Mtguide

If you find the job to be 'suck ass', it may be at least partly your own fault for agreeing to do so.I find it useful to remember,and try to live by,the great motto of Ken Kesey: "Kiss(ie.,suck)no ass."If you want to do more climbing,there's a way to do it.Take responsibility for your own life,find that way,keep going and never look back.No whining,no complaining;no fault, no blame. Here are a few more to stoke the fires: "One who does not make his own way,can never approach creation." -Harry Roberts,Yurok elder "He that makes himself dirt is trod on by swine." -Chinese proverb "A man who would not be the slave of others must be the master of himself." -Wendell Berry "Personal integrity makes Jackrabbit slap Bear." -my little sister(I'm not kidding) Good luck and give 'er hell--see you in the mountains.

I heartily concur with MattP's comment re "reticent hardmen".I've known Wayne for almost 13 years and have never known him to be other than completely open-handed and genuine,a straight shooter,always himself,and that includes ebullient and enthusiastic,as well as one hell of a climber.Wonderful accomplishment; raise the glass high,mates.

Does anyone have info on road conditions on the upper 2 or 3 miles of forest road #2810 and it's spur to the west #041, which approach the Badger Pk./Kirk Rock/Shark Rock area heading up Yellowjacket Creek south from Randle? Is this 4WD country or could you drive an ordinary car or pickup into it?

John Long's books are excellent;spend time at your local crag practicing placements on what you can reach from the ground(no partner required) or on toprope,where you can test with a bit more realism.Also,you have a great club right there in Vancouver; the Ptarmigans,with a wealth of long experienced trad climbers and a famous history(ever hear of the Ptarmigan Traverse?).Get in touch with them.