Couloir

Hell, after you solo the NF, I would turn right around and ski down it! There are a couple of rock bands that if you hit just right will give you some seriously sweet air...1500-2000 feet easy!

I agree. Those cats are awesome. Enthusiastic and always into showing you stuff and swapping ideas. Great place!

Yeah. Exactly. I have one and I really like it. This things fits and goes on and off over anything fast and easy. I recommend it!

Lewis and Clark State Park on the Sandy isn't bad either. Comparatively.

Awesome!

Nice read Cluck. Great pics too. Good job!

Mike: I may be in. Trying to juggle a few things that day. I'll PM you and let you know.

Exactly! Something like 39,000 people died last year as a result of drunk drivers. Where's the outrage??

Hey Mike...any update on whether Chris lost any fingers or toes? Hopefully he's good to go.

Nice!!

Good Lord... Ok, look, I have been going to / buying from REI since I was a kid when they had ONE store in Seattle. It used to be referred to simply as "the Co-op." We'd drive from Portland just to go there. It was a blast! My family spent tons of time in the wilderness and that where we bought our stuff. They have always been a great company. Sure you can argue about the BOD and the notion of the "co-op" as it is now, but it's a pleasure to do business with and a great place that has a solid history. Please don't misconstrue my remarks as being disrespectful to any employees or the organization as a whole. Some of my jabs on this thread simply reflect a knee-jerk reaction to what others have posted---and to what I have experienced lately. I literally have had people over and over again ask me, "how's it going?" over and over again, as though they they aren't keeping track of who they are talking to. But frankly, I'd take that over zero contact at all. How about a simple, "Hi." Or, "Hey, thanks for coming in today." It's simple and non-commital. Just remember who you say it to and it won't be obnoxious. I also completely understand retail. You can't have the best of the best when you're aren't paying them very much. Fine. I think we can all live with underpaid people not always giving the best advise. This is almost a separate discussion. FTR: I have NEVER returned or exchanged anything at REI. Nothing has ever failed or prematurely worn out. If something I've bought wears out, it's because I wore it out and it gets tossed. And I go buy another. My son still uses a sleeping bag my dad bought in ~1972! I don't look for sales because traditionally REI isn't known for their sales. The vast majority of their clothing and hard goods are at retail. Although that seems to be changing, I don't think of REI as a place to get a great deal on something. This topic has gone on long enough...sorry I've made it even longer. As for the Tualatin store remark; they are remodeling. What they plan to do with the new space I have no idea. Finally, re: The Sybian machines for the MILFs from Club Sport, it seemed to blend nicely with some of the spray on the Local Gym thread. Sorry if it seemed disingenuous.

I second kaskadskyjkozak on the whiteout deal...know your shit. Also, think about hauling your skis up there. Saves time and it's an incredible descent.

Tualatin store is still open. I was there a couple of weeks ago. In fact they're remodeling. They're installing a bunch of Sybian machines for the MILFs leaving Club Sport!

That's true. I just had US Outdoor order me a MHW Voodoo. They gave me the sale price and I'll have it in a couple of days!

www.volcanorunning.com Did Mt. Hood last year and doing it again this year. It kicks your ass. The Sisters one looks sweet too. Have fun!

Awesome vintage MSR helmet!

"Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright? Can I help you? Everything alright?"

www.40ouncebeer.com

I'm such a dumbass!

I'm trying to understand why you'd take the variation. Yeah it's steeper to stay higher and closer to the ridge, but in terms of greater objective hazards, it seems like more work for nominal gain.

Good luck on the weather. It's suppose to dump pretty good up there. Hopefully they're wrong and you have a great climb.

Anyone know where I can find these in the Portland area? Everyone that sells Koflachs has the Arctis Expe and the Degre. Do I have to drive to Seattle?? I'd order them online, but it's a pain in the ass if I have to return them. I'm like to try them on, and if they fit, buy them. Thanks

"cilffs" Is that like Milf only for climbers??

As Jeff Thomas so eloquently puts it: "The catch is that rime ice is often impossible to protect. Take your ice tools, pickets, and other technology, but know that on this route the old advice still holds true; the leader must not fall." Tru dat!

ATC-XP