Dustin_B

A couple more points that haven't been discussed yet. What about when someone we know *of* dies, but that we don't know personally? Say some great climber -- that we all know about from reading his/her stories in magazines, but that few of us actually know -- dies? I'd bet you would feel a bit of sorrow over the lose of greatness. Sure you probably wouldn't feel the sorrow of the friends and families. You didn't really know this 'great' climber any more than you knew the guys in CA who died. And you can actually probably relate to the CA guys climbing ability better than the 'great' climbers ability. Why do you feel more sad over the lose of the 'great' climber. (does that question make since?) Also, what kind of person are you if you are happy when a particular person dies? I know many cc.comers would be quite happy if W died today. Personally I would feel completely indifferent. I was quite happy to hear about Sadam's sons getting killed though, but that is probably the only time I have been happy over someone's death. that is an extreme case though. just some thoughts to discuss.

Obviously that highballer is an instructor, this kind of behavior by a student would not be tolerated.

I see that the profile for this ski has changed this year from 107/75/98 mm to 114/78/105 mm. The lengths are also reduced substantially; max length is now 181 down from 195 cm. Why would a company do this? Is it better marketing towards the AT crowd or what? I have the opportunity to pick up a new pair of lasts year's model ski at a reduced price. Trying to decide if I should wait for this year's model or not. Is this year's shorter, fatter profile going to make much difference? I'm a heavy (210 lbs), fairly competent skier and will be skiing mostly in the Cascades this winter/spring/summer. My current downhill skis are 107/69/102 by 180 cm and are okay but not fantastic in the powder. I've heard good things about the Shuksans in the past so I'm leaning towards last year's model. Opinions, ideas? Thanks.

I was in the Seattle REI Friday evening to pick up a pair of Scarpa Lasers I had ordered and to have the liners thermally molded to my feet. I was referred to Jim, the boot fitter, from a buddy of mine who said he did a good job fitting his Scarpa T2s. Jim did an *awesome* job. He spent over an hour fitting, heating, pressing, working, molding the boot liners and insoles to my stinky feet. He was very knowledgeable and told me about my feet and the problems my feet have . When he was done I thought I was wearing trail runners (not really, but damn comfy). Jim is da' man. If you need a good shoe/boot fitter I highly recommend Jim at the Seattle REI. Best customer service I've every had at REI (maybe at any store), and a damn nice guy. And to top it off, I found an REI sales associate who really knew his shit! You probably have to buy shoes/boots there though to obtain his services. Thanks Jim.

I'm bringing a couple other non-cc.comers so add two more to your total (I already voted).

A friend of mine owns one (Tony B, not a cc.comer) and we use it all the time. It is pretty nice for the price. Condensation is an issue sometimes (more like a lot of the time), especially when you have to shut the door/vestible. I don't like wet walls so I sometimes carry my double wall tent and suck up the pound of extra weight. It is light though.

It is actually simplier than that. Despite all the stuff you read when you burn more calories than you take in you loose weight. Put down the ice cream sandwich and stroll around the block = no super fat people It really is that simple!! (yes there are a *few* exceptions to this).

Actually that report is based on BMI (Body Mass Index) number which isn't that useful. So that report doesn't give the whole story. It is depressing and gross though. If I remember right, I am close to obese using BMI method (6'2", 210 lbs) yet I have a lower body fat percentage than the average male. go figure. That BMI nonsense is a bunch of crap. Basically says anyone with above average muscle mass is fat. !!??

refer to recent thread here: here

What forests? see here scroll down to map

Nah, its all good. Back in the lil ole state of Tejas -- where the oil flows like rivers, Subie Outbacks are 1 in a million, logging companies want nothing to do with our forests, and the endangered species are liberals -- my peeps still accept me...

Check Marmot in Bellevue, I think I saw some in there a few days ago. Not familiar with the line but the name sounds kind of familiar. They were black with a Fritschi look to them.

I've been checking out the new Scarpa Lasers with the custom heat moldable liners. If you are between sizes on those heat moldable liners is it better to go with the smaller or larger size? I'm getting mixed reviews from 'sales associates' on this question. Also, how do you know if you have the right shell size? What is too big/small?

How come whenever I introduced myself to peeps on Saturday night they said "oh, the 'W' guy", turned, and walked away??? People really take this politics thing pretty seriously I guess...

