tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33521613366622099132024-02-07T00:07:17.265-05:00Middle Aged Mountain ClimbersThe quest of a middle aged mountain climber and marketer to become a true adventurerBurt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-77588965770811924312014-12-13T13:35:00.001-05:002014-12-13T13:35:23.054-05:00Mt. Normal LifeHere I am sitting around on a Saturday morning thrilled that I just have to do normal holiday errands. Given that I don't have a lot going on today (yay) I thought I'd post a blog. The interesting (if you call it that) part is that I really don't have much to say. <div><br></div><div>But here is what's going on with me. I'm on the umpteenth iteration of an idiotic diet to lose weight. My dad died young, and it's always on my mind so I am consciously thinking about how to get healthier. Obviously food is a critical component. </div><div><br></div><div>I also decided I was tired of not being in great physical shape so I've started doing P90X. So far so good. I just finished week 2 and am happy with the discipline its i stilling in me. Results? Kind of but not really for another few weeks. I guess I am able to do more of the exercises now than I was when I started so that's something. </div><div><br></div><div>As for climbing, this is the tough time of year. I can hike but can't really climb until March at the earliest. But then I get caught up in kids activities so I can't really climb until late July or August. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm thinking this year of trying Fishers Chimneys on Mt Shuksan, a tougher route up rainier or maybe even both. With my P90X training I should be able to conquer anything. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As for the blog, I think it's going to evolve. I've always tried to focus iron the climbing side of middle aged mountain climbers, but I honestly see some middle aged thoughts starting to creep in. </div><div><br></div><div>Stay tuned. The beauty of this blog is that it's really therapy for me. If you like it too, it's a bonus!</div>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0Northwest Heights Portland45.540462 -122.765374tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-50556554261026920632013-05-25T01:32:00.001-04:002013-05-25T01:32:20.659-04:00My inspiration for climbingI've read tons of climbing books. Everything from kids climbing Everest to stories of the earliest climbers. By far, the book that's inspired me the most is Seven Summits, the story of Dick Bass and Frank Wells and their efforts to be the first to climb the highest peak on each continent. I just re-read the book again and its still inspirational. It's what's led me to climb. If you haven't read it I suggest you do. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmfn0ew0mRYBbC2KjZMCBG2dHIG7YL0_darCa4Uj5BUn_R7aX7lrFo3pSAZHD2mmYvg2wXKa_SdqqrZuAUd84pm4FoD4THSgOksqZN7rbfDHMGBiLDXYVw3Z0M9a7NYu0o7hkw6i4/s640/blogger-image--736219384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmfn0ew0mRYBbC2KjZMCBG2dHIG7YL0_darCa4Uj5BUn_R7aX7lrFo3pSAZHD2mmYvg2wXKa_SdqqrZuAUd84pm4FoD4THSgOksqZN7rbfDHMGBiLDXYVw3Z0M9a7NYu0o7hkw6i4/s640/blogger-image--736219384.jpg"></a></div>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-72462932062208758042013-03-16T18:12:00.001-04:002013-03-16T18:12:02.395-04:00Me on summit of broken top with the three sisters behind me<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/8529198585/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8529198585_9f934c5b71_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/8529198585/">Untitled</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/">jburtrosen</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p></p>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-28320257928561400122013-03-16T18:03:00.001-04:002019-09-05T14:57:19.583-04:00Broken TopFinally got back out in the mountains. It's been an incredibly stressful winter and I needed to take refuge in a tent, and on a mountain in the middle of nowhere. My choices for a weekend climb were Mt Hood or Broken Top, a 9175 ft. Volcano near Bend OR in the Three Sisters Wilderness. I opted for Broken Top and was very happy that I did. It was beautiful and exactly what I needed. I went with a guide and we were the only two people anywhere near the mountain. A lot of snow shoeing on the approach. <br />
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Horrible weather at night. So bad we were making other plans on what to do for the day. The weather cleared up and we snow shoed over to 11 O'clock couloir, a 500 ft stretch of 40 degree snow/ice. Hardest climbing I've ever done but I loved it! Crappy snow and rock and we were pitch climbing the entire time. <br />
