kurthicks

typically the road is snowed in until early June. they don't plow the last 15 miles or so. travel should be easy no matter what the snowpack is like, take skis if you're inclined or at the very least a lightweight sled for the descent. things go much faster. Kurt

I talked to both Nick and Jeff today on the phone while making an order. top notch. thanks guys!

I'm in the same boat. the only one's I've tried thus far are the BD Contact Strap, unsuitable for steep ice, (which maxes out at size 45/46 for Nuptses) and the Grivel 2f which barely fits. I'm hoping to try the Charlet sarkens when i find a store that has them.

it's a little old, but here's the upper portion on 12.19

the other place is Laclede, which is about 2 miles west of the town Laclede (12 miles from sandpoint), right off Hwy 2. there is a highway roadcut that crosses part of the cliffband, it's pretty obvious. routes up to 90'. check out the old Randall Green "idaho rock" guide if you can find a copy. mainly 5.8-10's with a couple harder routes.

I read that the new XGK w/a flexible fuel line was delayed at least one year...like late 2006.

supposedly the wardens will write you up for heading into Marble. From Parks Canada "Marble Canyon interpretive trail and the Floe Lake trail (to the Floe Lake Headwall) remain closed." http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100253

that's the Tokkum Pole, isn't it? Too bad it's still closed from the fires last year.

I've got one, it's pretty nice. it's cut a little small around the upper arm/shoulder area, so layers tend to bunch up a little bit. it sheds snow pretty well, but i haven't used it in the rain...yet.

sat: drove to the Wallowas, hiked up to the bench below the NF of Chief Joe, camped. played in the snow, went to bed. Sunday: played about in the meager snowpack some more and hiked out. got back just in time for the superbowl parties.

i've got an REI mountain axe, which is the same as the Shuksan, for sale in the Yard Sale .

there is some climbing on the shore of Pend Orielle. check Inland NW climbing by Marty Bland. I might have some more for you tomorrow, but the superbowl has taken a toll on me. Kurt

BUMP. any word on current conditions?

I just talked to a trango rep who says they'll be on the market in May. hopefully it won't be like a cinch, where it took a year to get them out in massive quantities though.

doesn't it go at .13b?

is the road open? either way, I *could* be interested.

that's why I got one. They're marketing them for the wrong reason though. pretty spendy though.

Zoo, but maybe Timmy can provide a more technical perspective.

I'm looking at getting a big pack, anyone use the Vortex 5800? Kurt

I'd definately pick up a pair for myself, so would a couple people that I know. I definately agree with others in that it just adds to our wasteful nature (culture) to produce 'one time use' items (although these will last more than one day out).

Saturday: cleaned the house Sunday: cragging at Vantage, 60 degrees in the sun, getting sunburned.

i was at Vantage yesterday and Frenchman Falls and Fugs were actively FALLING down. it was 60 in the sun I bet banks was suffering the same fate. the rock climbing was good though.

I led the WI3 gully to the right and scrambled/rapped to the top of the pillar. It was big enough to be led though.

Here is NYC007 on said pillar: And The Cable on 1/9/05.

maybe right now, but not always. I heard there's some farming going on...