FULL PACKER PRESS RELEASE - Rocketman and Firstlight have set a new Full Packer temperature record for overnight base camp stay; –14 degrees F. According to Rocketman, the overnight base camp stay proved to be “interesting” but very doable. “Having the right equipment made all the difference” according to Rocketman. Rocketman and Firstlight established base camp the evening of January 16 at Firstlight’s property in the Adirondacks.

Congratulations Rocketman and Firstlight!!

John V. and the Definition of “Summit”

It has come to the attention of this reporter (and climber) that a certain gentleman - I will call him “John V.” has doubted our use of the word, “summit”. According to my source – I will refer to him as “R-Man” – John V. believes that the use of the word “summit” has been misused and should only refer to summiting mountains in the Himalayas and not the Adirondacks.

This reporter looked up the definition of summit in the Oxford English Dictionary and extracted the following definition: “The topmost part, top; the vertex, apex.” To make it easier for Mr. John V. I would like to reference the Mister Rogers "Beautiful Neighborhood' - Big Word Dictionary". In it, Mister Rogers defines “summit” as, “The top of a hill, mountain or volcano”.

Maybe John V. would like to join the Full Packers on our next expedition and he can lead us up to the top of a hill.

Full Packers on the summit of Black Bear Mountain (2,448')

On January 10, 2007 – Full Packers Capitanious, Firstlight and Rocketman claimed another summit. This time it was Black Bear Mountain at 2,448’ just outside Old Forge in the NY State Adirondacks. Don’t let this modest height fool you; the Full Packers had their share of obstacles getting to the top. A combination of bouldering, snow and cold temperatures (13 degrees at the trailhead) combined with wind made this climb exciting and adventurous.

Firstlight makes final adjustments to Rocketman's treking pole.

Firstlight and Rocketman take a break along the snowy trail.

Capitanious and Firstlight enjoying the cold crisp Adirondack scenery.

Firstlight makes his way up the trail.

Expedition Leader Rocketman evaluates the condition of the trail.

Expedition Leader Rocketman leads the way to the summit of Black Bear Mountain.

Firstlight follows Rocketman's tracks that will take him to the summit.

On the summit of Black Bear, Firstlight and Rocketman enjoy the view and a beer.

The freezing temperatures took a toll on the Full Packers and the celebratory refreshments.

Capitanious at home basecamp, controls his enthusiasm for his new piece of gear; the EMS Headwall 4-season tent. A maiden voyage of the tent is now in the planning stages. Now all we need is snow.

When looking off on to the southern horizon this morning, I picked up the following smoke signals from Jambo's sacred campfire:

"On behalf of Earth Mother and myself, we are extremely honored that Rocketman has unilaterally selected our humble abode as the location for the 2007 winter meeting. We were unaware that Rocketman had assumed the title of Chairman of the Meeting Site Selection Committee. We congratulate him on his new position and anxiously await further directives from his Excellency."