RodFox

Alright, I lied. I can't seem to track down any of the topos or maps for that area. Rats! I'll keep looking... If anybody has a copy of the *quote* "guidebook" *unquote* that I put out, perhaps you could scan a few pages, namely the map and post them here. That would be most kind.

Back around 1995 I was driving around on logging roads near Lake Cavanaugh doing some rock-hounding with my wife and came across this Butte across the valley that looked promising for a cool sport climbing area. For three years, with the help of several friends, we created a kick-ass trail (1.25 miles) into the crag and developed about 15 or so really excellent climbs. The climbing was similar to Exit 38, really similar to Bob's Wall, way up the hillside. The climbing is top-notch, in spite of the relentless lichen and moss scrubbing required to prep a route for bolting. Most of the climbs are dead vertical but there are many roofs up there too, one being about 15 ft and several others about 3-5 feet. Have I mentioned the climbing is top-notch? Then one day, after a bit of a hiatus, I was hiking the trail to the wall with some people who had never been there before. As we got closer to the wall, it seemed that the forest was brighter than normal. Another couple of minutes later I encountered a new road leading directly to the base of the wall. I was thrilled, because now I could drive right to the base of the wall and now people would be able to enjoy this cool place. About 2 months later, they shut down the road, tore down the bridge, and abandoned the road. They had raped the hillside and were now moving on. I lost interest in Calendar Butte at this point and have rarely gone back. It's a great area with potential for at least 70-80 routes if someone is very ambitious. I'll post a map in the next couple of days if anybody is interested. Just be prepared to fight "the man" first though if you want better access. Peace.

I second that. Davis Holland/Lovin Arms is my favorite route in the Northwest. Centerfold is also a winner...

Scott and Larry, Good work putting up another new route on that wall. I got on Brian's route last fall and had a blast. The Goat wall has ENORMOUS potential, I just wish I lived a bit closer so that I could help develop it. So how is your climb? Is there anything that I need to be particularly cautious about? I have plans to get on it the weekend of Oct. 24th so any information on it would be appreciated. Thanks, Rod Fox -------------------------------------------

You can only use trees if the route card at the base of the route is marked "standard" or if there is colored tape next to the tree indicating it is a valid hold. I can't believe this question was even posted! All features are in on a free climb. You're still climbing free until you sling it and pull up on the sling or step into an aider. If you sit on the tree for a rest, you're still free. Trees are a valid part of a route. They are not artificial. If the original route climber didn't want the tree to be in in order to make the route "harder" then they should have hacked it off from the climb (BTW: I don't condone hacking trees for the sake of making a climb harder or easier). My two "sense"...

"...an empty aluminum can of Guiness Stout on the third pitch and a bottle of Mountain Dew down at the bottom of the Granite Sidewalk..." Wow! I wondered where I left that garbage. Can we arrange to meet up somewhere so that I can get these items back from you? Thanks for picking them up for me, I missed them. Or perhaps they were yours Matt?

BTW: For anybody who likes to climb really good long slab routes, Jacob's Ladder on Blueberry Hill is a really fine climb. Kudos to Matt Perkins and friends for all of the work that they've done out there! Additionally, I'm trying to get a good topo together of my climb to the left of Jacob's Ladder. It's called Sundried Tomatoes (12a, 11b, 10b, and 11c) and essentially free climbs the old 23rd Psalm aid route. I'll post a topo as soon as it's done.

Say, isn't Diedre a 5.7? Way to hold out there man! I would have killed the guy. Excellent work untying and walking off. I was laughing my guts out reading this article, well written! You quite eloquently wrote a story that many of us can relate to. Drum circle anyone?

Wow. Now that's a thick description and I think I need to puke now... Being famous is really tough on a guy. So many expectations...