archenemy

Lame.

I've asked you not to call me that.

I think that information is reference in the other article: "What Fuels the Psycho Climber?"

Um. maybe.

I'm glad I have a good foundation for having group sex. For the record, I would like to add that I have NEVER had group sex. Maybe I've just been too eager. bug-- there are pills and "techniques" to stop you from being "too eager" Minx, you shouldn't waste your time with all that "lab" and "chem" stuff. Marketing, baby, marketing. NO wait---QA!!! That's it--QA.....

Don't forget the "I was busy with the immediate concern of climbing" one. I am going to start using that every time I need a convenient excuse. Gary, google "excuse" and tell me what you get.

I want velvet gloves.

A birthday gift: http://www.david-lewis.com/sheepgame/

No, that's the "pube" club.

Glad I got a good foundation for becoming an elite climber.

And what if you find them? I get the milk from them.

I think all of their names are some variation of the word crap....

But it's also specialed's Bday Coincidence?

Not only is it Cheech Marin's Birthday

My, what a shock(er)!

Some places have you pay a "insurance" type fee in the beginning of the year. This older article talks about Oregon introducing a bill that requires climbers to carry locators or be liable for their resue costs: http://www.i-world.net/oma/news/rescue/athearn.html It could be different by now though--this was written in '97.

Whew. I was worried for a moment there...

Take the disposable ones. They are light, can take up to 36 shots each, and come in a waterproof version. Plus, if you lose or break one, you don't lose all your pics. The shots aren't the best quality, but you and your NOLS buddies are going to look pretty rough after four days anyway, so you might appreciate being a tiny bit out of focus

I always like to get the whole story. Here is a quick tour through what I have come across so far: (quick note: "Climbers" as all of you know, are people using ropes and harnesses on rock or glaciated terrain--not hikers (who are a higher cost group due to the time spent finding lost people).) History of SAR http://www.americanalpineclub.org/docs/Rescue_Cost_Recovery_CS_2004.pdf Examples of SAR by state. The most expensive one I saw listed was AK (which runs on 5K a year). http://www.answers.com/mountain%20rescue%20costs Local example of Rainier '03. http://www.nps.gov/mora/climb/Climb03.mht Current misperceptions of cost/risk (best article I read) http://www.americanalpineclub.org/docs/AAC%20Rescue%20Report%20med.pdf I am a member of AccessFund and don't remember seeing rescue costs/climber demographics listed there, but I will look back through older stuff. I am still curious about climber stats. Certainly someone has wondered what our group is comprised of.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will share what I find.

I would like to write a letter refuting the misperception of costs. Where can I look up facts on volunteer hours? Who pays for the use of vehicles and helicopters? Who buys bandages and all that? And why does Leeman talk like climbers don't also pay taxes? Hope this isn't a stupid question: but has any climbing group done a demographic/financial study on climbers? I wonder what the estimate is on our taxes paid, our donations to climbing/wildlife groups, our time donations to trails maintenance, our fees paid for parking permits, etc etc etc.... Any thoughts or input?

Shaved

Well said

Oh, this is kinda like the "Close Calls" thread. I couldn't post this experience in that thread b/c it wasn't really all that close. But it was a rock fall. A couple of years ago I was climbing with my favorite liberal friend, Greg W, at Squamish. I was leading a pitch with a bit of exposure. All of a sudden, that sickening CRACK sound sounded out. I actually scrambled over and scrunched down under a teeny tiny little itsy bitch scrub brush. Even as I was doing it I thought to myself, "Self, this is not going to save you from anything--you are about to be schmeered into the side of this rock forever." Turns out, the rockfall was right across the gully/chasm from me (loud sound, no rumble on my side). I could see the puff of smoke and the fresh scar. Amazing and beautiful as it was scary.

The options are limitless. nyah nyah nyah