Just called Duckboys, a sports bar in Leavenworth, and the chick I talked to said no bar in Leavenworth or Wenatchee has a satellite or pay-per-view so it looks like I'll be climbing the entire weekend. On a side note, I see a business opportunity...

I think what really made me start this thread in the first place (and the thing that bothers me the most) is when it comes down to it, I don't really believe it is a money issue, more of the attitude that he just doesn't need one. I guess what it comes down to, probably, is one (or two) less skiing partner in the winter/early spring time.

Does any one know of a fine establishment (sports bar, etc) in Leavenworth that has a satellite TV(s) and shows some non-PAC-10 college football games? We're coming to rope up to climb, but I might have to take a break Saturday afternoon and catch the Texas vs. Oklahoma game. Yes, I will call first but I need names of places to call and check with besides Gaystavs. Thanks. Looking forward to meeting some of y'all.

I have one. For starters it is expensive ($450). Also heavy (32.5 oz) so it doesn't get much use other than at ski resorts or other times weight is less of an issue. It is really bomber though and looks sharp. Unless you already have a lighter waterproof breathable jacket, I'd get something like the MHW Epic jacket. I have that one too and it rocks. Lighter (13.5 oz) and 1/4 the price too. Still pretty durable too considering cost and weight. I'm sure I'll have use for the burly one sometimes, just not very often.

From what I read, the Barryvox, Ortovox M2 (or F1), and Tracker DTS all seem to rate equally well with everyone. None in particular gets more praise than another. Does anyone have anything to say about the Arva 9000? Also how are the carrying systems on the M2 and tracker? The Barryvox harness looks pretty good, but can't tell about the others.

It's the Commercials Commercials Yeah, its too bad all those networks can't produce all those shows with their share of the $38.46 a month so they have to advertise ...

There is a lot of flat terrain/ice up there. You could pretty easily get to a nice top roping spot without much danger. (without crampons too if you have ever walked on ice before). Like was said, the real danger is falling and breaking an ankle or something. No need to pull anyone else off their feet if one person falls. That said, don't let you guard down just because the ice is real low angle and the danger feels low. Personally, I wouldn't rope up. I think if the class has any experience walking on ice at all, even really firm snow, they won't feel the need to rope up.

"According to statistics from the American Avalanche Association, approximately 70 percent of avalanche fatalities are caused by suffocation; approximately 30 percent are the result of trauma." from here

Does anyone out there who backcountry skis (or snowshoes) in the winter/spring refuse to get/use an avalanche beacon because they cost to much money? A friend of mine, who recently started backcountry skiing, refuses to get one because he says they are too expensive. He is convinced that the chances of surviving an avalanche are so low the only chance of survival is to avoid them. Therefore a beacon is only used for body recovery and not worth it. (He went to a lecture or seminar and the "avie guy" gave him some false stats on survival rate or something I think). He says he would only buy a beacon if the people he was planning to go with made him carry one. (this doesn't mean he would know how to use it, or care to learn however). He thinks I am overly cautious/safe for wanting to get one, as we have a couple other friends who feel the same way as he does. He believes it is just "bold" to not use one and all the people who use one are less bold. (probably along the same lines of soloing 4th or low 5th class rock). He has no avalanche training besides that hour-long lecture/seminar. I would think all the avies in B.C. last season would change his mind but apparently not as I just talked to him. Do you ever go backcountry skiing in the winter/spring without a beacon (either because they cost too much or for some other reason)? Do you ever let someone who doesn't have a beacon and the skill to use one, go with you? Do you feel beacons are more of a luxury item that you can do without if you just avoid avie terrain, or are they a necessity? I'm of the belief that they are a necessity and I don't think I'll go backcountry skiing in the winter/spring with out one. (I don't currently own a beacon but I'm in the market. I also haven't been backcountry skiing in the winter/spring so this question is from a newbie perspective.)

Also, the Black Diamond catalog says of the fritschi bindings: "can accommodate any AT or alpine boot meeting ISO Standards 9523 or 5355". What does that mean? I tried searching these standards on the ISO website and other places but can't find squat. Does this just mean any mountain boot with toe and heel welts?

Thanks for the great info. A friend of mine rented some skis with Silvretta bindings (probably 555). He had some problem with a release button (?) getting stuck in the down/open position and he kept releasing real easily (like while skinning) until he rigged some duct tape underneath it or something. Not real sure on the details as I wasn't there. He was really pissed at the bindings though. Made me weary of these bindings. Any one experience anything like that? Maybe it was because they were rentals and had been thrashed around???