silaswild

silaswild@yahoo.com

What a pleasant gathering in Ballard yesterday evening, comfortable, small venue like Feathered Friends (minus the free keg) or Swallows Nest in the early '70s and presenters who still can't get over their realization of a beautiful dream. Thanks to you who credited me with the historical info, but it was John Roper who claimed that Joan Firey had done much of the traverse previously, but in pieces over several trips not as a full enchainment. Also it was great to see Mike Swayne, from the first ascent team of the North Ridge of Terror in 1961, there and learn that he walked into Pioneer Ridge this summer. They walked out to the Baker River in a day. The comment Wayne (?) made about wondering if Peter Croft had considered it: I don't know that he climbs rock of Picket quality. Comments made on this forum in July about rating sandbaggers were interesting to me as I've watched rating inflation over the past 40 yrs. Take a look at the original rating of Midway at Castle Rock in the 1960 orange paperback guide 5.4, now I think the books call it 5.6 (of course these days what rock jock has a clue what the difference is between difficulty of these levels). Also Fred's description of the East Ridge of Inspiration is "some steep 5th class" Some of what folks here called "sandbagging" may be old grading, what say you MattP? Let's see now, back to the title of this thing! How old were Fred and Helmy when they did the first ascent of Inspiration? Older or younger than Colin's first winter ascent of it? Great to see Colin and others realize there are still new adventures in the Pickets, and have a couple mentioned at the show. Picketagonia, nice name for winter there. Thanks to the three Picketeers for a great show. Now back to my lurking....

eternalx: How does one get ticket for that price? Show WA driver license at the counter? Or buy at 7-11, or what?