pindude

Gator, thanks for passing along. Many of us thought it amazing at the time that Dave Hahn and Chuck Young, after their helo crash survival, kept after it and continued with their rescue of the stricken climber. Glad to see their recognition for it. I know the Interior Dept distributes a printed publication each year listing their honor awards: I was given one in the recent past. I've looked online, but can't find--is there a site or source where us non-insider/non-gov't employee -types can access the annual Interior Dept honor award announcements?

Matt, some confusion here. If you re-read the last message of page one, you'll know what I'm talking about--Bug's quote marks didn't come out quite right. Sorry for coming on too strong: I was really more into the message than trying to be an asshole. Good luck with your ticks, all of 'em, including Bug. And Bug, I'm sure there's still a voice out there for that alter ego of yours. Cheers guys.

Ah, what bullshit. Just take your thumb and forefinger and pull the little effin' sucker straight off! And, no, you don't need olive oil, although if your folks, Bug, had used that instead of fire, you wouldn't be talking out of your... Do we have to have this discussion every year? 2007 2008 Sure, except for the head that is usually left inside without a little cutting. That is all I was saying. Peace. And we do have multiple discussions every year that are redundant on just about everything. Matt, I'm not afraid to identify and correct misinformation, which you seem to want to perpetuate. Just a few points: 1. The head (also called the capitulum) is NOT "usually left inside." The capitulum always comes out with the body with proper removal technique. As said before, I've removed from animals and people more than a thousand ticks in my life, and I've NEVER left the head nor any other tick parts when removing them. Typically, only part of the capitulum will be under the surface of the host's skin. The mouth parts, or chelicera, act as pincers. They're very strong and will continue to grip the skin on removal, often taking a very small amount of host's skin with it. The best removal technique is to grip the tick firmly as close to the head as possible and apply slow, gentle perpendicular traction (for more details, read the previous years' discussions). 2. If one has to regularly "cut," then you're obviously doing something wrong. Best removal method BY FAR is to use thumb and forefinger. Works even better than tweezers, especially if the tick is engorged. 3. It's apparent you have limited experience and knowledge about this subject, and obvious you've not read the previous years' discussions: please read them. Ticks are indeed nasty creatures. In the U.S., they outrank even mosquitoes as a vector for human disease, many of which are very serious. It's unfortunate there's a high degree of paranoia involved with ticks, and people such as yourself are compelled to readily spread false info such as saying that oils, fire, cutting, and twisting the body out (all false) are needed to remove them. Regardless, your chances of contracting illness from a tick bite are rare, especially if it's removed quickly and correctly. Peace out. --Steve

Ah, what bullshit. Just take your thumb and forefinger and pull the little effin' sucker straight off! And, no, you don't need olive oil, although if your folks, Bug, had used that instead of fire, you wouldn't be talking out of your... Do we have to have this discussion every year? 2007 2008

Wow. Good work Lucky and good conversation so far, but let's call a spade a spade. Whatever the solution, it'll cost big $, by most climber's standards. Of course harder to do in current times but still very possible. WA Dept of F&W didn't have the funds in previous flush times to manage or maintain the area, and I'm not sure they had the care or concern. They obviously don't have the capability now. For what? I believe the issue to be two things. First, the right shitter, as Canadug mentions. It has to be a bombproof-type concrete, USFS-spec type. They're made here in Spokane by CXT. Their cheapest single-hole (appropriate for Frenchman Coulee area) goes for about $10K just for the shitter. Other costs will be transport from Spokane (negligible in the scheme of things), installation (significant in the rocky substrate of the Frenchman Coulee area, could rival the cost of the shitter), and on-going service and maintenance, which is even more significant. The bigger issue is who would be responsible for not just the shitter and it's maintenance, but the overall management of the area including camping. I think WDFW fails. I believe they were overwhelmed not so much by the climbers, but by the summertime concert-goers who I believe to be responsible for the needles and trashing there. Lots of policing is necessary to transcend that bullshit, part of where WDFW fails. Smith Rocks State Park is certainly a model, but would WA State Parks be capable? So what's the answer? Is a land swap from WDFW to another entity in order? Perhaps some sort of maintenance/utility district? As far as the needles and bullshit from the concert-goers, there should be some responsibility from the The Gorge Ampitheatre, which is managed by LiveNation. Perhaps even DMB would kick in. As Matt mentions, there are several outdoors organizations who could be willing to pitch in. I don't believe the FCCC is functional, so it would have to fall to another group. It'll have to come from those who care about the place, who are us climbers. Honestly, I personally don't climb there any more and haven't since it became popular back in the 90s; I seek out more solitude for my central Washington desert climbing. But I'd be willing to help improve Vantage-area climbing from the Spokane side of things.

Dreams of .44's... [video:youtube]

Mighty long barrel on that one, Paul. Wazzat, a 44 mag?

Sobo, your dreams I think too are normal and are not more than what would be expected from good, caring, protective parents. That big puppy, on the other hand, obviously has a sleep disorder. Sobo, no self-fulfilling prophecies and definitely no waking up and acting out your dreams. And stay away from Dane's toy collection!

