cracked

Eric8 and my debacle at Alpental, losing the three foot deep trail and wandering in a circle for an hour, only to end up at the parking lot again.

You guys make me feel so young.....

I was using the Eigers. I imagine that the two flex about the same. You're right, on heavily featured ice light boots work very well, and flex isn't as great an issue. Hey, whatever floats your boat...

Was nice to meet some of you guys. But now I can't spray as effectively, as it is harder to hate people you know. Keep having them at Zeke's, Distel and I appreciated it.

I'm a newbie ice gumby, but here is what I've got. I have to disagree with Lambone. I used LS Eigers for all my icy fun this season. They are supposed to be stiffer than the S's. I'm a pretty big guy, about 180 (I got fatter this year), with size 13/14 feet, so there is a lot of leverage on my boots. I found that I want stiffer boots. Yeah, they feel more dexterous than clonkers, but I couldn't put much weight on my feet while frontpointing, making me more pumped. My calves just couldn't take it. Even on moderate hard snow I often wish I had rigid boots. They do hike well, but they really don't climb, despite LS's claims to the contrary. I'm buying new boots next year.

But if you are so scared to fail that you don't dare to try anything that you MIGHT fail on, then you will not improve, or at least, you will improve more slowly.

Cracked, you haven't lived until you have had an epic. You should try it sometime. I suggest Whitehorse, for starters. When I tell people I want to fail, they look at me like I'm crazy. Maybe if I go for the Eve Dearborn Memorial or Girth Pillar I'll fail. Who'll go with me?

That's true. Unfortunately, I have not failed on anything but sport routes so far. I haven't even had an epic! Maybe I'm biting off less than I can chew. Dammit! I wanna fail!

I'll have to figure out how to get there. What time?

I'd go! (soda, not beer) Depends on where though, I have to be able to get there by bus (unless I get a ride).

I want one too, but they don't fit. I'm not about to spend that much money on a coat just to cut it up and replace the arms!

I have never had a problem with big BDs walking. Only problem is that they weigh more than an ice tool.

Three hours? That's all? Hah, I'm starting Monday night! Hey Stebbi, I'll buy you a Camalot if I get a 3.6!

Don'tcha mean "werd"?

Unfortunately, I guessed the wrong section. So much for discussing climbing during class.

Hey Fleblebleblebleb, it could be worse, you could be the PROFESSOR. Or do TAs have more work than the professor?

Eagle, I don't like the Marmot jackets as the hoods aren't big enough for my bare head, let alone when I'm wearing a helmet.

Eric, you are one funny (lookin) bastard. I was thinking of keeping the color scheme, blue and yellow with my orange pack is my identity. Without them, I wouldn't know who I am! Trask: Good idea. But then I'd have trouble reaching holds. Still, you are quite a smart cookie. I'm thinking of cutting the arms off of a commercial jacket and sewing new (longer) ones on. It would look like shit, but who cares? I look bad already. BTW, does this look like Smith? True, you've never been to Smith, but still. I'm pretty ugly.

I can sew my own fleece, but I'm not good enough to sew Goretex yet. I checked out ID, but they seem to only make three-pound jackets. Cloudveil is just as bad as the rest. Oh, well, it gives me another reason to bitch, can't be that bad.

Why is is that I can't find a hardshell on the market that fits my arms when I reach above my head? Not Arc'teryx (they're one of the worst), not Mountain Softwear, not Sierra Designs, not Patagonia, NOBODY! I have a size large torso, with a +4in ape index. Many jackets don't accomodate my forearms either. Am I really a freak? Anybody know of someone that makes will customize Goretex? Maybe I should try to sew my own.

How ancient are you, Distel? I think I probably have you beat for the title of "Youngest/Dumbest Poster".

I RESENT THAT!

Buy mainly single-length runners, and triple them up between two biners. It is then about 12in long. They are really easy to extend. Buy four or so doubles, as you will rarely need that long a runner, unless you are in the mountains. How many pieces per pitch? Depends on how scared I get. Usually 15 or so per 100 feet.