Blake

yeah, most aren't reported, but Joe's figure still seems ridiculous IMO.

Darin's photoshop work, and Colin's new "candyman" title just about made my day.

no

just FYI, the yellow and orange cams are #2, and #3 respectively.

If it was the First FREE Ascent, why did they give it an aid rating?

I climbed with mythosgrl once but my camera melted at the belay ledge... I think REI takes back stuff like that, because it was damaged through intended product use.

Thanks, I think that is too wide. I have some fairly narrow old Tua Mitos.

On a ski trip recently I somehow lost a ski pole. Anyone have a collapsible ski pole or a hiking/trekking pole they want to sell? If you had a pair for cheap, that might work too. BD prefered, but I'm not picky. It must either have a powder basket, or be able to accept one. (almost all do, even the ones not marketed for skiers) Secondly, my skin tip loop broke. BD is giving me the run around about buying just one, so does anyone have any repair advice or a single tip-loop sitting around that they would sell? Thanks everyone.

yep, $8 for general public though. Or, you can just ask a student to buy you a ticket. The PAC is next to the huge red statue made of girders.

if weather is climbable, i'd probably be in for MArch 4th.

We didn't see anyone else anywhere around there. Its not really a place you would casually go to for a visit, in the winter.

It's the North side of Courtney Peak, from Oval Lakes. It has not been climbed. Maybe a good spot for you winter North-Face Hardmen. We brought a rack/rope/tools, but all the snow was just blowing spindrift and powder.

yah, but when did the mountains become "yours and mine" (or a secret, for that matter)?

the 'spectre' of that lie is gonna 'haunt' mike forever.

Yep. And don't listen to DBerdinka, that north face has not been climbed, especially in winter, and not by a "moderate route."

NO! here's a clue, it's named for your grandfather... you get one guess.

powdery and fun

Yep!

Trip: Oval Peak - East Ridge & Sawtooth Ski Tour Date: 2/20/2007 Trip Report: On Friday morning, Chris Simmons (MtnFreak) and I left Twisp and drove 11 miles up the Twisp River Road, with eyes set on climbing and skiing from Oval, Star, and Courtney Peaks. We skinned up 5 miles of Forest Service road before starting up the trailhead for the W. Fork of Buttermilk Creek. We lost the trail a few times in the woods until Chris found the "cat track" for us to follow. After a few more miles we left the trail and headed up to the basin on the North side of Oval Peak (8,800'). The next morning we skied up the North side of the East Ridge until it became to steep and rocky. After cresting over into the sun we finished the scrambly climb and topped out into a strong wind filled with spindrift. The summit had a clear view of Washington, from Mt. Stuart to the Pickets. From the summit we enjoyed a 1300' ski run down to the Oval Lakes basin, where we toured across the frozen lakes and enjoyed a view of the North face of Courtney Peak. From the basin we skiied up to the pass between Courtney Peak and Grey peak, and the very strong winds along the top changed our minds about trying to climb Courtney. We skied from the ridge down to the South and camped on Saturday night between Star Peak and Courtney peak. Our plans to climb and ski Star the next day were derailed when we woke up to 4" of fresh snow and more falling quickly. We navigated (read: I tried to get us lost, Chris got us found)up to the pass between Star and Courtney peak, and from there we skied back down the valley to our car. The ski-out took about 9 hours, and we left a blizzard at 8,000' to find bright sun and calm at the car. I'm not sure if Oval Peak has been climbed in Winter before, or skiied from. Gear Notes: Brought ice tools and a small rack. We did not use it though Approach Notes: Twisp River road->W. Fork of Buttermilk Creek trail. The trail is fairly easy to follow on skis.

It's actually one of the 100 highest peaks in the state.

Nope... and for the record, neither "Dragon" nor "tail" are in the name of this mountain.

I like the No-B.S. OlyClimber style of TRs. Looks fun guys. How did you make that "VANTAGE" picture?

Nop, that's not. Still hasn't been guessed correctly.

No, not Dragontail. It is in Washington though.