hollyclimber

Now, lets all be clear about this...I like Matt. He is a cool guy, and even if he wasn't, I like everyone who shows up at Pub Club because that is real life and its good to interact in the real world as well as in this fun-playground of a website. As I said in the other forum today, I totally disagree about needing anything to change on this site. And, if there are people who don't post here because of the spray, WHO CARES? Is this supposed to be an effort to make sure that every climber in the NW posts to this site? Is it like a public building that we have to make sure is accessible for all of society. No, its a stupid climbing site where we say a bunch of dumb stuff, insult each other, ask advice and occasionally get answers. The reality is, it is not going to change, so why wish for something that will never happen. This site would be SO boring if it was super polite and just about route beta or something. As much as I can't stand pencil neck, its fun to watch everyone spar with him. And, hey, did you know that Dan Larsen wants to climb Mt Rainier again? (No-oooo, you don't say?) Its a funny site, and I have zero problems with it the way it is.

Definitely agree on Devil's thumb.

So, we are talking about Krakauer in a couple forums, and ended up discussing some of his books a little. So, the question is, what does everyone like to read? I am not ashamed to admit that quite often, I fall asleep reading guide books. I figure that is kind of strange, but I keep all my climbing books right next to my bed, and a lot of nights I grab one and start figuring out what I want to climb. I wake up in the morning with one or two guidebooks in the bed. Lately, its been the Big Walls Super Topo, and of course Beckey is a favorite. I got sort of bored with the climbing adventure type books awhile back, so I haven't read one in awhile. Any new ones worth checking out? Climbing got me to read my favorite book ever, Atlas Shrugged. There is a simple and direct reason why something in climbing made me read that book. Anyone know? (its like a riddle, and it helps if you know where I like to climb this time of year). Ok, that's enough rambling about reading stuff. Anyone else read guidebooks for entertainment or sleep inducement? (Cavey, can you read yet?)

I think Me and I were reading the same book... Into the wild had an interesting short story as its base. I thought JK tried to hard to stretch it out. Not only did it jump around, but some of things it jumped around too weren't that interesting or relevant to the story. The writing itself did not seem to be of the quality of Into Thin Air, or the other short stories I have read. From what I remember (its been about 4 years since I read it) I really like Eiger Dreams. Anyway, I am no book critic, and we all enjoy different types of writing. I used to be really into reading climbing adventure stories after I read Into Thin Air when it first came out. I think Touching the Void is the best book of that genre that I have ever read. hgb

mr chocolate- Are you just joking around? In case not, from what I remember JK spent some time doing construction and/or carpentry to pay the bills. I thought into the Wild was a horrible book. It was my "workout book" a few years ago and even the torture and boredom of the cardio machines couldn't get me to finish the last chapter or so. But, I like everything else of his that I have read. I have never talked to the dude, and I have zero opinion on him.

I have to join in... No matter what I think about JK, (which is nothing) I totally support Dru's (and everyone elses) right to be totally rude and insensitive on this site. Even when its not in the spray section. Otherwise, I would be really bored reading all this stuff! We have had this discussion a number of times and basically, while there are people who get offended or get their feelings hurt, its just sort of the way it goes. We all use this site primarily to have fun, and sometimes we get some good info from each other too. One of the first times I posted to this site, I got totally ripped on for inserting something that implied what grade I might climb. I was a little pissed off. Now, I understand, and I would be tempted to say the same thing to someone else who posted what I did. Its all fun and games, and hopefully JK is man enough to not get hurt by words.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M I K E!!! Congrats on turning 30- I hope you get some good climbing in this weekend at Smith, or wherever you go. Holly

Adjustable aiders are good for jugging. If that's all your doing, they are pretty good because they are secure on the foot, comfortable and can be microadjusted exactly right. If you are leading in blocks (and therefore jugging in blocks) they are nice.

I checked it out... Some of the women are beautiful...but after you look at the other pictures, Steph to me just looks so gross. Way to skinny. Do you guys actually dig that? I don't know how she can even survive being that skinny and climbing.

I think I have to miss pub club this week So, I vote for Tacoma! (just kidding)

Geez Will, I might climb like an Amazon woman, but try size 35.5! That link though is like a miracle! How could I fail to find it, but at this point, I am just hoping that its not a cyber-mirage. I am going to call them right now! [This message has been edited by hollyclimber (edited 10-08-2001).]

Of course we all like this topic for some sick reason According to the following website, Urine a sterile body compound. Everything you read on the web is true, right? http://biomedx.com/urine/

Urine is sterile when it first leaves the body. However, bacteria or whatever develops quickly after that. So, cleaning up the pee bottle is a good idea. Now if someone would clean up the pee smell of El Cap, climbing would have a whole new aroma.

The Mirage by La Sportiva is my favorite climbing shoe. They are best when they are new, not great with a resole, so I used to buy new ones when they wore out. I have two old pairs, but I haven't been able to get new ones for at least 2 years now. Anyone figure out how to get them? I tried La Sportiva USA, and while they say they still make them, its always a 3-4 month wait. Then, when I check back, 3-4 months later, its still a 3-4 month wait.

