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How could he publish before when the latter is already out? Is this some kind of publishing string theory? My copy is already worn out!

That seems to be the running way to do things out there. For instance, it seems next to impossible to bust someone for using webbing to rap off a wilderness route.

I am surprised about the chainsaws, since special use permits can be given for certain activities (approved scientific research, etc). I'm pretty sure I have seen chainsawed stumps on the PCT going through wilderness areas.

There were people paged out from deschutes county for an accident at smith so I think it was an actual accident. The river rescue unit was also paged out. No details.

that one of her lying on the ground was what my comments were aiming at. I wonder if a rake is nearby to smooth out the dirt to determine if the ground was used or not.

Actually I just read the wilderness act again and I can't find anywhere in the text that specifically prohibits motorized activities not related to transport, though there is explicit prohibition of "fixed installations".

There are exceptions made for wheelchair users in wilderness areas. I would assume this would apply to him.

what a contrived piece of junk. she is a hottie though (though no face visible, so could be a bit man-ish, at which point I would retract my statement).

My previous post made it sound like I would go tattle on someone w/o first talking to them. I'm all for self-governing in the climbing community, but if someone does not comply I think they should be prosecuted. If we are kicking snowmobilers out, we should be kicking motorized climbers out.

It is mandatory to get forest service approval from pretty high up to bring a helicopter into Oregon wilderness, at least. They take it very seriously, particularly in the Mt. Hood area. Areas south of there, not so much (I think they should).

No, it is black and white. They are using a power tool in a wilderness area. Snowmobiling is illegal in wilderness areas under the 1964 wilderness act. Yes, if it's another climber it would be good to give them a chance to cut it out, but in the end they are breaking the law. I think it's a good law too. Some areas are pretty strict about it. Some mountain rescue teams have had to get permission to take in even a wheeled litter before.

If you are worried about your tiblocs teeth, you can file them down a bit. Several cavers have done this and are still alive.

If it was in wilderness as governed by the 1964 wilderness act, then right on, bust 'em I say. No power tools.

It should be said that a guy in a group at Fairy Meadows with me the other year kept releasing on every other kickturn with his Dynafits. Not sure what was wrong with them but it was a real bummer. His ass was saved by an old pair of K2 Merlins w/404's that we brought as an emergency pair. Pilot error maybe, but I've seen it a few times before. That said I'd love a pair. I use Freerides right now, and on a pair of Atomics, it's a hefty weight on the pack for sure.

You can pick up tele really easily if you are good at alpine skiing. Or you can start with tele. Either way, I really think laps at a resort will get you on track faster than dealing with wind-blown sastrugi in the b.c. It can be a pain to get that muscle memory working for you when you're faceplanting every 10 feet in crust. It's quite possible to learn just in the backcountry but I think you'll improve faster and have a better time doing it inbounds. Just don't get stuck inbounds. One of the most important bc skiing skills is survival skiing, not the pretty carving you see the racers doing up at Timberline. Being able to ski rolling hills in brush, and carting weight along with you are both things you won't learn at the resort. Some of those hotshot racers are miserable in the bc! (Most pick it up pretty damn fast though, and are quickly kicking your ass) The key to learning any kind of skiing is to have someone along who not only is a good skier, but is also very good at explaining what you are doing wrong or right. There's always that little something in technique or mental attitude that is holding you back. The goal is to find that person who can observe your skiing and explain to you that key to unlocking the door to the next level. Often times, that is a paid instructor. If you're fortunate, it's a friend of yours. There are really good skiers out there who can't teach at all. I would go with some cheap gear at first, and make sure you get a ski with a solid topsheet! Tuas are out!

I second the cheap alpine setup (or a cheap alpine ski with your intended bindings)...and a deal on a season pass to a ski area + 1 beginner lesson. The latter two will put you in black diamond terrain very quickly, perhaps within a week or two if you put some time in. By the end of the season you will be bored with lift skiing (if you took advantage of your pass) and the skiing ability will be there to enjoy the b.c. Have fun.

hah! I always thought it was clive barker

I'm sure Meadows is throwing out an outlandish idea that Riley knows has no chance of getting approved. Once rejected, he'll come back with another outlandish proposal, but slightly less outlandish than the first one. This makes Meadows look like a reasonable, honest company willing to compromise, though history shows that only law enforcement keeps that company from chairlifting the entire range.

they don't really sound like your mother....at least not like she sounded last night ba-dumching

wow I wouldn't want something like the garmont towers on lib ridge. Too cold in my opinion. If you get stuck up there I would think your toes are screwed!

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