fredrogers

Ditto. My co-workers are abandoning their Coombas in favor of these...

Was looking at the NWAC site tonight and saw this little ditty. Funny. WAZ513-518-519-019-042-501-502-ORZ011-221700- && WEATHER SYNOPSIS FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Avalanche Bells (with apologies to Silver Bells) Avalanche, Avalanche, soon it will all slide away. Quiet valleys, windswept ridgetops— On lee slopes there’s a feeling of tension. Scary snowpack, we do not lack, Surface fluff masks deeper slab potential. Analyze, no surprise, it’s caution time in the mountains. Shooting cracks, some whomping sounds— Show weak layers and facets near the ground. Be aware, take some care, it’s your life in the balance. A big slide, no fun to ride— You don’t want to go where it’s going. Avalanche, Avalanche, don’t’ let it carry you away. Adding more load, is a bad road— And may not bring just holiday cheer. Avalanche, Avalanche, soon it will all slide away.

Hi all- Just thought I would post some feedback for a AIARE level 1 course I did with the folks from North Cascades Mountain Guides this last weekend in case others are looking to do the same this season. As a relative newbie, I found this very helpful in terms of understanding the full spectrum of what I needed to pay attention to in the backcountry- especially in terms of terrain selection, etc. Larry- the head guide- was very helpful and informative and gave a great tutorial that covered a lot of ground (pun intended). The field day was also awesome and included some great turns on the way out. Definitely worth the coin, IMHO.

Hey RuMR- Once I got to Spain this Spring with TimL and his boss it was *relatively* cheap- we did some great Limestone cragging where you could camp for free or cheap- same goes for the south near Tarifa- bullet hard sandstone, great beaches, lots of castles, etc. that the boys would love. Might be a little warm in the summer, but holy sport climbing cow. I can't wait to go back... I would also say that if you wanted to stay local, there is a TON of new sport climbing here in Mazama that would keep you busy for a few weeks- hard shit I can't climb and lots of stuff I can. Skaha is definitely not the epicenter of culture, but the boys would dig it, too and it's 2 hours or so from here, then up to Lake Louise...

That's a classic. I just usually say I'll go find "me" and leave them hanging for a while. Then come back and say that he'll be right there, then come back in a while to ask if I have picked up yet, then leave them hanging again. Good fun.

I know you said no shipping, but really try Cascade Cobbler: http://www.cascadecobbler.com/prices $28 for a 1/2 re-sole and $6 shipping is so worth it. Same quality as Ramuta and a little less. Although Ramuta does get shoes shipped from Vertical world 2x a month which helps if you can wait that long. I had one very bad re-sole with Dave Page- he may know boots- but not climbing shoes.

We were one of the last groups of folks up skiing at Rainy Pass today- the WSDOT kindly left us a note informing us of the impending closure. Just glad we didn't have to drive back to Mazama via Stevens Pass tonight. Our tour took us up to the ridge and bowl to looker's left of Whistler Peak. Got some nice turns in, as well as a few rocks. Definite sun crust is some spots with some nice fluff on top. Got very cold after noon. Good day to be on my split- other than the tight trees and lots of traversing on the way out. Thanks to my partners for breaking trail for the gumby today. I do have to say the folks at WSDOT did do an amazing job keeping it open and very drivable this fall...

I just came over the Pass to the West side yesterday. Still not much for ice at the road cuts. I'll post again on Sunday when I drive back to Mazama.

Depending on aspect 3-4 feet. Not a lot of consolidation above the rain crust. Where wind effected, it could be bare to just barely covered.

Trip: Rainy Pass - Heather Pass and a bit towards Frisco Mtn. Date: 11/16/2007 Trip Report: Spent Friday and Saturday breaking in the new splitboard with some friends up at Heather Pass. Ski track was well put in (thanks Josh, Travis, Larry), but getting buried in all the new snow on Saturday. Friday was WARM and sunny, then cooler, which kept the snow in the shade in decent shape. Coverage was pretty good- but watch those rollovers. Only hit one small rock. Saturday started cold, then got vey snowy with low viz. Had some god turns down to approx. 5,500 where there was a rain crust. New snow was actively sluffing off the rain crust down low as of late Saturday. Spoke with the WSDOT on Saturday and it sounds like they are trying to keep 20 open for a while. Get some while you can. For you ice climberin' tyes- the roads cuts below Lib Bell are NOT in and getting buied. Gear Notes: Rode my new Voile Mojo split board- much improved over my old one. Still a little slower than skis on switchovers. Approach Notes: Skin track in good shape with the exception of some small slides. Maybe some one more tech savvy than me can fix these images.

