Awhile ago Jess and I became very interested in rock and ice climbing. Taking to it with all of the obsessive zeal that we tend to bring to new interests. Photo:  Jess traversing ‘Pete’s Farewell’ In a short period of time we booked multiple guided trips. Read everything on the subject we could get our hands on. Hit the local Quincy Quarries just about every nice day. Visited the rock...

Just updating the post from a few days ago about the 3 hikers who got trapped on Rainier in a blizzard, killing one of them. The two survivors are now safely off the mountain, but it is being reported today that the man who died (31-year-old Eduard Burceag) sacrificed himself to save the others. He laid down on the snow and allowed the others to lay on top of him… essentially using his body as insulation...

Like most of the major vendors, it seems EMS is in a constant state of 20 to 30% off sales… with only the reason for the sale changing. So their Memorial Day sale ran right into this Summer Sale. 30% off packs, 20% off sandals, stuff like that. However, I did find this kind of cool and interesting. Their climbing school is running a kind of Father’s Day special. (looks like it also includes Grads...

A blizzard trapped 3 climbers on the mountain Tuesday, two men and a woman in their 30s.   Reports are that they were experienced hikers/climbers out for a day hike when poor conditions trapped them on the Muir snowfield.  One man, the woman’s husband, did not make it.  The other two are in stable condition and being tended to at Muir Camp (10,000 feet) while awaiting clear weather for a rescue. Scary...

International Mountain Climbing School in North Conway New Hampshire will be holding its 16th annual Women’s Rock Weekend this June 21st and 22nd. The two day itinerary looks like it will include a little something for everyone. From Basics clinics to Self Rescue and Big Wall Techniques. There is even a Mothers and Daughters climb which is new this year. And of course, there will be evening activities. Women’s...

Summary: A subtle, but solid, redesign of what was one of the better outdoor retail sites to begin with. On May 28th REI launched a redesigned website. You can check out their overview of the redesign here: http://www.rei.com/features/redesignOverview.html Although not a drastic change, the first thing that will probably strike visitors is that the layout and interface have been altered. The new design is...

Posting about The Great Adirondack Trail Run and the Wakely Dam Ultra today got me to thinking about some of the concerns organized trail runs like these can raise. In the case of the Great Adirondack Trail Run, I know The Mountaineer and its sponsors have occasionally come under criticism from people worried about environmental impact. I have never attended the race, but it sounds as if everything possible...

Another Adirondack trail run, The Wakely Dam Ultra, is scheduled for July 19th. This one appears to be full as well, and unfortunately it doesn’t look like they have a ‘casual’ alternative if you missed out. However, it sounds like there are occasional drop outs, so if you want to get in on the action contact them to find out if there is a waiting list. The Ultra runs along one of my favorite...

The 11.5 mile (strenuous/competitive) and 3.5 mile (casual) trail runs are set to take place on June 21st in Keene Valley, NY. Registration for the 11.5 mile event is already full, but the 3.5 mile “fun run” event is still open and you can register at any time. The races begin at 9am and 10 am respectively, and everyone is encouraged to stick around afterward. There will be a celebration of Spring...