Bigtree

Here's a link to a good article regarding MLUs and the events surrounding the passage of Bill 3434 in Oregon a decade ago (I couldn't find a copy of the actual Bill): http://www.i-world.net/oma/news/rescue/athearn.html. Interestingly, the cost liability feature of the legislation seems to only kick in in the event a climber was found (no pun intended) not to be carrying a MLU, cellular phone or a two-way radio. Given the versatility (and limitations) of sat phones, cell phones and two way radios vs. a MLU or PLD, I still don't see a strong case made for purchasing/using an expensive one dimensional MLU or PLD; the exception possibly being where you might be injured and unable to work a phone/radio.

Yup, its a std USGS symbol as per: http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/; however, I have a hard time imagining those fellows rigging up anything but a short-term anchor under the circumstances they were likely faced with.

Yup, would have been nice to have one Phil. Same goes for a spare battery or two for their cell phone. Its also too bad they decided not to bring a sat-phone for each of them, a PLB or two, some honk'in big flares, extra food and water would have been nice I'm sure as would heat packs and a big fluffy down jacket and sleeping bag to keep warm. While I'm thinking about it, too bad they also didn't choose a less challenging route that would have made rescue easier/safer for the SAR-techs and too bad they didn't speak with someone as wise as yourself before heading out. Sure would have been nice. I bet you all three of them were thinking those thoughts when things got rough.

So, if you lost control of your motorcycle whilst speeding and crashed into a car killing the driver...if you slipped/fell while hiking and required medical assistance from SAR-Techs...if you banged your head on the ocean bottom surfing necessitating a life guard to come to your aid... I know your hypocritical holier than thou kind Phil.

You're certainly entitled to your opinions Phil, but you do come across like one of those fellows who is rather insensitive and lives life small and safe - I feel sorry for you.

Thanks for moving this post into its own thread gapertimmy and thanks to Kevin Matlock for clarifying the difference between a MLU and a PLB. While I'm sure both devices have their merits and advocates (e.g., DaveH's friend in New Zealand), neither device strikes me a good value for the money. Moreover, in my opinion, they likely create a false sense of security resulting in some folks potentially getting deeper into the glue. Of course the same could be said about a sat-phone; however, if you are thinking you need this type of back-up then I think a sat-phone is the superior solution by far for given the ability to directly communicate with folks on the "outside". Cost-wise, you certainly don't need to buy one for short trips given that you can rent them for ~ $10/day and $2/min call time. As for reception difficulties under tree cover - not much a concern for back-country ski trips or mountaineering.

I've had a couple of different GPS units over the years for work an play. Am currently using a Garmin GPSmap 60csx with MapSource topographic mapping software. The mapping feature on the device is excellent and has proven its worth to me on several occasions. Its also got expandable memory (a key feature in my mind) which has allow me to load/pack topos for pretty well all of Western North America, some down to 24K. Its got a compass and barometer that I never use (I still prefer to rely on my Silva and Thommen). Picked it up from http://www.gpscentral.ca/ (they are the cheapest store by far). I looked at the Rino line from Garmin but already have a variety of hand-held radios so no need go there.

I presume a MLU is the same as one of these things called a Personal Locator Unit selling for $599 US: REI has some specs/more info here: http://www.rei.com/product/47799529.htm

Clint did look rather dashing in his green construction, errr I mean climbing, helmet. Seems to me he was rather hard on his climbing partners as well.

You've had it in spades with Shrub... "I promise you I will listen to what has been said here, even though I wasn't here." "I'm the master of low expectations." "My plan reduces the national debt, and fast. So fast, in fact, that economists worry that we're going to run out of debt to retire." (my favorite by far) "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."

Hmmm...one of many on an increasing growing list of such types that was installed and/or maintained their power with the direct and sustained assistance of the USA. Why do you guys tolerate such behavior from your politicians?

So many good climbs...Headstone Rock and Sail Away (Hidden Tower) are favorites 4 me.

This might work better... xUt419xLOlk

Here's a seasonal flick (if it doesn't work within this post then check out here )

Don, there's over 1400 classical download postings available here: http://www.torrentspy.com/directory/22/music/classical. Quality can be highly variable; however the price is right and leaves some money for purchasing new/shiny bits of climbing gear. Note that you'll need to obtain/install a bittorrent client such as BitComet obtained here: http://www.bitcomet.com/. PM me is you have any trouble. Cheers.

I'm afraid my pre-trip scheming hasn't gotten me that far yet but it certainly won't be anything extreme as my cliff hucking days are over. Have just ordered "Oregon High: A Climbing Guide to Nine Cascade Volcanoes" by Jeff Thomas from Amazon.com and was trolling for ideas/possible GPS tracks from folks such as yourself. Any thoughts on what's best for late May - early June (i.e., aspect, routes etc)?

Does anyone out there have a gps track or key way points for Mt. Jefferson (Oregon) that they care to share? I'm planning a week-long skiing/climbing trip in the spring of Adams/Hood/Jefferson and wood appreciate the info. Of course, I'd be happy to return the favor with some tracks to the north (e.g, Hood, Adams, Rainier, Baker, Shuksan). You can reach me via PM or shawn96438@yahoo.com Cheers.

A good read. Thanks for sharing Marek.

thx Kevin

I'm plotting a week-long triple header ski/mountaineering trip next May or June of Mts. Adams, Hood and Jefferson and my "Beckey 1" only takes me as far south as the Columbia River. Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent guide book with the standard route(s) for Mt. Jefferson? Thanks.

Gertlush, here's an June '06 picture of the N/W chute on the West Lion. I found it to be a straightforward variation of the usual approach: Of course here's the conditions you'll likely encounter for the next few months (this was taken during an earlier March '06 trip) - take care:

I can only afford one set of gear and was looking for the "perfect" binding to mount on my new Shuksans. I thought it was the Dynafits but a gear head friend of mine is strongly suggesting I pick up a pair of Silvretta Pure Performance AT Bindings. More versatile and very light (1.23 kg) compared to other non-Dynafit bindings. Also, while noodling around on the net I came across this site which has some straight up in on the strengths and limitations of Dynafits: http://www.wildsnow.com/articles/dynafit_faq/comfort_faq.html

Don't know if its std procedure for others or not but for what its worth I've used guides on two occaisions over the years - once in Washington State and once in Ecuador. I don't make alot of dough but felt that $50 was appropriate in both cases. Both trips were 4 days in length and the services limited to guiding (i.e., no food, accommodation etc.). I didn't begrudge the tips given that I was pleased with the competent service and had the impression that both guides lived a pretty humble existence.

PM sent.

Clipped from today's CBC website: Canada shreds plan to scrap paper maps Last Updated: Thursday, October 12, 2006 | 10:37 AM ET CBC News The Canada Map Office has found its way out of the scrap heap. The previous Liberal government decided to close the map office, which provides regional dealers with large-scale topographical maps that show details about terrain and elevation. The plan had been to move to digital maps only. But Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn announced Wednesday that the Conservative government has yanked that plan off its course, and the map office will remain open. Kathleen Olson, a spokeswoman for Lunn, said Natural Resources Canada received a flood of letters protesting the planned closure. "We did start seeing a lot of commotion around the idea of this office closing," Olson said. "The minister wanted to find out more about it and once he did, he quickly realized that this is not something he wanted to see happen."