As of Monday, very snowy and cold. There is close to a foot off the road and more up high.

Looking for some one to share a ride down from Seattle to JTree and to do some climbing with. I'm flexible on dates, but need to be there no later than 11/1 for some training that lasts until 11/4- so flexible on return dates, too. I lead 5.8-5.9 gear and slightly harder sport, have rope, rack and reliable ride. I like puppies, kittens and long moonlit walks on the beach. PM or email db underscore climbz at hotmail dot com. I'll be back in the field next week so not able to check PM's or email from 9/18-9/22.

Some folks I live with did get an advance copy at the event. There is tons of new stuff which did need some feedback and some final details confirmed- Brian and others have been very busy and it will be worth the wait... That said, I have no idea when it will be out.

Trip: Mt. Rainier - DC- "ish" route Date: 7/30/2007 Trip Report: Climbed the DC variation with a few friends yesterday from Ingrahm flats. Following other posts on this board, the Cleaver itself is "closed" for the season due to significant crevasses and the route now drops below the cleaver proper before threading its way over to the Emmons shoulder and then back to the Columbia Crest rim. While much longer, the variation is more interesting and includes a small 15' step of ice to climb- RMI has fixed a line with several pickets and screws here (and kicked in monster steps), although it may be worth checking it first/being prepared to deal with it yourself, as well as a line over an interesting snow bridge at approximately 12,000 ft. The traverse from above the cleaver over to the Emmons shoulder is well-wanded and packed in, but does go above some serious monster crevasses- not a place to fall. Do be careful about which "wanded" route to follow as there are a number of variations that no longer go that have not been cleaned up by the guide services- if you are traversing towards the Emmons, you are on the route. We took 10 hours RT from Ingrahm Flats, leaving at 12AM, slowed a bit on the descent by a partner who was not feeling well. From the parade of VERY tired looking climbers coming past our tent for 2 days (some returning as late as 4PM) it is taking people a lot longer than they expected it is more physically demandind than the DC "normale". We spoke with a climbing ranger team who stopped by to give us a route update and they said that the fixed lines were huge bottlenecks on Saturday night/Sunday day (both up and down), so if you are planning to go this weekend, expect it and make plans accordingly. I suggest overnighting at Ingrahm Flats vs. Muir to get a jump start on everyone climbing from there and leave earlier than 1 or 2. We were able to avoid getting stuck behind other parties both on the way up and down- others were not so fortunate. It was very hot during the day and sounds like it may be that way for a while, so the route may change from day to day- once the ice step and the snow bridge with the fixed line open up/melt out some more it may get much more interesting. I'll try and post some pics later when I get them from my partners. Approach Notes: Took 3 days for the trip with the first night at Moon Rocks (9,500), then up to Ingrahm Flats (11,00), then out. Moon Rocks was deserted except for us and was much more pleasant than Camp Muir.

Quick post with an update on conditions in Boston Basin. We went in yesterday to have a go at the West Ridge of Forbidden and got shut down by overcast, drizzle and then heavy rain this AM. Trail is a bit overgrown to start with some lovely uphill schwaking until you break out into the first major avvy path. We hit snow right around 5,000 feet and were on snow until low camp. Composting toilets are still buried, so use dem blue bags. We didn't get a close-up view of the approach gully to the West Ridge (since the weather had moved in by the time we got close and turned around), but from camp it appeared there is no bergschrund at this point, but the approach goes climbers left towards Torment and then back to the gully under some serious hanging cornices that have laid down a lot of large debris. We heard from another party on their way out that there is snow on the first third of the route and with temps what they were it was very sketchy. One of our party had been there for a few days and had goten pretty far up the Quien Sabe on Sahale before turning around in a whiteout. He said the route is mostly straightforward and not broken up yet. Approach to Sharkfin Tower looks good at this point as well. Needless to say with warm temps and rain, shit is coming down everywhere up there right now. J-Berg was very active with some huge snow and raock falls, as were the cliffs on Forbidden under the E. Ridge approach gulley. We ran into a Ranger at high camp and then again on the road. The one at high camp would have checked our permits had he not been there when they issued them that morning and we got checked on the way out (very nicely, I might add, and by the cutest female ranger I have ever met). Road is gated at Eldorado (MP 19) some significant washouts on the way to the standard Boston Basin TH. The rangers told us that work is underweigh to fix the road but it will most lkely be mid/late July before that happens- so until then enjoy the walk.

Trip: Goat Wall - Prime Rib (of Goat) Date: 6/11/2007 Trip Report: Did Prime Rib of Goat on Monday after getting rained off Saturday 4 pitches up. Super fun climb with interesting and varied climbing from low angle slab to steep face with great holds. We skipped the first 5.2 pitch and scrambled the very loose gully to the start of pitch 2 (quicker, but trundly). I lead pitch 2 which says 5.8, but felt easier other than one tricky move at the second bolt on the steep part (there is an intermediate station right before it gets steep, so you can break it into 2). Some easy scrambling gets you to the base of pitch 3, which goes up a ramp to some low angle slabs and a rap anchor- keep leading up and right past 2 bolts to the next belay anchor on a huge ledge. The next pitch is one of the better ones on the route, with an interesting move right at a small roof (well protected) to slabs and the next anchor up on the slab (don't belay at the rap station on the left). a short down climb leads to the next anchors. Easy climbing (5.5- 5.6) then leads up to the next anchors- I clipped them and went right on the ledge to the start of the next pitch. This pitch gains exposure immediately and is made all the more fun for it. Pitch six starts off a ledge with a boulder move on great jugs, then easy slab to finish. Hike up and left to the next pitch (following cairns), which is a long lead up slab on the only slightly sketchy rock to an airy belay stance. Follow bolts up and then along an exposed rightward traverse (agin, super fun from the exposure) to easly slab climbing and the final pitch. Make sure the last pitch (5.9 in the topo, maybe 5.8?) is yours, as it starts out with almost instant exposure to some bouldery and fun moves with several hundred feet of air sucking at your heels. All cruxes on the route are are very well bolted (skip em' or clip 'em). The route is equipped for single rope rappels- you can't see the station between pitches 8 and 9 until you are on the rap- have faith, it's there. There is some very loose rock on that section of the rappel line, so use caution if there are people below. We pulled off some big chunks that landed at the base of the the long slab pitch (pitch 8). It looks like a LOT of work went into this route, so thanks, it's appreciated. We spent 1/2 hour on the approah, 4 hours on the route, 1:15 on the descent to the base of the gully, 15 minutes to the car and cold beer. All in all, a good route. Gear Notes: The topo says 14 draws, we had some double slings as well and found them more useful for the most part. Approach Notes: Park 3 miles up from the Mazama store on the left. Hike the road for 2 minutes until you hit an old logging road and then follow the trail up. Stay in the talus until right below the base of the wall and then contour up until you see a gully with a fir with a sling. If you hit gate creek you have gone too far.

I was up there a few times last week. There is room for 5 cars or so at the TH., a sot or two across HWY 20. We also saw parties heading up from the hairpin to SEWS- be alert for rockfall later in the day- we saw buch of bug stuff come down. A party we know bailed on the E Butt Direct of SEWS after 3 pithes due to cold and mixed weather last Thursday. Approach gully to the Becky route is still pretty snowy except at the very top- nice to have some steep snow instead of the bowling alley. Becky route is snow free. Concord N Face had a lot of ice on it (it was bombing the gully on the way up around 9:30 AM) and looked wet. May take some warmer weather to dry it out. We also climbed the S Arete of SEWS- comletly snow free the entire way. Raps are rigged for the 3 rappels off that route. SW Buttress of SEWS looked completely dry from our vantage, but you may find some snow on the belay ledge of P 2. The by pass by the SW Coulior is snowy up to the chockstone. We saw a party on the W Face of NEWS, which also looked dry. Have fun.

