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Funnier than this? I can't think of many things funnier...maybe this? Or perhaps this?

You do have to be careful around here. Folks used to have a good time ridiculing a truly deserving group (consult the photo below if you can't remember). Most of that fun was discouraged in a heavy-handed way, by a bunch of weeeenies who felt somebody stepping on their little toes. Really, if you clip bolts, especially if you are responsible for establishing sport climbs, look in the mirror for a real laugh. You have no business making fun of "Nordic walking". These guys are just out to get a little fitness, maybe try something new. My dad was able to do some hiking when he thought his knees were shot, thanks to ski poles. Call it Nordic walking, assisted hiking...whatever you want. It's not nearly as lame as what happened to rock climbing in the last couple of decades. Sport climbers pretend to be doing something bad assed (real rock climbing), which is why they think they're in a position to make fun of Nordic walkers. Nordic walkers are just out walking, not pretending to be anything. Sport climbers leave a mess in the mountains. Nordic walkers leave only footprints. Sport climbers bitch about their injuries. Nordic walkers always come home invigorated. Sport climbers occasionally get chopped and leave their families grieving. Nordic walkers add years to their lives. Sport climbers think their activities are not subject Wilderness Area laws. I’ve yet to meet a Nordic walker who would knowingly jaywalk.

John Denver at the Puyallup Fair. Now there's a show you'll never again have the chance to see. And who could forget when Big Bowel and the Movements rocked the Toilet Bowl?

Just had another experience with the "Yah Tommy" video and I's comes up with another theorem about why all that jibber-jabba be going on. Seems to me, that Mr. Tommy's vocal spouse ain't the star of the show, so she's injecting herself verbally to gets herself a piece of THE ACTION. Yes sir! Don't believe me? Go ahead...ask The Thingfish!

Ladies... Are you thinking about getting married? You should know that there are three things that every man wants when he comes home from work: 1) a clean house 2) a warm meal 3) a piece of this If you can't provide these things, hubby ain't gonna be happy and neither will you.

I remember maybe one pin and one bolt supplementing good protection with challenging climbing. Sounds like somebody can't let a good climb be. I agree with your comment that even with a nod from the first ascensionist, adding bolts to a well-protected popular climb is out of line, in general (not to imply I know anything about the identitiy of the clowns responsible for this stunt, or whom they did or didn't consult first). Time to organize one of those Index work parties. I'm available.

That might be his secret...every move he manages to make puts more distance between him and that noise. I recall Todd Skinner's "ascent" of City Park. There was somebody in his party making an equivalent cacophany.

You're not fooling me! That's no glacier and that ain't St.Helens. That's some kind of artsy photograph of cracked mud and hoar frost. I like the way you photo-shopped "USGS" on there for added authenticity.

I'll give it one star....one BROWN STARFISH, comin' right up!

Well it ain't helping much around here: I'll bet Petey P. ain't never been in this part of the hills, so what does he care? Or any part of the mountains, for that matter. Hey Puget, did you ever climb Raindawg? Didn't think so.

First of all, when you suggest that "this is a good beginner's route", I assume you mean that with all of the bolts, it offers easy and well-protected climbing to beginners. I'm not sure it's a good idea to point beginners to such climbs. From the beginning, the aspiring leader should know that while some climbs offer the security of a bolt or great gear for every difficult move, many climbs will require making moves nearly as difficult as the crux but with marginal gear. Because of this, it is a good idea to climb with great control, to work in gear on difficult terrain, to know how to down climb and find rests in the middle of trouble. These are the skills beginning leaders should acquire...from the beginning. I don't know what did more harm to spirit of Leavenworth climbing. Was it the fire of '94 or the rash of indiscriminate bolts that litters every slab of granite within a 20-minute hike?

Here's a link that may help you get in touch with people who knew him: link

Oh boy, who could forget this one (I think it went platinum):

Found out more. From what I can tell the fire is above road 7810 near Baldy Mountain. As of this morning the access to the Carbon River entrance to the park and road 7810 (which can be followed to Coplay Lake and Bearhead Mountain area) are closed while Mowich Lake appears to be open. Map

I see that Gary's "Blackberries at Index" continues to make the first page of topics in Peter Puget's special corner. Isn't this a sign? Hasn't everything been said more than 25 times about rock climbing in this mossy, bolt-infested corner of the country?

Thanks. Enjoyed the report. Often the local critters point the way better than the bipedal pilgrims.

Just outside the Carbon River entrance....near road 7810 which is now closed. I can't seem to find specific information about what areas have burned. Anybody know more about it?

Next time, try inviting this guy. He won't chicken out! Check him out in action: Big Huckin' Chicken

Dwayner introduced me to Alley Oop Chimney....probably 1989. I got frustrated and bailed. Then I climbed Bomb Shelter (with one enormous flight out into space when I peeled off the lay back section) which seemed less chalenging. I can't remember the grade on Alley Oop but I do remember feeling humbled. Maybe a big lunge is the secret. Carlstad/Brooks is still a great guide. Most Leavenworth routes not found in that guide aren't worth doing.

Save your travel money and be patient. A reasonably accurate replica is coming to the Cheeks.

Too bad. It's a good one! But not quite as inspiring as your personal favorite: