icegirl

freshies... freshiez... stated definition aside; Sounds a little too much like Freshette's to me... (you know, those things that allow girls to write their names in the snow....)

I cook dinner almost every night, take care of the kitchen, and fix the gears on his bike when they don't spin smoothly... (I guess that's the guy version of flowers and bon bons) As has been already said, it's very important that the SO has something of their own to do. (other than mope around the house about you being gone) Mine is into cycling. If I know I have a long climbing weekend upcoming, I'll play shuttle bus to and from places like Vashon Island so he doesn't have to ride over from Seattle... It's the little things....

Yeah, I wish I'd know that beforehand... (Beating on it with a hammer has done no good to unfreeze it - a mechanic friends advice) Supposedly it's some nylon piece that wears down, that can be replaced with a piece of hose if you are good with cars. (I'm not, as illustrated by the hammer)I hear I can get one cheap at a junkyard (like $80 vs. $400 at the dealership) a great website on the topic:http://www.glue.umd.edu/~singletn/web/pages/tcase.html I've had some good leads (as far as climbing partners) now it's all a matter of schedules and this damn warm stretch to pass...

Sounds interesting, I'll try to make it... 6:30ish

Working the 12-13th. On call the 18th (so can't go anywhere until 7am Saturday morning which kind of hoses weekend trip to Lillooet) Working Sunday the 27th. No scheduled shifts in February yet. Figure the ice will be better then considering the current warm rainy weather... Gotta work some shifts so I can get my dry ropes and replace the little motor on the transfer case that makes my 4 WD work. (it's been a very reliable FORD up until now)

likely story...

Schultz, Great advice, thanks! Where were you when I thought I was ready to start leading gear?!?! Interestingly enough, when I wanted to start trad leading, the guys I hung out with never mentioned learning to aid climb as an option, and scoffed at the idea when I asked... I guess they all learned the hard way, on the sharp end, and felt that it was the only real way. I on the other hand am a conservative whimp, and prefer to learn under more controlled circumstances. Oh well, every one is intitled to their own opinions. D-squared, keep asking questions, and sooner or later you will get the answer you feel works for you the best.

everyone has their price . . . Is this an avatar sale, or auction? Do we get to bid?

Avatar: 1. hinduism One that is regarded as an incarnation 2. An embodiment of or exemplar; archetype. Pulls out trusty thesarus... Archetype: classic exemplar, form, ideal, model, original, paradigm, pattern, perfect specimen, prime example. I try to learn a new word every day... of course I forget two or three...

dry-tooling... or hearing climbing terms out of context... Heard in the Operating Room of a local trauma center one night, after a person was saved by a chief resident's quick hands, technical excellence, and just being damn good ... Anesthesiologist: How'd that lady do from early tonight?? Surgeon: She's Bomber, man... Anesthesiologist: Bomber? sorry to hear that... Me playing translator: she's just fine, it's a climbing term for "rock solid" Anesthesiologist: Oh... uh... glad to hear it...

With a little advanced notice, anything is possible....

Not a troll (though you are correct, it would be a pretty entertaining, well concocted one if it were) cascadeclimber, I think I have pictures of you and Jens left over from a trip to Lillooet almost a year ago... [ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: icegirl ] [ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: icegirl ]

Will follow just about anything (happily!), have reasonably flexible schedule, don't mind slog fests and river crossings, have gear except dry ropes. (will remedy that soon + a few more ice screws) Also might be looking for a ride to the Lillooet ice fest... (I'm harmless enough, and don't take up much space - now my pack, that's a different story) Will split room/gas/etc, and bring beer.

Grivel Light Machines = two thumbs up Other than the fact that I fell in love with them the first time I used them (they make me better than I really am), I agree, the grip size does seem to make a difference for size x-pygmy hands. I tried the Top Machine for a long weekend, the grip is even thinner, and the swing feels about the same, but those "sporty" knuckle guard/leashless handles would take some getting used to (and adjusting for small hands). Not like I'll be participating in any leashless-speed-ice-climbing comps. anytime soon...