chris

Agreed, instead of closing the park, let a non profit manage it. The state is already overburdened with all the other services they provide..... Hmmm - this sounds like a WCC Project to me!

Those photos settled it for me, I think. I'm going to try to do a trial run in the hybrid Cyborgs I already own, and if they aren't adequate, I'll bump up to a toe bail version. I'm also going to try to climb more in my lighter Scarpa Charmoz boots and use the Nepal Extremes only when the cold demands it. Thanks for the opinions - it helped solidify my decision.

Hmmm, has anyone climbed WI4/5 in pair of hybrid (toe strap, heel bail) lately? I'm with Bob right now - I'm comfortable and solid on WI4, and challenge myself on WI5, and I've been using these Rambocomps for years. I got a pair of BD Cyborg Clip crampons (toe strap, heel bail) for my summer climbing and wondering if I really need a second pair, but with the toe bail for the winter. Right now I'm leaning toward that second pair, but thought someone might be able to tell me different.

These classic technical crampons have been to Sichuan, China and Ouray, Colorado, but still have miles of use in them. Adjustable with a small monkey and allen key. Fitted right now for a pair of size 11 La Sportiva Nepal Extremes. MSRP for the newest, latest and greatest generation, the Grivel Rambo 4, is $210.00 Yours for $50.00, including shipping or delivery inside Seattle city limits.

Along with getting a new pair of tools this winter, I'm rethinking my crampons. This isn't a mono v dual point, but strap/hybrid versus clip-in/automatic/pro. For years I've been using strap and hybrid (toe strap, heel bail) crampons for summer alpine ice, and clip/auto/pro (toe bail, heel bail). Now I'm wondering - do I really need a separate pair of crampons for winter ice?

I don't think its that simple either. The USFS seems to immensely top-heavy, and the man-hours spent "administering" programs seems grossly misspent. Its notably challenging for the USFS to organize or manage volunteer trail crews, and good samaritans who do the work un-authorized and caught get slapped with a significant ticket instead. This top-down, heavy handed mindset causes a lot of the inefficiencies, in my opinion, and so they have to charge things like parking fees. This is nothing that will be solved quickly, because the government is a big organism and change takes time. So we will be speaking about this for a long time to come.

I don't think its that simple, Scott. Whatever the court decides, the Larry on the ground is going to keep issuing tickets until the USFS brass tells him to stop. Until the USFS makes and announces a formal policy change, I'm going to keep looking over my shoulder.

There is no longer a parking fee for "day use" in Washington State Parks. The question also needs to be asked, what exactly does "mothballing" look like at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park? When this idea came up during the legislative session of 2009, those parks proposed to be mothballed would still be available to public access. There would be no services (garbage, restrooms, mowing, etc.) and the gate would be locked with a ranger "checking in" less frequently, but you could still access the site. Thanks CPOly- that tells you how long I've been gone! I think I would have no problem with "mothballing" or "suspending amenities," providing that there was roadside parking permitted near the gate and access was allowed.

Yep - like what they said. I'll take them off while staying in the bindings, but usually take my skis off to put them back on.

I forgive you.

These skins have never been used or trimmed. Come with Clip-Fix tails already attached. No tips attachment - you'll have to get those separately ($20 retail for BD's latest, or re-use an old pair). Retail value: $139.95 Yours for $75.00 includes shipping. [img:center]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cDSpCB5TF6E/TJf3XQtPxAI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/Yp2JmJxvCps/s512/Ski%20Skins%2007%20Clipfix%2090%2090%2090.JPG[/img]

I am confused as to what, exactly, my fee at the Pinnacles is paying for. Its been several years since I've been there, but isn't the lot dirt, there's one toilet, and the trails are all built by volunteers? If that's it, how costly would it be to simply lock the bathroom, post no camping signs, and have the Sheriffs ticket illegal camping instead of illegal access?

It's my understanding (and maybe Matt P can back me up), the Stinson Reserve will have a trust attached to it to ensure funding independent of the State Park budget, so that if cuts like this happen in future Index can't be effected.

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/972986/gonew/1/Mixed_training_crags#UNREAD

That's not what she said.

If you could only play golf with three clubs, which three would you take?

-from Brooks Range Mountaineering, http://www.brooks-range.com/StoreBox/ressle/rescuesledultralite.htm I already own and use one of these sleds - this one is an extra that I don't need. Weight: 706g / 26oz MSRP: $238 Yours for $120.00, shipping included. PayPal preferred.

Have they found and recovered him? Any news on services.

Bump. After a little more research online, price reduced!

[img:center]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_cDSpCB5TF6E/TJf3MYH6xVI/AAAAAAAAMa8/3MC0s8ygOqU/Ski%20Boots%20Mega%20Ride%20Front.JPG[/img] [img:center]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cDSpCB5TF6E/TJf3NmOSAmI/AAAAAAAAMbA/DnFrU-XkYUg/Ski%20Boots%20Mega%20Ride%20Bottom.JPG[/img] Garmont Mega Rides, Size 28 These boots have been well used for the past four seasons, but they still have some time left. Perfect for someone trying to get a backcountry setup on-the-cheap. Nothing is broken - Dynafit compatible - great flex and tread for the trail and the up. Retails for $359.99 $60 + shipping or pick up

Always on ice or in the alpine. Most of the time on gear routes. Some of the time on sport routes.

Oh sarcasm - so much fun to give, but so hard to hear!

I have a 10mm x 60m Beal single line that I recently retired due to old age and falls. Could still have a second career as a fixed line or rug. Seems a shame to toss it. I can meet you somewhere in Seattle to hand it off. It will get tossed on the 4th if no one wants it.

If its not to late, my two cents are: 1. If the FFA added the bolts, leave them. 2. If the FFA team gave their blessings to have bolts added after their FFA, leave them. 3. If neither 1. nor 2. is the case, chop the extras and don't replace. That meets my definition of re-bolting.

I first met Dallas as he TR-soloed some route at Mt Erie. I always appreciated the work he did on that mountain. Than I kept bumping into routes that he's done throughout the Cascades, like the Kloke route on Mt Kent. I'm happy I got to see him one last time at Index, celebrating climbing. He is missed.