Greg_W

Bleaching & the resultant stiffness is an indicator of UV degradation for sure. I prefer dark slings as this breakdown is easier to ascertain.

Thanks. Am thinking of wearing tennies as far as I can before switching to boots.

All three books...read 'em, go practice, then come back and read them again. The second time it will make more sense because you've seen it and touched it already. Here's an interesting fact: there was a study done that concluded that a human must see, say, touch, and hear something at least 6 times to retain 62% of the information. It seems like I re-read (or peruse) John Long's books every season. Having someone take you, who knows what they are doing, is great too.

TRUE DAT and givlers is totaly fun. THe veiw form the start of the second pitch is AMAZING That was my ass, sugar. It might not be there when they climb it.

How's the trail lately? Is it snowfree at all?

Robert, beware that you do not enter a self-defeating loop of second-guessing and worry. If these thoughts are in your head when you're out in the mountains, you should go home because you are not fully focused on the task at hand. This endangers you and your partner. For myself, I have done some of my best climbing in the midst of personal termoil (I don't know why) and have been able to put it on the back burner by meditating and visualization. For me, it's the same as forgetting about your last piece, 30' down, as you move onto a sandy ledge. The most important thing at hand is what is at hand. Good luck. Greg_W

At your age, I highly doubt it, but continue in your youthful delusion.

Ain't that the truth, brother.

Hey, it takes awhile to wait for the perfect opportunity to drop a gem like that. I'm going for quality over quantity these days.

First time she says, "what are you thinking?"

Translation: DUDE! Let ME take your girlfriend climbing. I'll make sure she's VERY relaxed and comfortable. Not really, bro, but I have taken chics climbing who said they felt more comfortable learning from me than their SO.

Another thing, dude: maybe you aren't the one to make your SO comfortable on multi-pitch. I don't know your dynamics, but she might have a more comfortable time with someone else on her first multi-pitch. I have known several chics where this was the case. Just a thought.

If she wasn't comfy on R&D, then don't take her on Givler's. R&D is the comfiest belays in the Icicle, almost.

Depending on how you lead, she'll be cleaning between 12-16 pieces in two pitches (including 3 or 4 pieces for the belay anchor).

From the ground, you can't make it in one pitch without simul-climbing; I will assume that if your g/f isn't ready for multi-pitch, she might not be down with simulclimbing out of earshot. The first pitch is only about 60', or so, and you have visual contact the entire time. The second pitch is done in one long 60-m pitch, rope drag isn't too much of an issue, but communication is. Hope this helps. It was my first multi-pitch climb and a good one.

In my own hate-filled way, I was making the point that this should not be a surprise to anyone. When, since you became politically aware, have you known ANYTHING that the government has undertaken to require less than what they say? Plus, this was a mess from day one and we knew it was going to be messy. Better to spend the money so that the military can do its job (and win), than to hamstring them like we did in Vietnam.

He must have used the same calculator as that fucking dumbass Ted Kennedy used when he sold us that Medicare bullshit back in the '60's Have you said your prayers to Uncle Joe Stalin yet today, Jim? Fuckin' Commie Fuck.

Perhaps so, but largely liberal-leaning.... The chics are cool. Don't worry about Allison's spew, she thinks she speaks for all womanhood and shit. She's bitter and angry (I'll say, "takes one to know one" before she does).

Thanks to everyone who made my bro Dave welcome. He had a blast and it sounds like he got the hookup on some new partners. See, there is good shit that comes out of this site.

That'll keep most of the regulars away.

"Skinny hippy"??? What the fuck were you smoking? I've never been called a hippy before. How many hippies do you know who have freezers full of dead animals?

I was easy on your ass, punk. Bwahahahaha!!! I still say that you never would have had the balls to introduce yourself until I walked up to you. SUCKA!!!!

I left my sockful of batteries at home last night Hey, Corona, you know I was being nice. Sheesh, it's like talking to Baptist girls again.

Thanks, Gary.