Flying Dutchman WI4 FFA

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Ice Land

Here is another wildly cool ice formation that we found on Artist's Point on Saturday. I loved the lines here and could not resist pointing my camera in their direction!

Baby bluebirds

We have two bluebird boxes that get a lot of use, though never at the same time. This was the second brood this year.



I tried getting closer but they're all too skittish for that. The pictures are greatly magnified, so the quality isn't wonderful. But you can sense the cuteness.



I love that little patch of blue on the tail.



There are three or four fledglings... they won't hold still long enough to count. The parents are still feeding them.

Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis

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Friday Ark

Can Stop, Will Stop: Paul Racer Brakes

When I received a Rawland Nordavinden demo bike for review some time ago, it was fitted with Silver Bigmouth sidepull brakes. The Nordavinden model is made without cantilever bosses, intended to be used with either sidepulls or centerpulls. With 650Bx42mm tires that leaves few options for brakes with sufficiently long reach. I have tried the bigmouth sidepulls before on a 650Bx42mm tire bike with upright handlebars and the stopping power was fine. But it proved decidedly less fine on a bike with drop bars and road levers. The braking wasn't terrible, but not as strong as I wanted. So when setting up a Nordavinden with my own components two months later, I decided to go with centerpulls. The choices were: Paul Racer or Dia Compe 750 brakes. The feedback I'd read about the Dia Compes was pretty good, so I bought those, since they are the considerably less expensive option. To my disappointment, the braking power was not much better than it had been with the sidepulls. I rode the Vermont Fall Classic with the Dia Compes, but had to watch my speed on steep descents, particularly once it started to rain. I was now feeling a little dispirited, because there was only one option left. Trying to not get my hopes up, I bit the bullet and bought the Paul Racers several weeks later. To my immense relief, they work. They are expensive. But they are US-made, and, more to the point, they stop my bike.



In fairness, I should note here that I know riders who useSilver Bigmouth sidepulls, Tektro Bigmouth sidepulls, and Dia Compe 750 centerpulls on fat tire roadbikes without issue. However, my grip strength is weak and I have damaged nerves in my hands. Braking power with the combination of road levers and long-reach brakes has been an ongoing problem, including on bikes built for cantis. It is useful to know that Paul brakes are an option that works. The Center Mount version of the Racers does not require special braze-ons and can be used on any bike that accepts sidepull brakes, provided there is enough steerer available for a cable hanger.



Paul Racer brakes can be purchased from the manufacturer directly, or ordered via your local bike shop. The company is based in Chico, California, where they have been making parts since 1989.

Three Trees

The best Shell?

Eddie Bauer Frontpoint shell used where it belongs..going fast and light.







There were lots of questions as to what was the best shell from our field test. I wasn't looking for the best shell so much as I was looking for the best fabric to use for a climbing shell. Like me...some don't really care much about a rain shell.



Until this test I had felt that the new stretch materials were all going to be a big step up on performance from the typical hard shelllayers most of us have used in the past. And at least for me, seldom satisfied with.







My first use of Neoshell in the Westcomb Apoc was a new experience. The Neoshell I have used over the last year is a slightly stretchy, water proof ( I'm now confident in that ) and breathable material. I used Neoshell as the "gold standard" on this test. Although in the field conditions we had I am not sure there was a noticeable differencebetween fabrics likeNeoshell,Goretex Active Shell or the Mountain Hardware Dry Q. I'd like to pick a clear winner here but too many other influences on the fabrics themselves to simply do that.



In use my favorite garmentsalways boil down to the features I like the best. Great design work can oftenovercome a 2nd rate material. Bad design work can and many times does completely over whelm what ever the magic fabric used might be.



For a "hard shell", which is what I would classify all of these jackets, I look at weight first.



Outdoor Reasearch's Axiom jacket cut from a stretch water proof breathable version of *Gore-Tex’s Active Shell* 13.7oz Large





Westcomb's APOC jacket cut from Polartec's stretch waterproof breathable *NeoShell* 17.4oz XL



Marmot's HYPER jacket cut from stretch waterproof breathable technology, *MemBrain® Strata 100% Nylon Stretch* 13.4oz XL



Mountain Hardware's DRYSTEIN jacket cut from their stretch, water proof, breathable *Dry Q Elite* 18.7 oz XL



RAB's Neo Stretch Jacket cut from Polartec's stretch waterproof breathable *NeoShell* and 18.6oz XL



The Marmot Hyper is still one of my favorite shells listed here. I has the most stretch of all those listedand is the lightest. It is also the least water proof. So if rain gear is your priority then the Hyper simply isn't a good choice. That said I have used it in some pretty good rain fall and not been disappointed. But then admittedly I don't do a lot in the "rain".



But if stretch and light weight are important to you. Nothing in this group compares to the stretch of the Hyper. The Hyperis one of the first garments I would reach fora cold windy alpine climb for added protection. But it is no rain jacket by comparison. And because it is so light weight it isn't going to be very durable when it meets rock.



