Juan

There are numerous threads on this from this past weekend. The snow is fine. No need for snow shoes. Have fun. John Sharp

Everyone: If you go out with Tim, it will rain. Trust me on this. Cheers, John Sharp

Skinning up AssGuard doesn't count, man.

Good try Tim. It's a great one for a day climb. Keep up the good work! John

Jeremy: Doug Walker and I climbed the NBC on Colchuck this past Sunday. Not as hard as the NE Couloir, but likely safer in warm temps, which we had. A couple thoughts on the above comments: You don't need snow shoes or skis any more. Just take ski poles. The lake is not safe to cross any more, from what we could see. All of the couloirs were releasing this weekend. Pick your line carefully, particularly if it doesn't freeze. We didn't need crampons, and neither did I when I did the same route two years ago. Take them, but you might not need them. Two tools are helpful for plunging. There is plenty of rotten snow; sometimes you have to fish around for something to stand on. Have fun and be safe. John Sharp

Mike: Stop skiing. Start climbing. And you were right about the temps. Cheers, Juan

Good to meet you Dru. Doug and I scooted up the NBC, which was in good though sloppy shape. I guess we missed Triple by a week. At least NBC is good exercise. Chatted with Fred and your friend on the way out. They had a good day. Lots of mounties in the area too. A couple of beautiful women in a big group by the end of the lake in the afternoon, especially the one with dark hair, dark eyes, and a tan (from what I could tell, walking by). Wo. Really inspirational. Ray: Hope you got some, dude. Cheers all, Juan

There's a lot less snow than you'd expect for this time of year with the snow fall we've had. You can drive all the way to the trailhead, and hike almost snow free to the junction. No need for snow shoes or skis getting to and around the lake, but poles are helpful. Nothing unusual. Triple Couloirs was reported by Dru, Fred B., and partner as sliding, soft, and potentially dangerous. We didn't spend the night, but were told it did not freeze Sat. night. They backed down, and we didn't bother checking on it or the NE Couloir. NBC on Colchuck, our third backup, is easy right now with some rotten snow. Go get it. John Sharp

Amber: Erik is uglier than a bucket full of buttholes. Cavey is the hunk around here. Call him. If I weren't married, I'd take you out in the alpine. Juan

Bob: As you know, Doug will either spring them on his partner on the trail going in, or on the way out, or in the car on the way home. Typically not on a route of any substance. By the time I'm three beers down on the way home, I can't even follow his questions. And don't even get him started on Civil War history. The man is a mental and physical machine. My only contribution is the occassional literary reference, meaningless gossip, and the occassional lead. What's up Bob? Rafting?

Do you suppose Little Buddy has a copy of the book in his room?

Thanks, Matt. We'll see what the weather holds, and what Doug wants to do. John

Cavey is right. Little Buddy is all of the above. He can kick steps for me any day. Just don't think that because he doesn't break through a frozen lake or sun crust that you won't either. He weighs about 130 lbs. soaking wet with a Mountaineers-sized rack over his shoulder!

As a friend and occassional partner of Colin, I think I'll call him Little Buddy. He's a lot more talented than Gilligan, but I just think the name is perfect. Can we agree that he is Little Buddy from now on? Think of the headlines: "Little Buddy sends Girth Pillar in a day," and so on. John

Thanks Alex. It has always looked a bit early to me over Memorial Day, but I think Doug has done it several times early. Hmmm. John

Has anyone checked this out in the last week, either from a distance or by actually climbing it? Looking for a long day climb for this weekend, and the weather report suggests we head east. Wondering how much snow is still on the route, particularly above the pillar. Thanks much as always, John Sharp P.S. Maybe my friend Colin Haley could go out this afternoon and tidy up the route. Any chance of that Colin?

Very sorry to have missed this one. Couldn't get the kids to sleep. But I have to ask: Did Fred sign anything silky this time? John Sharp

Colin: I seriously doubt you climbed this in a day, and I want pictures. Just kiddin', bud. Great job. What's next? John

Will Fred be there to sign women's undergarments? My wife is SO THRILLED with having his signature on her favorite (and now retired) silk climbing bra. It's going on the gear room wall. Tours of the shrine are available for a small charge. Thanks, Fred. John

I missed the chance to shoot at Agent Orange, but what a sorry debate. Like Dan Smith and many others, I've climbed with Colin. He also goes to school with my niece. He isn't going to lie about a climb, that much I know. He's a great kid who is fast becoming an alpine star. And unlike many here, he's modest to a fault. You should think twice, Agent Orange, before you accuse people of being liars. You will only alienate yourself from all the good people who frequent this site and our mountains. We shouldn't be required to produce pictures to quell your doubts. A little trust goes a long way. It's too bad your climb didn't work out, but evidently Colin found different conditions. No sense having a tantrum over it. Just go back this weekend and nail it. John Sharp

E-Dog: Mail me off line and fill me in on your trip. Mr. Good Time

Ray: Are you there, man? You were in the men's room for like 45 minutes, then we couldn't find you. Yes, a good time was had by all. I know my wife will be thrilled when I produce her favorite climbing bra (silk, Vistoria's Secret) with Fred's autograph on the left cup! Happy Mother's Day, babe! Fred is a great guy, and great to meet Chris and Greg and see Tim again. Juan

NW Brewhouse it is then.

NW Brewhouse sounds fine, but The Roanoke on MI is actually a cool bar. AlpineK, whoever you are, maybe I'm the other eastsider whose name you can't remember. I've been posting here under different names for quite a while. Look forward to meeting you in person before Cavey takes you out tonight. Let's settle this before lunch. John Sharp

The Dutchess is good for Eastsiders too. The Roanoke is actually really cool, and when you next think of an Eastside event, think of that place. But for now, this week, the Dutchess. 7:00? Juan