Breaking the "A" Team entry code

[Scott Card]

If you have a group of friends and don't know who the big jerk is? Chances are it's probably YOU!!!!!

This is why the food must be good.

[Sombeech]

[Renatomic808]

Getting into the "A" Team is definitely the pinnacle of canyoneering. Hell being a part of a team is tough to begin with. Just like getting into the lesser "C" team takes a lot of skill as well. Like "air walking".

[The Good Cop]

Ram, I will take your invite: while this has been said well by others, it bears saying again. These folks (in my experience anyway) would certainly never call themselves "A-teamers". They simply make a high priority in their lives of getting out & a lot. That's it. In addition, as Kurt said, they are very fun folks to share days with in the wilderness or in a campsite, and they are overwhelmingly generous with beta they know & I don't. I hope to meet you before long Kurt & share some time in beautiful places with you!

Regarding Tom in particular, rather than arguing one way or the other I will simply share this story: I was recently in Death Valley enjoying a part of the world which I had not previously seen. The evening before my last day there, around a campfire & sharing food & drink, Tom invited me to join an exploration. Again, nothing more than that, and I happily agreed. I had a very fun day seeing a place that (to the best of our ability to tell) had never before been traveled by people - unfortunately, for good reason, but that's how it goes with explorations. In any case, Tom united (certainly did not divide) a group who all had a fun day together & then we shared our story & info with others afterward. I do not doubt Kurt's concerns or judgement, but my experience of Tom has been very different. Try meeting the guy face-to-face & sharing some time around camp & in a canyon with him. My only regret is that I can't manage more days like that because they're fun without exception.

Cheers to all & cheers to Kurt for the terrific photos of the 'animated' Ram, I can certainly relate to the 'chicken dance'. And I encourage all to judge Tom by face-to-face experience before coming to believe anything too negative. Assume good intent until proven otherwise, and give yourself a gift by enjoying a day in the wilderness with him; he's a fun guy.,

Cheers,

Wayne

[dude9478]

Ram, I will take your invite: while this has been said well by others, it bears saying again. These folks (in my experience anyway) would certainly never call themselves "A-teamers". They simply make a high priority in their lives of getting out & a lot. That's it. In addition, as Kurt said, they are very fun folks to share days with in the wilderness or in a campsite, and they are overwhelmingly generous with beta they know & I don't. I hope to meet you before long Kurt & share some time in beautiful places with you!

Regarding Tom in particular, rather than arguing one way or the other I will simply share this story: I was recently in Death Valley enjoying a part of the world which I had not previously seen. The evening before my last day there, around a campfire & sharing food & drink, Tom invited me to join an exploration. Again, nothing more than that, and I happily agreed. I had a very fun day seeing a place that (to the best of our ability to tell) had never before been traveled by people - unfortunately, for good reason, but that's how it goes with explorations. In any case, Tom united (certainly did not divide) a group who all had a fun day together & then we shared our story & info with others afterward. I do not doubt Kurt's concerns or judgement, but my experience of Tom has been very different. Try meeting the guy face-to-face & sharing some time around camp & in a canyon with him. My only regret is that I can't manage more days like that because they're fun without exception.

Cheers to all & cheers to Kurt for the terrific photos of the 'animated' Ram, I can certainly relate to the 'chicken dance'. And I encourage all to judge Tom by face-to-face experience before coming to believe anything too negative. Assume good intent until proven otherwise, and give yourself a gift by enjoying a day in the wilderness with him; he's a fun guy.,

Cheers,

Wayne

We said Wayne. I agree, been out with Tom and crew a few times, always a good time with good friends. I always seem to learn something new too. Come out to one of the fests and say hello.

Kevin

[hesse15]

" If you had been paying attention, passed these tests AND had skills,, I might take you there some day"

[oldno7]

Yes you were there...

[Iceaxe]

I thought Hesse was the A team?!?

[hesse15]

I thought Hesse was the A team?!?

let me get my butt in shape ,already retrieved my bikini collection from storage unit
more to come!!!!

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[hesse15]

me ready to show some swimming moves and be fished out

[oldno7]

lol, Christina--I remember that swimming move....

The rest of us stemmed, you swam(and looked mighty good doing so.)

[hesse15]