I trial run in the rain and I ride my road bike in the rain when my workouts require it. But climb all day in the rain? Not likely generally.



OK, past stretch and lwt weight what else is important to me? I want a hood that fits over my climbing helmet. A double slider on the main zipper seems like a worth while feature. Only the Mountain Hardware jacket from this test offered that. Disappointing at best.



Pockets? I'd like mess pockets internallyto dry gear out in. None of these jackets offered that feature.



Over size external pockets that are made of nylon/Lycra mesh that work asvents are a better alternative than pit zips I think. They are certainly easier to use for venting and are still useful pockets.



These three jackets all usethatpocket technology. Interesting to me that neither Neoshell garment we tested did. And imo they should have.



Outdoor Research's Axiom jacket cut from a stretch water proof breathable version of *Gore-Tex’s Active Shell* 13.7oz Large



Marmot's HYPER jacket cut from stretch waterproof breathable technology, *MemBrain® Strata 100% Nylon Stretch* 13.4oz XL



Mountain Hardware's DRYSTEIN jacket cut from their stretch, water proof, breathable *Dry Q Elite* 18.7 oz XL



Technical climbing gear? Only one jacket of this bunch was intentionally cut and designedas a technical climbing jacket in my opinion. That is:



RAB's Neo Stretch Jacket cut from Polartec's stretch waterproof breathable *NeoShell* and 18.6oz XL



It has no side pockets, a brimmed hood and two chest high pockets insteadof side "hand warmer" pockets.











But (and I had to physically recheck this) my impression was this:



Outdoor Research's Axiom jacket cut from a stretch water proof breathable version of *Gore-Tex’s Active Shell*quickly becamemy favorite "technical jacket" for climbing out of this group.



Let me explain that a bit s it makes little sense when you look at the over all jacket features but haven't had the garments on. The Outdoor Research Axiom jacket is cut from a *stretch*Gore-Tex’s Active Shell. It is light weight @ 13.7oz in a large size. OR's Large size is a "tight large" on me. So the garment feels trim while you are wearing it. No excess material. The side pocket design works as intended and vents well. They seem like vents not pockets. No extra bulk there. The hood is great with a helmet. The cuffs fit nicely with a tight, tapered Velcro closure. The Axiom simply feels like a shell jacket I would like toclimb in. Not very scientific but there you are, my gut reaction to all of these jackets. And there nobad apples here! If I had to pick a favorite the Axiom would be it.





When I did climb in the Axiom I used it over my base layer. Typically that would have been a NWAlpine Hoody. But for this trip I intentionally usedCabela's Polartec E.C.W.C.S. zip front. Normally in the same situationI would be using a Arcteryx Atom Lt. over a base layer.





Whilemy base layer was wet from the exercise the Axiom shell was always dry internally. Every so often I stopped to check and was actually amazed at the performance of the design (good vents) and the Gortex Active shell. But you can't even buy the AXIOM any where yet...so big help I am, right?





My point here? I really like what the Arcteryx Atom Lt is capable of for performance in the conditions (cold and dry) I typically climb in. I tend to judge other garments by that kind of performance. "Can they keep me both warm and dry?"



Every shell here listed above would need more than a simple hoody base layer as insulation to keep me warm in those conditions. The rare exception is an intentional "solo speed ascent".



The Neoshell garments got a slight nod for breathability and rain performancefrom the entire team. But again in my opinion neither of the designs we had available really take advantage of Neoshell for my own use.



I started thinking how cool a Neoshell Hyper or a Neoshell Axiom might be!



That is the hard part of taking a detailed look at gear. It is easy to imagine even better combos of design and fabrics once you have seen a few at thecutting edge on design andmaterials .



I can tell you what I thinkis the bestglove, pant or ice tool depending on the conditions. And I'll argue the small points with you. Or the boot that fits MY foot the best. But I don't use a shell often. Past how well they breath and transport your moisture from working hardI don't demand much of them. Unless of course it rains. So, the "best"really isyour decision, not mine.

Rose Garden Restaurant

Dustin and his friend Rob took me to their favorite Mexican restaurant called The Rose Garden in Antony, NM. We had wonderful food. I had tacos, with Spanish rice, refried pinto beans and guacamole. Guacamole is made from avocados chopped up with salsa-type ingredients added to it. Of course there was the traditional bowl of tortilla chips and salsa that comes with all meals in all Mexican restaurants. But the salsa here was a green salsa and I prefer red and it was way to hot for me to eat. Dustin likes it so well he always gets an extra container of the salsa to take home.
Dustin had a bowl of menudo which is a soup made with chilli peppers, pieces of tortillas and tripe (tripe is the stomach of the cow, and no, I do not eat this) and Rob had a plate of enchiladas.

Chuck Norris and the Mortal, M8r/x, WI7 90m. aka "Chucky"

"Chucky"



Y'all be careful out there!