After deciding to chuck a 12 year professional career for something less taxing on the psyche and stomach lining (TR to be posted to the Café Senisitvo forum later), I decided to take my good friend TimL and his lovely senora ElenaLL up on their long-standing offer to come stay and go climbing with them in Spain. I couldn’t think of a better way to transition from old into new than to go far away and go climbing with good folks for three weeks. I flew in on the morning of Tuesday the 17th and by Friday I was mostly over jet lag and ready to go. Tim and Elena decided to take me back to a crag they had visited the weekend before, called Espiel http://www.aytoespiel.com/paginas.asp?pagina=escalada&cabecera=municipio.jpg&usted=Nuestro%20Pueblo%20--%3E%20Escalada, in the southern province of Andalusia. With a weather forecast of partly cloudy with a chance of showers, we hoped we’d dodge rain and enjoy tolerable temperatures that far south this late in the Spring. After a long drive down and some serious traffic jams, passing many clubs (aka brothels, including one named Club Angels de Charlie) :lmao:we pulled into the bivvy site around 1:45 AM and threw out our bags for some sleep. Shortly after we arrived, the rest of our crew got there and we settled down for the night. As I lay in my brand new sleeping bag, I smiled in contentment to be back out under the stars again. At some point I awoke during the nigh to the realization that instead of putting my chocolate Balance bar in my shoes, it had some how fallen into my sleeping bag and had popped, leaving me sleeping with chocolate and peanut butter all over my back and arm. Yum. A quick and frantic shaking by headlamp got most of it out and I went back to sleep. Around 6AM I heard the tinkling of the welcoming committee and was awoken by a herd of sheep filing into the pasture next to the centuries old church about 100 yards away. Still a bit wonky from jet lag, I got up and took a short walk around to take in the beauty of the area. We had gone from the busy bustle of modern Madrid to bucolic rural Spain in a few short hours. Absolutely amazing. After a short breakfast, some fun with a friendly local sheep dog with a penchant for licking one’s legs and Nescafe coffee we took off for the crag. A 15 minute approach brought us to the first Sector (area) we would climb at that day, Pared de la Estrella. The weather co-operated and high clouds kept what could have been brutally hot to a very pleasant 70-85 degrees- for the most part. When the sun came out, I got a full appreciation of how different- and direct- the Spanish sun is. We went with a large group of folks from the climbing gym that Elena trains with- an interesting introduction to how social, group-oriented (and some times loud) climbing is in Spain. Adding to the ambience were amazing wild flowers, the sounds of many birds, the bells from the sheep herds across the valley and the barking of what must have been a dog kennel or breeder (annoying). I also got a good appreciation for climbing on limestone- it tends to be slabby to start, then get steep, or just starts damn steep and then goes overhanging. And it is almost always very featured and sharp. For your convenience, most of the routes have their names written on the rock at the base, making finding the right routes a no-brainer. A little much in my opinion, but when in Spain... All of the routes we climbed were also equipped with a single snap-link at the top to lower off. While connected to both bolts, lowering off a single point still makes me nervous. Again, when in Spain... After top-roping a pitch to get the feel for the rock, I jumped on the lead end of the rope and climbed the same pitch and managed to get up it with little trouble, somewhat gratefully clipping the chains of my first European Grade 5 (US 5.8 or so) called Psicosis de garrapata. Given that's the 5th pitch I have lead outdoors in over a year, I was happy. Then Tim took off for a solo of many of the shorter routes I would lead later that day, while Elena and I climbed amidst the chatter of the group. We then moved down the cliff to a bit for Elena and Tim to lead something a little more difficult and I followed their leads of No ve na (6a/6a+/5.10a/b) and Toloveo (6a+/5.10b). Interesting, polished, slab climbing to start mixed with steep jug pulling to finish. Super fun. Keeping my leading momentum going, I jumped on the sharp end on some shorter slabbier routes (as I called them in my piedgeon Spanish- rutas de infantial- kids routes) and led Que noche la de aquel día (5) and Pacto con el diablo (5). Elena lead them also in fine style- if not a bit quicker than yours truly. Elena and I then jumped on a three pitch route called Encuentros en la 3ª chapa (grades V-V-6a/5.8-5.8-5.10a/b). I lead the first pitch, which started out slabby and then got VERY steep to finish. Big jugs and well-spaced/placed bolts got me through some of the steepest climbing I have ever led to a nice ledge and belay stance. I brought Elena up as I admired the views across the valley to green hills and olive plantations. With the river below, it reminded me of Smith Rock, or what I imagine Smith looked like in the spring maybe 15-20 years ago before the hordes of people and the pounding that has left it the crowded dust bowl it is today. Elena then led off and quickly dispatched the next pitch, accidentally kicking off a small block that landed where our group had been congregated not 20 minutes before. STEEP climbing led up past some interesting fossils to a nice belay stance below the final 6a pitch. With my feet throbbing from my too-small Miruas, I belayed Elena up the short final pitch, which took her a little while to suss out at the top and then lowered her to the belay. We rapped off and joined the rest of the group at the next sector, Huesitos, which much translate into need bigger balls or harder than I can climb, given the steep to overhanging nature of the routes there. Many of the group where working their way up the harder climbs and I gave Tim a belay on his project, Los Kikis Del Kiriki (7c/5.12c/d). Overhanging climbing led to a bat hang rest out of a huge hole in