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Thanks, Doug. I appreciate the expert opinion. Sometimes something as simple as a Black Diamond Whippet is helpful, if it's just trying to get a purchase on an iced-in ledge. I've thought about the ULA Helix, but it's so darn expensive. I'll probably just stick with my Raven, which permits the...

Dear Christine, I was responding to John's post with a general observation, because I am interested in the phenomenon of avalanches (or their comparative absence) in the Catskills, where I live. I've known John for some years and am always interested in what he has to say on safety matters...

I can't find the weight on these. I thought one of the 40 cm adzes might be just the ticket for non-technical climbs where I don't want to bring a full axe and self-arrest is not a concern. Anyone have the numbers?

The combination of a sleet layer (this fell widely across the region) topped with windslab from the two big windstorms that followed the snow, is as perfect a recipe for an avalanche as I can imagine. Having said that, there are few areas in the Catskills (John mentions one of them--another...

I live to the S of you in the Catskills (where, in theory, the flora should be ahead of your zone). I walked the Biscuit Brook trail today, up Big Indian and then over to Fir. This is usually good for a fine display of flora, in season. However, nothing is yet stirring. The only green presently...

I rather enjoyed the film about the French brothers, but I was also rather puzzled at its relevance to Banff. Sheep shearing has never struck me as an adrenaline endeavor, except for the animal. Although the two did seem to be living on the edge, especially in so far as washing-up was concerned...

Sorry for the delayed response. Seems like I have received no VFTT message alerts. No matter. The most interesting way to Samuel's Point is from Dry Brook Road, where there is a trail that goes up over private land over the the two sub-summits (can't remember the name of the first; the next is...

Many people who climb these peaks benefit from the generous access granted by Joseph ("Buzz") Friedel across his property. Recently, he has been troubled by some abuses, and he will (if they continue) curtail access. Below are the full instructions for parking on his property and using his...

While I also have a great fondness for McAllister's guidebook (of which I own two copies), it is out-of-date and there has been enough change in the trail system that relying on it will most definitely cause problems from time to time. Peter Kick's work on the AMC guide is very sound indeed...

I do urge those who may be tempted to hike with rubber tips to be careful. Under dry conditions, this can be feasible. Under wet conditions, rubber tips can skate, much as bootsoles can. I have seen people fall (without injury) as a result. Personally, I do not find the wear offensive. I don't...

I apologize in advance for the inevitable cross-posting. Given the cost of gasoline and the inherent environmental concerns, I have started a Yahoo Group to assist in car-pooling for hikers. This may be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nyhike/ To post, join first and send e-mails to...

Discussion of freezing issues with bear canisters rather begs the question: do you need a canister under those conditions? If a bear canister has frozen up solid, it's probably winter, and (at least on the E coast) a canister is probably no longer required. Bears do emerge occasionally over...

There are regulations relating to the storage of waste, at least where restaurants are concerned. A number of Phoenicia area restaurants received citations from DEC for improper waste storage last year. At the same time, to be fair, bears are immensely strong and tenacious, and most industrial...

The cruel truth is that the number of bears in New York and New Jersey far exceeds the carrying capacity of the land. The only way that the current population level can be sustained is by the bears raiding garbage, bird feeders, etc. This leads to bears becoming acclimated to, and dependent on...

Congrats, gang. It sounds like an amazing trip. Rainier's on my list, one of these days not too far distant. Ted.

As the one whose Ursack got taken apart (see Matt's earlier post) I should point out that this was in the Western High Peaks, Duck Hole to be precise. Ted.

The following was informally posted regarding this incident via ADK channels. It's hearsay only: "*** told me at Trails Council yesterday that he'd talked to Sup't Keator about the incident. Seems a youth group entirely filled the shelter, so the counsellor slept ouside -- wrapped in the tarp...

Lesser striped viburnum bug <g>. Alas, I don't do bugs. Ted.

The Plants National Database lists these as exact synonyms: Viburnum lantanoides Michx. Viburnum alnifolium Marsh. Viburnum grandifolium Ait. Michaux was one of the pioneers of American botany; his is the first species name above. According to Dunbar, Ulster County Flora, we have nine...

False Hellebore definitely. AKA Indian Poke. Medicinal, but very toxic. The outer flowers on the hobble are sterile. If the leaves are oval, pointed at the ends (as they appear in your picture) the plant is V. alnifolium (Gleason), and is indeed hobblebush, witchhobble etc. (has many names). I...