yes, very interesting discussion - most of what I know is from reading "Guns, Germs and Steel" in the late 90's. At that point, the scientific consensus was starting to realize that North America in the 1600's wasn't a primordial, untouched landscape with nomadic bands of Indians. What we found in t...

I'd switch to Toko just to get the roll-up containers, instead of trying to tear strips off a metal container in the cold with Swix. You don't need all the Swix waxes, you can simplify it - Green, Blue Extra, and Violet Special are enough for most days below freezing. Last year I hot-waxed the tips ...

god, I miss the 70's! Hippies and nakedness and cheap herb and I was too young to enjoy it! The women down here in Boston have totally gone over to yoga tights, smart phones, and martinis. Looks like you Quebec skiers are in luck, snow this weekend while New England gets rain. it's a good winter to ...

this is like discussing preference of ale vs. lager, white vs. red., etc. I'm closer to lilcliffy….longer is better. I have a very old pair of 205cm Kazama XC skis (Mountain High)….I enjoy using them but every time I'm wishing I had 210's. I weigh 180 pounds and 210 feels just right for nordic skiin...

in my travels last year I found that Violet Special works really well right up to the freezing mark. That and Blue Extra are the ones for around here where it's warmer. As soon as it's above freezing and the snow is melting I"m back on the scales, those brown E99's are perfect for 30's and 40's.

28 to 30? Sounds like Violet Special territory to me, it works well in that range, no need to break out the scales.

Harry check out this book to get started:

http://www.backcountryskiing.info

there's a club maintaing T-bolt trail these days, hopefully Greylock will do its imitation of the Sierra again this year.

Oh I forgot to add, even if they weren't logged, a lot of areas in Adirondacks burned due to the logging and drought. I think a lot of the High Peaks Wilderness is pretty young. Plus I think that type of forest resets itself a bit quicker because the environment is harsher - bigger storms and lands...

a summer hike of the Hopper trail is needed to scope out the area! I've never set foot on that side of the mountain. Greylock is a great place, the views from the mountain are spectacular. It gets neglected because the White mtns. are the same distance from Boston. There's also a road that goes to t...