jimurl

Sorry Bill A., Such is the hazard with a snow machine. Pray for vehicular (coffee in the AM, Beer in the PM) access.

Thanks, John, for posting this on Cascade Climbers . com ... and thanks, everybody for writing letters to the editor of the Bozeman Chronicle. I thought the article there obn 12/24 summarized the stuation pretty accurately. One thing I would add is that Forest Service led us (climbers) to believe that the final plan would include provisions for the "world-class ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon" ( Becki Heaths' words). This seemed apparent in Alternative 7 ( the alternative prefered by the Gallatin National Forest), and in statements made by the FS after the "benchmark" and "inital" comment periods. Frankly, we were surprised by the final decision. I still do am not certain whether the FS 1) Realized how this would screw climbers, but thought "ooooh ouch, we have to make concessions to many user groups, but this is one concession that we should make to XC-skiers" or 2) "Oh, access, via snowmobile, from a trailhead 10 miles downcanyon is good- the ice climbers will be grateful" -- to be honest, a little of both, I think. .. but, in reality , more of the first than the second. There will be little access given the curently proposed plan, which involves a long hike of 5 mi. after Jan 1 of each year. ( not this year , thank god) Some parts of this plan are, at least, not written in stone. The date to gate at Blackmore Parking Lot is one. Keep those letter coming. Likewise, become a member of the SMCC: http://www.firstascentpress.com/buy-now.php?item_id=4

Nice bust on the Ex there, Michael!