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Got to the top of the couloir, traversed the other side of the mountain, saw every volcano from bachelor to hood, and climbed the last piece to the summit. The last 10ft were the scariest but coolest thing ever. The snow was so bad I couldn't get my crampons to bite without pushing out my steps. Finally I scrambled up and made it! Really, unbelievably beautiful!<br />
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I realized a few things about myself. I love hard climbing. Way more interesting than walking up glaciers. And there is no question, my happy place is by myself on the side of a beautiful mountain with amazing views and a blue sky. Such an amazing experience!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/albums/72157632915495589" nbsp="" title="Broken Top Climb 2013"><img alt="Broken Top Climb 2013" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8245/8529185005_0a792b3c65_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-61128267116572200582012-06-27T20:29:00.000-04:002019-09-05T14:57:52.959-04:00Blogging and ClimbingI am now promising myself that I am going to start blogging a lot more. Its kind of like a catharsis. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrduwIQZmIOqhTuGMtQ2feBnHmr_kROhrXVYZPNfOWQ-fgrDsFW7czaCtETf2b-a7-fda-r2wFd1HoJpwFRdWs15tmuGkHGET1hCU51bFPSnJfEVVyzIm-bch9cvOkyo5HLefYABfb/s1600/247117_10150201502131009_6533475_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrduwIQZmIOqhTuGMtQ2feBnHmr_kROhrXVYZPNfOWQ-fgrDsFW7czaCtETf2b-a7-fda-r2wFd1HoJpwFRdWs15tmuGkHGET1hCU51bFPSnJfEVVyzIm-bch9cvOkyo5HLefYABfb/s320/247117_10150201502131009_6533475_n.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As I mentioned in my last post, from February, this is my do over year. This weekend is my first chance at making last year right. Last season, Mark and I attempted to climb Mt Shasta via the Casaval Ridge route, a route, our guide informed us, that "10s of people climb a year." But, no summit do to snow conditions. This year, in a fit of brilliance, we've decided to climb the more standard route, Avalanche Gulch, and do it in two days. Day 1 up to a high camp, wake up at 12 am, climb at 1, summit, return to camp, break camp down, hike all the way out, and drive home 6 hours to Portland. I have been exercising a ton so its now time to see if it will pay off!Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-91554460611338111972012-02-07T22:22:00.001-05:002012-02-07T22:22:26.118-05:00The Mulligan of ClimbingThis years theme is "mulligan mountaineering". The goal is to summit everything I have tried but haven't summited in the cascades. Namely St Helen's, Shasta and Baker. So far, St Helen's is scheduled for either late July or late August. Still working on the other two. Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-7237875961366417712011-11-06T17:29:00.001-05:002011-11-06T17:29:38.627-05:00Early thoughts on 2012 <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Yes it's only November, but it's looking like the theme for this years climbing season is "summiting the unsummited". 4 mountains I've climbed and not submitted, Mt Baker, Mt Shasta, Mt St Helen's and Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Not much that I can do about Ecuador, barring a lottery win, so my focus will be on the other three. Currently the plan is looking like Shasta in June up the standard route, St Helen's I. Late July so my 13 year old can go with me, and Baker in August or September. <br><br>My wife is awesome and is on board, planning begins this week, than training!</p>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-82687688075085158042010-12-19T12:38:00.004-05:002010-12-19T12:42:51.692-05:00Lame, but happy holidaysI have been so negligent on my postings for the last few months. Why you ask? No great excuse. Work has been pretty busy and the family takes time too! Both kids have chronic lyme disease which is one of the toughest experiences to go through. The symptoms are not obvious, so people have a hard time acknowledging that the kids are sick. The flairs are unpredictable, come and go, and aren't controllable or curable. The toughest part is watching the kids go through it and feeling helpless.<br /><br />I guess the point is to be careful out there in the woods when hiking, climbing or just being. Those little ticks are bastards and don't discriminate.