[gym to outdoors / top-rope to multipitch]

Second, if I cannot verify that both ends of my rappel rope are on the ground, or on a ledge that for all intents and purposes is as good as the ground, I tie both ends of the rappel rope to my harness just as if I were tying into a double-rope belay system.

 

I think this is a great idea! Thanks for the tip.

[Fatal Rappelling Accident in the Icicle]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/276464_climber05.html

 

My condolences to her family. Very sad...

[Three Fatalities on Everest]

What does that mean "died from exhaustion"? Do they mean hypothermia???

[Accident in Leavenworth]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Climber_Falls.html

[Trail Running in Seattle]

If you don't mind driving to the eastside, Cougar Mountain is awesome! Miles and miles of trails...

[What's the most stupid thing you ever did?]

Was learning to lead trad on a multi-pitch route, and didn't set up anchors correctly. I was belaying off myself (not the anchor), and had a ton of slack between myself and the anchor. The follower pulled out the last piece of pro and then fell. Since I had all this slack behind me, I went rolling down the rock until all the slack was out between myself and anchor. Luckily, follower was fine, but felt like absolute moron!!

[light weight alpine pack]

OK, now I'm getting interested in the CiloGear pack too. Any girls out there who have used them? Also, it kinda sounds like there's a learning curve with figuring out how to configure them. Do you have to be a rocket scientist, or are their good instructions? And yes, I RTFM!!!