Dustin_B

I always wear a helmet while climbing and biking. And most of the time resort skiing. It has nothing to do with an image thing or what looks cool and everything to do with the fact that I kind of like my head just the way it is. Wear a helmet, don't wear a helmet, I don't care. I try not to worry or think about what other people think about me wearing a helmet. Maybe I just have really comfortable helmets for biking, climbing, and skiing but once I put them on, I don't notice them. No inconvience to me. By the way - my buddy who won't buy an avie beacon because they are too expensive, wears a ski helmet at resorts

What about the kid who died at Snoqualmie last year riding 50 yards out of bounds crashed, hit his head on a rock, and died. It happens. Similiar thing happened at stevens but the kid lived. I only wear mine if I intend on skiing glades, out of bounds, or double blacks with hazards, exposed rocks, fall zones, etc. And to the guy who said they reduce visibility? These aren't football helmets, goggles reduce much more visibility than helmets. To each his own. I mean, there are people out there that don't wear seat belts while driving and I think that is crazy.

Exactly, I made the mistake of buying a helmet that has a hard shell covering over the ears. Very comfortable in the store, but I could only wear it for a half day on first use before it was too painful. Had to sell it. Now I have one that has soft removable flaps over the ears, much, much better. Maybe it was my big head, but the full shell over the ears was way to much and too warm. With removable ear flaps you can stay cooler or warmer. Make sure there is enough space around the graphics in the front to put a piece of duct tape with your name on it

Its funny, I have no problem introducing someone to climbimg (although I'm a newbie myself) but I wouldn't teach my best friend how to ski. It is just so painly boring to go that slow. If you are a descent skier and you try to teach someone that has never skied before, you probably aren't going to have any fun. I am not near patient enough to do that. Better to pay for a lesson from someone who doesn't mind not skiing anything for themselves. Not directing this statement to anyone but if you are new to skiing, don't be surprise if your awesome climbing/awesome skier best friend who was very patient with you when you were learning to climb wants no part of teaching you to ski. Get a lesson and ski with other beginners.

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.