Greg_W

Well? Boston Basin? Goode? Buckner?

Don't need one, period. Bivy sack and some savvy traveling and you're good.

Drop me a note. Wanna get out, don't have a definite plan yet.

I haven't seen them bloom, but I tromped on these little plants heading up to TEmple Canyon this weekend that smell really great. What were those, again, Jim? I forgot.

Is your life that devoid of meaning? REad a book.

Another note, from John Long's book, is that if you stuff a cam way back into a crack, it is more difficult to truly see how the lobes are contacting the rock. Better to place the cam near the edge of the crack so you can see how everything is setting against the rock. As far as over- and under-cammed placements, I go for optimal and get the best I can. Greg_W

Isn't that the same as the Sportclimbing Forum?

If you knew anything about tree climbing you would know that all tree climbers solo with a harness, rope, locking carabiner, and a throw ball. A real tree climber doesn't need some sleasy, mail order, eurotrash bride. Point to AK.

My advice: shoot 'em before the Government finds out and denies all access to the area in order for "restoration" to take place. Shoot, shovel, and shut up.

I think the first thing you should realize is that environmentalists do not like climbers and our "fouling" of the environment with chalk, bolts, slings, and our human presence period. Second, don't expect anything that is government-related to provide any benefit to climbing and/or climbers. The first thing a government agency does is figure out how they can control new entities and increase revenues through those entities. I am not completely convinced that more government, or public, awareness of climbers and the climbing community is a good thing. There is something to be said for keeping a low profile and going about our activities. A few comments: 1. "Get more funding thrown our way..."??? Don't think that that will happen, Beck. These politicos know that our demographic doesn't have a high degree of political involvement and/or votes. Thus, they won't waste time on an "interest group" that has little or no interest. 2. I don't want the non-climbing public to think of us at all. Out of sight, out of mind. 3. Sound Tourism and Sound Environmental? Again, if it has to do with government, it's a bad thing for us. Tourism? You want to bring MORE climbers here? That will only increase congestion, increase visibility, and cause both State and Federal agencies to figure out ways to get money from us. I honestly can't see how this will benefit climbers and the climbing community. It sounds like it will benefit Beck, though.

I agree with JayB. Serious discussion regarding bolting SHOULD take place here in this forum and include serious discussion only. It IS an issue, and it is not going to go away. Greg_W

Quite the endorsement from the King of the lame and mediocre.

"We the Living", by Ayn Rand "Anthem", Ayn Rand "When Character was King," (forget author)

You know, if I didn't have real parents, those two did do some pretty incredible things! I'd be proud to call Jim and Bets P and M. I'm sure you'd fit right in with Betty's crowd. Unfortunately, for Father's Day you'd have to fly to the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!

Then, welcome. You'll be getting a membership packet sometime soon. Don't worry it's coming, don't call and bitch that it's not there yet, you'll just piss us off and then we'll...we'll...have like a dozen pizzas delivered to your house at midnight...yeah...HAHA!!! Teach you to call and complain!! HAHAHA!!! Who has the last laugh now, huh? Yeah, that's what I thought...keep walking...pfffft!!! Wuss.

No we don't. Embrace it, it's very empowering. We mean people are very happy, actually, and lead fairly productive lives. Join us...

Specifically, where, JoshK?

Can we call you "SBBS" for short?

Mattp, individuals who sign up for the reserves are often former "Regular Army", but a large number are "weekend warriors". Do you honestly think that people who sign up for the Reserves don't understand that active duty IS A POSSIBILITY? How naive do you think these people are? Seems like you aren't giving these people much credit for understanding the commitment they made.

I got freaked out when they changed the trail to the Lower Wall at Index! Called it a day right there.

Chuck, Vietnam was a different situation, personnel-wise. Those troops were mostly draftees. The current U.S. Army in Iraq is volunteer; this is their job, they have chosen this as their current career. Don't say they are getting screwed until you ask them how they feel about it. Many, I am sure, are glad to be out doing for real what they have been practicing for so many years. I do agree, though, that Iraq is a nasty situation all around.

three if there's ironing to be done. Can't fool me bro' - I know you full capabilites! Don't worry I'll keep in on the 'down low'. Thanks. Now what happened to my can of spray starch?

This isn't always a blanket statement for me. A feel totally comfortable in 5.9 cracks most of the time, but 5.9 face/friction makes me a little nervous, and I hate 5.9 chimneys. So, for me, it depends on the climb as to what I say.

David, check your pm's.

I disagree. I am very straightforward on what I can and cannot do. I don't necessarily "rate" myself, as much as communicate what climbs I have done and felt strong on (when meeting a new partner). If asked, I usually downgrade myself a number, because then I KNOW I'm totally solid if they turn out to be slightly less than desired as a belayer.