pope

Measured from base to summit, you can find some tall ones out in the Pacific.

quote: Originally posted by klenke: What I assume to be the case (as it used to be the case): due to Sherman Rock at Camp Long falling apart, the Basic Rock I field trip was moved down to Sprinker in Spanaway [where you were]. I presume this will continue until Sherman Rock is replaced. So, you also need to check with Seattle Mountainerds' schedule for their intended Spire Rock usage. Truth is, I didn't check any schedules. I just went down there, lured by the sun. Seattle's schedule didn't list SPIRE Rock for March 2nd, so it wouldn't have helped to check their site. The response to this post has been constructive in my opinion. Maybe this information will help avoid conflicts with other climbers, and with other instructional groups. It would be cool to see this info posted here annually. Many thanks.

Even when time is tight and you've got a sinus infection, you've got to get out of the house on a day like this. I drove out to Spanaway's SPIRE Rock, a practice facility similar to Camp Long, and to my dismay, the place was just teeming with about 60 or 70 Basic Course students. They were nice enough folks, and they didn't even chew me out when I tried to sneak around them. But they had a rope stretched out every four feet. We had a polite conversation, and I said some encouraging words (I had participated in such a circus in 1985). But it was too much effort to get any kind of pump going, and so I departed, all the while feeling stupid since they had probably published the date of this field trip on their site. When I got home, I noticed that the Tacoma group had no such field trip scheduled until weeks later. The Seattle group posted a field trip schedule that included "rock practice" on March 2nd and 3rd (also 9th and 10th), but they did not specify a location. Next time I see them out there, I'm not going to try to sneak into the show; it's too big a hassle, and I don't want to cause any problems. On the other hand, I think the Mountaineers should publish these events on cascadeclimbers.com (and maybe other sites) so that I can avoid driving 30 minutes only to be disappointed. If you were a student out there today, you guys looked like you were having fun! Good luck, and happy climbs.

Slogan for a company that pumps septic tanks: Your shit is our bread and butter.

Sorry to hear. I purchased one in about '86 or '87. It too was built like a brick shithouse, but it had a cotton-blend fabric on the back panel so that you could wear it very comfortably without a shirt. The back panel eventually rotted out, but it lasted more than ten years, back when I was climbing more than I worked. I got a '96 model the year I got married, and based on its durability (not to mention new limits on my free time), I'm predicting it will last a couple of decades.

Disgruntled youth: Dad, I want to get my ear pierced. Red-neck dad: Might as well pierce them both..with the same bullet.

quote: Originally posted by sayjay: Yikes! Someone please kill this thread before the jokes get any worse!! Ouch!

To whomever or whatever you pray, say one for our alpine brother. Although I don't know the guy, I can't help but follow this story. Hang in there, my man.

What kind of earring will give you a pain in the neck? A mountaineering. Did you hear 'bout the new pirate movie? It's rated Rrrrrrrrrrrr!

quote: Originally posted by AlpineK: I went into a Hooters in Boulder CO one time. I had some high expectations that were dashed after I saw the wait staff. The gals in Seattle actually shave their legs.

quote: Originally posted by ScottP: The DOLT cart was invented by Bill "Dolt" Feuhrer.One of the original team to attempt the Nose. He hung himself a few years later. This is occasionally the fate of a genius. I've always wanted to make one.....anybody know if that baby jogger is still for sale?

Dwayner paid for the hot wings, which were ice cold compared to the little number who served them to us!

Was the DOLT Cart part of the basically absurd technology? Did Warren invent that crazy thing? We really should have a wine party on the Big Honker in honor of our role model.

Players with short bats should step closer to the plate.

Awesome photos and TR of an awesome route, on an awesome peak! If you've never hiked up to look at this wall, you can't appreciate how big it is. Here's a "rule of thumb" on approximating angle: when you're standing vertically on a slope in such a way that you look down a contour line (in other words, standing sideways like you would on your boards), if you can just reach out a straight arm and touch the wall with your fist, the angle is 60 degrees. If you can't touch the wall with your fist, or if you have to lean in, it's not that steep, and obviously if you instead have to bend your arm, it's steeper than sixty degrees. If your fists scrape the ground when you walk down the street, this rule has limited validity for you.

Thanks for the update, Dru. We can only hope this superb cliff remains open.

When your girlfriend stays at my place, I generally require her to leave it like she found it.....up! Unless it's time for my blumpy.

Turn to the "artist" of this noise and ask, "And your last name, sir?"

Trask, this sounds like a masterpiece. I think I shall have to rent it!

Now that's a fantastic story. I've been going through Big Lou withdrawals lately and this is just what I needed. Mr. Happy, you the man. There's just something about seeing one of the Whittaker twins in a wool sweater. I'm not gay on Big Jim...or Big Lou for that matter, but I've got to say that these guys look impressive in a wool sweater, especially one of those "guide's sweaters" like you see Lou wearing on the cover of "Memoirs". Anybody know where I might be able to get a guide's sweater, the kind like Big Jim and Big Lou wear?

I'm pretty sure you are the Recriminator. It's just your style, trying to be funny by saying Pope can't climb this, or Dwayner can't climb that (was it 10c O.W.?) You're trying to be clever but you don't know how. You're trying to be a funny guy but you're the only one laughing. You're trying to be a big-shot when it's clear you're just a little turd in the bowl. Ya, I vill flush you now!

Tell you what I'm gonna do: I've got connections around here, and I think I can get you a date with RURP's hot sister! She's twice the babe Katie Brown is and she's only been legal for about one week!

Look, I'll give you a fraction (half) of all the bread I'm making for using this brilliant line of yours. Look at what's happend...you're a sensation, you're bigger than the Beatles, bigger than Big Lou. And who's responsible? I am. I discovered you, I promoted you, I brought the world to your door and there they are, waiting in line, with so many adulatory BJ's for the big guy, JayB!

That's the only thing I didn't like about short-track. I say, no rules..make it like derby. Or, go with slightly longer straight sections so that athletes can pass. But then we're back to speed skating. Yawn.

quote: Originally posted by Recriminator: regarding retrosaurus; rumor has it that he is recuperating from carpul tunnel surgery, caused by the repeated wrist motion of hanger and bolt removel at Vantage. His mother now manipulates his key strokes for him under an assumed name . but wait there is more;the surgical procedure was a huge success, they removed his testicles which stoped the repeated wrist motion. watch for new posts under retro-ball-less Retro, you out there? Let's get this guy and give him a tobasco enema.