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-852848364175980132010-09-18T19:55:00.001-04:002019-11-11T15:55:57.817-05:00Slide Show of Mt Adams Climb - 9/2010<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/albums/72157624827700109" title="Mt Adams Climb"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4112/4989041196_88ffdb2b24_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mt Adams Climb"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-41376686049149709242010-06-19T23:32:00.000-04:002019-11-11T15:54:27.219-05:00Mt Hood Climb - June 13, 2010<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/albums/72157624276046002" title="Mt Hood - 6/13/10"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4055/4698139386_426d6bb127_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mt Hood - 6/13/10"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-27954353781490736522010-05-31T12:30:00.002-04:002010-05-31T12:39:23.589-04:00Mt Defiance -- One Tough MoFo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV1i9OTfySx5fRuVcB5z0bnCENCHFh84vC5o1fmmABXmZZOif410p5dJBjpAxJ5pjrUcfKU1YfhuL4PyeafIKmwkOzKjG7B5ZoQfvV6wh3sIjSd18Z86bKDZTvrGy4Q8JmsaGifuT/s1600/125861225MOzISf_fs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV1i9OTfySx5fRuVcB5z0bnCENCHFh84vC5o1fmmABXmZZOif410p5dJBjpAxJ5pjrUcfKU1YfhuL4PyeafIKmwkOzKjG7B5ZoQfvV6wh3sIjSd18Z86bKDZTvrGy4Q8JmsaGifuT/s320/125861225MOzISf_fs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477473349574504562" /></a><br /><br />Mt Hood is 2 weeks away so I am in the throes of the final stages of training. So, this weekend, I hiked up Mt Defiance. Who knows is any of this is true, but some people say its harder than Hood, and some people say its the toughest hike in Oregon. Whatever it is, its a killer! Basically, 4,900 ft elevation gain in 5.2 miles. Its literally straight up hill with very little rest. The views from the top are amazing although we couldn't see Hood since it was socked in.<br /><br />This was more of a climb than a hike!Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-50602451618025480962010-03-13T16:24:00.001-05:002010-03-13T16:27:08.372-05:00BCEP I could have loved youI was all excited about the BCEP course with the Mazamas but I got the schedule and just can't do it. Its 6 weeks, with events almost every weekend day and monday night. Not sure how any guy with a high pressure job and a family can do it. and then, to make matters worse, my best person quit. so, too much work for burt to put his life on hold this year for 6 weeks.<br /><br />so, back to weekend hiking and a new version of BCEP, Burts climbing education program. Here I come Gorge, Mt Hood and coastal range.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-83349758499785632032010-03-10T22:23:00.002-05:002010-03-10T22:27:31.971-05:00"Gearing Up"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGeSq8RTTWsWApCb-LVI4N0-hqL93MvkFJzFoCO1TAK8TtL9cLNRw9hrZEPDyC67Y3QO1JTg8uCs82khZiwdN2yTIKTF0XV6YpR2KQr9J4ypTsCRrmfINDhuB22iaCT2-XSJO0aYV/s1600-h/mazama_logo_dither.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGeSq8RTTWsWApCb-LVI4N0-hqL93MvkFJzFoCO1TAK8TtL9cLNRw9hrZEPDyC67Y3QO1JTg8uCs82khZiwdN2yTIKTF0XV6YpR2KQr9J4ypTsCRrmfINDhuB22iaCT2-XSJO0aYV/s320/mazama_logo_dither.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447212673572103890" border="0" /></a><br />I am not the blogger I once was. Since moving to Portland, life has been crazy. Working harder than I've ever worked, moving into a fantastic new house, hanging with the family and just creating a life here is fantastic, but exhausting! and my blogging has suffered.<br /><br />Have no fear though. Monday, 3/15, i kick off the first night of the Mazama Basic Climbing Education Program. I joined the Mazamas when we got to Portland. The class teaches rock climbing, mountaineering and a host of subjects and gets me in shape to climb in spring and summer. 6 weeks, a lecture a week, 3 weekend sessions and at least 4 conditioning hikes. I can't wait. Also a great way to meet a lot of people. I will blog as I go through it.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-86155418885518341022010-01-02T13:01:00.005-05:002010-01-02T13:06:12.192-05:00Its On! Mt. Hood in June 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YulVBKeoB44rPdt114PSFBYeFjBN1Yh-fQLerPBwsv0rN8HERnUF8Htq4SPfrjL_31IO9FqWBZe12Uq0gQ5ZZODyjMYBm3DNrEI7_-HQEzh4n9xxCrzWy1nsuXC9ZITSwU5yJjFZ/s1600-h/anderson_mt-hood.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YulVBKeoB44rPdt114PSFBYeFjBN1Yh-fQLerPBwsv0rN8HERnUF8Htq4SPfrjL_31IO9FqWBZe12Uq0gQ5ZZODyjMYBm3DNrEI7_-HQEzh4n9xxCrzWy1nsuXC9ZITSwU5yJjFZ/s320/anderson_mt-hood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422204583278164082" border="0" /></a>Happy New Year! Its been a long time. But, now that we live in the center of the outdoor universe, its time to commit. So, Mark and I are climbing Mt Hood June 12-13 with Timberline Mountain Guides (2 day summit program).