Recent content by Mad Townie

"Video...removed by user"...before I got to watch it!

Symbol error. Somebody added "Inter" before "State Route 6." Amusing, though, in light of the public dialogue about the "East-West Highway."

Well, winter comes right after Halloween, so I always pack a few of those tiny chocolate bars that the trick-or-treaters didn't get. Just pop them in my mouth and let them melt until chewable. For "real" food, PB & J on whole wheat loaf bread is great. As someone said earlier, the baggie works...

Reading this entire thread just now, I couldn't help but think about how fantastic the Saddleback people are. The ski patrollers recommend which trails we should climb, and the only thing they ask is that we check in and out at the highest hut so that they don't worry about us. Good folks. Oh...

I have an old (1981) photo from Bigelow in January that shows some of my gear at the time: Wool balaclava Wool shirt (heavy, black & red check) Wool pants (Green, "army" type) Wool socks, knitted by my mom (the love keeps your feet warm) Wool mittens Sorel boots with wool liners Underneath...

Another vote for the Microspikes--although, in fairness, I haven't tried the Hillsounds. My crampons are complete overkill (M-10s), so I only carry them when I'm going to be doing significant above-treeline hiking. The 'spikes have been fine for everything else. When I come to a patch of hard...

A few years ago we were shut out of a Russell Pond trip on Memorial Day weekend because of snow and high water. Since this was a heavy snow year, it's possible the situation may be repeated. Memorial Day is never a sure thing in some parts of BSP.

Yvon, les Bigelows sont magnifique! A great choice for a 115 finish. In fact, a great choice for a hike, period! Give yourselves enough time to enjoy them.

Oh, it's started already. I nominate "comment sections after news articles" for worst tech innovation of the last 50 years. (TDawg, you gotta get to Baxter!)

Not much information, but here's the link to the brief report from IMG: http://www.mountainguides.com/everest-south10.shtml

TEO, I don't recommend throwing yourself off a ledge. In the time it takes your body to fall, the bugs will have totally consumed it. :eek: Seriously, the bugs are BAD in Baxter (and much of the Maine woods) in June. That stops some people, doesn't stop others. Impossible to say what effect...

I think you're probably right about that, Audrey. Forgot to mention that the ski conditions were very good. The snow was excellent, and the visibility was improved enough below treeline that it wasn't a problem for the skiers.

Able to grab a day "off", I decided to climb Saddleback and the Horn with my friend Shrink Rap. The weather forecast was good, with summit temps in the teens and a mostly clear day. Well, it was mostly clear--clear mostly everywhere around EXCEPT on the summits of the mountains. We got started...

Very helpful and pleasant Saddleback ski personnel suggested Grey Ghost to Tricolor trails for ascent. Hike up was quick to treeline. The summit was socked in, very limited visibility of 10-15 feet and 50-60 mph winds, mildly cool temperatures. Because of the visibility we couldn't find the...

Wow, I disappear for a few months and when I return I find out Giggy is single handedly organizing the Winter Gathering AND paying everybody's fees AND providing all the beer AND getting the bands (and probably the generator truck, too) AND serving as master of ceremonies AND leading TFW hikes...