sampdx

Watch out for Lyme Disease. If left untreated, it's horrible. My sister has it and it causes her all sorts of ghastly problems. Take a look at the link above for symptoms.

PM sent

I appreciate the info. Nice leads. Thanks!

Thanks - I had actually seen that website, but was hoping for some first-hand recommendations. I'll keep perusing the Internet and purchase some guidebooks. Still interested in personal recommendations from folks, though.

I'm planning a trip to France to see family and am thinking about doing some DWS off of Majorca, Spain while I'm over there. Does anyone know if there are any intermediate routes or if the grades are all around 5.12? I prefer easier (5.7 to 5.10) *fun* routes, as opposed to difficult technical routes, for my first time. Also, if the DWS routes on Majorca are all stiff, any info on other DWS locations fairly close to France will be appreciated.

Brown frames, hard plastic glacier shields on sides. Ping me.

Callous.

Great TR. Nice pics. Thanks for sharing!

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If you're in the Portland area, I suggest calling Dr. Jeff Robinson. He's a chiropractor (and much, much more!) who works with athletes, including pro-football and basketball players who deal with injuries of this nature. He knows about getting people back out there. I've been a patient of his for a few years and he's helped me with numerous injuries. His number is 503-517-8700.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it may be difficult right now, but it may be a good idea to let some time pass, then talk to your brother's partner. Try to keep an open mind. Cold mountain conditions can create very difficult and even surreal conditions; especially when things go awry. You never know what you'll do in difficult situations, and sometimes you're forced to do things you don't want to do - either because of lack of experience in handling an unplanned event, or because you have no other choice. I'm sure his partner is suffering over the loss of your brother, too. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him as well as you and your family. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

Does that guy shave his stomach?

Bummer - I hope he's okay. It seems unfortunate that he may have decided to go into the backcountry without telling his family where he was going. Who knows the reasons behind it, but it seems like a lot of anguish to put people through. I suppose there could always be extenuating circumstances, but...just sayin'.

I think it was the last issue of Rock & Ice (or was it Climbing??) that published a product review of a paint that was specially designed for marking gear. Apparently, they tested it by hammering on it, etc. and it doesn't come off, even after abuse. I believe Climb Max in Portland is selling it now. Sorry I can't recall the name of the product.

Yep, according to the REI Member Help section online, "If spending your REI dividend online, you can use your dividend to pay for your purchase in Step #3 at checkout."

Hey Jens - I don't know what you tell you about the pneumonia; all I know (after having a milder case of it myself on a ski around Crater Lake) is that you have to rest and be sure it's gone or it can last longer. I do know that taking a lot of antibiotics is hard on the digestive tract, and it's good to take acidophilus at the same time. Sorry to hear you've been sick on your trip.

Thanks for the shirt, Porter. It fits, so you guessed right on the size!

My five-year-old daughter hid from me one time in Sears. She was in the middle of one of those round clothes racks. I called her name and when she didn't show up, I told a cashier to call security. Soon after that, my daughter came out with a little grin on her face. I think the whole incident lasted no more than 15 minutes, but I was terrified. I can't imagine going through that for TWO HOURS. I'm glad everything worked out okay for you. Whew.

I use the freshette, and swear by it. Perfect in the cold and at crags when there are people nearby and you don't want to whip down your pants. When you're done using it, rinse it out with a little snow or pour some water through it, and stuff it in a plastic bag to carry with you. When you get home, you can give it a good soak in soapy water. Not only is it more convenient, but it's much faster and easier than undoing leg loops or removing your harness and clothing altogether.

Where's the show?

That's awful. Sorry to hear it. Hopefully, this time things will turn out okay. Looking forward to hearing updates as they come in.

I recently carried gear on a flight. There's no problem with carrying gear as long as it doesn't contain sharp objects.

Nice - thanks for the info.

Anyone know what the Gunks are like in winter? Is there ice? I'm going to be near there at the end of December and am wondering if it's worth it to lug my gear with me.