Figger_Eight

Hey Muffy...just pay attention to the little "check spelling" button and you'll be just fine

I'm not sure if I can agree Reudi was practicing "textbook" safe travelling techniques. That accident is a good case study on the balance between cycling through big groups and taking a more conservative approach. Unfortunately it was a tragic way to find out which way the scales tipped that day.

That's such bad karma for those idiots.

I know what you're trying to say...but I don't think I'd go this far. Beacons are simply a tool - they don't replace knowledge and experience. As long as you understand that, anyone going into the backcountry should carry one - even newbies.

Dickhead - the part I quoted commented on the conditions on Friday. Armchair quarterbacking? You don't know anything about me so go blow yourself.

A guide service will always have their clients wear beacons.

Where did you find out it was a Mountain Madness led group?

An excerpt from the weekend's avy report: Is it reasonable for a guided group to go out in these conditions? Are there safe areas to travel? Can you get comfortable in avy terrain if you always stay home?

Me! Me! Me! Oh wait...

What are the restrictions? You just gotta ski on Thursday?

...unless I saw ECock de-skinning. In which case I'd kick him in the nads, throw his skis down the hill and break his poles over his head.

I do. 45 hours just for your med. certs. A paid guide ain't the same as a volunteer Mountie leader.

Word. What's up with all the tougher-than-thou attitudes? Yeah...the backcountry is where you go to get away from the rules - but it's also where I go to avoid the assholes who you find at resorts. If it's a first run off the lifts - absolutely it's a free for all. But if I get to the top of a powder field we all had to hike up to, see some guys taking their skins off and getting ready to go down I'll chat 'em up and wait my turn - especially if I'm using the skin track they put in. If they're eating lunch...that's a different story.

1 vote for Link of the Month.

If you have a snow dog, they don't need booties...especially in deep snow. They're right at home in cold weather, and mine loves pulling me up hills

Heh heh...anyone with a computer can print up business cards saying they're a climbing guide in this country. God bless America

Wiping your nose on your buddy's sleeve works even better yet.

Well...think about it from the BLM's point of view. If you worked for them and were responsible for their risk management, it would be in your best interest to control that backcountry. Baker and Crystal have the same issues with adjacent land. If I understand the rules correctly, the assumption is that if you have the gumption to hike up to the top, you have the skills necessary to make your own judgements about risk. If you're a gumby a need a lift to get up there, you are more than likely going to look for someone to sue if you get yourself in trouble. My 2 cents at least.

Fleece vests are what you get for showing up to the company team-building retreat Windstopper vests are another matter though

Only if I'm wearing VBL's. Otherwise they're only useful for completing the shorts over polypro look.

Can be used in summer? How fun would that be!

Duh...of course environmental organizations are going to support candidates with views consistent with their mission. The Bush administration is all about treating public land as a money making commodity rather than a natural resource for public use.

RuMR is turning into the biggest climbing dork this side of the Mississippi

You might need to get the best fitting boot the shop has, then take it to a custom shop where they can play around with wedges and stretch the shell. custom boot fitters