catbirdseat

I'm reading a book about accidental death in Grand Canyon National Park. The author made note of the fact that a greater proportion of those who die in the park are what he terms solo hikers. He asserts that without a partner to act as the "voice of reason", people are more likely to make rash decisions. For example, if you started to go down a really steep downclimb, your partner might say, "dude, that looks really sketch", and you might change your mind and look for a different way down. So assuming that solo climbers or hikers are indeed taking greater risks and making poorer decisions, then the question I have is whether the greater risk is from being solo per se, that is lack of a partner, or are you more more likely to be a risk taker to start with? I think that with experience soloists can develop the same good judgement that is excercised in groups. Look at guys like Colin. It just seems like it would take more mental discipline sometimes to stop and consider things rather than just do it.

The only thing that actually works is zinc, and then only if you start it as soon as you notice symptoms.

When we were up there a week ago we met all these people who were rapping off Givler's Crack on climber's right. One couple said their rope was too short and they had this mini epic. I don't remember the details. "Why'd you rap?" Answer: "There were slings right there". Twice, I had to say, "dude, don't you know there is a trivially easy walkoff on climber's left?". (I show them the book) "Oh! That's what those little arrows in the topo mean." Doh.

One COULD read a variety of things into that statement, but I won't.

Firs' you suck de weed, den you have de SNACK, DEN you take de nap.

Are you saying you've left a number of them as fixed pieces?

Sure I am on topic. We sucked knapweed outta de ground.

We pulled every knapweed we saw near Eightmile Rock on either side of the road for 100 yards in either direction on both sides of the road. Another place that needs attention badly is the parking just up the road from Icicle Buttress.

You are going to love those HB Offsets. They work like magic in flaring cracks. Toast had a set that I was playing with, comparing them to Smileys of the same size in the same place and it was amazing. I'm going out to buy a set first chance I get.

The Goldmyer folks really want that bridge. They are afraid there might not be enough visitors to defray the costs of maintaining the place. I think that with the bridge, the number of visitors will still be less than now.

Bring on the pictures!

We have lots and lots of mountains.

You are an animal. Sign up with klenke and Stefan.

We were bullshitting at the side of the road in Icicle Canyon when we saw some people pulling weeds. I suggested that they were probably pulling diffuse knapweed. A fellow cc.comer, who shall remain nameless, asked me about knapweed and I explained that it is considered a noxious weed because most herbivores won't eat it. For some reason, he decided to taste it. He said it tasted terrible. He was grimacing and spitting for several minutes afterwards.

Sounds like they climb in sinkholes and caves down there. Florida Climbing Recommendations There is a gym that I have visited called Aiguille in Longwood, about 25 min north of Orlando. The people there are nice enough. The bouldering isn't on par with Stone Gardens. Better to find a partner and do the roped climbs. I asked if there is any outdoor climbing and the answer was you have to drive to Georga. There is some beach climbing in the panhandle somewhere. http://www.aiguille.com/home/index.shtml Other gyms in the state

What with the modern prenup, he can afford to upgrade.

I would prefer it if they were to use other drivers. Why endanger other people on the road by driving fatigued just for your own stupid record?

Yes, but not vertical like Inca Roads. Looks tasty though.

This from the Stem Master himself.

Isn't White Slabs THE major drainage for the wall? That one has plenty of shruberies.

I can't wait to have another go at Inca Roads. According to my belayer, there are some face holds there that I completely ignored.

I think that Inca Road is a great climb, but it is sandbagged for 5.9, and here's why I think that. There is a vertical section near the top that requires finger jamming. There is very little for feet. Seldom do you encounter this on climbs less than 5.10. If you do, it might be one or two moves. Those that are very comfortable with finger jams will, I am sure, will disagree with me.

Here we go!

Dude, can you carry your own body weight, dawn to dusk at high altitude using a tumpline? Story on Napalese Porters This is a nutria: Story on Nutria Help! I can't find a picture of people hanging from meat hooks! PURE Story

Not quite, but almost. I find it varies. There are some routes that are rated super soft and others that are about right. The super soft ones tend to be the ones that are close to the road.