Most people would not associate caterpillars (glorified worms) with cuteness. But this one - this one is cute. Enjoy!
8.2.08
6.2.08
Mt. Washington - 1, The North Conway 13 -0
Well, we didn't make it to the top, but I feel like it was a success in that we actually made it to New Hampshire, after being stuck in the Chicago Airport for 8 hours due to snow, and then more ice and snow once we got to Manchester. 
We started the climb at about 9 a.m., with lots of wind and snow. There were thirteen of us climbing - most knew only one other person there, so we were all getting to know each other, and everyone was super nice and friendly and helpful. Things were pretty calm below the tree line, though the route was very snowed under, which made for slow going (1-2 feet of snow with every step). Avalanche danger was high, but not for the route we were travelling. Once we got to the Lion's Head Trail, things got tricky. It's very steep in parts and requires some thinking. We were forced to front-point with the crampons and actually use our ice axes to ascend some icy steep rocky parts. I was more worried about how we'd get back down. Once above of the treeline things got considerably harder. The wind was sustained at between 70 and 80, with gusts above 100 mph. It was hard enough walking in 1-2 foot of snow with every step, but then add being pushed into drifts up to your hips and being knocked back 2 steps for every one, and it adds up to taking forever to even make it to the rock outcrop, the Lion's Head. Once there a couple of guys went on reconniasance to check out above, but were quickly knocked back. The winds on Saturday topped out at 118 mph. There was lots of blowing snow and ice chunks. It was crazy. Below are just a few pics, and a video (sorry it's sideways). I'll put up some more pics once other people start exchanging them. Sue took some great ones.
We started the climb at about 9 a.m., with lots of wind and snow. There were thirteen of us climbing - most knew only one other person there, so we were all getting to know each other, and everyone was super nice and friendly and helpful. Things were pretty calm below the tree line, though the route was very snowed under, which made for slow going (1-2 feet of snow with every step). Avalanche danger was high, but not for the route we were travelling. Once we got to the Lion's Head Trail, things got tricky. It's very steep in parts and requires some thinking. We were forced to front-point with the crampons and actually use our ice axes to ascend some icy steep rocky parts. I was more worried about how we'd get back down. Once above of the treeline things got considerably harder. The wind was sustained at between 70 and 80, with gusts above 100 mph. It was hard enough walking in 1-2 foot of snow with every step, but then add being pushed into drifts up to your hips and being knocked back 2 steps for every one, and it adds up to taking forever to even make it to the rock outcrop, the Lion's Head. Once there a couple of guys went on reconniasance to check out above, but were quickly knocked back. The winds on Saturday topped out at 118 mph. There was lots of blowing snow and ice chunks. It was crazy. Below are just a few pics, and a video (sorry it's sideways). I'll put up some more pics once other people start exchanging them. Sue took some great ones.
29.1.08
Four Days!
Only four days left before I head up this beast with my friends Sue and Nancy. I've got all my gear packed, and my pack is superlight. Considering most of what is packed is going on my body, I think this climb won't be too bad :) The weather has warmed up quite a bit. What were lower than -50 windchills seem to have subsided. Today it's 32 degrees up there, which has to be an abnormality. The forecast so far for Saturday is snow/wind with a high of 18 and a low of 2. I can do that. Wish us luck!
24.1.08
Famous Cheerleaders in History!
So I generally catch a lot of flack when people find out that I was a cheerleader in high school. Cheerleaders definitely get a bad rap, and while some of it is warranted, most of it is not. My high school cheerleading experience was great for may reasons, not the least of which was that we were the only team in the school to consistently go to, and win at, state finals. So, for all of you still scoffing at my former self, I present to you (insert "Pigs in Space" voice here):
FAMOUS CHEERLEADERS IN HIIISTORYYYYY!!!!
Some you may have been able to call, others, not so much, and while I hesitate to classify myself in any category that also holds President Bush, sometimes you've just got to suck it up.
FAMOUS CHEERLEADERS IN HIIISTORYYYYY!!!!
Some you may have been able to call, others, not so much, and while I hesitate to classify myself in any category that also holds President Bush, sometimes you've just got to suck it up.
8.1.08
If you still think global warming is a myth...
Trying being in Chicago in January. Last Wednesday it was 6, count them, 6 degrees outside. By Monday it was 64. With thunderstorms.... and tornados. Did I mention it's January in Chicago? WTF? We're supposed to be getting violent snow storms, not thunderstorms. Even the buds on the neighbor's trees have come out too soon. When will we realize this is our fault and it is up to us to reverse this? We can't just leave this to our children because 1) that would be selfish, and 2) the changes are happening so fast that we'll still be alive when the worst goes down. Doesn't anyone realize this?
4.1.08
Sweater done and on!
Here's Elliott in the sweater that I knitted him for Christmas (my first completed sweater ever).
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