<br /><br />I am very excited to have it booked and to have a goal to train for. I am also going to try and take the BCEP program with the Mazamas group that I joined. They are a 100+ year old organization based on Portland who are all about climbing. It looks like 2010 is shaping up to be a nicely elevated year!<br /><br />Also, looking into try Baker again in August. Wow, I am tired now. Nap time.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-3018115032220428102009-07-30T00:23:00.002-04:002019-11-11T16:15:45.228-05:00Climbing trip to Ecuador in 2009 - a Highlight!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirburtmund/albums/72157620605228717" title="Ecuador 2009"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2584/3673160885_b5cca3b8d6_o.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Ecuador 2009"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-2256749295572421202009-07-03T10:05:00.002-04:002009-07-03T10:05:51.791-04:00Whew! I'm BackI am back, after an incredible time in Ecuador. I am being lazy so give me a bit of time to update the blog. Suffice it to say, Ecuador was AWESOME!!!!!<br /><br />Be back soon.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-46102775398455701052009-06-13T12:13:00.003-04:002009-06-13T12:20:23.703-04:00In Portland for Interviews, Perfect Place to Supplement Gear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64KuObHocj_JKis7-86LQ8Gh50bWDoxHihErDBKiSz8vUSet6vBLchlp6byPCa7gbw-5lx66-ndWd1sBigZ4dEbferYcn5-XKuFbnsf-xD92E1h4_bQRG_DWbrH7ayL1kBdzumRAf/s1600-h/139053892neqgHt_fs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64KuObHocj_JKis7-86LQ8Gh50bWDoxHihErDBKiSz8vUSet6vBLchlp6byPCa7gbw-5lx66-ndWd1sBigZ4dEbferYcn5-XKuFbnsf-xD92E1h4_bQRG_DWbrH7ayL1kBdzumRAf/s400/139053892neqgHt_fs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346846869022585554" border="0" /></a>I have been in Portland OR this week interviewing for a potential job that I am excited about. Of course, as my life is never easy, my Portland trip is one week away from my Ecuador trip. Until yesterday, I was prepping for the interviews. But those are over now and went well (I think) so today I turn my entire focus towards some big F'ing volcanoes in Ecuador.<br /><br />Worked out, and am now going to start doing a gear check. The good news, is Portland is an outdoor paradise with plenty of places to go to fill in the missing pieces of gear. Today looks like I will buy a camera, gloves, more socks and liners, and some super feet insoles for my boots. I have been having some achilles issues lately (self diagnosed Achilles Tendonitis) so I am looking for all the support possible and SuperFeet insoles are supposed to be great. Might also look at a new, lighter headlamp.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-19633450559647136892009-06-09T09:21:00.002-04:002009-06-09T09:27:52.537-04:00All Geared Up and Pretty Ready to Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2ZdidfJJo-ETGwylEa-nMC6sT6rmiw9HtyfMyXJx-MX_TRjHYyOZuKUxtmzCi8HWhx3e5cMcm0vzjgskm4Q7EtOopDF2HOHXRJ0ljgOkDw-5rdxuUt_z3FicaSis-YQG9gorLqAS/s1600-h/9d6ecf6f-cdb5-45f6-9031-1a923ef69d4d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2ZdidfJJo-ETGwylEa-nMC6sT6rmiw9HtyfMyXJx-MX_TRjHYyOZuKUxtmzCi8HWhx3e5cMcm0vzjgskm4Q7EtOopDF2HOHXRJ0ljgOkDw-5rdxuUt_z3FicaSis-YQG9gorLqAS/s320/9d6ecf6f-cdb5-45f6-9031-1a923ef69d4d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345317681462523394" border="0" /></a><br />Building on the last post, finally getting close to fully geared up. I think I might still need some socks and sock liners, but pretty covered otherwise. Mark is dealing with the Meds which is great. I ended up getting the pair of boots in the photo with one bad D Ring for $40! They retail new for $320!!! Love doing this on the cheap. If you ever want to save money buy buying used equipment, the best time to do it is before you guy on life threatening expeditions. Just kidding Mom!<br /><br />The one thing I still need to figure out is photography. My goal is to streamline devices this time and only take one camera that does both video and stills.<br /><br />My training has been good but I will never believe that I am ready until I am done climbing. A lot of gym time, using stair steppers and ellipticals on the highest resistance, and hiking up hills with a 50 pound pack. I have a sore achilles tendon, which I have self diagnosed as Achilles Tendonitis, and bought support for that and my right knee to hopefully minimize pain. I leave in a week and a half and am very excited.