Blake

I picked up the previous model of this pack for ~$50 back in November, and it's been great since then. http://backpackingzone.com/gear/mountainsmithphantom_backpack.html It's light, and I love the fact that you can remove the hip belt and top to streamline it down. For single-night climbs it's perfect. The pack seems well made, with a light and waterproof fabric, and just the right amount and locations for the straps, gear loops, etc. I think mountainsmith makes nice stuff for sure, but there are lots of quality brands of packs. Go as light as you can get away with based on $$ and other needed features. Check out Granite Gear and Cold Cold World packs as well for comparison.

Correlation does not equal causation. Post hoc ergo propter hoc. You can't claim that becoming an REI members is what causes people to pursue outdoor recreation. I think it's far more likely to be the inverse of that statement. At this point REI is where I go when I'm making a purchase on something that might be damaged or roughly treated, due to the warranty. They ARE NOT the place to go if you want selection, advice, price.... etc.

According to this NOCA document http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:VJ0wf...rout"&hl=en There are three lakes in that study alone which had goldens, they call the lakes "DD1, DD5, and M19". They give elevations, depths, and acreages for all of them, but not their common names. WDFW stuff I've read have also suggested the Thornton Lakes and Hidden Lake as having goldens.

Here's the elevations of those lakes: 5023', 4682', 4908'

http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/upload/349346-new%20erie.pdf

I read on one of the rope maker's webpages (sterling?) that you can use the normal temp, not cold. Evidentally the rope material is subjected to hotter stuff in production, so no big deal. Other than that... daisy chain and use woolite, flake it out to dry in a warm but not especially hot place. would you add the fabris softener and then run it through again with no soap? I don't follow.

You are famous. http://climbing.com/news/stuartnrw/

Those crack routes in the upper middle powerline wall are fun for sure. That short bouldery sport climb on the arete at the far right side of the cirque is called "5.10" in the SKagit Mtn. Rescue guidebook, and rated equally.

That pin has been there for 20 years. It's not as good as when it was first placed; I wouldn't want to fall on it. At this point placing a bolt next to it may be an option to consider. The rest of this route is compromised by a bad start IMO. The tough bouldery direct start, or a unprotected traverse through blackberries on a wet sloping ledge, then only a suspect pin after the single belay bolt. It seems like a little gardening and/or pin replacement might be in order.

Way to change the issue with an ad-hominem attack. Can you say D-E-N-I-A-L?

Semi off-topic.... what's the consensus on the reliability of that pin on the first run-out frictiony part of GM? Last time on that route the bottom was wet, and I had to make some sketchy moves to clip the pin where I was in range of a seriously big fall/pendulum. Do you think it's more psychological pro than anything?

yeah, listen to the canuck. It'd be a much better plan to climb at Index on Sunday.

Anyone leaving AFTER 11:00ish tomorrow? (saturday)

still looking...

I've got Saturday after 11am and all of Sunday free. I'm looking for a partner with a car who can drive for trad cragging (Index, Squamish) or alpine. I'll be happy to provide rope and rack as well as gas money. I know someone's got to be looking to get out.

Pretty funny, I was also really amused by the looks of confused consternation expressed by some of the more uptight members of the audience at Timmy's brand of humor. I won a fancy headlamp that I'm trying to sell, and some kind of hot oil massage from Dick Cheney, which I'll treasure. Anyone in Bellingham need a climbing partner for the weekend?

REI members get 20% off regular priced item through April 3, 2005 Coupon code: DVD25

I talked to Dallas today at Erie (where the weather by the way) and he said that the new book is at the printers, he'll be giving a final edit to make sure the layout and all that is solid tomorrow (Monday 2/28) and printing should begin immediately. He expects availability in a couple weeks.

what's the story on that alien in the 2nd pic?

Anyone in Bellingham have Sunday free, and own a car? I'd love to hit up Index, Squamish, or even Erie. I've got full trad rack, rope, and gas money. reply or PM if you want to get out.

Camp xla 130.... 4.6 ounces. It wouldn't be comfy for hanging in, but for snow, glacier, and "just in case" times, it's the lightest thing going.

It's an Edelwiess, I'm belaying with an atc, and coiling with a butterfly. Thanks for suggestions.

What's the conventional wisdom on keeping ropes from getting all twisty and coiled up, or getting them un-kinked? I've heard lowering off of anchors can do it, any truth in this? I've had this problem after a day of single-pitch cragging. (We aren't belaying/rappeling with a munter either, as I've heard that this also kinks ropes.)

What do you mean steddy? this is the only name/persona I've ever posted anything under.

Is that "Jack of Hearts"? I remember climbing a 5.9 crack in that area with some kind of card-playing name. I was on a toprope, the crack seemed thin and a little tricky to protect.