Manufacturers of all types are always looking for that next great breakthrough. Think: Gortex, Teflon and that famous exchange from The Graduate:
Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
Now another breakthrough is hitting the consumer outdoor products market based on a man-made material called aerogel. It is lighter than air in its pure form, warmer than down, can be compressed, is breathable and is virtually unbreakable. It keeps hots things hot and cold things cold – How does it do it?
There seems to be continue reading
A brief update on the mid-winter climbing season. The Southern Hemisphere is in focus with Mts Kilimanjaro, Vinson and Aconcagua receiving the usual attention. Thus far it has been a safe season albeit with death.
The commercial outfitters are in full swing with multiple expeditions to these three of the seven summits. Word has it they are sold out and doing well. The local outfitters are also doing well reporting good business. This is impressive given the world economy. Somehow climbers always find a way to climb.
Aconcagua
After a difficult start for many teams including an early season death, most are now continue reading
When I started this website almost a decade ago, my vision was to simply share my experiences through introspective and candid reporting. That has not changed however the site has evolved over the years so let’s take a brief look back before we look forward.
All of my 16+ big climbs including Denali, Aconcagua and the 3 to Everest had extensive coverage that included live dispatches, gear lists, an FAQ page plus an extensive collection of pictures presented in a gallery format with a sideshow presentation. Every Colorado 14er summit has it’s own page – 52 at this point.
Share/Bookmark
It has been about a month since we replaced our Windows PCs with iMacs so I thought a quick report was in order. I am glad to report – all is fine.
As I posted on November 19, we replaced an HP and Dell PC running Windows XP with two iMacs. The installation and data transfers were simple. And the learning curve fast. We both have standard configurations with 4 MB and are pleasantly surprised at the speed.
Cathy’s World
Looking a bit deeper; I tend to use the computer for more functions than my wife, Cathy, who mostly surfs her favorite websites, continue reading
Everybody wants a deal. Houses, cars, beer and of course, climbing gear. Thus an entire industry has emerged over the years to serve this “price sensitive” market online. After all why pay $500 for that down jacket you need – yes you need it – instead of say, $99?
I know I buy most of my gear online these days. It is safe, easy and convenient. I have about 5o gear sites bookmarked and check them all when looking at a big purchase. I have my favorites sites like Mountain Gear, Spadout and I have come to use Backcountry’s Steep and continue reading
A wonderfully inspirational story- Meb Keflezighi wins the NY Marathon
Tough season on Pumori-no summits from Peak Freak in spite of a leading great effort and the Hanesbrand test team . Success on Ama Dablam: IMG with no drama
The Alzheimer’s Association site is now in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Interesting analysis of Colorado’s recent huge snow storm, impact on climbing conditions in RMNP
6 Early avalanches in the Colorado high country
Found in Antarctica: two cases MacKinlay’s Scotch Whisky from 1908 Ernest Shackleton’s South Pole team
United Airline’s last 737 flight
Diamox – The Altitude Wonder Drug? continue reading
Setting hard goals and working towards them often defines part of human existence. Two of my friends did just that this week. Jim Davidson summited Cho Oyu and John Little his first 14er. I am so proud of both of my friends.
In Jim’s blog he wrote:
“I began to wonder what climbing to such great heights would be like, how one got to go on such an adventure, and, dare I say it, if even I might be able to go someday. A dream was born.”
Share/Bookmark
I have traditionally used this space for posting dispatches during my mountaineering expeditions and for updates on Alzheimer’s news and my fund raising activities. That will remain.
Happy New Year!
With the holidays upon us, I wanted to send out a greeting along with an Alzheimer’s update and a look back at an exciting year in climbing.
Alzheimer’s Disease – Progress but More Needed
2008 was the culmination for my Memories are Everything: The Road Back to Mount Everest project. This year long journey included 5 climbs ending with another attempt on Everest – all to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research. While I didn’t summit Everest, we did raise over $25,000 for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CAF) – and that I am more proud of than an continue reading
With summer winding down, I thought it was time for an update on the climbing season, my recent climbs and photography plus an exciting opportunity occurring this Sunday.
Fall Himalaya Season
September brings the Himalaya climbing season back into focus with expeditions to Cho Oyu, Shisha Pangma and more big Hills. But the red tape now required to climb in Tibet has caused many companies to stay in Nepal on mountains such as Manaslu and Ama Dablam. Teams have been surprised by new permit requirements, staffing requirements and travel restrictions to enter Tibet. All this resulted in just a few western teams continue reading
Recent Comments