Archive for July, 2009

OR Show – Dogs & Kids

OR Show – Dogs & Kids

| July 30, 2009 | 13 Comments

I have both dogs and kids, so I like to check out what is new for them at the OR Show. D-FA is a New Zealand based company out of Wanaka that makes some very nice dog products.  I thought their fit & finish were a bit better than Ruffwear (the doggie industry standard) and […]

Continue Reading

OR Show – Electronics

OR Show – Electronics

| July 28, 2009 | 2 Comments

The Pelican case company has some bitchin’ little memory card holders. The exterior size is the same on all four versions, but the interior options allow for a variety of media options.  The case pictured above holds 16 SD cards and sells on Amazon.com for about $15.   As with all Pelican products, it is waterproof, […]

Continue Reading

S09 OR Show – The People

S09 OR Show – The People

| July 27, 2009 | 0 Comments

As usual, I started out thinking that I’d only go to a bit of the OR Show in nearby Salt Lake City and ended up going to almost all four days.  The purpose of the OR Show is to give manufacturers (Mountain Hardwear, Black Diamond, etc.) a chance to show their latest gear to buyers […]

Continue Reading

60 Second Bomber Tent Anchors in Snow

60 Second Bomber Tent Anchors in Snow

| July 22, 2009 | 2 Comments

In general, tents are only as secure as their anchors.  In the past, I’ve used all sorts of tent stakes including a crop of sawed off ski pole tips, ice axe shafts and sections of tomato stakes.  While skis, poles and pickets make great anchors, when you pull them up to use them for the […]

Continue Reading

Climbing with Joe Stock

Climbing with Joe Stock

| July 15, 2009 | 6 Comments

One of the great things about living in Salt Lake City, or at least nearby, is that it is both a north/south and east/west crossroads of recreation.  Because of this, a lot of people stop by on their way to and from other destinations to go climbing, skiing or biking and come fully loaded with […]

Continue Reading

Stella Arrives

Stella Arrives

| July 11, 2009 | 19 Comments

The latest family addition arrived the day before yesterday, 9 July 2009.  After a very brief but intense 4-5 hours of labor, Polly gave birth to Stella Rose McLean at 18:35.  Stella came out kicking and screaming, which is a good thing with babies and now both Mom and mini are doing fine. Like Mira, […]

Continue Reading

Alaska Range Fly Over

Alaska Range Fly Over

| July 9, 2009 | 2 Comments

Bush pilots might get use to it, but the thrill of flying over wild, mountainous terrain in a small plane is one of my favorite parts of going to places like Alaska. The video below captures a bit of what it is all about. This flight took place on the way out from the Kahiltna […]

Continue Reading

Straightchuter gets a summer tune up

Straightchuter gets a summer tune up

| July 6, 2009 | 2 Comments

StraightChuter.com has hit a few too many rocks and is in the process of getting a summer base cleaning, edge sharpening, hot waxing and binding check.  Updates will be sporadic while it is in the shop, but it will soon be back better than ever. Andrew

Continue Reading

Sultana Ridge Photo Trip Report

Sultana Ridge Photo Trip Report

| July 1, 2009 | 6 Comments

Photos and captions from the 2009 Swinging Sultana expedition to climb and ski the Sultana Ridge on Mt. Foraker, Alaska. http://straightchuter.com/am-content/sultana_webgallery/index.html

Continue Reading