Couloir

Exactly. Or people moving into the Pearl District in Portland, which is considered industrial, and complaining about the noise from all the trucks.

Barker, what do you know about this?

Story is she injured her back and leg. How many people that injured their back and leg today doing a recreational activity that didn't make the news? The media is in a fast-pace, continuous dry-hump during events like this.

Hood accident

I listened to this on NPR today and thought the mayor of the town defended himself pretty well. The host of the show kept trying to really make something out of it. He was simply laying down a few ground rules. Granted some of them seem pretty obvious (no stoning, burning, etc.). But as many callers pointed out, this crap goes on in other places. He's simply making it clear that the newcomers should realize that what is considered a time-honored custom in their country, doesn't mean it flies in his town. Different places have different customs for sure. It always struck me as funny that in Hong Kong they have signs all over the place saying "No Hawking." In China, they actually have hawking poles, where everyone spits. In the winter these things turn into this huge frozen pyramid of hawk. I can see why people would call it racist, but I don't think that argument holds water. Perhaps they should be more concerned about the misogynistic customs of some other countries...Saudi Arabia?

master kong say: "when at zoo, be prepared for monkeys to throw poo"

Of course. No boots will be 100% dry inside, from whatever source including sweat. I just think that small little space at the heal whether it be filled with foam or a piece of felt or whatever will make little difference between wet or dry feet.

Agreed pope. It's an excuse to drink...again.

Here's what I said awhile back about mine: I still use it and love it. I know others have different opinions. I have heard a lot of good things about the Petzl Tikka XP and Myo XP. And by now those may be much better.

So...HYPE? I agree. I also understand only about 15% of computers right now can even run it. I'll wait thanks.

It would definitely absorb it more than closed-cell foam. To what detriment? A few cc's of water? That shouldn't make any difference.

If you're passionate, you shouldn't lose your passion. You make changes, compromises. You do what you can to make it work. But don't lose your passion. My kid is approaching the same age when I first climbed Hood. My mom thought my dad was crazy for taking me up there, but in retrospect, he couldn't have been safer with me. I've been climbing since and the passion to repeat that trip is definitely there. Just be safe and make good decisions. And don't lose the passion.

Ok, point taken. But it's worked so far. I'm going on 18 years and things seem pretty good so far. I just have to find a way for her to ignore the news clips of those fucking Hood epics that rear their head every now and then. Those tend to derail my plans.

I also try and over compensate in giving back time: "Yeah, I know I was out all night on the mountain while you were asleep, so go ahead and spend the weekend with your friends at the beach and I'll stay home with the kid."

I really like my MHW Voodoo Belay Jacket. It's been pretty comfy down to -10 in a strong wind and still warm and relatively dry in a cold heavy mist. I too use it as a sort of sleep system with a Wild Things half-bag and a Gore-tex bivy sack. I've been pleased.

The level to which human behavior is impacting seems to be the real question in the argument right now compared with what is happening naturally. Let's say for the sake of argument we all make whatever changes needed to be made so that we cut our level of impact in half. What measureable changes if any would this have? I want clean air and fresh water to drink, for myself and the whole world. We should do prudent things to try and ensure that. But at any cost, is there really anything that can change this trend? Human's existence on this earth is tiny compared to the age of this earth. It seems almost arrogant that in that little time we have the ability to contribute in such a large way to the changes that have been occuring naturally long before we were ever here. As a side note, I believe there is a debate tonight at OMSI here in Portland between the state climatologist for Oregon and the state climatologist of Washington. Needless to say, they have differing views on the subject.

That image that neoday posted comes from this site. Which has a lot of other good cams around the world too.

Dru has boiled it down perfectly. It all comes down to being able to stop yourself (and your team...if applicable), in any position, if things go south. Being able to self arrest from any stance is critical. Getting yanked from behind and ripping downhill, on your back, head-first, and having the skill to arrest quickly is where you want to be. If you can do that with the adze resting comfortably in your palm, you're better than most.

I just got my Garmont G-Fits resized here. Steve upstairs is a great guy, knows a ton and did a fabulous job on the fitting. I'm going in next week to have some Intuitions put in my Verticals.

Update??

Purchased! Thanks Shaun.

Climb Max for sure. I was in US Outdoor today and was pleasantly surprised at their gear selection. Much better than usual IMO.

A lot of regulars mentioned!

Do you mean the Beal Joker 9.1 W/golden safe covering I just bought from Mountain Time Sports for $109.00 plus $14.95 shipping? They have more for $119.00 here---------> link or do you mean the 9.0 doubles Beal Verdon II which Mgear has for $119 each if you buy 2, or $129 ea if you buy one. BTW mgear were the folks who tested the Aliens and as climbers we owe them big. Be good people to buy from. Link Thanks Bill!