Chad_A

Doesn't have to be in perfect shape. Contact me at anderson7149ATcomcastDOTnet I live in Bellingham, but I can drive to meet for pickup if seller isn't in the area. -Chad

Still have this? Would like to buy if you have it still. Thanks much, Chad anderson7149ATcomcastDOTnet

Yeah, I own the MEC Hoodie. It's a great deal for what you get. The main difference is that it doesn't have the R.5-style longer bottom section to tuck in to tuck into your climbing/ski pants; the MEC piece is more of a standard length, and it doesn't zip up as high to form the instant balacava like the Patagonia does. Still, I really like it and use it regularly. The NW Alpine stuff looks nice. Might track it down to have a look next time in Portland.

Based on your description, you're probably in the right ballpark as it is. The key things you mention, IMHO, is that the heel lifts a bit, but that you can still feel the front of the boot if you tap the boot against something. It might help if you can find something to stand on the tip of the toe (stairs, rock gym holds) to mimick front pointing to see if you can keep the heel lift controlled, and then perhaps a steep sidewalk to mimick hiking/approach feel. (Work with me here; just trying to find an environment that would keep them looking like new in case you decide to return them.) I own a set, and the lacing system is pretty good; makes them pretty forgiving. I'm guessing they're going to become my go-to boot for most everything. They're warm on an unplanned bivouac at reasonable temps (but below freezing), supportive for endless moderate ice, and sensitive enough for standing on small edges of rock. They hike just fine, too, but keep the ankle loose; I didn't see them flexing at all in the sole (not that they're supposed to). Enjoy them, I'm sure enjoying mine.

Have some morning time tomorrow to pull on some plastic and would like a partner for hitting the ropes for laps, rather than boulder. I have "key access" to get in for unsupervised climbing, but said partner should have been already checked out by the YMCA for belay certification, as no staff members will be there to do so. They open at 6am, and can show up as early as one would want. If interested, gimme a shout at anderson7149ATcomcastDOTnet I'll try to check here for PMs, but please do the email thing first as I don't check back here more than once every couple of days. Thanks, Chad

Yeah yeah, that's cool. Sounds like a fun adventure off the beaten path. Good job!

Yana, just a quick "hello" to say that I'm sorry my wall project hijacked your thread. Kick me out of here anytime (or you've probably earned a trip to my garage after its finished for your tolerance). Colin, well, most likely before, but with the precip up high and the night time temps in the 20s, who knows...it could beat me (and I'm ok with that obviously).

Don't lie, you did not get a permit, and it would be impossible to get one without a stamped set of plans. Climbing walls are considered "cabinets", and permits are not required to add cabinets, except in cases of egreess in a multi-family or commercial setting Ok, I guess you didn't pick up on the sarcasm on that one. So much for "lying"... Dan, thanks for that. I think I can picture it; I'm, again, a noob, so I'll bounce it off the guy who has been helping me with other house projects over the summer. Should know what you're talking about. Colin, you're due for some laps whenever it's finished, man.

Of course I did, because everyone gets building permits for everything they build in their homes. So yes, of course.

Hey, that's gettin' somewhere. If you could fill in a noob as far as the idea you're talking about, I wouldn't be against putting in an access for walking right up to it. Now you've opened a can of worms

Classic CC.COM!!! Yes, the whole thing will be open ended from the near end in the picture, fully accessible. GREAT, now the inspectors will be showing up at any time

Just started on my own bouldering wall for our garage...finally underway. Good info on putting washers on the screws attaching the plywood to the studs, hadn't thought about that. Definitely going with the 3/4 inch plywood. Heavy, though.

Looks like both are sold, until otherwise noted. Thanks guys

Hate to part with them, but too much gear has accumulated. Going to stay with the Nomics only for the short term. Asking 450 for the pair, with 4 spare picks and a micro adze included (two micro hammers on the tools as of now): 2 Titans, one unused, one just plunged into snow on the North side of Rainier this season. 4 Lasers, two brand new and two used with life left. The shafts have the usual amount of wear on them from use (scratches in the clearcoat, purely cosmetic) but have been treated quite well. I also have a set of Grivel G14s with antibots (crampomatic) that I will let go in well loved condition, but lots of life left, for 50 bucks. I'm sure I still have the monopoint conversion kit for them, as well. If requested, I can get them out of storage for some pics. Buyer pays shipping, or can pick up in Bellingham. Thanks for looking, sorry to see them go. Email me at anderson7149ATcomcastDOTnet for more info. Please don't PM me, or if you do, expect a wait; I don't check my inbox very often. Chad

Well, I do have some orange juice in the fridge and some leftover white gas in the garage...

Thanks Jimbo, that's what I figured. If I were to go out there by myself, is there a way to access from the top to clean it on rap? I only glanced around up there on a rainy spring day. Some of the overhung routes look to stay dry. While I'm at it, any suggestions as to what I should use to clean the rock? Never undertaken that before so don't want to damage or polish the rock to slickness. Chad

Thought about taking the wife out there for some of the fun cobble-like stuff I saw over on the left hand side, but not sure if that moss ever dries out and goes away...maybe it never gets climbed enough to stay in descent condition? Thanks much in advance for input. Chad

Love the writeup! I'll have to put that on my bookmarks. Pretty sweet, looks like the climbing was awesome.

Ran into Monty on Liberty Ridge five years ago. Good meeting him and his party. My condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.

Dru, RE: Backcountry Essentials, last time I looked, they only had the brands you listed as already available in your area. -Chad

No, I hear ya. I figure it'd be a whiteout shitstorm with the weather we've been having, or if the sun comes out, too warm to be on those pillars. Either way, Nate and I nailed it pretty good back in '08. Ah, those were the days...

Ha, I knew it! Suppose I'm not surprised, freezing levels have been at 6500 or lower recently. Thanks for the pics, makes me want to get out the tools again.

Very cool vid to watch, thanks for putting that up. Stoked me to try again to get to the AK Range. BTW... ...beer cans ain't just for piss beer anymore. 10.5% ABV, 98 IBUs 10%ABV, 100 IBUs Suppose this would make the alpine start a little difficult, though.

Just name the time, Dan. I have an erratic schedule this summer with the new job n' all, but I'd definitely make time with enough advance notice. Let me know, and glad you're on the mend. -Chad