freeclimb9

when I started climbing my brother encouraged me, but warned that if I hurt, or killed myself doing it, I'd "look like an asshole." I thought that was an excellent comment. I check my setup three times, everytime, and have only been hurt from falling ice, overtraining, and groundfalls while bouldering. Of course, there's always tommorrow.

I've got a Cold Cold World pack (the bigger one, whatever it's called), and have used it on trips up to three days in length. It's okay. There's some stuff that's brilliant, and other stuff that's dumb (actually, my design gripes are the lack of angle on the waistband, and it's tendency to flop over my ass when partially loaded, but that's my fault for loading it weirdly). There's a guy in the town I live in that also makes packs: www.wildmanpacks.com, so that's yet another option. BTW, my favorite pack is one I made for myself that I've been using for 12 years. Someday I'll update it, and be ready for another decade of abuse.

I've been to Cabo many times fishing, and have also had the pleasure to walk out to Los Arcos to enjoy a little beach-sandal bouldering (you can walk through one of the swank hotels to access the beach and walk and scramble around to the point; You don't have to take a water-taxi). The rock is impeccable, but salty, and therefore the fixed gear is corroded. But, why climb when in Cabo? The place isn't a world-class destination for the rock --it's famous for fishing and wild times on the beach. Most people just go for the socializing. As a friend put it, women go there for two reasons: sol and pole. Enjoy an afternoon of beers at "The Office", then head to one of the clubs like "Squid Roe" for thumping and bumping. The town doesn't really come alive in tourists until after 10:00PM. JMO. best regards, Will

I went and checked out Triple Couloirs last week (3-21) which wasn't easy considering that I live in Northern Utah. I road-tripped out with a buddy who had to get his gear from a summer-job in Leavenworth. We boot-packed in on Tuesday: no problem outside of occasionally postholing with regard to hiking, but otherwise the snow was uninspiring. Recent heavy rain created an ice crust over variable "stuff" depending on sun exposure. Early Wednesday morning we walked across Colchuck lake, and started up the Hidden couloir to discover conditions that we didn't like. The rain-crust overlaid sugar: uncompactable ball-bearings of indeterminate depth (well, maybe a foot, or two). In short, we downclimbed, cursed our luck, and walked out to the highway. BTW, the bouldering and cragging in the canyon was great for the next two days. best regards

Might someone have an idea of the route condition? I imagine the recent (and continuing) snow has had a negative impact, but can someone confirm, or deny that? What routes might be climbable this time of year near Leavenworth? best regards [This message has been edited by freeclimb9 (edited 03-16-2001).]