jkrueger

I knew I was jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire with that one - especially with this crowd! My point is simply that any idiot can figure out how to fuck, but you have to be a fucking idiot to be a climber!

Of course, there is nothing in this world that makes me feel more alive than that feeling I get when I think I'm going to die! Sometimes, things get a bit scary, and I wonder "why the fuck do I do this?" And then I remember "oh yeah, this is why!" I would even go so far as to say that climbing is better than sex! Climb safe!

When you think about it, recreational climbing is basically a pointless and selfish activity. So you get to the top of Peak X, you climb better today than you did yesterday, you put up a new route at your top secret crag spot, you have cooler gear than the next guy, whatever. Basically, nobody really cares and nothing you do is going to make the least bit of difference in this world in the grand scheme of things now or ever. What I try to do is separate myself from the outcome, and enjoy the activity. In other words, live in the moment, appreciate it for what it is, and leave it at that. I love to climb, and for me, it's as simple as that. I climbed solo yesterday morning, I climbed with family and friends yesterday evening, I lost a huge chunk of skin from a finger, and I got stomped by a 5.11 that I've made it up on previous occasion. It was a good day. I wasn't hard on myself for failing at something I'd previously achieved, because in the moment I was doing what I loved. Sure, I can't deny that I want to climb harder. I'd like to climb some alpine and carve some turns on the way down. I'd like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. But I don't want to do any of those things just for the sense of accomplishment, or to push the limits of my abilities, or for an ego boost and spraying rights. When I'm on the rock everything else disappears - I'm not thinking about my wife, my kids, my job, the bills, the state of the world, or any cc.com spray. Everything melts away and it's just me, my mind, my body, the rock, and the moment. It's not the destination, it's the journey. Look at the expression on the face of a six year old in the middle of a climb, as I did yesterday, and you can't help but appreciate the joy that climbing can bring.

quote: Originally posted by allison: I got a $105 ticket coming down from Elk Heights E of Eburg yesterday...

Well, I guess it could go either way... Kind of like a lot of the avatars around here.

I don't know... Something as innocent as a group hug is likely to turn into a drunken orgy with all the ass ninjas, mr. happies, and snatch jammers lurking around here...

This is getting scary! Where's the monster gremlin?

quote: Originally posted by Hayduke: You might be a Washington gaper if you believe you climb better after smoking a few bowls of kind bud. And you're not a gaper if it's actually true!

Worst Case Scenario: They cast Eminem as Tommy Caldwell, The North Face pays a million bucks to have their logo plastered all over Britney's bosom, and everyone from the Nordstrom's crowd starts climbing.

It seems that Jon's (wet) dreams are being answered! They are considering casting Britney Spears as Beth Rodden if they make the Kyrgyzstan kidnapping ordeal into a Hollywood movie. Source: Rock & Ice, July 2002, p. 96

...if you're all mossy from stading around gaping in one place for too long.

quote: Originally posted by Dave Schuldt: Hey you guys down there are organized. You set a good example for us up here in Seattle. I think SK scared off Country Jake, and then Anna went to fight fires, so we're now down to 3 cc.com regulars! It's not like we have much to fight about concerning when or where to go. Bellemontagne has taken it upon himself to work our "marketing campaign" in an effort to broaden our horizons and get some more beer drinking, crag climbing, alpine loving, shit talking people to share our joy.

I have Sunday to myself, and plan on taking full advantage of the opportunity by spending a day at the crags. If anyone wants to climb in Portland, Smith, or anywhere in between for a day let me know...

Nice TR, but you forgot to mention the ironic part where your dog attacked Timmay's vehicle!

Chase, No posts for three months and then whammo - you're on a sprayfest with a vengeance. What's up - cooking channel off the air today?

Thanks to timmay & jon for their gracious hospitality and the overall plab time (not to mention everything they do around here)! Thanks as well to chase for the amazing salmon, lisa for the trip to her vehicle, anna for the PBR, mtnrgr for hanging out with the boys, bellemontagne for keeping it interesting, sk for everything, the dogs, the frogs, the chub, the suds, cartoon programming, sneaky fingers, and the wonder that is Smith Rock.

Cock sucker flies but cali is offensive?

A daisy girthed through the harness does tend to clutter things and get in the way. For toproping and sport leading it's not much of an issue. But snagging gear that you're in the process of placing or cleaning gets annoying! I do appreciate the quick convenience and adjustability of a daisy. I keep mine attached to my harness at all times and find the entanglement issues it causes are minimal compared to the benefits. Besides, I like knowing it's always there if I need it.

Ummm.... As far as I know, sk only hot tubs in the nude - is that going to be a problem? We'll be there! Looking forward to it...

And this says what of your character? Sicko.

quote: Originally posted by erik: quote:Originally posted by glen: Knots on rap ropes are certainly a must unless there is abnormal fear of weird ass rope tangling from flakes, etc. i disagree... OK, I'm curious - why do you disagree?

quote: Originally posted by scott harpell: tell the hubby i said hey! She was kinda cranky this weekend anyway... you know how women can be.

I've never heard of Spray being taken so literally before... That sucks! The Columns (aka Skinner's Butte) is more of a rec. park than a crag. It's in the middle of the city so there are all kinds of people going through there all the time - you definitely have to keep one eye on everything at all times. People will steal your stuff while you're climbing only 20 ft. away; degenerates break glass all over; sketchy people wander down from the hills in obviously altered states at all hours; tweakers threaten to commit suicide by jumping from the top, making for an ugly scene until the cops show up; gapers show up and decide to free solo; kids run around unattended; people will just clip into the anchor bolts you are using; and there is quite a bit of generally unsafe activity practiced by various people. Now, in addition to dogs that bite and dogs that run around unattended, there are dogs that run around and piss on your gear!!! It just makes me appreciate the rare occasions I have shown up there to rope solo and found I had the place all to myself!

quote: Originally posted by Dave Schuldt: ONLY IF YOU LIKE A WET ASS!!!! I keep rainpants in my pack- this is the PNW!