Lambone

quote: Originally posted by Dru: if you know how to aid climb you can probably figure out how to self rescue. Ummm...I'm not makin that conection. Could you explain that a bit more? What does standing in aiders placing pieces have in common with rigging rescue systems??

It's open, with limited hours. It tops out about 10 ft taller than Seattle, but there is less wall space overall. The walls have lots of cool aretes, corners, cracks, and other features. The bouldering area KICKS ASS! They are going to try and set all the routes with color coded holds...No Tape! BTW-It is usualy way closer to Tacoma than the Seattle gym (depending on traffic back ups). Also, the owner of VW is well aware of the demand for a gym down south. My assumption is that since the logistics of opening a large gym are extremly complicated, Bremerton must have had less hoops to jump through (just my own speculation). Mabye Tacoma is next?????? [ 10-31-2001: Message edited by: lambone ]

Isn't it a shame that "want" and "can" are on oposite ends of the spectrum...HAVE FUN bro Jah!

Anyone who has only placed an Express screw will never know the true thrill of Ice Climbing...

I knew I'd get called out on that one, thanks Bronco! The problem with Freedom of the Hills is that it covers a too little of too many things. Know what I mean? It hits almost every topic, but not necesarily very well. The information in it is oversimplified and out dated. How much different is FoTH I from FoTH V? Not much.... new, modern equipment alone makes it obsolete. Don't get me wrong, it has a lot of great stuff in it, and its a good start. But it is deffinatley not the end all be all instructional book that people make it out to be. Some books that I'd rather spend my money on: 1. Mark Twights Extreme Alpinism - info on the real deal, this is how most climbers you see in AAJ do it 2.John Longs Anchors and More Anchors- gotta love Long 3.The Illustrated Guide to Glacier Travel(Crevase Rescue ??)- very detailed, cool drawings 4. Self rescue- a bit confusing, but if you've read it your one step ahead of someone who hasn't These books are detailed and specific. Go to Freedom of the Hills to get a general overview, but then read these books to get some information that is applicable in the real world. Of course, there is no substitute for hands on experience. Remember, these are only my opinions, and I am a nobody who likes many types of climbing, but exells at none. [ 10-31-2001: Message edited by: lambone ]

Sorry Brad, had to try... Good score on the Cobras. This guy Paul Dietrick seems to know something about an ice demo at Banks Lake. Here is the http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001087

Someday oh Jah one...

You win sloth... sorry hasbeen, I forgot to check the flyer for you.

Matt, You are right... And risers help on any tele ski, but especialy fat ones. Not only cause of the boot drag issue, but they help you get the ski over on its edge. My $.02

You Rock!

Nice, thanks jon - you're rad!

-Drury Falls-Whatever comes in at Banks-N. Face Chair-Anything in Canada-The Zodiac, El Cap on Christmas break-Of course-Hyalite Canyon(must)-Fun Backcountry turns Not necessarily in that order...

I hear that Gary Brill puts on a good course. We have a flyer up in the gym, I can get more specifics later tonight, or call Vertical World in Seattle.

All AT bindings (except Dynafit) should work with Plastics. No tele bindings will. Go with Silverreta 300's if you want a cheap approach set up. They are bomber, but don't release...be carefull!! Oh yeah, BTW skiing in plastic boots with a pack on is a wonderfull experience, especialy in breakable crust!!

What about the Who's Online feature? Am I just missing it somewhere? That was kinda cool, you could see that you were not the only bored procrastinator out there!

So there [ 10-31-2001: Message edited by: lambone ]

Alpine Trekkers = Bullshit

Carolyn, Thats a good question! Here is a long winded acount of what I did.... I learned the basics of rock climbing while living in the burbs of Chicago. I didn't have any partners either. So I read lots of books and messed around with stuff. (burn freedom of the hills) One day while out skateboarding I found a random industrial park a mile or so down the steet from my house. I checked it out, looking for something to railslide, but what I found were several large buildings covered in rock siding. Each building had different types of rock in varying degrees of quality. So I came back with my rack and started bouldering around placing peices where ever I could. Then I'd go back and pull 'em all out.(one night I had to jump from 20ft and run from the cops!) I did this everyday after school for a couple of years. When I had the chance to get up to Devils Lake in Wi I'd always build the TR anchors, and try placing gear while on top-rope. Then I'd have more experienced partners check them out. I started leading stuff that I new I wouldn't fall off of, got really scared a few times and all that. And so on and so forth.... Here are a few min tips I'd give. Follow, follow, follow. The best way to learn about placing gear is to take it out. But don't just rip it out blindly, look at it carefully and evaluate how it went in BEFORE you take it out. Once you start on the sharp end, lead easy stuff that you know protects well, and place alot of peices...if you have 'em. Also, try to clean your own gear when possible, it will give you a good feel for what's good and what's not so good. Third, find a good course and take it! Think of it as cheap life insurance. Set up an anchor class at the local rock gym with the most experienced staff member. What ever you can find...I took my first oficial class after 10 years of climbing (on self resuce). I was amazed by how much I din't know about technical systems and such, and I felt very lucky that I've never needed that knowledge before (knock on wood). Take care, have fun, and be safe! [ 10-29-2001: Message edited by: lambone ]

I thought the ratings were kind of fun. It would be cool if we could rate treads as well, as someone said before.

Stevens is claiming a 16 inch base Sun stay away!!!!!

Caveman hath many enemies...Don't worry buddy your next! Oh, and payso, don't worry just keep climbin and the desire to jump on the sharp end will come to you. Have fun! [ 10-25-2001: Message edited by: lambone ]

"Not afraid are you.....ohhh you will be....you will be...." Yoda Hey, my girl is also just learning to tele. I been showin her the ropes, so to speak.We got passes to Steven and should be up there once or twice a week this year. If you wan't some one to ski with I'll trade a lesson for a beer in the lodge! Send me a P.M. when the season roles around. Have fun!

Western Mountaineering Versalite is a great bag. I'm sure the Freinds have something equally nice. Jim Nelson sells Ushba at pro Mountain Sports. But you really want ice tools anyway...

Carolyn, My vote for a vertical ice boot is the Las Trango Extreme. Definately go see Twight. Bring a flask fuul of tequilla, and see if you can match shots with him while hes giving the show!!

Hahahhaha....nice. Except I have three cats, and they'd kick any dogs ass!