<br /><br />First, though, off to Portland for a job interview. My potential boss's office has a direct view of Mt. Hood. Is that a sign or what?Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-78807617437591401812009-06-04T19:36:00.002-04:002009-06-04T19:40:28.914-04:00Not Posting That Much Doesn't Mean That I Don't CareI haven't posted in about a month but a lot has been going on. I am still interviewing but feeling good about my prospects and hopefully getting close to something. I have been traveling semi-often to meet with the companies that I am speaking to.<br /><br />But, the most exciting news is that Ecuador is 16 days away from today!!!! I am so excited. Today was gear day. I set up to rent some stuff (crampons, helmet, harness) and bought a bunch of used gear on which I got great pricing. For $270 I got mountaineering boots (Scarpa Invernos), Ice Axe, GoreTex shell (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon) and a self inflating sleeping pad (Mammut Light). All great stuff in great condition. And the beauty is, most of the prices were within $10 of the rental fee, so I got some great buys! I will continue to update as I get closer.<br /><br />Ecuador here we come!Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-69618093276553204122009-05-05T10:37:00.003-04:002009-05-05T10:45:25.330-04:00Two Weeks and Counting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq49qy2-s6HjBpxVmt66zqwEhzgSBd2_gDnBaeXd5LodTf_sn9M2JaSROIgWvY6j-kl717_rkuNYKmeeFTPE7ZI_acXB3tdeFvGppq33yxTRs-xBYQgySw0gLGd6ymE0_5MRY8rug6/s1600-h/NYSC-over.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 57px; height: 54px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq49qy2-s6HjBpxVmt66zqwEhzgSBd2_gDnBaeXd5LodTf_sn9M2JaSROIgWvY6j-kl717_rkuNYKmeeFTPE7ZI_acXB3tdeFvGppq33yxTRs-xBYQgySw0gLGd6ymE0_5MRY8rug6/s320/NYSC-over.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332349627215153682" border="0" /></a><br />With two weeks to go until the commitment date I am doing what I can to get into shape. Although not a lot of huge mountains in NY, there are a number of huge SIMULATED mountains at New York Sports Clubs! I am routinely working on Ellipticals, Stair Steppers (the treadmill of stairs) and found another interesting machine yesterday that will soon be added to the repertoire. In addition, Sam the trainer, who never shows and always cancels, is helping me work on my core, my stamina, and overall strength.<br /><br />In addition to NYSC, I am hiking when I can with my pack on. I found a hiking trail thats bisected by a telephone pole "road" which basically goes straight up and straight down the side of a decent sized hill. Its a butt killer. But working towards Ecuador!Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-85314192807806878102009-04-25T11:47:00.002-04:002009-04-25T11:54:17.462-04:00I'm Back BabyI have been off the climbing grid for a while, but it certainly hasn't been off of my mind. When I was laid off in December, one of my first thoughts was, "cool, now I can climb". The problem is that one can't decide to go climb and be climbing the next day. One must be in climbing shape first.<br /><br />So, fast forward 4 months. I have made some significant headway on the job front and have some solid prospects. In addition to looking for work, I have been getting in to shape. Because I feel that if I don't, this time off was really a waste. I have been going to the gym a lot, working with a trainer, and found some killer vertical hiking in the area and wear my 40 pound pack when I do it. I am definitely now in better shape.<br /><br />So, the trip to Ecuador that we have been eyeing (http://alpineascents.com/ecuador9-dtd.asp) is quickly approaching with a departure date of 6/20. The helpful people there have told me I would have to commit by 5/20. So, the combination of me being in shape, and 5/20 being 3 weeks away, and a job probably a month or two away, lead me to the exciting conclusion that I might go climb some volcanoes in Ecuador. And with training, come blog posts. So, look for my blogging activities to be stepped up!Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-939168734509387202009-02-23T13:10:00.003-05:002009-02-23T13:12:46.037-05:00What to do, What to doI am very indecisive lately. We are still thinking about Ecuador and looking at a trip with Alpine Ascents in June. I am a little worried that if we plan it, it might be at risk due to the slight possibility of finding a job. I am in the interview process with one company that I am hoping works out. If it does it might crimp June. If It doesn't, I think I can commit.<br /><br />Also, if it doesn't work out, I warned my wife that it might be time for another day climb of Mt Washington!