EWolfe

and tag is right out.

Thanks for the nice comments! I miss you too, Mikey. I got an idea. Why don't you come to the not suck?

On my way to Reno for work this summer, I had the pleasure of spending 10 days in The Meadows. I was in contact with a few folks who were doing new route developing at Dozier Dome and a few other places. The first morning I drove up to take in the stunning view down on half-dome: The first day we went up to Dozier, with a nice view of Tenaya Lake from the ledge where they were working on a new .10: I got the second ascent of "Tourettes", so named cuz the rock was so hard John was swearing the whole time he was hand-drilling (I thought of the name): We had a nice bivy spot that was free. Evening light from the spot: After a few beers, Greg Barnes and Brian Law broke out their replacement kits for "still life with King Cobra": George showing off his crack'n up collection: Then it was time for a bolting lesson: I did some free-soloing on Dozier the next day. Soloed Holdless Horror (3p 5.7), BullDozier (3p 5.7), and a new 5.6 slab that felt like 5.8. This was in preparation for my Grand Plan of soloing as many of the Echo Peaks as I could one day, and Matthes Crest the next. A day of rest (belaying FA's, actually), got my overnight permit and left the Cathedral parking lot at 5 AM. The sunrise on the way in: When I got to Budd Lake it was still early and I got some good shots. Echo Peaks in Budd Lake: The sweeping Echo Ridge: A nice close-up of Cathedral: I got to the notch between Budd Lake and Ech Lake, looked at the 7 Echo Peaks and decided the first three were way too commiting, so I did the last four and the ridge to above Budd Lake. There was some scary-ass 5.7 climbing at the obvious sharp tooth in the middle left. Looking back up from the descent: I got back to the pass in about 2-1/2 hours round trip, but was mentally exhausted from route-finding (I had no topo for Echo, only Matthes). Looking back from Echo Lake to the traverse I did: ..and the West view of the mile-long Matthes Ridge: I set up camp, and enjoyed a nice sunset. The reflection of the South end of Matthes: and Matthes proper in evening light: I woke up the next morning and hiked to the notch at the South end of Matthes Crest. Looking along the mile of traversing, I realized I was not mentally prepared for two hard, full days of free-soloing and hiking in a row. I should have gotten two nights so I could have a rest day. So I hiked across to Matthes lake and out the East side of the Crest. Looking back from the other side: The next morning, I got up early as usual, and caught some more alpine light: Then off to meet the crew for Sunday coffee in the Lot: Left to right: Brian Law, George, and Greg Barnes: George sorting bolting gear for the day: Brian leading some 5.10: I stayed in the park late that night to catch the sunset and full moon-rise: Nice light in the trees: The following day we went to Mariluolumne Dome and I soloed Hobbit Book, the most exhilirating free-solo I have ever done (all my solo's were onsights). We did some other new stuff they had put up and enjoyed the shade for the day. Then back to camp. The next morning I headed out early enough to catch sunrise at Mono Lake. Going back this weekend to meet up with Russ Walling and Medium Sooz for some more fun. 3 hours from Reno! Erik

How have you almost died climbing? My story: Working for EP installing The Rock Gym at Long Beach, 1996?. After a long day of crystal panelling and bondoing joints, I was pretty wacked, but decided to climb a corner we had just finished building and putting some holds on. No one else was around as I booted up and started climbing, the hard gym floor below me. I passed a few holes in the panels for inserts as I climbed, 10, 15, 20 feet up and paused for a rest, stemming. I shook out both hands (hard day), and as I went to shake my left leg out, the big hold I was relying on for my hands spun, pitching me straight over backwards towards the floor 20 feet below. When I came to, I was hanging upside down, dazed, looking at the floor 4 feet below me. Unlike other times, I have no memory of trying to "correct" my fall pattern: just a blank. How am I still alive? I distinctly remember a outward, downward projection of my body, head first, and a calm acceptance of "this is my moment to die". But somehow, there I was. Hanging by the back of both knees from a cut-out hole for a climbing disc insert on A VERTICAL WALL. The handhold, not the foot-hold popped, and we all know the results of that action, and it is not purely vertical. Later, I felt I was pushed back into the wall. These days I am almost sure there were unseen forces at work. I had bruises on the back of my knees for weeks. Erik

The rest of us, less so

necromouser

Well put Dave. I am in complete agreement, and it takes way less energy to accept things as they are! People are the strangest animals...

Throw the out!

Mandatory Suspenders!

I am a little embarrassed... :blush: I didn't check the homepage.

I always shake my head a little when I see the "Impeach Bush" bumperstickers. I am thinking: "Have you even thought it through before you slap that thing on? Who does that leave in charge?" :rolleyes:

How about the water taxi at Ross? You want we should walk around? TeabagAthlete said: The point that I was trying to make: was that maybe the time has come to mellow out a bit on things that are excessive Wow, Man. That is like, so RADICAL!!! I have to sleep on that - you know, let the profundity seep in. G'nite

That's what I get for trying to be serious for a moment here. Good reminder. And Touche.

I had forgotten that one... :laf:

Hardly anything is Frieh these days

Helf! A heffible Horrilump!

Member #13655, you mean. Nice try...and Carl, you're a 'sucker' for not checking the profile .

Dammit, Man! That was like the only rag that I was tempted to buy in the grocery line. For years!! Somehow, always, the front page beckoned and repulsed in a manner wayyy ahead of it's time. RIP to a pulp mag icon

I'm with Winter on this one. Every beating I got from Mom with the spoon, and Dad with the belt, I deserved it. Stealing, sneaking out to hang with hoods, etc The teacher's ruler across the knuckles served not just to punish, but more that pain awakens and calls one to attendance. Everyone is so reactive now, intolerant and fearful. These deserved moments of immediate pain did a lot less damage than pandering does currently. I am NOT speaking of physical abuse here, BTW. We are called to this higher moral ground that is basically unfounded except for our culture. WTF?

Hey, Dan. Didn't mean to disclude you, but I was happy for my friend! Props to both of you - proud send

On the Gunsight Traverse and making this issue of Climbing! Way to go, Buddy!

If you pays your dollahs, you chooses your title! sickie Support CC.com!!!

Thanks for sharing. That is a proud moment, fer sher.