Tram shoeing on Sunday?

[Sally]

Hi Tracie, Stacy and Curt!
Thanks again for letting me join your merry group. I really had a blast. I especially enjoyed Curt's creative navigating! You're all such nice people and so patient. I'll be letting you know when I get my own snowshoes!
Your pics are great. Thanks for posting them.

[Dave G]

Great photos, Tracie! You picked a most excellent place for your first snowshoe adventure .
I was keeping an eye out for you on the summit when we came up from Humber Park. Hope to see you on a future tramshoeing trip!

[Biletchick]

Sally-

Definitely let us know when you get the shoes, we'd love to hike with you again! You were a trooper with those horrible 'clod-hopper' rentals. You'll enjoy it much more with your own pair.

Stacy


photo credit to Tracie

[Biletchick]

Great pictures Tracie! Thanks...

[Sally]

Hey, Stacy and Curt and Tracie, I ordered a pair of Lightning Ascents this morning. They are on sale at ORS. If I can't keep up with you now, I won't be able to blame those clodhopper rentals!
I'll let you know when they get here.
Stacy, I hear you're shopping for crampons tonight. I hope you find a pair! It was hard for me to decide between snowshoes or crampons.

[Biletchick]

Hey Sally
I'm glad you found a nice pair of shoes...you'll be leading us next time!
I still don't know which direction to go with the crampons. I bought the Grivel G12's only because REI had a few in stock at the store and they are new matic so they will fit my new boots. I think they are a bit too agressive for my experience level and the boots are a little over the top too. I'll probably return it all and go back to basics with a simpler set up for my old boots. It was nice to dream for a couple of days...LOL!
Looking forward to hiking with you again,
Stacy

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I'll be heading back up with friends on Saturday, including Lance, who is fabulous at orienteering. Looks like we may even get snowed on a bit

Great to see more women out there -- picture me howling like a wolf with Norma.

Howdy Sally

You are going to love your Lightening Ascents -- woo hoo!!!

Howdy Stacy,

I have the steel 10 point Black Diamond strap ons from 2005, which work with many different boots. The new stainless ones look awesome.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Biletchick]

Hi Ellen,
I'm still undecided on the crampons. I thought I had the right combo with the Lowa Mountain Experts and the Grivel G12's, but now I realize that both of those are WAAAAAAAY beyond my skill level, so it's back to the drawing board. (and the return line at REI...lol).
Thanks for the info...hope to meet up with you soon.
Stacy

ps congrats on your Whitney MR ascent with Laura...that looked like a blast!

[KathyW]

The Lowa Mountain Experts are nice boots and they'll last a long time if they work for your feet. I've had a pair for a few years and really like them.

I also really like my Kayland MXT's when I want to wear mountaineering boots, but I'm not worried about having cold feet - they don't have insulation like the Mountain Experts.

I find it's almost impossible to recommend boots to other people because what works for one person does not work for another. I only know what works for me.

[KathyW]

Talking about gear, I do like the MSR Lightning Ascents I picked up last year, but I don't see where that heel lift thing would ever come in handy. I've given it a try on steep slopes a few times and having it up hurts more than it helps - my toes end up pointed down even on steep slopes when I use it - it's like going downhill on the uphill and kills muscles that shouldn't even be working. I'm much better off leaving it down and rest stepping slowly but steadily up the hill with my feet positioned as they should be for a steep uphill climb.

Also, see what happens when you have to turn suddenly and descend with that heel lift up - that's not good at all.

Anyway, The Lightning Ascents do grip much better than the Atlas shoes I was using - no more balling up; so I'll just ignore the heel lift and enjoy the snowshoes.