the rock, where Tim shook out and prepped for the crux above. Tim told be he was going for it and I belayed him through the next section, where to the amusement of the whole group he began to yell at me to take in Spanish which I blissfully didn't understand until his voice went up an octave and he found his English and yelled Take, take take (I now know Pija means take in Spanish). After a short hang, he led through in true Tim style to the chains. I lowered him off and it was time for Elena's turn on her project, a 6c+ (5.11 c/d) called 7 Y Sin Scarala. This climb was a steep slab (the only part I got up), to thin, sharp layback crack into a stem in a dihedral, followed by a short roof to mantle and the chains. Elena took a few burns (and a nice fall) before she sent it on her 5th(?) try. Nice going. She was psyched. We then spent the remainder of the early evening climbing a few easier routes at the top of the crag- Elena sand-bagged us and we finished up on a 6a (5.10a/b) called Hijeros Del Viento in the company of a woman, her teenage daughter and their very friendly golden lab who kept stepping on the rope and fetching rocks, when not snuffling loudly and eating grass. Amidst a light sprinkle we packed up and headed to dinner with the rest of the group in the small town of Espiel. After a brief stop and group rinse at the local fountain we spent some time looking for a place big enough to accommodate our group and fortunately found a non-smoking restaurant. I suspect we kept the waitress much busier than she expected to be and quickly worked our way through plates of bread, pitchers of cerveza, and large salads before our main courses. Tim and I were encouraged to order a regional specialty, which was jambon (ham), wrapped in steak and then fried. Deep fried as it turns out, as we both were surprised by the poo log-like pieces of deep fried meat and French fries that appeared. Fortunately, we could peel off the breading and eat the meat. By this point, both Norte-Americanos were about to fall asleep, and Maria, Elena's friend to my right, removed my fork from my plate in case I did actually go face down in it. By midnight, we were working our way through dessert and another regional specialty, a sherry called something like ha-veth which must translate into moldy grandmother shoes based on the taste. Then it was time to drive to the bivvy for some shut eye before the next day of cragging. We arrived to discover the same woman, her daughter, husband and the friendly lab already there. We exchanged greetings and gratefully crawled into our bags for some sleep. The rest of the group arrived shortly and then it was morning. Another light breakfast, sans friendly sheep dog, and we were back to the crag for another day of climbing. After some route finding discussion, we caught up with the group at the Sector Espigon Derecho, which was a short and steep crag with 25+ routes squeezed onto it. Tim and Elena lead a few short bouldery grade 5 pitches (Las Tortillas and Ovinipresente) which I gratefully (and somewhat sheepishly) followed, as I was feeling tired. Given the number of routes squeezed onto this relatively short and small crag we had a good laugh about leading a traverse of all the routes, clipping one bolt on each and calling it the American In-Direct or the Marshall Plan (apparently the Spaniards have an old song about the Marshall plan and how grateful they were for it, as the group began to sing it when Tim, Elena and I arrived at the crag that day). Tim took off again to go climb with the hardmen of the group, while Elena graciously stayed at the baby crag with me a few others, encouraging me in her special way to get back on the sharp end of a two bolt, grade 5- rig called Esa Misma which was super fun. I belayed Elena up a couple of pitches including her onsight of a 6b (5.10c/d) called La Canjia, which I later got to the first bolt on and then lowered off, unable to pull the sharp and strenuous moves above. Tim returned and I followed him up a fun 6a/a+ route called Di Que No, where my noise-making follow led him to remember an old nickname of mine, Grunt Truck. I then lead it in better style, which will go down as my first red-point of a 5.10b ever. Muy bueno! Satisfied I had lunch while Tm and Elena led and worked a few harder lines. I then convinced Tim to belay me on a couple of last routes for the day, finishing up on two 5’s, one called Equipando Bajo La Lluvia which featured the first bolt at uncharacteristically run out height of about 15-20’, and a final bouldery climb called A Saber. We packed up and headed back down the trail to the parking lot, admiring the views, the flowers and the luck we had had with the weather for the weekend. After another group rinse at the local fountain, it was then time to find some food before the long drive home to Madrid, so we returned to the bar/restaurant from the night before for sandwiches, where I committed the cultural faux pas of ordering a chorizo sausage and cheese sandwich, eliciting a stern and befuddled look from the barman before I changed my order to a ham and cheese sandwich instead. Following some of the best coffee I have had, I settled in to the back of the car for the long drive through amazingly green countryside. Some nice breakbeats and Tim’s heavy right foot got us back to the city in three and half hours, where to the amusement of the folks congregated in the square outside Tim and Elena’s apartment we lugged an entire car full of climbing gear up in one trip. All in all, an amazing trip, wonderful company and a fantastic introduction to climbing on limestone. Gear notes: Lots of quick draws, a 70M rope and sandals or flip flops to belay in. “Pija” means “take” in Spanish , and “Cuerda” means “rope”, while yelling “ropa” means “clothes” and amuses everyone at the crag. The Spanish think Clif bars are made especially for climbers and find that really funny. GU and energy bars are out, bread, cheese, ham , fruit, nuts and peppers are de rigueur at Spanish crags. Mullets and man-pri’s are in among the guys, while the Spanish women like small tight clothing and generally look good in it. Pics to come later.

