spotly

Perfect. This is just what I was looking for. at 2.5 times the cost, I'll have to grovel with the wife a bit though.

For what you're doing, the REI Quarter Dome T2 might be a good choice. Light enough to backpack with and very comfy.

I've really like my Mammuts and Beal as far as durability and handling.

As for the Ti Goat, I'm on the edge of ordering this for a UL carry-over option but the idea of having to use it under a tarp is turning me off. Right now I use the waterproof Montbell cover but it lacks a hood and zipper plus something more breathable would be nice. I'm thinking of ordering some Cuben Fiber material and constructing a cover (for the top area only) that could be attached to the top of the Ti Goat bivy if the weather is threatening. I'd need to get tie-down loops sewn to the bivy to prevent rolling around when the cover is in use though. This option should only add a few ounces to my UL solution. Any opinions - better ideas? Also, regarding the optional full net hood vs the optional netting window. I see on their site that the window option provides a loop for holding the fabric off the face. The full net hood option does as well but it's difficult to see how that works. If you are using just the netting and you have a line tied through the netting loop to keep it off your face, then it starts to rain...do you need to untie the netting loop, pull the fabric up, then retie the cord into the fabric hoop? And how is the hood fabric stored when not in use - rolled up a secured somehow?

I think I saw that guy on U Tube

Just noticed this on the Edelrid site. Looks nice for those super-long approaches with small packs.

Gear whore! Someday, when I grow up, I'm gonna be a REAL GEAR-HO, like BILLCOE... no you need to have 20+ ropes each in there own labeled rope bag for that to happen!!

I've use the overhand with long tails and well-dressed. One advantage is that it's less likely to jam as apposed to fishermans. Seems adding knots in the tails would be counterproductive to that though.

Oh good. So sounds like a few days of dry wind is all we need then...assuming no snow on top of the routes dribbling down I guess. Thanks

How's the snow along the Icicle this year? Do routes like R&D look like they'll be climbable any time soon (on dry rock)? Any forecast/guesses as to when? It's been pretty dry and mild here in Spokane so hoping things might me looking good earlier over there as well. Thanks

I stood along side a trail with my small can of pepper spray in hand, just waiting for a large loose sheperd and its owner to go by (I've have bad experiences with large dogs as well). After having laready walked by me, the owner saw that I had the small can of spray in hand and proceeded to have a fit - red faced cursing - the whole 9 yards. A very strange response that I've seen repeated a few times by other bad dog owners when they even remotely feel that their dog is threatened or sometimes just unappreciated. So, I can relate. But, that's not the point is it?! The point is your responce to being bitch slapped (rightly or wrongly) on another forum then running here to trash-talk it. That's lacking in class - an attribute that's not restricted to just the educated.

Cool video. I like the music and the way you did the still sequenced photos! Wouldn't mind checking out Potholes sometime - where's the best beta for that area?

Making money is nice and I suppose having a wife that takes good care of the accountant can be a bonus....for the accountant. As for me, I'd rather go through life poor and able to converse with the masses than babbling [blathering] and living with a woman that's "taking care" of the help. Also, don't let dealing with people that [are] smarter than you get you too down or you're apt to be quite lonely. Just sayin

Based loosely on the Spokane Riverfront Park Gondolo Ride Incident(s). This one and that one.

Cool video. When we climbed it, I took the first lead and wound up at that anchor you pointed out. Hideous. We had to rap down from the anchor to reach the top of the on-route first pitch. I remember not having any pro and slinging a pinky-sized juniper for some psycological pro. Couldnt see my partner but when he got to that piece, I heard a "What the f@@@?!" LOL. Thanks for bringing back the nighmares.

Is too.

I was looking for something in this weight range (or a little heavier) and with netting and head space that could stand alone in the rain so good to hear before I invested the money. Thanks.

Here's the one I'm onsidering: TiGoat Ptarmigan. If anyone here is familiar with this or the material and has some advice, I'd appreciate it. I currently have a Sierra Designs that runs nearly 3 pounds. Feature-rich but heavier than I'd like for carrying over.

I picked up this pack early last year from a local store that won't take gear back just because of poor design. It's a bit small but with some creative packing I managed to get climbing and overnight gear into it (just a light bivy - nothing heavy). I went with this pack because of the profile and because I like my other Ospreys - especially the feature that lets me tighten the waist belt by pulling forward and the comfort. Overall the pack isn't living up to my expectactions though - it has absolutely no back support and tends to fold over on itself, putting all of the weight onto the shoulders. The side pockets are so shallow as to be useless. I can get taller pockets sewn on but not sure how to stiffen the danged thing up without adding a ton of weight. Any suggestions? Getting another pack is an options but with other gear on this years wish list, yet another pack might not go over too well with the boss so I'd be limited to something that I could sneak by unnoticed by the budget police

I couldn't read the captions so I inserted my own and yeah, sounds like they're having fun!!! But arean't there some pics missing? You did after all mention other interesting sights to be had.

My balls shrivelled up. Could be the video...or old age....or the weather here in Spokane.

I agree with Atriedes. Once you saw how much attention the guy required, shoulda booted him. Pretty sorry when a person can't be taught to turn a knob and push an ignitor button in three weeks

Nice link - thanks. Very timely too. Just tweeked my pinky again. As far as general finger joint issues, in my old age, I find that if I climb at my upper level for more than a few days per week, my finger joints begin to hurt and don't usually settle down unless I back off a little. Pretty soon I'll be limited to 3rd class at this rate I've been thinking about starting to use those joint drinks to see how that works. Any of you older folks have any experience with those things or some other "tricks" when it comes to the finger joints?

Congrats on the winter ascent. Looks like perfect weather. All the pics are nice but that last one )"High winds..." is tops! I've tried to capture the wind in my shots before but haven't got one like that yet.

Hey Dave - Thanks. The Prusik shot was taken with one of those weather proof Olympus Stylus cameras. It's an ok camera but hit and miss when the lighting isn't perfect. We had great lighting that day.