CPOly

It can definetly be the cheaper alternative. I made a pair of gaitors for myself that are really sweet. Waterproof/Breathable fabric up top and heavy duty cordura for the bottoms. Got the pattern from Seattle Fabrics. Also made a crash pad for much less than it would cost to buy one. Good luck.

Like I said, it's somewhat of an alternative to Schoeller. I haven't tried seam tape on Schoeller yet so I don't speak from experience here. I wouldn't worry about sewing it looking like shit if you're thinking about seam seal or tool dip as other options. With that said I haven't yet repaired the small tear in my Schoeller pants either. Just an option to think about for the more adventurous out there. It's been my experience that making clothing and gear repairs via sewing is pretty easy, yet many are deterred because the idea of sewing something yourself seems difficult.

I would suggest just sewing it yourself. If you don't know how to sew, it doesn't take long to learn. A few minutes experimenting with different stitches and that's it. Zig-zag stitch is what you're looking for. I'm sure you know someone who has a sewing machine that you could use. Seattle Fabrics is an awesome resource for outdoor fabrics and materials. Look into Spandura as somewhat of an alternative to Schoeller. It is a blend of Lycra to give it a bit of stretch, and Cordura for strength and abrasion resistance. In terms of thread, industrial strength is a little much, the fabric will end up ripping before the thread does. All you need is polyester thread. For seam sealing they sell seam tape at Seattle Fabrics also. This is the stuff that you see on factory sealed seams, not quite as messy as other alternatives. The main worry with applying seam tape is the heat from the iron. This can be damaging to some fabrics if you're not careful. I think they also sell some sort of heat shield you can use. I would buy the smallest amount of fabric you can get, maybe 1/4 or 1/2 yard. Probably be around $7. 1 yard or 2 of seam tape, around $3. $2 for thread and you'll have everything you need, in addition to extra fabric should this happen again. Anyways good luck whatever you may choose. I'm exhausted.

And yet again natural selection reigns supreme.

I did not mean to imply that people cannot apply themselves to their trades artistically. I agree that it can be an amazing thing to watch someone who is very skilled at what they do, whatever that may be.

So in my opinion, the "genius" comes in the ability to perform these physical acts. The number of people who actually have the ability to control their bodies with such precision is very slim. Seems to me this is about the application of the actual word "genius" as opposed to whether or not these individuals are extraordinarily talented.

I would tend to disagree with you. I'm sure that there are numerous artists whom you may call genius'. Surely you see ballet as an art and not a trade. I just feel that this is a bad example comparing dancers to plumbers.

Very nice!

I love the idea that as climbers we have the opportunity to test ourselves against the highest level of climbing at this time. Any one of us can go to the crag and throw ourselves on the most difficult climb that we can find. I would have to say at least for myself that this would generally be a very humbling experience. But there aren't many other "sports" or physical endeavors where we have the opportunity to test ourselves at the highest level possible. I feel that I'm a skilled soccer player but I can't just head over to Europe to attempt to play in the English Premier League. Having been a competitive athlete all of my life, I think the individualistic aspect of climbing is what is very attractive to me. Anyways, just my thought.

Multiple Intelligence Theory This is a link to a page describing Multiple Intelligence Theory. I believe Howard Gardner came up with this and even has a book describing it in more detail. Pretty good theory IMO.

Nice work Pzack, sounds like a great time. I was up on Jefferson Peak on Sunday enjoying the weather as well. How was that catwalk on Washington?

Keep in mind that you're going to find a lot more snow than rock this time of year. But when all the snow has melted out you're right, it is a very fun and exposed scramble.

The ridge between Ellinor and Washington is sharp in some spots. Be careful of cornices up there. You could drop down into Big Creek Basin here and there to avoid nasty parts of the ridge. There's plenty of class 4 rock up there to mess around on. "A" peak is a very short climb that's along the traverse. Have fun and be safe.