Not sure what ono means. If you have no other offers, I'll give you $150 for the setup, or $100 for the skis alone. I would take the bindings off anyway.

All good advice so far. June of 2004 I had to get my butt from Banff to Lake Louise, on a Saturday. I could've taken a Greyhound, but didn't want to wait the 3 hours before its scheduled Banff pick-up, figuring that hitching a ride in a national park on a busy weekend day would be no problem. Lots of friendly Canadians and visitors. I made a decent sign, and stood in an appropriate spot. After an hour, it began to rain steady. After two hours, mild-mannered me saluted a certain passing driver who was a little more outgoing than necessary. After contemplating saluting more, and immediately after the Greyhound bus roared on by, I called for a taxi. On that note, as an option, you could check the bus schedules and have the driver pull off for you at Peyto Lk.

Banks Lake. Certain spots, mainly on and near Highway Rock that I know of. Do a search on this site, and check Rick LaBelle's "Rock Climbs of Central WA."

Nice website, Cosmo, thanks for the link. Spotly, the Spo Mounties used to do successful mid-winter ski trips to Trapper back in 60s and 70s. I've never done, but heard lots of good about. Yes, longish weekend trips from Spokane. You'll likely have to hear back from another local to know more exactly (vs. "probably") how close to the TH you can get. Perhaps McCall Boater would know. This is one I wouldn't do without boards to ride back down on.

Anyone remember the old SMC rope washer? Not as harsh on your rope as a washer + detergent, and good for getting dirt out. I don't know if SMC makes it any more, as I don't see it on their website, but I can find it at various retailers like Mountain Tools .

Agreed. Anybody who is a climber shouldn't have any problems holding onto grips inbounds as well. I use my straps only for hanging my poles up between outings. Hard-to-find is as they should be. The old Scott pole grips you describe were well-known for causing unecessary thumb injuries, maybe something you young 'uns should be informed about without having to experience a bad thumb sprain.

Too bad they didn't work out for you, Dustin. Contrary to BD's description of them as an all-around ski, I think they're not good on the groomers. Rather, they're a superb powder/crud ski, and excel in off-piste conditions. It's also rather stiff: I'm at 210 lbs., and much prefer the 180 over the 190. This ski at $350 will be a good deal for somebody.

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. You gotta be kidding me. You ID yourself with guitar, and make this statement? Ahem. Sorry to jump on the wagon, but at times, yes, you do just that: "don't think." OK, don't think, but at least LISTEN. :kisss:

Shit, had I known, I would have put in a bid too! Finally, I started before you, Sobo! Single malt sure helps me get over a case of sinusitis, as well as knowing we keep missing out on bids for other projects... Good luck on yours!

Rainier won't be the same with Gator "gone," but then it wasn't the same after you arrived and changed it for the better, Mike. Your name has become synonymous with the mountain, and I hope that never changes. I'm sure you'll be creating success no matter what you do with and after the fellowship. Cheers to you! Steve Reynolds Spokane Mountaineers

Thanks for replying, John. It's good to know I'll be safe in my Stephenson Warmlite! Obvious hyperbole. Stephenson's catalogs have truly been conversation pieces; I always thought he was selling culture more than function. Hey Toast, do you think the naked chicks are no longer included because those same "models"--Jack's family--aren't the young 'uns they used to be?

Okay. If you're going to diss something like that, you need to provide concrete examples, not make blanket statements. That is, if you want your opinion to have credibility. Your statements achingly beg for clarification. *Exactly how is their advertising dishonest? *Exactly how were you "treated like a fool," and what are the lesser factors that would preclude you from "consider(ing) purchasing their products"? *Have you ever personally used a Stephenson, and if not, how is your opinion "informed"? Thanks, McCallBoater, and Mark, for the detailed, first-hand input. A Schweitzer-Kootenay Pass traverse sounds like a great time.

Good catch, Dane. All I have to say is Holy Shit. I know others here have experienced similar or better. Bring on the TR's, men.

Glad you're okay, Pup. Thanks for your story and openness. I've always been more the cautious type, and even though I've climbed most of my life, I don't have nearly the climbing experience as Dane or many of you. I've taken 25-30 footers on rope, and some medium-ball bouldering dives, all luckily with minimal injuries if any at all. Always got back on the horse, but not necessarily immediately. I'm slowing down more with age (strength + flexibility), so find myself even more cautious, and climbing lesser grades. Here's to you getting back on your horse and re-discovering all you love about climbing.

Not quite 50 yet, but man, you really are getting old! Keep moving, old man, and you'll still stay ahead of 'em all for a long, long time. Happy Birthday, Paul!

Never been there, but would love to do it.

