Peggy you requested I report back to you on this years Extravaganza that was planned by Killer (Steve Delph) and Dr. Bix (David Bixler).

 

The first day we did a really neat kayak trip in some extensive wetlands off the coast of Oregon.  We saw Eagles, a herd of elk swimming in the water and all kind of neat stuff.  We then traveled to a local high school where we had a decathlon (110 yd dash, 440, mile run, shot, javelin, Etc) points and medals were awarded.  Next day was a major hike in the rain forest of the coast in storm conditions.  Third day was surfing lessons followed by Oregon coast surfing which was very neat, this occupied most of the day.  The forth day was a climb of Mt St Helens which is restricted to a limited number each day.  We had about 4 inches of snow as we climbed the 5,000 vertical feet to the summit rim.

 

All and all it was a great time, with the planners having done an excellent job with lots of interesting detail to enhance each event.

 

Best Regards,

Brad

Just got back from the motorcycle rally--rain, snow and mud but later turned beautiful.  Rode over to Mesa Verde where the ancient Indian cliff dwellings are--very interesting.  Back at 1000 AD there were 800,000 Indians living in that general area--more people than live there today.

  

Mt Rainier is really a special place, I'm so glad you got to see the Ice Caves--you've got me there--they were gone by the time I got there.  Although I have climbed it 5 times, once with all three of my kids when they were in high school.  Pretty major deal, 10,000 ft of vertical, and lots of snow and ice work, not to mention glacier and avalanche issues--beyond beautiful.  Now when I do climbs like this I let my kids lead so they can drag me up.  Speaking of kids you might get a kick out of this.  Last Christmas when all my kids and one significant other came out I established 10 GPS points on different peaks around my house.  At each GPS point they got a Christmas gift.  Some points had bags of money, some had cocktails, Etc.  Then the last stop was a zip line I strung up 150 feet across the Roaring Fork River which the kids had to zip across (50 ft high) to a traditional Christmas dinner.  It took 10 hours but it created a memorable Christmas.  Unfortunately, I am now going through a pay back phase that forces me to reconsider doing that type of celebration again.  My birthday this year got a A+ for creativity but at 57 its hard to keep face with a bunch of 20 year olds forcing my wife and I to endure physical challenges and sprinkled with fraternity type humiliation.

 

Here is the equipment list Killer gave us for this years Extravaganza (I'll fill you in on the details when and if I return--What do you think were doing--we meet in Portland?):

 

 think this covers your needs.

Equipment list through Sunday

day pack
water bottle
water socks / teva
jock strap
rain gear
running shoes
hiking shoes / boots
clothing (layers)
headlamp / flashlight
crayons (optional)
towel
most of the10 essentials
barf bag (manditory)

Monday only

ski goggles
bandana
gloves
gaiters
sleeping bag
pad

For Pepino only:

pliers
hammer
screwdriver
awl
plane
sandpaper
stain
wood glue
assorted nails and screws

 

Take Care,

Brad

maybe you might want to insert this info: Old buddies who continue to be adult playmates and influences on Brad's life.  Pat Kelley-aka Cabin Boy has participated in sailing adventures and other activities of mischief.  Steve Delph, aka Killer due to his intimidating size and stature--every year for the past 20 years we have done some kind of life changing adventure, not to mention fillers for the in-between time.  Ron and Mike Tucker cultural enlightenment of considerable note.  David Bixler (class below us) aka Dr Bix--same play group as Killer--most of Dr Bix activities must be censored.  Mike Robinson--low key social encounters.  Eric Edwards, encounters and laughs with several of the above mutants.

 

Have to run will add to this later,

Brad