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the CHAFING from the gaiters aaaiiiee!

All these guys started the trip in eurotrash neon clothing. This photo is direct evidence of depletion of the ozone layer and a cronic acid rain problem. One of them has even resorted to wearing some sort of plastic tarp for a hat.

Yeah I'm hoping to run my tacoma into the ground too. I guess the word is the tacoma will not change too much, but it will be much bigger than previous models. They are calling it "mid-size" now and the test ones look like a tundra, which I've never liked that much. The new 4-runner is an entirely different vehicle than the previous 3 gens. It has a lot of sophisticated drivetrain "improvements" and a V8 option that is weaker than the V6 But hey if you require the sound and consumption of a V8 it's your baby. The new 4-runner is definitely much more advanced than previous ones and offers a much more plush and smooth ride, but there's something to be said for simplicity. That's why I like the taco trucks, cause I can actually fix things on them

I can hardly wait to see how Toyota has trashed the venerable Tacoma in 2005. If the new 4-runner is any indication, 2004 may be the last year for the classic Toyota 4wd truck.

Climbers tend to look for ridge lines or consolidated areas for routes, terrain that is usually safer in terms of avalanche hazard. Generally they like to avoid wallowing on 30-40 powder bowls. They also are looking at slopes from a bottom-up perspective, while skiers are looking top-down, often at a roll-over. Skiers often do not follow their skin track down, so do not have first-hand experience with the slope that day. There are a number of factors that increase the risk for skiers in general. That's not to say there is plenty of risk for climbers, as the recent avalanche fatalities up on Mt. Wilson demonstrate. There is also a strong psychological component of skiing that can get people overly-excited to hit a slope that might be marginally safe. This can come from the euphoria of skiing, which can cause skiers to abandon rational thought in order to get more powder. It's amazing how different people behave after skiing a short section of really good snow.

Guy in Polaris one-piece (pissed-off): where did you park? Me (almost yelling over the din): er, the lower lot, this one seems full. Guy (steps up to podium): GOOD. Cause these assholes think they can park wherever they please. We built this damn cabin and these guys with their single vehicles are blocking trailer parking. This is our lot. Me: I see. I'm willing to put up with 'bilers at that lot due to historic precedent, and I have met some nice ones, but this attitude combined with the haze of 2-cycle exhaust for a 1/4 mile in all directions is a little too much.

do you have a nols patch on your pack on campus or not. haaha

anyone else want to ring in with their cooler-than-thou i. saddle times? p.s. if you can't get to the top of palmer in under an hour you best turn around and go home sissy bwahaha

hey cut them some slack, that's a lot of body to guard

Indeed, it was hard to walk by the blue light special on stinger missile systems. Some guy in a turban bought them all before I could change my mind. Stupid turban guys.

(applause) well walked, well walked indeed!

let 'er rip!

The funniest part of that show is the rollover accident that happens behind them as they interview that guy. I guess it's not so funny.

Guy in yellow parka: "Are you hot?" Guy in green parka: "Yeah" Guy in foreground: "Why am I carrying the fencepost again? My kidney is killing me"

you will still need an internet connection if you get a wireless setup. However, if you get a wireless card in a laptop, many places offer free internet access. Portland is really well set-up for this. I'm not sure about other places. A lot of people out there don't really lock down their wireless setup so if you live in an apartment you can get a good signal a lot of the time. Or you can go in on a co-op with neighbors but this is probably considered cable fraud or something.

that is perhaps the thickest prusik setup I've ever seen. This looks like a caving course

to whoever submitted that rappel shot in the other thread: note requisite intense spotting

Only thing missing? Well I don't see any intense spotting anywhere. In addition, the area is not festooned with topropes, though the picture may not be an accurate representation of the event. However, there is at least one rope installed as some kind of tripwire in the background, so perhaps this composition deserves more credit than my initial reaction. T-minus 10 seconds until blue-gaiters stumbles backwards on that thing.

"Visibility was rapidly deteriorating, and the wand committee was finding nothing but white ahead. Fortunately we were going fast and light by wearing mini gaiters."

Hmm, looks like we need to turn back, we're out of wands again.

Bob, asteroids may collide with earth and the sea may burn, but our packs will NEVER be lost. Tinkerbell ain't got nothing on our wand collection. Damn it's sunny out here.

that budding mullet farmer with the jeans looks like donald fagen

I don't see anyone here saying moguls are cool or otherwise. Whether they suck or not doesn't really matter since anyone will make moguls skiing or boarding something a lot. If I were taking the anti-snowboard tack I'd add that snowboarding makes moguls much more a pain in the ass since they turn at different points than skiers. I don't really see what your point is. That moguls suck? I guess I don't like them either.

Is this a troll? moguls are formed by some of the best skiers out there at times. Some people seek them out. There are mogul fields made by good and bad skiers. Jump turns??? Who needs to jump turn on an in-area black?