mike1

Cavers typically use rescue eights, brake racks like kurthicks shows, or devices like Petzl’s Simple or Stop descenders for their static rope systems.

Ohhh... Thats a fun trail when it's raining out... Plus I think the top is all snow, creating a fun route finding adventure. I might see ya up there if these shitty avy conditions persist. It seems like every time I've done the Ruckle it's been during a windy, rainy day leading to snow atop. Last time I spent 40 minutes trying to find the trail down. Finally had to break out the map and compass.

1) Advance my rock craft, climb Stuart, spend at least a week in the cascades bagging peaks. 2) Ramp up fitness training starting with Ruckle Ridge next weekend, winter hood a few times and start plans for my rock gym in the garage and... stay out of the hospital!

right on!

a day off work, oh yeah... and a lump of coal. Seriously, I went caving with some freinds and I found some coal from lava burned forest. pretty cool!

Good luck rescuers and bring everyone back safe.

I stand corrected.

Lots of people talking about the La Sportiva Batura CC thread I just saw some footage on a K2 X where the climbers were all wearing them.

I am an atheist and I find that open discussions about my beliefs usually lead to arguments with believers of faith. So, I usually keep my opinions regarding religion to myself. Is that right or wrong? I don’t care to know, it’s my way. My initial thoughts to the advert for climbers was annoyance because I felt like you were using a climb to preach to convert climbers you’d bump into along the way. Then I started thinking what I would do if I saw you on the mountain... Nothing. I am cordial and respectful to people that are the same to me. If you decided to “preach” to me you’d probably get me into a good discussion which would inevitably lead to an argument. I would go back to my tent and drink some scotch and play cards quickly forgetting our discussion. If I saw you standing on a soap box with bible in hand screaming to the heavens, I’d stop and take your picture, then move on... . Are you going to be doing that? I don’t believe so by your posts and web page. You don’t appear to be doing anything other than advertising for climbers to take part in an expedition with other like minded faithful folks. Have fun and climb safe!

I know some kitchens for homeless in Portland that could really use the $21,900 they propose to blow trying to save mountaineering souls.

You shouldn’t be ostracized by those who are true to their beliefs right? The Wicked Jester says: You tell me that I sin, You say I am bound for hell, So once your judgement condemns you, I shall see you there.

It was definitly an ass-kicker.

I can't find it now, but I had a Climbing or R&I mag this past summer that had a workout in it called 16 minutes of hell. Anyone see that? It may have been May Climbing... I tried the work out a few times and found it fairly affective. I was gonna get back into it through the winter, but lost it!!!

That is perfect timing! I'm going to search this out today. It’ll make a perfect stalking stuffer for my wife. She absolutely loves that kind of reading. I’ve got so many books lined up it’ll be months before I get to it.

You make a point. Saying it seems logical to burn down a failing business doesn't mean I thinks it's wrong. Ifn I was in a tight spot financially (not saying they are or were), I may contemplate such actions. Specially ifn I paid 10's of thousands to an insurance company. I dislike having to pay insurance companies. Heck, I even dislike that you have to pay for insurance! But seriously and before I get attacked... I agree that it is unfair to impose my suspicions on these folks. They've treated me well through the years and having been involved with emergency services myself, I would never do anything that would put our local firefighters in harms way.

Went from a smoke filled greasy spoon 10 years ago to a nice and clean restaurant. Just not a prime location to support it year round I'd guess. I saw that for sale sign too, about a month ago and wondered if they would close down.

I just returned form the big city with my brand spanken new pair of Nepal Evos. I feel confident that I just invested in a great boot that will last. These boots seem to be made for winter alpine mountaineering in the Cascade, Olympic, Stuart mountains. Yippee! Thanks to everyone for input! Mike

Excellent points, Ketch. I believe concept of "perceived cold" is significant in Reynauds. I can be perfectly warm in the house, but the mere thought of going out for a ride or run on a cold day will cause my fingers begin to discolor. Freaky. No kidding! I've been dealing with the "white finger" for years and I never thought about it that way. Free your mind... your ass will follow.

I switch between the work gloves and the BD Guides. I think the BD's are warmer, but the work gloves provide more dexterity. What about battery powered glove liners? Seriously, you could wear the gloves in the off mode until it got too cold then just turn them on as needed. Hell, I may even look into it!

"MARK IT 8 DUDE"

I think I could kill 4 months in the Cascades and die a happy man.

45? Though I don't see myself heading south in the near future. Thanks though. So far I've hit OMC, The Mountain Shop and Climb Max and none of them are carrying anything above the Glacier by La Sportiva. Two more shops today and I may be ordering boots. I hate that prospect... PS, where did you get them?

The thought crossed my mind to wander a bit and start asking around, but when I found the video gamers group and was invited to stay, I kinda got shy to that prospect and went back to my safe zone where the beer was flowing. No worries.

Interesting looking boot. I'm heading to Portland today to search out my new boots, maybe I'll run into a pair of these and check ‘em out.. That zipper looks different, waterproof I assume. My only hitch is that I'm sure I would trash the gaiters so it would be nice if it were removable. Kinda like getting the Nepal and just using my gaiters... hmmmm...

For sure!