catbirdseat

There was a drunk passed out in the corner. Was that you DFA? We thought it best to just let you sleep it off. In all seriousness, it would be a gas to get Dru, DFA, and Dwayner all to the same event. It would make history.

You know what that picture is don't you? In the Navy when new sailors cross the equator for the first time, there is a ceremony in which "King Neptune and his court" annoint the neophytes and welcome them to the ranks of experienced seamen. It is a tradition that goes back centuries.

It has been said before: the whole point of back tying is to make sure you don't drop the rope. If you have a sling or daisy chain, that is what keeps you safe. I am so paranoid of dropping the rope that I also tie a stopper knot in the end after threading the rope through the chains and before I untie the figure eight on the bight.

Sure seems like a lot of posts for such a boring subject. BTW, this all got started at Pub Club last night. My two cents worth is that it all overlaps. Two tier system: Class 1-3 hiking (includes occasional use of hands) Class 4-5 climbing Three Tier system: Class 1-2 hiking Class 2-3 scrambling Class 4-5 climbing

We once tried to scramble Tomyhoi in October and got into a snowstorm. We had to settle for the summit of mighty Yellow Aster Butte.

Have they not found the guy yet? His chances can't be good after all this time.

Dwayner, that's exactly how it was. Don't forget danielpatricksmith, ChrisW, and AlpenTom (at his first Pub Club).

I met some cool people. It was neat finally getting to meet Dwayner. Right on!

I did stomp a path up Gib Ledges last week on Tuesday and it was nice on Wednesday, but no one came to take advantage of it.

I have a set of Clog cams. They are a cheap copy of the Flexible Friends, I believe.

The pilot was (will be) collecting beta for his upcoming climb on Willis Wall.

I guess the point is: do we as a group admire a climber, like Joe, who does not rely on affirmation from others to provide motivation for doing hard climbs? I say, to a certain extent, yes, but show me anybody who doesn't enjoy an attaboy from his buddies. Joe is something of a loner. I believe that every climber must strike some balance between the need for self aggrandisement and a sense of fulfillment that comes from within. I believe that to party is to celebrate one's accomplishements, but to party without accomplishment, or at least without having put up a good fight in the mountains is a very empty thing. But we can always celebrate the successes of our buddies, even if we ourselves haven't gotten out much.

You've got that right.

I have this feeling that the turnout is going to be great tonight. Pagetop.

The NR of Stuart is on my list, but I am not certain I am ready for it yet. I would consider doing it this year with a significantly more experienced partner. Barring that, I'd like to do the west ridge first, to get the feel of the mountain.

Sexual_Chocolate, you have all the information I have. His e-mail address is on the original post. Send him a message with an offer to let. His visit would be for about two weeks, the last week in May through the first week in June.

I don't think that's a very appropriate thing to say about someone you don't know. It also bad grammar. Clean up your act son, and stop being such a party boy yourself. It has not been established that Joe actually exists. He appears to be someone's ideal. See you at Pub Club.

You equipment list features over $1000 in equipment that many beginners could not afford to assemble. It also took you a long time carefully selecting those items after having much experience weighing your choices. Also most beginners are unable to run 25 miles on trail in one day, much less 10 miles. Your ability to move fast reduces your exposure on the mountain and the need to have extra gear in the first place. All I am saying is that an experienced mountaineer such as yourself should not expect a beginner to be able to get to where you are all at once. I agree that for the big slogs, that cardio fitness is often the deciding factor in success, not leg strength.

20 lbs? Yeah you can do that if you want to decrease your safety margin by leaving behind much of the gear most people take. Yeah do Rainier as a day hike. Bring 1 liter water, a jacket, a picket and some pine nuts.

Who give a f--- about Cascade Joe. He doesn't exactly sound like the life of the party.

You guyes were in the gully and forested slopes to the right of the South Spur. This route is popular as a basic climb in the summer, although not described in Beckey. It appears to be mostly class 3 with some class 4. Apparently we were on the South Spur proper. From a cursory glance at Beckey's guide, I thought this was fourth class, but he was actually describing the gully between the S. Rib and the S. Spur. That explains the 5th class climbing we found.

Now, now, Dan. You have to differentiate the man from his government. I'm sure Monsieur Fournier supports the U.S. in its war against Iraq. Not!

There is nothing quicker than just throwing a cordelette around a big old boulder.

Someone please set me straight. Are we talking about D&H for tomorrow, or a week from tomorrow?

What did he say to deserve that? Old feud?