G-spotter

Access to Welch is probably harder right now than Williams. The main advantage of Williams in the winter is that you can climb directly to the base of the peak from a paved road, through the forest. When the conditions for alpine climbing are good, you will probably have much less trouble finding partners. The NE Ridge of Needle Peak is another good winter outing with paved road access. Although, under some conditions, just getting up the standard route on Needle in winter can be challenging. Blanshard Needle in winter is an excellent objective when the park gates are open. The private maintenance contractors like to lock it up whenever it snows so they don't have to plow the road, though. In stable conditions you can approach via Evans Creek. In less stable conditions the longer summer approach via Alouette Mountain is preferable. Either way, it may be an overnight objective. For road-accessible winter day trip climbing, though, the North Shore has the Valley beat because it has Seymour, the Lions, and Harvey. When you get your license or a partner with a car, those will all be worthy objectives.

By this weekend there will likely be water ice in around Hope to climb. It might not be a very good time for alpine climbing, but *if* conditions permit (and there might actually be some solid, semi-stable crust forming on south aspects with these sunny days), south-facing ridges might offer the best climbing. Something like the complete south ridge of Welch, for instance. Or the standard route on Williams Peak, although the bowl you cross to access that route should not be assumed to be safe from avvy hazard.

Isn't Tenino pretty much Oregon?

We got lot 18 but there's no developed access to it yet -it's an undeveloped lot so they're going to build a road and parking and then it will open.

They had a couple in the factory store last time I was there, but I bought extra Covert Scarfs instad so I can have multiple colors in my quiver.

Seriously though, back on track you can see huge plumes of spindrift blowing off Cheam and Baker, among others, right now, while driving from Abbotsford to Chilliwack. In particular it looked like the NW face of Cheam was getting spindrift loaded. Which is not very favorable for safe climbing conditions.

You don't think guides will be rocking the cotton polo shirt Blake?

From the CASBC newsletter: BRAESYDE PARKING CLOSED Braesyde parking lot closed on November 4th. It has been used for public and climbers' parking since 1992, thanks to the kindness of the Dunlop family. There is no current alternate access to Skaha that does not involve illegal parking, crossing private land, or both. NEW PARKING & ACCESS (Spring 2008) It will take time to plan and fundraise to create an access road, parking, and other facilities at sublot 18. The Land Conservancy, the Skaha climbing community, and other partners, are working on an interim solution for spring 2008. We'll publish news about this as soon as it's available.

cool pics

What have they innovated in the 10 years since they started making jackets? answer: jackshit Oh? compare an Acrux to a Nozone... not to mention the already-mentioned and tres chic Covert Scarf

But the skiing is so good!

Good News: Deal reached to buy Okanagan's Skaha Bluffs land for provincial park Staff Reporter, The Province Published: Saturday, January 19, 2008 A key piece of hiking mecca Skaha Bluffs in the Okanagan has been purchased through a consortium of the provincial and federal governments and big donors like Mountain Equipment Co-op. The popular rock-climbing area will become the Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park after the $5.25-million deal for 304 hectares of land was reached. The monies included $1.25 million from B.C.'s environment ministry; $2.3 million from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which is supported by the federal government; and $1.7 million from The Land Conservancy of B.C. The property includes forests, rivers, rugged terrain popular with climbers and grasslands, and is a haven for 15 at-risk species including California bighorn sheep. "I had a chance to hike through the property and see the Skaha Bluffs first-hand last summer," said B.C. Environment Minister Barry Penner in a release. The Land Conservancy executive director Bill Turner was lead negotiator on the purchase, which drew funding support from Mountain Equipment Co-op and its members along with other government and charitable groups. "The successful completion of the campaign could not have happened without support from the climbing community, and the many wildlife and conservation groups and individuals who are dedicated to B.C.'s wildlife," said Turner. Penticton-Okanagan Valley MLA Bill Barisoff said the deal will ensure the area remains a world-class climbing destination and provide an economic boost to the region. With recent purchases for new parks, the province now has 14 per cent of its land base protected.

Fred will never die. By the time he hits 100 he'll have taken an experimental age reversal gene therapy and have the body of a 20-year old.

Nothing in around Hope itself just yet. Maybe wed/Thurs if it stays cold but nothing yet. Mousetrap is open and running. Took a good look at Sumallo Bluffs while driving back from ski trip to Manning. There is ice there, but also way too much fresh snow. Buszowski/Kippan is completely white with snow and no visible ice bottom to top. The curtain on Landmark gully is blue ice but not hanging as low as on the FA. The steep unclimbed pillar way, way up the bluffs across from 19 Mile Creek is in (WI5?) but looked like a heinous wallow & avvy hazard to get to. The Mess looks like avalanche death waiting to happen.

There is a hell of a lot of fresh snow up high, good skiing conditions, bad climbing conditions.... just FYI. Also high winds - lots of wind loading.

I heard about this 3rd hand while skiing in Manning. Any info?

Hipposnaff.

I hear tell a towtruck grabbed aholt of Mikey Layton's clinic and towed it clear to Salt Lick.

wHAT ABOUT WOMEN ENGINEERS?

Did it get you hot?

I prefer to taunt animals in the countryside, thanks.

You gotta FIGHT for your RIGHT to PAR-TY!

A kid's got a right to drink beer and smoke weed at the zoo. Hell I bet plenty of cc.commers have gotten loaded and taunted animals in their younger days. I've seen Feck ranting at a snafflehound with bottle of rum in his hand... If the zoo enclosures hadn't been substandard the tiger would never have escaped. The zoo is just bringing this up to distract media attention from their liability in this death.

On you, it's real though isn't it?

Sounds like beecher just did. Whats the difference between a climbing guide and bonds? Bonds will eventually mature and make money.