"Gary" wrote in message I am finding it
interesting that so many of you are also climbers as
well as sailors. It seems that the search for the adrenaline rush knows
no bounds.

Anyone run whitewater?

I do a little whitewater. I'm not into climbing for the adrenaline rush. If
anything I try to avoid it. My attraction to climbing, especially
mountaineering, is the self reliance, the fitness level required, the broad
skillset required and the seriousness of judgement. I've seen the
adrenaline junkies get busted up real good on Mt. Edith Cavell in Canada.
Sailing is similar to mountaineering except there is little requirement for
fitness. Sailors don't have to lug a week or more worth of gear plus wet
climbing ropes up and down glacial valley walls on their back. Sailors have
air conditioners, heaters, stoves, ovens, boom boxes, wardrobe closets,
showers, a place to sleep without sharp rocks or rats, etc. They couldn't
live for a week on frozen sardines, frozen vienna sausages, Jolly Ranchers
and exert 5,000+ calories a day. The closest sailors come to true suffering
is here on this newsgroup, listening to Capt RB all day.

Amen!