CPOly

I'm not exactly sure what conditions are like right now, but I think that with all of this fresh snow that has fallen recently self arrest would be pretty easy even without an ice axe. The soft snow would probably facilitate easier learning as it wouldn't take as much to stop yourself.

I'm not sure what the road conditions are like right now up to the Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead (for Marmot Pass) but I would think that the road into Staircase would be more reliable.

There's not really any avy danger up to the lakes as you're in the trees the whole time. Should you decide to venture up higher from there you'll probably run into some questionable slopes, but it's easy to stay in safe terrain. Have fun wherever you go.

Now now Sobo, he hasn't bolted the crap out of it , most placements have been chosen wisely. But he will have good tips.

Is that a recent photo?

Another idea would be to buy a chunk of plywood, drill holes, insert t-nuts, and use gym holds. This would be much more versatile but probably wouldn't look as pretty.

Link

First the speeding ticket, now an accident (probably not your fault ) Either you have really bad luck or you're a horrible driver.

Did you read that link that wazzumountaineer posted? By the way thanks for that link.

I've read many times people saying concentrate on your footwork, get better footwork, but what does that mean? Granted I'm not climbing 5.12 yet, but I imagine I will be in the forseeable future, especially with the new gym opening in Olympia soon. My opinion of good footwork is having the ability to use very small footholds effectively. What that means is understanding the optimal position to have your foot in while on the hold. Typically when you're talking about very small footholds, your foot will only stay on them when your foot is in one certain position. The key is keeping your foot in that position while moving the rest of your body to make other moves. So keeping that tension in your foot and the rest of your body in order to keep your foot on is crucial. This is easier said than done, but once you gain this understanding your footwork becomes much better. Also important is weight distribution between your different points of contact (i.e. hands and feet). Knowing how much weight your feet can hold is very important to climbing efficiently. The more weight you have on your feet, the less weight that you have on your hands. I believe RUMR said that climbing 5.12 in the PNW doesn't require great amounts of strength, just good technique. In my opinion that's footwork and weight distribution. Sure you need to know how to move your body in relation to the holds available to you, but that will come in time. Anyways just my $.02. Good luck and keep working at it.

Really, what was his name?

So which one's the high ball?

Are things gonna be dry enough out there tonight Off?

L-Town Baby!

Sure is! It's got me glued to my seat reading it.

I would guess the cliff is looking BEEEAUTIFUL! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again tonight.

I know you did, looking forward to seeing you guys again this weekend.

Hey, I know it was a little early when hillweasel and I woke you guys up but there's no need for name calling or armed forces.

Have fun! Off is a great guy, you guys should have a blast.

Oh the joys of moving, the first Wednesday it's dry in weeks. Have fun everyone, see you next week maybe.

I was hoping you'd say that. I've got my fingers crossed, keep me posted Off.

Raining in Oly now. Looks like I've gotta figure out something else to do tonight.

Please don't rain, please don't rain, please don't rain!