Stefan

Thank you for sharing. Spectacular!

Now that is a great trip. I like how you thought it was the end of the trip at the small tarn. And then the shit got nasty on the way down. Kewl.

Religion plays a larger role in poverished areas. True. Europe has one of the least people considered "religious". Why? Most of the government has taken up the socialist causes to take care of people whereas it used to be the church. Can't answer why dissent is going on now in MidEast. Poverty has always been a staple in Africa, and yet you did not hear much "terrorist" acts in previous years. There has always, always been fighting in Africa. One band against another. Even before British, French, and Belgium influence. Maybe it is the images they see. When I was in Pakistan several years ago. I was confronted by the Baltis in their typical banter. They loved to sit around and talk. They kept asking me, "Why is that we are so poor and yet we work so hard?"

How many Islamic fundamentalists are considered monetarily wealthy? I read an underlying tone of jealousy.

Wow. Hats off to that pilot.

This is an awesome thread. I am married. For 13 years. After 13 years there is some comfort in knowing how deep the hole goes.

climbing is a hobby. just like model train sets.

Ummmm.....I am not joking. I am amazed at how he got to that location. The Rupal Face is amazing. That is a feat to get there.

I guess they couldn't get to him with the helicopters. It is amazing to see where Tomaz is at. To get there and the goal he had....

Gary, Drop Z. Happened to me before. I wonder if Z is the same person? I hope someday I can be your F dude. Screw the other chaps in between D and W.

Good pictures. Nice. Yep. Those registers I USED to place held water nicely.

Here is a quick tip. Get a 3000-4000 cu pack. If you buy a big pack you will want to stuff it becuase you have the space. If you purchase and use a small pack you will notice that your natural response will be to eliminate what you can live without becuase not all your stuff can fit in the smaller packs.

I would quash this thread if I could. The border patrol knows about us. And they are willing to let us do our "across the border to get route" attitudes. But if illicits knew and started using the info, you could bet there would be a hammer coming down on the climbing community from the border patrol. Recommendation=keep it quiet and eliminate this thread.

I remember reading a story of somebody rappeling using the strap off their camera as a rappel sling. It was on Gasherbrum IV.

Did you steal that girlfriend of yours from any man recently?

I hate rappel failure. "Hate" is not too strong of a word.

great pictures!

That family theme is great! Love the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

At least the guy in Enumclaw died while doing something he loved.

Thanks for sharing. That is a cool game.

Esteem is an important part. If you do not believe in yourself, then you are probably not going to complete a difficult route. Remember Carl Lewis? I remember his interviews. Damn he was egotistical. But he believed in himself.

not sure if this question pertains to that above....but, is there a bulletin board on this site called called "Newbies"?

I kiss the top of every summit. My climbing partners know this. One time they reached the top just before me and they all pissed on the actual summit rock.

Thank you for sharing! Those are some great photos. What a great trip you two had. Me jealous? You bet!

Keith. Great to have met you on the trail. I did Chiwawa, and then followed your footsteps up to the summit of Fortress....traversed over to Massie Peak and then down. PM me and you could be on on my email list...and maybe sometime you would like to join me. I live in Auburn...I am always looking for more southern Puget Sound folks...becuase they are so rare.