possible for short downhill slopes during touring/skinning up. Sorry I wasn't specific. The board I was looking at does have an inside edge in ski mode. I have heard the same about lateral stiffness on hardpack as well. I was figuring that crampons and a standard board would be in order for those conditions anyway. Thanks for your thoughts.

I am very close to picking up a Voile Split Decision twin tip board (173cm) and am looking for some feedback from people who have actually used this or other split boards for bc touring/ mountaineering. From what I hear so far, they ride great, the fat sticks with ascension skins provide awesome grip and float on both powder and crust, it's possible to make (wide) telemark turns with them in ski configuration, but the big downside is that sidehilling/traversing can be a pain (isn't it always?) since the ski edges are spaced so wide. Any thoughts? I know this post is going to elicit plenty of spray from skiiers out there, so here is the answer to why don't I just use a tele or randonne setup-- I used to be a skier, but have found boarding to simply be A LOT MORE FUN.

While in Bellingham last weekend I heard rumor of a granite bouldering area 30 minutes from town. Any info on this?

I've already got a group of more than 10 if you want to join in. PM me if you are interested.

Looking for beta on hiking up Old Snowy and/or Johnson Peak in the Goat Rocks. Any info would be appreciated. Also feel free to share info on backpacking/camping in the area, especially if it would help me avoid the crowds over Labor Day!

Does anyone know recent route conditions for the Sitkum Glacier Route on Glacier Peak, specifically what kind of equipment is needed for a climb up/board down? I have read contrasting reports ranging from people summiting in tennis shoes to ropes and ice screws being necessary.