I know a team of 3 women who climbed Denali together. One brought the lady J, the other two felt it was unnecessary. By the end of the trip they were all SHARING the one lady j. However, peeing in a tent is 573 times easier then trying to pee on the wall. At least if you care about trying not to pee on the route. I found it pretty tough and definitely got envious of my male climbing partner who didn't have to worry about logistics.

Hey dudes- Thanks for the responses, I am all hooked up with a partner now for this weekend. Hope I see some of you cc.com people down there. If you see me with my big dopey black white and tan "puppy", say hi. Lambone: U Wall was ok. My partner wasn't sure about just launching into our first multi-day aid wall, so we just climbed 2 pitches. That was fun, and I learned some stuff. I managed to do my first Grade 6 in the Valley, so now U Wall seems so short and do-able. I wish it was still the right weather for getting on it. I thought about going up there this weekend, but it is supposed to rain. So, I might have to save it for the spring.

I am thinking of heading to Smith this weekend. I could use a partner, and I am also willing to give a ride to anyone who wants to share some gas money. I'll plan on making sure I still know how to climb at Smith by checking out some of my favorite climbs in the 5.10-5.11 range, and possibly hop on some 5.12. I won't be doing anything in the gullies and probably won't head to the backside because I'll have my dog with me. Email me at hollyclimber@hotmail.com if you are interested.

Cavey: Here is the link http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=Typ&tab=B2C&tuid=10485169&city=Seattle&state=WA&zip=98115&country=us&slt=47.684601&sln=-122.299103&cs=5&ck=2988511977&stat= os:0:regular:regT:1 3:fbT:0 Michelle! Thanks for getting this going. I am so excited to see all the pub clubbers tonight. I just got back from Yosemite Valley yesterday and I have battle wounds to show off! I'll go to one-hour photo today so that I'll have pictures too. Holly

Well, I did say choss, but only after Cavey said it. I guess what I meant was it was no Buoux. And, I mostly climbed under 5.12 routes, but not exclusively. And I did have fun there, but a few routes were just wierd.

Well, I climbed some choss (at Horne Lake-not squish), but I didn't like it too much. I remember a couple of fun routes, but mostly not very asthetic. Squish was ok. We climbed the first 2 pitches of U Wall. Can't wait to go back to do the real thing. Cavey, just because I haven't been to Index with you, doesn't mean that I haven't been there or that I am missing out You know I mean that in a really nice way, right?! I'll be there this Friday. Not sure if I'll be aiding or free climbing... [This message has been edited by hollyclimber (edited 09-12-2001).]

I recently read somewhere (I think on Gripped) that Horne Lake is not closed, and that there has been recent new route and hard ascent activity. Here, I found the article with a quick google search of "horne lake" "not closed". Looks like it is kind of old, so it probably doesn't help at all. http://www.gripped.com/news/NewsItem.asp?ID=48 That's the trashiest limestone I have ever climbed on, and I think one trip was enough for me! But I liked their gym in Nanaimo...very good ju ju. [This message has been edited by hollyclimber (edited 09-12-2001).]

$1,000 vs. $20,000. Who gave more? Maybe consider percentage of pre-tax profits...I bet that OR and Marmot's contributions may be similar or even exceed REI's if you think of it that way. What made me think of this is that $20,000 IS chump change to REI. Not that it isn't good for the access fund. I think REI is a horrible place to buy climbing gear. For one thing, they are always out of something basic, like webbing or cord. Pretty much every time I go there, they send me to Feathered Friends. The only times I go there now is if I really know exactly what name brand item I want, in which case I will accept their 10% back, or when I need to spend a gift certificate or my dividend. They still have a few climbers working there, but it seems like whenever I go there its a non-climber. I had to get behind the counter and point to the piece of gear I wanted the last time I was there because the person didn't know what it was. Its sad, because REI used to be for climbers, but it just isn't any more. Its all about their new dept they are introducing, "family camping". Somehow they think thats new, seems like to me its been their deal for awhile. My favorite climbing store is Valhalla Pure. Murray rocks!

Dan- What a great thread! I don't have a ton to add, as I am not a parent. However, I have had people ask me if I will continue to climb if I have kids. I always say that I will. On the other hand, I take any responsibility I have seriously, and often my responsibilities take away from my climbing time. I would speculate that if I had kids, my climbing would suffer a bit, as I would want to make sure that I was meeting my obligations as a parent first, and then pursuing my personal interests second. I guess I tested that by getting a dog this year. My climbing days have decreased, but I am still able to enjoy a lot of quality climbing, and I am still improving my own skill set. So, it slowed me down, but didn't stop me. I don't buy into the argument that some people make that it is irresponsible to climb if you have kids since there is a risk of death. Risks of death abound in this life, and we can't go around living in fear. People die experiencing many past-times, or randomly in auto accidents or other tragic circumstances. I will never feel guilty about climbing because of the risk of death. [This message has been edited by hollyclimber (edited 09-10-2001).]

I have an Arteryx harness...I forget which one, but it is not one made specially for females. I haven't liked the "female" harnesses I have tried because it seems like they make the leg loops skinnier. When I tried them on and hung in them, I could feel the skinny little leg loops digging into my legs and it hurt (I remember the BD womens harness I tried on hurt the most). I think female oriented shoes can be really good, but I think the harness thing is kind of bogus. My recommendation would be to make sure you hang in the harness in the store before you buy it. Most places are set up to do this.

Partner found...