carolyn

yes, waivers will be signed. Ive spoken to a few people in my area who have done similar things. As long as I am not part of building the wall, I have no liability there. Its a 60 million dollar company. I think if anyone was going to sue someone for anything, the advertising firm would get it, since all I have to my name is my cat and a 1995 geo prizm.

Someone passed my name onto an advertising firm in downtown mpls. They are building a climbing wall in their office for a "partners" going away party. He is going to Nepal for six months. They want to hire me to basically keep them safe as they climb. They bought 800 bucks worth of gear (harnesses, helmets, ropes, climbing holds, biners, etc) and their contracter - whoever that is- will be building the wall next week. After looking over the site I am all over it as long as I get to make sure the anchors are secure and I personally have an area to run if the wall tips over . I asked the going guiding rate. After seeing WHO they are, I now wish I had asked for double. Since this is a disposable event, I will also be acquiring all the gear at the end of the party. As soon as I got on the elevator, I started laughing my ass off. What a great time this will be!!!!!

Sadly, to dispel some rumor I saw started on supertopo, they have not been rescued or found. After reading this rumor, I called Talkeetna and spoke to a woman involved with the search. I was suprised she gave me the information she did. As of right now, the summit area is in white out conditions. It looks like the weather system will stay that way for another 24-36hrs. They are all very distraught out there (definately sensed it in her voice), but doing what they can. If you want information about the search you can contact the park directly @ 907-733-9103. I will likely keep checking in with them the next few days, as one of Karen's climbing partners is a good friend of mine and is not able to be reached easily or get regular updates at the moment. All my positive energy that they are still with us!

Yosemite Rockfall

Well thanks for the encouragement. I think Im pretty much committed to a move out there - whether it be for this job or another. I should hear from them about whether or not they want to grant me an interview by the 9th. *Fingers crossed* I guess I would just drive out there and stay at the grasslands for a month or so, then fly back to mpls and pick up my cat and other belongings once I find a place to live. Im having a garage sale in 2 weeks and selling everything I wouldnt be able to get out there. Shit!!!! I must be serious. Any other info on living areas, potential rentals, or others who live out there, dont hesitate to share! Chau! -c

Im seriously considering moving to Bend. It may (or may not) be very soon. I just sent out a resume to the park and rec dept for a job that is a perfect fit and Im highly qualified for. Though I feel like Im jumping the gun with the possibility, the position does start July 1st. This means I need to have an answer and plan ready right away IF I were hired. The pros of possibly doing this... -dry air, which will be better than the midwest sauna for my newly developed asthma. I really want to breath again. -SMITH! SMITH! SMITH! (I LOVE THAT PLACE!!!!! ) -smaller than the twin cities - less politics and bullshit -cheaper car insurance! -cheaper living expenses (or so it seems) -something new -its an almost ideal job Cons -moving so soon might cause a lot of complications -getting my cat out there. -Ice climbing is SOOOOOOOOOOO far away -cost might wipe out my savings for a while Can anyone tell me about the best areas in bend to rent - I prefer older over 'modern'. Are there better websites than the bend bulletin for resources? Whats the likelihood of staying in the grasslands for a month without getting harrassed and kicked out? Anything else I should know or be warned of about the area? Whatever happens is meant to be. I wont be terribly disappointed if I dont get the job. If thats the case, I think I will definately continue to search for jobs in the area. Thanks for any input! cheers!

Matt- That sounds like fun!!!! Unfortunately I have some friends driving up from Iowa to practice their multipitch skills with me at a secret crag. I cant say where because...ahem! Chaps might over hear. Then I would have to be swatting at mnclimbing.comers rather than mosquitos. Thanks anyway!

Alright, sneaking this MN shit-talk into the picture is TOTALLY uncalled for and innappropriate. And dont think this is the only time I have seen it happen recently! Shame on all of you...you....you pompous creeps!

nice photos

... Oh My! Hows about Moby Dick while your at it?! Ive only been to Yos once. Braille Book was great (except I didnt like the approach). however, I wouldnt recommend it in your circumstances. Just take them craggin'. Church Bowl has some decent climbs. WIth a group that size you could probably spend the day there. I remember enjoying Church Bowl Lieback quite a bit. I think there is a 5.4 and a handful of 5.8's. If you wanna punish someone, I think Church Bowl chimney might be the way to go Next to camp 4 there were some short climbs which would be a good intro. Heck, if you want to get them on a classic, bring some bouldering pads and let them give midnight lightning a try. I dont know your group, their experience, their goals, etc. If they just want to climb and see yosemite, then does it matter if you get on the classics? There are zillions of other climbs out there which they could enjoy. And remember, BIG difference in ratings compared to smith (in my opinion anyway). So, they might get tired out pretty quick. Heck, maybe even a nice hike would be enjoyable. Its gorgeous out there!!!!! Hope you have good weather and fun times! -c

I sure wish someone would have videotaped this. At the very least snuck in a tape recorder for those too far away to attend. Between k's party and mike's show it might have been worth the airfare to hit seattle for the weekend! I hope you had fun mike! -c

Hey Thanks Dru! I actually forgot about it until Wed night at work when a coworker who shares the same bday told me we were doing shots at midnight. Grandma past away last week, so its been quite a whirlwind of activity, w/ bdays being the last thing to think about. I had a good day, though...enjoyed dindin at a new Tibetan Restaraunt in town. Mo-mos are yummy!

Sounds like you were punished! Well, i have a stack of them at home I will try and remember to bring with me. Otherwise, if you come down to smith we can get some mexican food and pump some quarters in the sticker machine! Here is a website to help you outfit yourself with "Happy Bunny" Happy Bunny

Hey Mike! Glad to see you put your stickers to good use! Which one is it? See you all there!

grilled cheese!!!!!!

I booked my flight earlier today for 10/20-10/27. I will be down there Fri 10/21 through Wed 10/26. Look forward to seeing all ya all!

Dude! You cant vote more than once! Im calling you out on voter fraud. Im buying my plane ticket for the weekend of the 22nd See ya all there!

so are we going to call this thing or what? Gotta book a flight, ya know

I thought the lworth rope up was in Sept? I still vote for the weekend of the 22nd

well stink! Guess Im stuck climbing 30ft cliffs in MN this fall. GRRRRRRRRRRR I started school this fall so I and have pretty short window of time to be out there this year. Third weekend ...possibly the 4th if I can convince my prof to let me ditch a week.

oops sorry, I guess I meant the fourth weekend. Oct 21-23rd

well, I was planning on flying out there the third weekend of Oct. Anyone up for that weekend?

WOW! Nice Job guys! Mike, you do a great job inspiring the folks you climb with thru your enthusiasm, determination, and desire to give anything a shot. Eric? FIRST multiday trip?!?!?! WOW! Impressive!!!! Shit! I would write more but there is a goddamn mosquito biting the crap outta me at the moment! Thanks for such a great TR and pics

Unfortunately I will not be able to make such an early date out there. Anyone interested in doing the Love Fest out at Smith on the 4th weekend of October? (21st-23rd).