Feeling really homesick right now, but it looks like we won't be back until March of next year for an Indian Creek trip. But, we'll be in the States from March to August or Sept if things as we want them to go. Plan to spend a lot of time at Index! Good thing I am bringing the Pete's coffee next week.

Bump.

I'm helping a friend sell the remainder of his rack (I bought several)- which he bought new and never used. These are brand new, never placed BD micro stoppers, stoppers, pre-C4 BD cams and pre-Rangefinder Metolious Power cams (FCUs). BD cams .3, .4: $35 each #1 $40 #3.5 $40 #4 $45 Metolious Power Cams SOLD BD stoppers (anodized) $65 for the set 4-13 BD Micro stoppers $45 for the set 1-6 Pics will be in the gallery soon. Cams are in Redmond and will ship for Pay Pal orders only. Shipping is extra based on what you buy. PM or email db underscore climbz At hotmail dot com

Matt P has some good suggestions. I would also add Mt. Daniel and Mt. Hinman- you can also tag Catherdal rock with some 3rd class scrambling from the same camp. Very senic and moderate routes with little crevsse danger. Bugs can be awful in July, though. I did the Coluchuck and Dragontail travese a few years ago and that was a fun relatively non-technical outing. Cashmere Mountain in the same area is also fun.

I don't know Olyclimber (Porter), but know bro will have some serious bills from that much time in the hospital and want to help as I can- my trip to Spain is paid for. Plus I'd love to see this stuff get used. So, with that said, it's time for Gearpalooza-to-help-Olyclimber 2007- with new lower prices. All $$ from sales will be donated to Porter's bills at the accounts set up by Pax and Timm@y. Prices are now lower, but you can pay more to help out. I'll post the sale price here here and a total donation when done. if you want to check shit out, I'll be at Sausage Fest tomorrow night. In no particular order: Petzl Elios Helmet, size 2 (20.9-24); essentially brand new- worn twice. Never dropped, always stored in the shade. Retails for $65, yours for $45. Now $30 TNF Talus Tent- bought when partner forgot tent on 10 day trip, used maybe 15 days total. Fine, 3 season backpacking/mountaineering tent. No rips or patches, poles are in great shape, stock pegs need to be replaced. New for $190, yours for $100. Now $75 Dana Designs Hiyalite Pack, vintage 1993 when they were still made in the US; in great shape, excellent workhorse and load hauler pack approx. 4500-5000 CU, $85. Size large. Now $50. Includes hot Bolle Glacier glasses and Petzl headlamp. Misty Mountain Cadillac Harness in bag, size large (says it fits 33-36 inches, fits more like XL 36-39 inches, too big for me); used maybe three times and in immaculate shape. Retails for approx. $95, yours for $40. Now $30/ Mens Kayland Spider approach shoes, size 10.5. Fits narrower foot than mine. Used 3-4 times, essentially new. $25. Now $15. REI gear sling $10. NOw $5 Cascade Designs Sweetwater filter and silt trap, vintage 1999; Now made by OR. $15. NOw $5 Old-skool Petzl zoom headlamp with 4 batteries and retro Bolle glacier glasses $10 takes both. Free with Dana pack purchase. Men’s no-name black 100 weight zip-neck fleece. Free PM or e mail db underscore climbz at hotmail dot com Photos in the gallery here http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showgallery.php?cat=516

I'd be interested in heading to Smith this week around Weds. 3/28 from Seattle. Have reliable car, rope, full rack and the desire to climb. I'm getting back into it after working too much for a couple of years and can probably lead 5.6-5.7 gear, maybe 5.8 sport. Can belay to 5.14b. 14c in a pinch. Sense of humor intact if cardio conditioning is a bit pre-marathon. No need to return to Seattle on Sunday 4/1 but flexible. Need to be back in Seattle by 4/9.

Bump with new MO.