Spring Break

So, last week was spring break, hence my no blogging. But, I AM BACK!!!! Good news on the injury front. The Right knee is sore, but getting better.

My Shoulder, however, not so good. My right shoulder has some tears in the laborum, some minor arthritis, and some other injury. My Dr is putting me on a limited course of PT, and then we might have to head towards Arthroscopic and 2-4 months before back to full strength.

So what does that mean for my climbing career? It means I will have to climb later in the season. Still working on Mt. Baker, but I now found out that Alpine Ascents has a September climb of Rainier. I really wanted to go with RMI since they are legendary, but, the September date might be calling me home.

I feel so sad

I feel so sad about what has happened to Imus. Talk about injustice. Fire a guy who raises $ for kids with cancer, army vets, autism and SIDS because he said something stupid, that he owns up to and apologized for.

What is this world coming too?

The Sissy-fication of America

While I usually post on non controversial topics, I just HAVE to weigh in on the Imus thing. When did the US of A become soo sensitive that any comment is cause for a major press story?

Imus is a great person. He brought Autism to the forefront of public and congressional consciousness, helps kids with Cancer and does a lot for SIDS. This is a guy that should get fired for a mistake? He apologized personally to the people he offended. Does Dave Chappelle or others do that?

I DONT THINK SO!!!! As the phrase goes, COWBOY THE FUCK UP PEOPLE!!!!!

I just can't deal.

Last Post for the Night

ok, so, my big Greek blogging dilemma. I am an aspiring mountain climber as is obvious from my blog. I also play ice hockey, have a pilots license, have an incredible family, and a job on the leading edge of brand interactivity.

How do I discuss all of these things without losing my loyal audience? I know, I don't have a loyal audience. but, I have had 127 people come here since I started the blog. I am working on it. Not sure yet how to integrate all of my life's passions!

Getting into shape

So far, my getting into shape regimen includes 40 minutes, 4-5 times a week, of working out on a stairmaster or walking the maximum incline on a treadmill. The other day or two, I am playing D level ice hockey for the Brewster Ice Arena Yellow Jackets. GO JACKETS!!!!

My wife is scared that I am overdoing the exersize, but I am enjoying it and realizing that I have to be in MUCH better shape than I was for Mt. Washington, or I will be risking a lot more than my pride!

So away I go on a work out effort. The road is long, but, he ain't heavy, he's my brother. I am DRIVEN!!!

Where to, Where to?

So, the longer I research next potential climbs, the more potential locations I find. Today, I was looking at REI's site, (www.REI.com), for expedition packs, and came across their adventure travel section. They offer climbing trips in the US to Mt. Washington (done it) and Mt. Shasta.

Now Mt. Shasta is interesting. Its over 14,000 feet, but the closest airport is REDDING, CA, 60 miles away. I am sure there are many direct flights from the NY area to REDDING, CA. NOT!!!!!! (yes, I still enjoy the NOT jokes).

So, judging from the poll results on the blog (I think the only voters are me and my mom, because I told her too) and proximity to a major airport, Mt. Baker is still in the lead. My big question now, is "am I flying solo, or going with my Mt. Washington partner? Only time will tell.

Looks Like it Might Be Mt. Baker

So, media conferences aside, where do I/we go next. After much research, and the unfortunate news of the RMI Rainier sellout, I found Alpine Ascents. They have a cool site and guide all over the world. They have slide shows, cybercasts, and a whole lot of information.

I was looking for a moderate climb, since Rainier wasn't available, and I think I have settled on Mt. Baker. At 10,781 ft., its smaller than Rainier but offers the real climbing experience. 65lb packs, camping on the mountain for two nights, early morning ascents, skills training etc.

The big open question is who's going. I am definitely in. My partner just started a new work gig and is far from committed to the climb. Brothers-in-law? Friends? Husbands of friends? All are welcome, who will climb?