rayborbon

So what I am guilty of here is the 5 dollar trail pass thing (countless times), and coming from Snow Creek Wall this summer without a wilderness permit. Meaning the day permit since it was obvious I was not there overnight. Now I face court for 2 tickets $50, and $100 if I recall correctly. Not to mention the Ranger was belligerent and not very understanding. Where does this money go to anyway? If I pay to park is it distributed to the areas I go to or possibly somwhere else? Has anyone had any encounters with the Rangers over there similar to mine? The guy had a friggin' moving video cameras in his vehicle as well. I can't imagine why a Ranger would need those in his brand new Dodge giving tickets to people for using public land.. I know I am whining but it's true and it sux. Maybe I was contributing to his pay raise or his bonus who knows. -Ray

In response to Heinrich: First of all I am from CA. if it matters. Also I don't recall the Mtnrs owning the mountains. What gives you the right to imply that people such as me are part of the "problem"? I have to admit I bumble around all the time (I suck). But I never subjected anyone to the likes of what Mike mentioned above though... And what does it matter how long the Mtnrs have been around? Is this some sort of "we were here first so we own it" mentality? You even admit you avoid thier large trips... Apparently there are benefits of course. As I said before I was just more or less speaking my mind and stating what I saw (facts). I have been to thier place in Seattle to watch the Mtn films twice (one thing I think is cool for them to host). I also do believe they have courses with good skills to be learned. I just don't prefer to take them because of the rumors I have heard about the bs you have to put up with. I just have this gung ho former paratrooper attitude that is part of my personality that does not mix well in groups like that. You may have to excuse me if I am too blunt or offending. If in fact I do start "bashing" you'll know it. I do have 2 climbing partners that once were in the Mtnrs. After speaking to them about thier experiences I came to the conclusion it is not for me. Topics like doing Kp mentioned by Mike definitley would spark a fire with me. I have done my share of Kp and prefer not to shovel a porch for 2 hours either. I am in complete approval of Mr Good times quote: "friends don't let friends join the Mountaineers," or something like that. " -Ray

I must be a POS for sure! -Ray

waiting to hear from you. Bye. Mike and Jim you rule! -Ray

number?

yes 425 844 8575

Have fun guys! I will be doing some cool climbing! Let me know if you need details. -Ray

Wow V ridge wh9o knows? Have fun guys ! -Ray

Several takers now. Please close the subject guys. -Ray

Hey Marko sorry we missed you. If you are still interested send mail. a-raybor@microsoft.com -Ray

I think that paying a fee to use\climb in many areas of the Cascades is repulsive. This includes parking BTW. However I would like some GOOD feedback on why others might think it is good to charge and why? I have more details on my opinion to follow later. -Ray

I was not really trying to create any animosity just speaking my mind. I am not bashing either. Sorry if anyone is offended but I am not taking anything I said back. I am a bumbly -Ray [This message has been edited by rayborbon (edited 01-04-2001).]

Maps here: http://www.ewpnet.com/kenyamap.htm Just rap on the side if you need more linx. -Ray

Yes I do remember that one Mike. I must say that the Mutineers and Wacks probably do have great climbers in thier organizations. I just haven't met them yet. I definitely will be surfing thier site to find out thier trip plans. In turn I will make plans to avoid these groups at all costs. I kind of feel like they mught subject me to thier mobbing of the mountains in large groups and possibly creating a dangerous situation at the same time. I just can't stand going over to Icicle Canyon and finding that all the campgrounds are full of these groups. Maybe the Rangers should limit thier numbers or something... In a nutshell,I have always prefered to avoid the crowds. I think I would agree with Alex (and others) and say that you could possibly learn from someone else if you wanted. I have a good friend that has taken a course or 2 and I don't hold that against him though. I just don't like the way the Wack, and Mutineers combined with REI have commercialized and overcrowded the mtns. Too bad for me. -Ray

I think I would plan a route to the bars in Mombasa! I recommend checkin' out the safaris too. If you do go to attempt Kilimanjaro just don't underestimate how long it might take to climb it. Mt Rainier is puny compared to this thing. Seriously this site looks cool: http://www.personal.u-net.com/~guide/mt-kenya.htm -Ray

Looking for another rope partner? rayborbon@hotmail.com -Ray

I assume it is better than the Banff Mtn. Films. Does anybody think otherwise? I am going to pound some pints of heavy and see if I can go tomorrow. Hey Mikeadam wanna go? -Ray

Check Rock and Ice website. Some guy posted some stuff there and maybe his email address is there too. -Ray

I can only offer one piece of advice. Don't buy La sportiva Makalus unless you expect to take at least 4 months to 1 year (depending on rate of use) to break in. Many people hate them but I like them. -Ray

I think that a classic is going to definitely be an adventure of some sort. I think that I am definitely more inclined to say that a classic to me is more (not most) difficult too. That is because these are usually the ones that scared me or I had to work at to be able to do. I will not forget these ones for sure. For me the feeling of accomplishment is part but not all of my decision. Other factors may be atmosphere,good partners, route quality, and overall memories. I got this from an online dictionary: Classic: Main Entry: 1clas·sic Pronunciation: 'kla-sik Function: adjective Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis Date: circa 1604 1 a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value b : TRADITIONAL, ENDURING c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year <a classic suit> 2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : CLASSICAL 3 a : historically memorable b : noted because of special literary or historical associations <Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates> 4 a : AUTHENTIC, AUTHORITATIVE b : TYPICAL <a classic example of chicanery> 5 capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about A.D. 300-900 -Ray

Ok I think my favorites are: Rock (crack) - Brass Balls. Nothing can beat that first roof! If you fall off you're screwed and have to lower to the start again. Jim Y. this is your best route! (Bolts)- Some climb at Exit38 way up high on the mountain right of the Peanaccle thingy. It's a roof then a corner and then across left to a 90 degree face. Adds up to about 10b I guess and this is not in the book. Alpine- Pinnacle Peak Toprope- Spire rock! -Ray [This message has been edited by rayborbon (edited 12-09-2000).]

Is this something like a FEM-BOTT from Austin Powers? What are they for real? -Ray

Mike there were Marines over there but they were on the boat most of the time. The showed up when it was all over. The motto we had was "The few the proud The dead on the beach" No offense, but all the Marines in my Ranger course dropped out! What's up with that? I guess they liked to eat enough food so they would not look like death camp victims by the time they got out. Can't blame em. My ass lost about 45 pounds and let me tell you I could run those 12 mile road marches in no time. Ah the memories of leaping out of those choppers mit hemp rope and crappy (non-locking) o-rings that were about 15 years old face first. Just joking up there so don't take this serious. -Ray

Mike is right. I have attended this course in 95' I recommend it for ya. You also get to walk around in swamps for 3 weeks and your feet rot too. They make it really suck and you could put up with about anything after that. You would not need to attend any leadership course as well they got it all! You should just quit your job now! They even have a cool mountaineering course where you can tie granny knots with a nylon right hand twist rope around your waist to simulate a foofy climbimg harness. Then you get to climb wet rock in your boots (what a challenge!) and no chalk. This is on 2-4 hours sleep a night and remember that's for the guy belaying you too . Go for it! -Ray

Thanks for the good info Snowleapord and everyone else. I have been using this for my responses as well. -Ray