Well, well, well, I guess lucky for me it's neither. Well done iain, I'm very surprised that someone came up with that.

...I'd sacrafice every breath I breathe, to make you believe, I'd give my life away, Oh lord I'm so tired, I'm so tired, My feet feel like I've walked most of the road on my own, All on my own, We alive but we ain't livin', That's why I'm givin' until it's gone 'cause I don't want to be alone, If there's anything I could say could help you find your way, It's trust your soul, make it whole, The same for you and I, And not no minute goes by, that I don't believe we can fly, But I can feel it in the wind, The beginning or the end, So people keep your heads to the sky, Shake that load off, Shake that load off...

Well, a buddy and I went in to try and locate where the "snatch" actually is. We left Oly late Wednesday night and crashed at the car near the trailhead. Got up around 7 am and started the hike up the old road near the Putvin Trail. After a little over 3 miles we left the road and followed a faint trail heading in the general direction we were hoping to go. Soon we found some flagging marking a trail and so we assumed we were on the right track. There was enough snow accumulated that we no longer could follow the trail so we basically kept hiking up the path of least resistance. Every once and a while we would see some more flagging and again assume we were on the right trail. After about 6 hours on the move we topped out on a hill across the valley from Mt. Stone. From our high point we could see what we believe to have been the Bandersnatch probably about another hour or two away from where we were. We decided to hang out for a bit and gather our wits for the way back down. The Bandersnatch was going to have to wait for another visit when there isn't as much snow or when we have a couple of days for the attempt. The descent took a little over 3 hours and we were back at the car. All in all a nice long day in the hills and a mellow drive back to Olympia.

Does anyone know what conditions are like at Exit 38 right now in terms of there being snow on the ground at the different areas?

Does anyone have any info in terms of protection required for the Bandersnatch?

The gym on the westside I believe you're refering to is at the Peak Adventure Sports Store. It's very small and definetly not worth the time or money. That would be sick if Alpine Experience put together some sort of gym.

I took the Basic Climbing Course through the Mounties this past year as an introduction to climbing. Unfortunately this was before I knew about CC as a resource for partners/mentors to learn basics of climbing. I guess the course is a good way to gain a basic understanding of the principles and techniques involved in mountaineering if you can't read. Otherwise all of the information taught is available in various books (ie Freedom of the Hills). The class was a little too slow paced for me, but it's intended to accomodate working adults who don't have all the time and resources available that a 23 year old do. It was obvious also that there were many in the class that didn't take the time to really learn what was being taught. I'm talking basics like knots and belaying technique. This made me very apprehensive towards roping up with some of these people and I didn't hesitate in voicing this opinion towards them. I am very passionate and enthusiastic about climbing and there's no way that I could expect others in the class to have the same enthusiasm towards it. This is probably why I'll never take another course through them. I prefer to climb with others who have a similar idea of climbing. Anyways, that's just my experience/opinion.

Wow, very thorough and informative. I really appreciate the info.

Another good source of info for you might be The Alpine Experience in Olympia if you haven't already talked to some of those folks. I know that a few of them are very involved with the Oly Mounties. I've talked with a couple of guys at the store that were mentioning projects they were working on out at Cushman. The number there is (360) 956-1699. Good Luck

Thanks everyone for the tips and the link. Suppose myself and my partner will not be swinging leads and I will be leading all pitches, what is the best way for the second to anchor in at the belay so that we can swap ends of the rope or re-stack the rope? I would guess slings girth hitched to the second's harness with lockers for the hangars? Thanks again for the info. Oh yeah, thanks alpinfox for the cordial welcome to the board.

I'm just wondering what the preferred technique is for climbing multipitch sport climbs. Specifically when the leader arrives at the anchor, what's the most common/best method for anchoring in, how to prepare to belay up the second, and the second anchoring in upon arrival at the belay. Thanks for any info.

Wow, my first post, oooh I'm so excited! I'll be there with a small crew from Oly. Are you guys all staying at the Grasslands?