JasonG

That guy scares me, some of those tutorials are pretty wild.

You may want to try one of the Tumeric supplements as well. I've had some neck issues bugging me for too long, and the PT I went to suggested it and it seems to help a lot. The other suggestions above are great as well and I wish you luck!

Thanks for the SGA recommendation, I had never heard of it before. Amazing looking though! Care to share any others of the same ilk?

Indeed. Thanks for the reminder that there are a lot more options than most of us realize.

"The two left Canmore in the early hours of Nov. 18 and retuned on Nov. 19. They spent just under 30 hours car-to-car climbing the famous 1987 alpine route, which was first climbed by Barry Blanchard, Peter Arbic and Ward Robinson. The route was freed by by Jon Walsh and Jonny Simms in 2008 at M7. The direct was climbed by Raphael Slawinski, Dana Ruddy and Eammon Walsh in 2009. The first one-day ascent and one-day free ascent of the original route was by Josh Wharton and Chris Alstrin in 2012, they climbed the route in 15.5 hours base to summit. Leclerc and Lavigne took advantage of the good early season conditions, little snow and cold nights. Their ascent is the eighth or ninth of the original route." Cool!

The NF ramp on Harvey may be in thin and spicy shape. I'd imagine Sumallo cirque might be in interesting shape as well.

She was just used to the days when Fred worked the door.

SWEET!

Excellent images as always Luke! Has Petzl got you on the payroll yet?

Is that what you have Dru? Those have always looked pretty sweet, but I don't see many using them.

Road seemed fine with adequate space when I walked it a couple years ago. There is only one minor wash out that HC cars would have no problem with. It is frustrating to have NPS trucks drive past you without offering a ride.

Don't blame me, I voted for

I don't doubt that there are certainly funding issues but, like others, I get the sense that they don't mind shrinking access. Seems to be a combination of concern for resource damage and trying to simplify managing the herd. I think many rangers could go farther to show how they are trying to facilitate and enhance the access of the user groups. This is a generalization, I'm sure there are rangers out there who are trying to help the average recreationalist, rather than corral them. But the stereotype exists for a very good reason, in my experience. I'm much more sensitive to this now that I have short legged hiking companions.

This is my new favorite TR. I'm sure all the dads out there would agree, you done good. And nice climb too. I can only try my best to follow your lead with my young boys.

You aren't lying, well done! Here's to little Colton, I hope he pulls through.

Wow, the write up on his injuries and hospital experience sounded pretty rough. Hang in there Josh!

Another strong outing Eric, thanks for the report! How was that trail out the South Cascade River? I don't think it has been maintained in some time.

Cool area! Thanks for reminding my why I only go to those east side peaks in the spring and fall, hellish sounds right.

Interesting trip Curt, recommended? You need to go back and climb Cruiser if you haven't already!

seems plenty level and secure.

I meant an honest to goodness, literal sponge bath! Guy standing buck naked in the middle of the lookout, woman (fully clothed) scrubbing him with a washcloth and bowl of warm water. I'm not sure who was more shocked. Sure enough, after a minute the door swung back open and they invited me in like nothing was out of the ordinary. It was almost like I had imagined it. It was a bad/awkward situation. November, darkness descending, snow storm in progress, and no tent on my part. I apologized profusely and sheepishly told them that I was staying the night. They were surprisingly nice about it. So, there is one more reason why it is a good idea to carry a tent up to a lookout!

About 15 years ago walked in on a woman giving a dude a sponge bath in the Hidden Lake LO. I certainly didn't mean to walk in on them. I knocked on the door with my ice axe, but it wasn't latched and swung open. A round house kick by the woman slammed it back in my face, while she screamed "just a minute!!". One of the funniest things I've seen in the hills. You just never know what you are going to see when you visit a lookout.

Thanks guys! As my boys get older, I hope to get more involved with the SAC in maintaining the Park Butte LO.

By Feb, I think the glaciers will be pretty broken up, but I guess a lot depends on how the season is progressing. I would highly recommend the SE ridge on Aspiring if it wasn't melted out. You can heli in and out, making two days doable. http://climbforhope.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/aspiring.jpg Do some bouldering at Castle Hill. Scramble Mount Owen. Climb some of the easy routes (sorry, forget which ones) out of the Homer Hut (if you get the weather). Do the Copeland crossing from Mount Cook Village to the West Coast. My experience is that most of the alpine climbing in NZ is more serious than the Cascades (i.e. not what most think of as a "honeymoon"). But, the tramping and huts are fantastic, so don't worry too much about climbing cool stuff. Hiking around and taking pictures will be memorable enough!

My Canadian buddies do that all the time. I'd be happy to have you ship stuff to my place in Mount Vernon (which is farther, I know). Will PM my address to you....