ClimbingPanther

Thanks for the laughs. OK, I don't mean to be a jerk at all, but before you get indignant over someone else's lack of apparent Hood-knowledge, know that you're being eyed with the same uncertainty. Honestly, I did roll around pretty much all of the exact same thoughts that have been posted here, and some are very good ideas, but it all boils down to two things for me: 1-with the extreme avy danger and continuing snow, it's completely foolhardy to be moving around just about anywhere high on that mountain. OK, you might think you're safe on wind-swept bulletproof snow (which by the way would likely not be on the leeward side), but what's above you? You don't have a clue about its stability, even if you could see it. The cooper spur route ~10-10.5K is where they are supposedly assuming the one climber is, which is typically on the lee side and could be one of the most avy-prone faces on the entire mountain right now. I wouldn't be on that face right now unless it was my mom up there. 2-even if you were to get high on the mountain, think about the likely scenario. If you are fortunate enough to come within a couple hundred yards, whoopee! What do you think you're going to hear, short of an atomic blast, in such fierce wind with who knows how many layers over your ears? Maybe if you come within 50 feet, MAYBE you might hear something. This is all assuming that the person is alive and capable of belting out a terrific roar for the SAR folks to hear. To put yourself in such a seriously life-threatening situation with little hope of actually finding the cave-dwelling rescuee does not sound like reason to me.

If you're defining Christian religion as one based on the Bible, then that's not true. Nowhere is redemption offered by way of a bribe. Redemption is characterized as a free gift and faith is the only pretence for obtaining it. Now you still have an argument that the gifts are often given in hopes of some heavenly reward, but redemption is not offered on those terms.

Dude! That's some scary sounding weather. I feel so bad for those guys It reminds us to be prepared to survive. I sure hope they're able to dig in and stay warm through all of this. *praying*

That's funny about Ellensburg. I've always thought that would be a prime place but have never seen a cop once in the many times I've driven that way. On the other hand... two words: I-84 from Portland to Hermiston, the whole thing! They're not too anal though, as I've occasionally been going (oops!) 10 mph over without getting stopped once.

Good point about the gloves, it's true. The amount of squeeze you need to hold on is more when you have to crunch all that squishy insulation. Do they make gloves that are thinner on the grip and burly & warm on the back?

One more related point to make is that when one small, specific set of muscles gets worked hard, such as hand grip muscles, you're not as likely to have that burning need to increase your breathing rate like in an aerobic activity, although these muscles still do need the extra oxygen. You need to consciously focus on breathing regularly and deeply to keep those muscles supplied with oxygen and make them capable of holding for the maximum time. And I agree that exercising in the same way you will actually use the muscles is generally the best way to exercise. Hang from the rafters in your garage or some similarly strong and cosmetically unimportant structure.

I've just been using my ski goggles, but if your wife wants full-face protection, I wouldn't look down on her. Can't imagine life without at least something to protect my eyes, at least not until they can be replaced.

Frieh, those are some good suggestions. Holsteins has been my standard stop on the way home after any shenanigans at Mt. Hood, and I spent a lot of hours at Coffee Time on 21st during college for the interesting crowd and setting and because it's 24h.

Amorphous silica is inflammatory but not carcinogenic, while crystalline silica (quartz) is both. Particle size also changes biological activity. I'm unaware if pea gravel has been specifically studied for its silica content and related health risks... anyone else?

try the Starbucks by Safeway in Richland *back to being serious* Tri-cities best brew: Barracuda Coffee Co. on Van Giesen St. a couple blocks from the HWY240 bypass in Richland edit: why: unique place, excellent coffee (zoka) and skillz at making drinks, free wi-fi, cool classic car theme esp. in restroom (owner sold classic '70 Barracuda for capital to start business)

Haha, yes that's true. Except that pretty much nowhere is accessible only by a "super-fit" minority, excluding difficult climbs. Any average Joe can go most anywhere with the right equipment and motivation. The fact that a growing number of Americans are too fat/lazy and lack the will to exert themselves does not mean our mountain wilderness/alpine areas are inaccessible.

bring home the bacon!

...I was a little bit taller

no tvash, you're thinking of pump kin pies. not illegal in some religions though... http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/11/21/polygamist.leader.ap/index.html

pumpkinpies anyone?

I love hip pies.

I hate pup pies.

I tend to agree with arch that an outburst like that could be a peek into his real character. The true nature of a person often shows itself only under pressure. Racist and other socially unacceptable ideas are not something famous people typically broadcast 'cause it hurts their ability to make money, so you'd never know he was racist without putting him in a situation like that. Now, maybe he really did just reach for the first hurtful word that popped in to his mind, but we can't know for sure. Just goes to prove he's a poor stand-up comic though, since a good one would surely have dealt with that situation at least professionally and possibly hilariously.

from article... I for one am interested in being part of a trail crew next summer. It would be sweet if a lot of cc'ers could populate trail crews. I need to meet some of you crazy foo's anyway.

Expensive, how so? Wonderful pics! I wish I could have done a hike like that while I was there!

Dude, it was an act of nature, not the NPS that really closed the park. My guess is they're not responsible. Maybe if they decided to abdicate their posts in favor of an extended employee getaway to the Bahamas, you might have a case. Ask not what your NPS can do for you...

think of all the people who WERE banned before they even registered!

Awwwww. Somebody please say that you get it and it made you laugh! There has to be somebody out there who gets it?!?! It's the funniest sound I ever heard! And I can't understand a single word!!!

You gotta laugh with me about that one

However... My creationist half says "PA-PA-PA-PA-PA-PA-OOM-AH-MOW-MOWWW, PA-PA-OOM-MOW-MOWWW, PA-PA-PA-OOM-AH-MOW-MOWWW, PA-PA-OOM-MOW-MOWWW!!!"