mike1

I'm thinking point to point with a couple bikes chained to some trees somewhere. Maybe trying to hitch a ride, etc. But if there's a good round trip option that would be cool. Though we'll both be looking for the trout, my partner will be more focused on the fly fishing, so I'm planning on soloing any climbs that were beyond grade II and/or 5th class while he chills in the back-eddies or lakes. I think the fishing aspect improves on the West side near the Green Lakes area so that looks like a good route. Have you broken down the mileage? Mike

I'd like to put together a week-long trip through the Winds that would include some easy solo climbs with some epic fly fishing. I've been reading Joe Kelsey's guide and have a few ideas. Maybe something in the range of 40 - 50 mile bc traveling... Suggestions?

Tough girl! Glad you both made it home safe.

very cool trip. loved the music choice for the video. keep on!

Great to see some free heals up there! Nice TR, good job guys!!!

I wired on some cutouts from plastic bleach bottles to my old BD Switchblades. They only lasted for a couple climbs and weren't as effective as the rubber ones on my M12's. May be because those old BD's were cookie-cutters...

On Nat Geo Channel 4/26.

SR 20 is open

217,000 miles and counting! A little Session Lager helps...

That is totally wrong, maybe workout like that when you are 80. Interval training and weight lifting will jack up your heart rate, period. 95% of people I observe in the gyms are just time wasting wankers, who lack motivation. I just observed crossfit comp in Vegas last months. 120 wall balls (men 20 lbs, toss it above 12ft line after full squat), 90 double unders and 30 muscle-ups- 12 minutes! People don't get six pack because they work out and can talk! Cardio is ineffective in weight loss. 65% of MHR is actually ideal for optimization of the fat oxidation pathway. Jacking HR isnt a requirement for fat loss. Astrov needs to be more specific about his training goals (lose fat? or fat metabolism optimization?) before anyone can recommend a "best way" OP was referencing Twight's Extreme Alpinism. 80% AT to access fat stores is from that book. A bit dated I guess. I'd follow John's advice

If you have a heart rate monitor, work out at or below 80% of your AT to access fat stores. If you don't have a heart rate monitor then train at a level where you can hold a conversation and you'll be in the ball park.

Stunning!

I've always used the Nikwax Techwash followed by either Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On or Wash-In treatment. I haven't noticed a real difference between the two. I tend to think it's the garment that makes the different. I've had REI, Solstice, North Face, and Arc'tyrex shells. REI and Solstice had their own brand of membrane and leaked no matter what I did. North Face and Arc'tyrex both have GTX and have held up very well. I've heard good things about Lowe Alpine's line... Mike

I picked up the Suunto Core Military Black/Black today from REI. I was shocked at how much smaller it is than I expected. It was very easy to set up and will be easy to update on the go. Very light and comfortable. I hadn't intended to, but I'm just going to wear it as my regular time piece. So I get home from REI to an email from Avocet telling me they installed a refurbished electronic module free of charged and my watch is in the mail. I have to say, even without the back-light and the pain of having to send it in for battery replacement, that old computer has been a really good altimeter and the service department has always been helpful. I guess I have a great backup now. Thanks again for all the responses! Mike

Swiss Army Rescue Tool. The "saw for shatterproof glass" cuts wood just fine (used it to clean up a rap-tree in the Pickets). The seat-belt knife cuts soft gear like butter and the main blade can be opened with one hand and locks.

The poor battery life and inconvenience of having a GPS bulging one of the few pockets one generally has available in climbing clothing make this impractical. I also don't trust GPS altimeters as much as a solid baro-alti watch. I Agree, much easier to look at your wrist.

Thanks everyone. I've read where older models had problems and Suunto customer service was lacking. It looks like these latest watches are spot on and service is much improved. Thanks again for the feedback! Mike

Thanks, but I already have a GPS that I don't use.

The time has come to replace the '95 Vertech (anyone else still using these?). I've always been a bit frustrated with the battery replacement but that watch has been spot on - consistently! The last few years I've been having more problems with it and the service is gettin a bit sketchy since they've stopped manufacturing 'em. What are you using and how do you like it (for skiing and climbing)? Been kinda eyeballing the Suunto Core. Is black/black as bad as some say? -Mike

Word: 'tis the season for bats to begin hibernation. Take care friends and don't disturb the fuzzies. If you wake them and the bugs are gone for the season, it's difficult if not impossible to eat enough to reenter hibernation & make it thru Winter. This means they die by starvation. In Dynamited they are usually just inside the entrance within that first chamber area. Some caves are closed through winter for this reason. More info on bats and which caves are closed here. Peace

Ya, it's not for water proofin, obviously, but it's important to not let the leather dry out.

I never store them dirty and have always used Biwell on the leather. Seems to do the trick so far.

One more training blog: Steve House

I need to pick that up! Anyone red this one? Climbing: Training for Peak Performance.

good read: http://www.alpinist.com/doc/_print/web08x/wfeature-mountain-athlete-training You can modify training programs to fit Apline and/or rock. Also, anything geared towards decathletes should closely match alpine climbing training needs.