Bill_Simpkins

There is some "OK" bouldering in Skeleton Cave. The rock is too sharp for much. It is more fun for me just to hike and explore in them. They are a nice break from the Summer heat when at Smith Rocks. I want to go to them now! I love it down there. I grew up in Redmond.

Friday=Muir Saturday=attempt. Turned around by top of Cleaver because of 70 MpH winds, clouds comming off up summit, and electrical storm. Many groups backed off. RMI went up. My partner went up kind of sticking with RMI. I soloed back to Camp Muir from the Cleaver. The route is in very good condition. Lot's of rockfall by Cathedral Gap. PS- One thing I don't like about Rainier is all the obsessed and crazy people that are up there. It's just a mountain folks!

Freesoloing a different subject altogether. I think that Das Toof is a great route for beginning trad leading. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? In fact, it was MY first trad lead. That time I lead it with a set of stoppers, two tricams and 3 hexes. If I had cams I would have used them. I could see how cams would increase the possible placements dramatically. But still, it's ironic they lost some on that route, because they didn't really need them because there are tons of good stopper placements. Maybe someday, after the've done the Tooth many times, they will realize that themselves and have a laugh. I think that some here (on cc.com) are way too hard on those that are starting out. But the truth is, most of us were guilty of doing things that beginners do (and dressing like the Mountaineers). Some of us make jokes because we are laughing at what we, ourselves used to do. It's fun when it's light-hearted, but I see a lot of chest-beating occuring also. I am guilty of this, as are many others. Thinking back, I think it would much more productive to offer suggestions and insight to these people rather than just showing off that we know more. Or offering to help them get their cams back.

I miss BS'ing with that old fart in the camp. When I was last through there, he was about to shut down and was pretty upset. He said it was because of NAFTA. Anyways, if you do get through the gate, the approach can be somewhat tedious. I can tell you that the wack'in sucks! So two options might help. 1. From the last switchback, B-line straight for nearest talus above. 2. From the end of the last switchback, head straight over the woods, then up. That is my experience, someone else (Dru) might know of a secret trail. The blueberries should be getting ripe (they delayed us a half-hour last year). Also got stung by wasps in the leg.

One funny thing is about the stuck cams on Das Toof is that you can lead the whole thing with a set of stoppers.

See ya!

Going for a hike up Ptarmigan Ridge to warm up the legs for Rainier on Friday. I will probably go up Coleman Pinnacle on the way. PM me and come with. I will check the PM's in 45 minutes.

Yeah, the class 2-3 scrambling near the summit plateau is a little harder when it's at 13,000 feet huh? I LOVE bad weather! That must have been great!

I think it is on public land, but close to some property. There has never been a problem. Park across the street. You can now ACCESS the climb after the weeding job I did.

common folks! I've gotten a few PM's but no replies when I write back. I have 4 days, wed-sat free. PM me soon before I take off. I'd rather do something that requires a rope than just scrambling by myself.

My girlfriend is going to kick your Dan Did you go up Rainier last week?

I love my Patagonia Guide Pants. I use them for everything. If you have trouble with the wind, try throwing a light pair of windbreaker pants into your pack, or some poly-pros. Go with what your most comfortable with. If you like the hard shells, use them...... And props on the liebacking.

Yep. On the left there is a trail to the road. You can TR it with a 60 m if the manky pro isn't your style. Allthough the pro is much better after the cleaning. There is no longer a big runout near the top.

I have to work Tuesday. Any time after that is good now until Saturday night.

Use a whole role of tape on each hand. Actually, like she said, cup your hands. Cammed hands can work good too. Check out "Advanced Rock Climbing" by Long. A close-finger hand jam(which can hury a bit) could help you, it is a fist jam, but sideways. Or maybe try your forearms. Personally, when it gets that big I use the cammed hands.

I'm free. PM me. Mountains, rock, hiking, exploring.

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I removed a lot of loose stuff, the block is still there.

Erik Estrada's got the hotts for you MisterE, he's calling out to you now.

Fatty bolger is pretty well protected with bolts and natural pro, but I TR'd it . Those routes to the far left are good for beginning sport climbers, or for warming up.

I've never once got skinned knees. Just slide on the 'ol toes and watch your shoes melt! Fatty Bolger is my favorite. The boulder problems on Exactor Slab in B'ham are fun to try. Ruined a pair of shoes on those.

I spent 2 hours cleaning the old pitch off the road . It's as clean as a whistle. 27 meters of slippery, thin liebacking fun are now available again, 5.7. Enjoy (old pic)

I love slabs. Awe....that sandstone at Peshastin.... Ignore the wankerness . It's in old pic.

Looking to climb on Monday. I'll do whatever, I just need to be home in Bellingham by 6 pm. Alpine start preferable. pm me and leave phone #, I will check them around 10 pm and get back to you around then.