<br /><br />Sorry for the dull post.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-26556642333285072412009-01-10T15:40:00.002-05:002009-01-10T15:46:45.711-05:00Local or Big? The Guide DiscussionAs I previously wrote, I am thinking about going to climb some volcanoes in Ecuador while in the midst of my job hunt. The first thought is to make Cotopaxi the big climb, but who knows. Depends on who goes, partners, timing, etc.<br /><br />So here is the question: Do people use local guides or american guide services? Should I go with Alpine Ascents, who is first class, and pay for it, or go with a guide local to Ecuador who was referred to me by a friend of a friend that has climbed Cotopaxi twice? They both have plusses and minuses. Alpine Ascents is top notch, but you pay for it. Also, do I need to pay them for a tour of Quito and all the other non climbing stuff? And the local guide is much cheaper, but he is local. Could he provide much of the same service as AA?Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-10257405592634671822008-12-18T09:43:00.003-05:002008-12-18T09:52:37.089-05:00Unemployed? No Problem...Go Climb Something Huge!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUCvgPQvE6wRUu3Q0TGLfncsdG2SK1b4c7Sj1J41g11HxldLuqud_DTMifNADsYX6Har_gy8rhRmKJ61zAKMSP4GVomsYb50FFDw58rrPQS99z_F6pSxl88q8D6lfzWhfTe4tBgIv/s1600-h/Cotopaxi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUCvgPQvE6wRUu3Q0TGLfncsdG2SK1b4c7Sj1J41g11HxldLuqud_DTMifNADsYX6Har_gy8rhRmKJ61zAKMSP4GVomsYb50FFDw58rrPQS99z_F6pSxl88q8D6lfzWhfTe4tBgIv/s320/Cotopaxi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281141366790754514" border="0" /></a><br />So, its been a long couple of weeks and a while since I have posted. The past few weeks have been life changing. How you ask?<br /><br />I was laid off from my job at Starwood Hotels last Tuesday night after 3.5 years there in interactive and loyalty marketing. (On a side note, any jobs out there, let me know!!!!!).<br /><br />It was quite a blow but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was somewhat expecting it.<br /><br />In any case, I am fine and have some time before I have to find "a" job, as opposed to "a good" job. So what to do, what to do? First of all, I ate. Pretty much whatever I could find. I started talking to people and decided its the perfect time to get into shape, so starting next week, its exercise time. When we get back from vaca, its off to the gym and maybe even a trainer.<br /><br />Someone suggested, "why not go climbing, something big"? The theory was a potential employer might love to hear, "well, I can't start next week since I will be climbing in the andes". So that's what I am working on. A trip to Ecuador to climb some amalgamation of volcanoes like Cotopaxi, in the photo above. I will start blogging again because a) I have nothing but time, b) I enjoy it, c) i can update on exercise and d) it will be fun to update on Ecuador planning.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352161336662209913.post-73155181718812287312008-11-23T20:35:00.004-05:002008-11-23T21:08:33.814-05:00Loos with Views and an Update on Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe53H_cERC52TEVZlWGdIpe6a7WB1elHZg3k0MFib-2mG-Eyn4vGUsIW47LXSrHVBjD2XwJZKZQ0t9Qn6_2GRVxUHHiZyCoLbCjNUWJdG2eA0mn8KDeT30LoxdS6lBO2NAzwxBDaH/s1600-h/51vnZ1CcjxL._SS400_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe53H_cERC52TEVZlWGdIpe6a7WB1elHZg3k0MFib-2mG-Eyn4vGUsIW47LXSrHVBjD2XwJZKZQ0t9Qn6_2GRVxUHHiZyCoLbCjNUWJdG2eA0mn8KDeT30LoxdS6lBO2NAzwxBDaH/s400/51vnZ1CcjxL._SS400_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272040172099511986" border="0" /></a><br />I am pretty dull lately. A lot of work and time at home. I did go to Vegas a few weeks ago for work but that is as exciting as it gets for me lately. We are trying to figure out next climbs. Possibly Shasta or some place like that in Feb or March for this years winter climb, and then probably Baker again in the summer, maybe through Summit for Someone.<br /><br />I have been hiking lately, with my 30 lb or so pack. Its great to get out and now I have all the gear for cold weather hiking. I have been hiking a lot in Ridgefiield, trying not to get overly fat and complacent.<br /><br />Oh, and my most exciting news is that the book with my photo from the toilet on Baker finally came out. Its called a Loo with a View and is available at Amazon. Its written by Luke Barclay. Click on the link on the title to go to the Amazon page. I am the last page of the book where you are asked to send in your photos.Burt Rosenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12104238765788258508noreply@blogger.com2