Lookout Pass has been part of my backyard for more than 30 years. Intermountain climate and snow conditions. I'll comment first on the little bit of accurate--and erroneous--info presented thus far. No, sorry, not much good skiing on the east side of the pass. While I-90 runs north-south where it crosses Lookout Pass, by far the best skiing is on the west side of the pass, not the east. If you were headed into the St. Regis Basin and toward Stevens Peak, then you definitely were headed to the west. In the 80s the St. Regis Basin had less traffic and only a few motorized sledders; now it's overrun with them. * By far, most years around Christmas there's plenty of skiable snow at Lookout. Of the half-dozen or so Inland NW ski resorts including Schweitzer, Silver, and 49 Deg North, Lookout is almost always the first to open. Thanksgiving is a typical opening weekend. * If you're skiing from Lookout Pass, then don't park on the east side (illegal per DOT): park instead on the west side, in the downhill concession parking lot toward the south end entrance. Be respectful of the DH concessionaire and park appropriately. They must plow around vehicles parked early or late, as BC skiers and riders often do. Many sledders with their trailers park here too, and the concessionaire has had many issues in the past with both motorized and non-motorizied BC users who use their lot. As BC skiers and riders, we've been in communication to mitigate this. Obey any signs and use common sense when parking. * St. Regis Basin is now snowmobile heaven with large groups of riders. It also has many slopes near or at 38 degrees feeding into the basin from both sides, and it's only a matter of time before we have an avy fatality, or worse, a large group of motorized riders die in there. I stay out of St. Regis Basin unless I'm headed to Copper Basin or doing the Stevens Peak Traverse (see below), and then I'm headed through there very early before most sledders are awake. A guy I don't know named Greg Rouse has had a great little website since about 2000 called Wilderness Trip where he's highlighted the best Lookout Pass area BC outings. Contrary to his descriptions, all are single-day trips that can be enjoyed easily on a short, winter day if you get an early start. My favorites, in order: 1. Boulder Basin: Generally the best area for Lookout Pass single-day outings. Park west of Lookout Pass in the town of Mullan. Some tight trees and a couple gullies usually keep the sleds out. On your way into Boulder Basin, don't linger under the obvious avy-prone slopes. Most ski the east slope (west-facing aspect) of West Willow Peak back over the uptrack; some others the ridge between Point 5959 and Stevens Peak, skiing the north-facing aspect back down into Boulder Basin through what several of us call Strawberry Fields. Some skiable terrain is on the west side of the basin (easterly aspects), but there's much more avy terrain there to avoid compared to the east and south sides of the basin. 2. Copper Basin: Park at Lookout Pass. Avy-prone slopes in Copper, so ride/ski only when conditions warrant. Look out for snow-mo'ers on your way though St. Regis Basin. Yup, look out for snow machines whenever you're in the Lookout Pass BC. 3. Tiger Peak: Park to the northwest of Lookout Pass in the old mining town of Burke, which is a bit of history and a cool trip all it's own. Again, show courtesy to the locals when parking. Here the locals are homeowners. You'll have to go around private property and deal with dogs at the very beginning to access the Tiger Peak area. Beware the north and east slopes off the summit of Tiger Peak, which avalanche regularly through the season. 4. Stevens Peak Traverse, from Lookout Pass to Mullan: Requires parking a vehicle at Mullan at the Boulder Basin TH, then shuttling to Lookout Pass to start. Start early to avoid the sledders. In St. Regis Basin, stay on the main trail--which generally follows St. Regis Creek--to Upper and Lower St. Regis Lakes. You'll mostly be on the north side of the creek until the lakes. Good in early spring before everything melts out. Looking at Wilderness Trip, one must combine the Boulder and St. Regis trips. The St. Regis map doesn't show the head of the basin including the upper and lower lakes, nor the headwall leading to Stevens Peak's southeast ridge. Around 2000, in discussion with the FS among recreation user groups, there was an informal agreement for the motorized to use the north side of the creek, while the non-motorized users of St. Regis Basin would use the south side. However, it's not safe or practical to travel staying on the south side of the creek, so all users continue to use the main trail on the north side of the creek. Once you're to the Lakes, continue to head generally west to ascend the headwall above. Trend to the left through big trees rather than go up open, avy-prone slopes to access the southeastern ridge of Stevens Peak. Beware of cornices on this ridge and up on Stevens Peak. Good, south-side turns can be had from the Stevens summit but you'll have to re-skin to get back up to the ridge between Stevens Peak and Point 5959. From here you can follow West Willow Peak's south ridge and ski the west slope of West Willow, or head down through Strawberry Fields to get to the head of Boulder Creek. ----------- Unless you're with a knowledgeable local, avoid Lone Lake Basin and its couloirs from Stevens and West Willow Peaks. We've had 3 avy fatalities in the past 5 years in this basin: two skiers, and one boarder. Of all these trips, Boulder Creek to West Willow Peak is the least avy-prone, and the one I most recommend. Some of us have lobbied the USFS for a winter non-motorized recreation area to be established for the Boulder Creek, Lone Lake, and Stevens Lakes Basins on up to Stevens Peak, and including the south face of Stevens. It's a beautiful area to visit, and you may see sign of cougar and lynx. Point 5959, with the north-facing Strawberry Fields and Boulder Basin below. View looking generally south from West Willow Peak, 3-22-08: