TrogdortheBurninator

I think that the republican control of the presidency,house, senate, and soon supreme court makes statements about a 70 year reign for one party a depressing albeit real possibility.

In my liberal bubble perspective, republicans seem more likely to follow the status quo (ie parents, friends, neighbors), compared to democrats that seem more likely to question the current state of affairs and make autonomous decisions. At the same time, a considerable number of americans did vote for Kerry with the "anybody but bush" mentality. I dont agree with this, but am not certain that makes them blind, only aware of the current administrations state of affairs.

I dont know what is more disappointing, the fact our system elected a president 4 years ago without the popular vote, or the fact that there are enough blind, stupid, lemming americans to actually give him the popular vote after all the lies and bullsh*t he has delivered to the world.

What is climbing/skiing baker this time of year like? I was thinking of heading up there this weekend to do some snowboarding. I have only been up there twice before, both in august. Do people recommend crampons or snowshoes this time of year? It seems that with this relatively cold weather, the snow should be pretty good. If anyone has any advice id appreciate it.

Lamar had a pretty good reputation in the mid 90s, with a good team and decent boards. Technology has changed a lot since then. I think lamar got bought out at some point, and now they market primarily to large retailers at the lower end (ie GI Joes etc). Probably a decent setup for the price, but there is a reason they are so cheap.

Thanks for the link, weather looks really nice, mid 70s all next week.

How hot can I expect city of rocks to be this time of year. Planning on heading over there next week. Also, where else in that general vicinity would people reccommend climbing? Thanks

On rei.com and reioutlet.com, they are having a super clearance with 50% off of listed prices on a few items. There seem to be some pretty good deals. When you add the items to your cart, the final price will show up.

has anybody been up here recently. I am wondering if an axe is useful anymore for the approach?

I have friends who ride there and say it is really fun, although I have never been. These trails are not used by hikers and this is not spray. I beleive these trails were developed for MTB.

climbed it two weeks ago, the snow was pretty deep then. The traverse is in good shape with just enough pro in the rocks to keep it comfortable. There were two small rock bands exposed, but they passed fairly easy.

REIoutlet.com has TCUs on sale for $38. If you use the 20% off coupon MSNEXC, the price drops to $30. Use in store pickup and with tax total is only $33. Limit one coupon unless you get creative. The also have power cams and ropes and other goodies that you could use the coupon for.

Lambone, I have Montrail Ice 9s, and if they fit her foot, they might be perfect for what she is looking for. I know there are mixed reviews about the ICE 9 system, but the boots are incredibly comfy and really warm. They also breath good. Montrail makes them in women's specific sizes. I have only used mine a few times but they are more comfortable on approach than my lighter weight zamberlain kiers, and way more comfortable than the Scarpa Alphas I rented for Rainier a few years ago. They seem to climb ice really well (only one weekend of water ice on them), but I don't have anything to compare them to in that respect. I have the Ice 9 crampons, and have used mine with Grivel G10s too. I have heard they work fine with other step-ins, although I haven't tried.

Amazon has BD moonlights for $12. I know most places are closing these out, but this seems pretty cheap. Being sold trhough mgear.com, except they are $17 on mgears site. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000E5KYO/104-2625148-6947958

Also, do people recommend bivying at the trail head Fri night, or driving in from Seattle Sat morn.

Can both routes (SEWS and Bell) be rapped with a single rope, or should we bring a second line.

Thanks AlpineDave, I will check the CAG on SW Rib and see how it looks.

I am wondering how long bad weather at WA Pass usually holds off given its slightly more eastern location. I would like to do some climbing on Saturday at WA Pass, but the weather reports are calling for rain to reach the cascades at some point. I don't expect anyone to know for sure, but from some folks with a lot of time up there, do you think the weather might hold off for some of the day? Also, I would like to try and climb The Beckey route on Lib Bell and the South Arete on SEWS both on Saturday. Could anyone who has done both in a day comment of the feasbility of doing both in a day for a relatively new 5.8 trad leader. Also, which would people reccomend to do first in terms of logistics as well as the possibility that the day could be cut short by rain. Thanks in advance

assuming the retail price is correct, it is more than half off with the 20% coupon http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47817952&storeId=8001&catalogId=40000008001&langId=-1

you can also use a 20% off coupon from your email to bring the price of the 60m 10.5 non-dry down to $80. I am thinking about buying one.

i have a minolta dimage X-20. Only 2MP, but quality is still good. Best part is it weighs 5.5oz (w/batt), fits in my pocket, and costs $125.

Don't know if this might change anyone's mind, but you can get the air tech for $70 here. http://www.climbhigh.com/specials.cgi?prodid=1

Maybe I was just off or something. It felt hard to me.

I climbed this route on saturday and thought it was the most difficult 5.6 I have ever been on. The "bolt protected" move onto the slab felt like 5.9, and the rest of the slab seemed like 5.7-5.8. I am not much of a slab climber, but that rating is ridiculous. Running it out 15-20 ft on a rusty bolt doesn't help the mind too much either. Last thursday we climbed freeway gunshow at 38 (very soft 5.10a slab), and it was substantially easier than BS (a few letter grades). I second the motion for bolt replacement, but also think people need to be aware of how sandbagged this thing is.

Rumor has it the OR store is having a sale on accessories and apparel going on now (i.e. all gloves $10 - but hard to find good sizes).