Banks Lake, Mile Marker 11.2










FA "Chuck Norris & the Mortal"

A2, M8 WI7, 2P, 90m.

Craig Pope, Scott Coldiron, Jan. 31,



Second ascent and

FFA "Chuck Norris & the Mortal", AKA "Chucky"

M8 r/x WI7, 2P, 90m.

Craig Pope, Jess Roskelley, Feb, 2,



Rack:

Small set of nuts

C3's

MasterCams

knifeblades

BD Peckers

BD Specter

Stubbies

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Steep intro moves to p1

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P1 ice was de-laminated to the point of rock pro only. Slung a gas pocket.

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Shakin off the cold...

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Bottom pitch with 2nd Looming above

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More detail of the crazy

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Top of 2nd p crux - PUMP!

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Delicately sneaking up...

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First "rest..."

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Sizing up the never ending madness!

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Snapping a quick shot - cause I HAD too!! 30 ft out from a BD 000 C3 equalized with
a #1 knifeblade...so wild, even after I cleared a ton if ice...

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Peaking out of the hole I carved out of a curtain...SUPER bummed about the fog...

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Throwing up a hell yeah before dancing up the last 60 ft.

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Looking down into space from the final belay...




http://player.vimeo.com/video/59181866"





editor's note:

Really fun for me to add one of the best mixed climbs I have seen locally and a BIG Congratulations!... to Craig, Jess and Scott for getting it done!

Tired Geckie

One sacked-out Leopard Gecko, basking under the heat lamp.

I love the way she sometimes turns her little feet up like that.

She's going through one of her not-eating phases, and this one has lasted a long time. She can live off the fat she stores in her tail, but as you can see it's getting pretty slim.

I don't think she sees very well, poor baby. She's about 7 or 8 years old I think, but LGs can live to 25 or so in captivity. If her eyesight gets any worse I'm not sure how we're going to feed her.

She used to prefer crickets, but now seems to favor mealworms.

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Find more critters at the Friday Ark.

Mystery Photo #5

This is the fourth post in a series of unidentified photographs from the Charles Wiseman Family Bible. See this post for background information. Click on the "Mystery Photo" label at the bottom of the post to see all of the photographs in this series.
Tintype 2 3/8 x 3 3/4 Photographer unknown. As always, you can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Fox Family

We finally saw the foxes! Jessica and I went to watch the den early this morning. After 3 previous unsuccessful attempts at seeing the foxes at various other times of the day, I was confident that being there first thing in the morning would give us the best chance. This time of year that means getting up pretty early. We left the house at 5:00 AM so we could be at the den in time for sunrise. We arrived at 5:40 and right away before we had even stopped the truck Jessica noticed one of the kits peeking out of the den. She only saw him for an instant. We waited maybe 5 minutes then he came out again and this time walked around a little bit. This was before either of the adults had come around. After 2 or 3 minutes the kit went back into the den and there was no activity for quite a while.





































About 30 to 40 minutes later dad showed up with a piece of meat. We couldn't tell what sort of animal the meat was from, since it was just a hunk of flesh, but when he showed up two kits came running out of the den to grab the food. We only saw 2 kits, so that makes this a small litter unless there had already been others that didn't survive. For the next 45 minutes both kits were in and out of the den, chasing each other and playing. 4 times dad brought in pieces of food for them. The last time he came in with food, it was a huge rabbit. It still had all 4 legs attached, but it looked like the rump had been chewed off. The more aggressive of the two kits chased the other one away from the rabbit, then proceeded to tug at the meat and try almost unsuccessfully to drag the rabbit into the den by himself. At first he couldn't budge it but after several tugs managed to pull it inside the den. Once the rabbit and both kits were back in the den, dad took off for another round of hunting. We ended up with about a 45 minute show of fox activity. It sure was a fun way to start the day!

Lower Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls are a little over an hour west of Sault Ste. Marie and were among the “must see” things that my friend Carol said that I “had” to see while in the UP! According to Carol, the pronunciation of Tahquamenon is “something like” Taaaaa quaaaaaa men on. I'll take her word for it!



There are actually two areas here, the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are a series of smaller waterfalls coming down on either side of an Island.





The two falls shown here are on the east side of the Island.



Rowboats were available for rental to take out to the Island where there is a boardwalk that goes around the Island and affords different views of the falls. As much as I would have liked to, I'm not very adept at rowing a boat so didn't attempt this little excursion. The falls in the background are the same ones in the first picture.





This is the last of a series of three smaller falls that are on the west side of the Island. A boardwalk leads you along the river to several viewing platforms.





An interesting sign along the way - Prayer of the Woods.



Another sign – showing the layout of the river and island and warning of the dangers of the falls.





From one of the viewing platforms, looking back at where the first few pictures were taken.





Fast flowing water. The brown color is caused from tannin brought in from the streams that flow into the river.





The uppermost of the Lower Falls. Visitors to the Island wade out into the river.



And finally, a closeup of the flowing waters.