dbconlin

Telemarking is actually less "pure" - the telemark turn was first developed by ski jumpers, who don free heels, as a way to stop after their jumps. Fixed heels have been around longer. Telemarking is, however, more pleasureful, blissful, etc. You sink lower to the snow, get more face shots, and access more powder with less hassle. From a breakage point of view--good luck fixing one of those plastic-y space age looking DH bindings. My (tele) bindings are METAL (steel actually) and are held together with BOLTS. Easy.

I have a BD Alpamayo mountaineering axe for sale. Good condition, with leash & point guards, 80 cm, $45 or make an offer. -Dave Conlin 206/329-0658 dbconlin@hotmail.com

Does anybody have any comments, from experience or theoretical, about the Grivel 360 ice screws, the ones with the big swing-out arm/crank. Obviously, they would be easier to place, but it seems to me that the arm could get in the way, especially with a carabiner attached to the hangar. Could the arm force open the gate? ------------------

Whatever you do, stay away from the Garuda designs bivy sold through dana designs. I know numerous friends that got a pro-deal on these and had nothing but bad things to say and very wet sleeping bags. I have an REI bivy, which I like (only 1 lb., neat hood/armhole design so you can cook in it), but its not perfect (i.e. wet in extended damp conditions, claustrophobic at times). Also, it's cheap ($150), but I'm not sure they make it anymore.

Hi. I'm new in town (Seattle) and looking for climbing partner(s) for general/winter mountaineering, alpine-style ascents and ice routes. I have rock climbing (trad 5.9 + sport 5.10 leads)and general mountaineering experience (glaciers/steep snow, 14,000'+) as well as wilderness first responder. I am relatively new to ice climbing and have done WI4 topropes thus far, but looking to get more experience/push my abilities. If you are at a similar level, or would like to take on an apprentice, let me know! Dave Conlin dbconlin@mad.scientist.com (206) 329-0658 [This message has been edited by dbconlin (edited 11-07-2000).]