phil_tatman

Glad to see Mr Crackers is still git'n it done. I cant believe the places you take that little dog.

maybe karma will kick their asses.

Having a knee issue is not the end of the world, Im 20 and have issues with my right knee- tracking issues too. It will teach you to take care of them while you are young. The exercises do help. Initially they seem stupid, but add weights and hit the gym - your knee will improve greatly. God, I just about lost it when I found out about my knee issues. I had to stop running track and playing football. Now I climb and run xc recreationaly. Just take it slow and do the exercises right. feel free to add in your own work out on top of it.

Since you assumed someone would ask about the Batura, I thought I would comment on them since I own them. They are a fantastic boot. The ultimate for clmbing ice. I have taken them down to -20 and have been comfortable. Id say they are fine for long weekend trips. I dont think anyone would have issues with them anywhere in the cascades even Rainer - I took em up there last winter. My complaint is that the damn ziper teeth fucking break off! I have four broken teeth so far and only a season and a half on them. The ziper on Scara's phantom lites are way better and the boots are very similar in technical ability. If you have a scarpa foot, go scarpa.

Someone grabbed my BD poles the afternoon/evening of the 9th at Chair peak. I was part of the last party on the mountain, and someone grabbed my poles. here is the link on the bd site to what they are: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/trekking-poles/contour-elliptic They dont have baskets on them and there is a black rough spot between the 115-125 mark on the lower section of one of the poles. If you get em give em back! call me 2489827037 (phil)

Whats does a ticket cost to iceland?

What are you guys talking about again?

Wildchild, I figured you would say that. I think they are too expensive anyway. The idea is really nice, but 77$ for one screw . . . hell no! I would have to get a real job to afford one of those.

Has anyone used the camp ice screws? http://www.camp-usa.com/products/ice-screws/radion-180101.asp The idea seems really nice, but the price is sooo ridiculous. Im wondering if they are even worth considering; by considering I mean should I put one in the rack.

The west ridge is what you want. Are you planning on brining your rack and rope(s)?

Im from the party that made it to the base of climb. It was definetly in, but we were a little worried about having a four man team moving up it. I think our decision to turn around was more about the capability of our party rather than the route. In our defence, I will say that there was little visable ice and the snow wasnt super thick either.

Wanting to know if anyone is interested in seracing on the Coleman in the next few weeks. I would be available weekends and fine for an overnight.Im looking to tune up my ice skills and get more familiar with the Baker area. I have a truck, screws, tools, ropes, and a pair of crampons.

I would definetly be in to try Rainier this winter. I have more rock and alpine experience than true big mountain glacier experience, but I am very interested in climbing this winter. I have done Adams twice and spent a month in the St. Elias this summer. My glacier skills are fine tuned and I am training for ice this winter.