Skip_M._Kliphiem

So. like, ahh, thanks for setting me straight.

So, like, ahh, when and where.

I have to second that Mailbox Peak suggestion. It's sustained steep and conveniently located. A bit hard on my cranky old knees on the downhill.

As much as I hate really big businesses that make it hard for the smaller shops to compete, I have to say I am quite pleased with Amazon when it comes to getting guide books at a good price in relatively short order. I ordered 4 used books worth about $95.00 new, paid $37.00. It took about a week to get them and when I open the box I find 4 new books, not the used that I had ordered, shipping included. Pretty sweet deal.

I like the looks of that camera. Idealy though, one that runs on double A battries...that way I can just rob the batteries out of a headlamp if needed, more affordable too! Those lithium batteries are expensive.

Good Beta, I'll look into those other routes for more options.

Yea, last time I carried a film camera. This time I would like to have a digital so I can post pix. Any suggestions for cameras that will hold up to the abuse? My Lieca got damaged when I was in the Sierras last summer.

You guys are so mean.

On July 1st I'll be leaving a 13 week road trip with the intent of ticking off a few classic climbs as well as some hidden treasures. A couple of years ago, a partner and I were climbing together in a few of these locales with great success. We found good climbing in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. In 10 weeks we ticked off 14 alpine climbs and too many roadside crags to mention! (TR from 2002 Road Trip) My Itinerary: The Wind River Range, Wyoming, July 17 through 31: Deep Lake (5-7 days) North Face of Haystack Mountain (II, 5.6) and Converging Cracks (II, 5.7-5.8) North Ridge of Steeple Peak (III, 5.8) Northwest Buttress of Temple Peak (III, 5.8) Cirque of the Towers (5-7 days) Warm up on the South Buttress of Pingora (II, 5.6) and Northeast Face of Watchtower (II, 5.7) North Face/Northwest Ridge Warrior II (III, 5.8) Northeast Face Pingora (IV, 5.8) The Teton Range, Wyoming, August 1 through 15: CMC Route on Mt. Moran (III, 5.4 or.6) Direct Petzold Ridge of the Grand Teton (III, 5.7) or Southeast Ridge Middle Teton (III, 5.7) Serendipity Arete on Mt. Owen (IV, 5.7) North Ridge of the Grand Teton (IV, 5.8) Open Book on Disappointment Peak (III, 5.9) The Snaz in Death Canyon (III, 5.10) Tuolomne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, August 20 through 31: West Ridge of Mt. Conness (II, 5.6) Hobbit Book (II, 5.7) (unfinished business) Matthes Crest traverse (III, 5.7) combined with Southeast Buttress of Cathedral Peak (III, 5.6) North Face, Regular Route of Fairview Dome (III, 5.9) The High Sierras, California, September 1 through 15: East Arete of Mt. Humphrey (II, 5.4) East Face of Mt Whitney (III, 5.6) or East Buttress (III, 5.8) contingent on crowds/permitting Moon Goddess Arete, Temple Crag (III, 5.7) and/or (both) Venusian Blind Arete, Temple Crag (IV,5.7) Sun Ribbon Arete, Temple Crag (IV, 5.7 to 5.8) Southeast Face of Clyde Minaret (IV, 5.8) Yosemite Valley, California, September 16 through 30: anything could happen at this point! You may have noticed that in most of the regions the climbs I have selected start out easy and progress in difficulty. This is to accommodate new partners whom may not have acclimated, some of the climbs range from 8 to 10 thousand feet, many are 12 to 14 thousand feet. Aside from The Snaz most of these routes are of moderate rating. They have been selected for that reason as well as their reputation for being among the best in the country at this grade. This is very enjoyable climbing on mostly quality rock, little to no brush bashing and it never rains! Just look out for those lighting bolts. I plan to stick with this calendar, the dates will not change. The individual climbs may vary depending on partners’ availability/abilities. I have partners for several of the climbs already. If you have serious interest in getting together for a couple of routes or one of the regions, get in touch with me. I have been to many of these areas, have maps, guide books, route topos, know where to find free camping, fresh bakery, great local brews & grub and free internet access.

You can purchase a guide for Castle Crags at the gate for $7 or $8. It's a park and I can't remember if there's a fee to get in. Might be a little cold and snowey. The road that winds it's way to the approach takes you kind of high. Been there in late May and it was plesant, drove past there this time last spring and it was looking pretty wintery. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out. We stopped there for a few hours on our way down to the valley, did a couple of routes. Good granite, but different from Yosemite rock.

So why have you, TLG & Billygoat, choosen the am'd over the other Petzel options?

There's glacier travel, bring pickets. Bring screws(as well as nuts and tools)if you want to climb the Formidable Glacier otherwise they're not needed, an ice axe is sufficient for the traverse. Your rack would depend on the routes you choose for the summits you wish to tag along the way, many can be scrambled, otherwise a rack is not needed for the traverse alone. See the green Becky guide for details of routes/summits. Do a word search for some route descriptions and reports.

Details, details...Check your PM's too!

I use locking handcuffs...cinch'em down real tight until they scream. Never considered using biners but I'm sure they would work.

Check your PM's

Thanks for the invite! Unfortunatley I've been classified persona non grati by our northern neighbor.

My partner was not one of the victims, but a member of the group.

Reduced to $150.00 Send a PM.

Had 2 different trips planned and both partners bailed: 1 involved in last weeks Banff tragedy and the other being sent to Russia for a couple months of work. Anyone interested in getting away for an extended weekend to one of the afore mentioned destinations let me know. The Valdez Ice Climbing Festival is coming up March 12-14.

I was really hoping someone could help me decide on the color. The financing is not a problem, there's a 36 year mortgage @ 100% interest compounded quarterly.

I have used Heat Treat Hand Warmers duct taped to the bottom of the cannister with success. Much safer than the copper tubing! The trick is getting the tape to stick to the metal...warm up the tape and make sure there is no condensation on the cannister.

Between the Mammut Cloud Hooded Jacket and the Patagonia Puff Jacket which would you choose and why? With the Patagonia sale and great deals at Second Ascent the prices are close to the same.

February 20 to 29, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mountain film festival with top notch guest speakers, films, photo contest, bouldering/climbing contest and special events. Watch website for event updates. Contact: www.vimff.org, info@vimff.org, or 604-990-1505.

Brand New $200, it's rated small but I wear a medium and it fits great! Athlete tested and proven, this is the most technically advanced, innovative and reliable expedition gear available. The Gore-Tex® XCR™ 2-layer stretch fabric is the latest generation of waterproof/breathable technology, and meets all the demands of maximum performance while being up to 40% more breathable than its rugged “classic” counterpart. Approx Weight: 27.2 oz (771 g) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retail USA $349.00 Men’s> Men’s Weatherproof Shells> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summit Series, Core Vents, Articulation, Zip-In Compatible, Gore-Tex® XCR™ Fabric -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two classic core vents (CCV) Flat-front reversed zippers Cinchcords at waist and hem Velcro® cuff closure Two oversized Napoleon pockets Two generously sized hand pockets Designed with articulation Standard storm flaps Fully adjustable hood Fleecy chin guard Zip-in integration Engineered lining

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