spotly

I guess I have mixed feeling about that. Not everyone wants to lead - if they wanted to top rope but couldn't walk to the top or they didn't have someone to lead it for them, I guess I could kinda see that. To each their own. But if they're out to lead and think that's what they're doing, they're fooling themselves. As for me, never used one and probably never will cause I'm too cheap to buy one just to clip an occasional first bolt that's "too high." If I'm not comfy leading without it, I just wouldn't do it or I'd see if my partner wanted to go up and set it up for top roping for me. JMHO.

Saw one in the Cabinets a few years ago and got followed by two on that same trip. Also saw my first Lynx this year It ran across Hwy 20 right around the big turnout at Cutthroat Peak. Was the most ungainly looking cat I've ever seen - rear legs were real long. When I was a kid, 3 of us got stalked by a Mt. Lion in Oregon. We were walking along a logging road and the cat followed us for over an hour. Never did see it but it kept screaming at us off in the trees. We were freaked.

Well, after a few days break, the pain went down in all but two digits - just pretty stiff right now. I gave the route another try and actually made a few more moves and the joints aren't any worse so the break was good. Not sure I understand how taping between the joints can help so I'll put on the reading glasses and check out the threads on taping. Thanks.

No real pain while on the route and not chronic...yet - though that is my concern. I've pulled on plenty of tiny holds over the last few years but these are quite a bit smaller than I'm used to. I'll continue on it for a bit with some rest days between and see if they build up or break down. As far as the age advice - my climbing partner is quite a bit younger than me and a much better climber so I've grown used to throwing my age back at him when he dogs me about pinging off something he'd style up. It's my excuse and I'm sticking with it

I've been working on a route at the local gym that's nothing but little footholds. At best, I can get 2 finger tips on each hold. Been making progress on the route but I'm starting to get some serious pain in my finger joints so I give the route a break for a few days before giving it another go. I suppose the finger pain is common when spending too much time on these holds - any suggestions for how to deal with the injury? Maybe my 47 year old fingers shouldn't be messing with that route. What are the long-term consequences on the joints? Anyhoo, I'm sure this varies with each person but any words of wisdow appreciated.

I bought a pair (my 2nd) of the Courmayeur pants this past spring so I think they're still making them. They come in a winter weight but I've used the summer weights along with a thin poly on some cold winter stuff and stayed pretty warm. Also used then on a few warmer occassions with no problem but I think the tan ones would be better for the warmer weather than the black that I have. I've gotten a few small rips but they didn't fray and were easily sewn. Nice pants - I think.

Well, with my relatively limited climbing career ... Sport - Bono(Banks Lake) or P4 out the mouth on Monkey Face Trad - P2 on Midway at Castle Rock

I like the layout - very nice. In the "About Me" section, the left edge of the white type is cut off by the picture. In the "Climbing Partners" sections, the white type at the bottom of a few pics is cut off by the picture. I'm using IE 6 SP1. I'll check back later for more content but so far, looks nice.

Sorry gradyboy92, wrong size. I'll take a look at all of these recommendations. Thanks.

I've been wearing Garmont GTX Towers for the last few years and they're too narrow really, so after way too many soaks in the hot tub (yeah right) it's time to part ways. Seems mountaineering boots tend to run a bit narrower. Any suggestion for a 3 season boot that has good edging and traction in snow and is a bit wider than the "norm"? I wear strap-on crampons and don't climb ice so not intersted in anything real stiff. Thanks

As a newer climber who has not yet had the pleasure of needing to replace worn runners, I've been watching these threads pretty closely. I started trad last year and picked up 9 Mammut 8mm runners. They saw a little use last year (8 or 9) routes and quite a bit this year (dozens of climbs). They appear used but not what I'd call worn so I thought I might get another couple of years out of them. It appears that time, as much as wear should determine when they get replaced. Sounds like a few of you are saying 2 years and chuck em regardless of lack of visual wear. If that's the case and given the expense, I think I may go with nylon next time.

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16723

In Spokane, there's Reesa's on Division. I've had 2 pair done there and they did a good job. Took only a few days to get em done.

I've not seen the bolts - only commenting on the routes to either side of Tree Crack.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (5.11+) is to the left (looking at the rock) and Aid Roof (A3+) is on the other side. Must be one of those - don't think there's anything between them.

Steve, Thanks for the update. I've been trying to get hold of you regarding Minne cleanup efforts but can't reach you via your email. Can you send me your latest and greatest address to tim@spotly.com? Thanks

Check yer PMs.

I need to find a reliable and motivated climbing partner for the winter. Doesn't matter how good or poorly you climb - just don't drop me . Looking to get into Wild Walls at least two or three days per week. Weekends are good. My work shift ends at 3 and I live north so the closer to 3 on weekdays, the better.

Whats a recreational climber? Are people climbing in the South side this time of year? An August 28th TR

I figured someone here had asked. They weren't home last time I went through. Too bad about access - looks like fun. I'll get to that class IV area as soon as I can figure out the class II stuff Thanks for the reply.

Definitely layers. I've worn that jacket on some cold winter climbs and it did well as long as I kept moving. A good parka for an outter layer is always nice. Being from Hawaii, I'd bet a parka would feel good at 70 huh

The Mountaineers are working with the county and the land owner to aquire that area (not sure on current details). Access seems kinda iffy to me. I've been up there a few times this year with a friend. We took the road straight up the center of the gully to a gate, which we went through and closed behind us. I was told the "No Trespassing" sign was for the property on the left, not the road. Still, felt uncomfortable because it was too hard to be sure I wasn't trespassing so haven't been back since. There's a blurb about the aquisition effort here if you're interested: http://www.spokanemountaineers.org/public_html/big_rock.htm As far as new developement, we played on the new bolts on the south end of Big Rock - some nice routes. Can hardly wait for access to be straightened out so we can get in there and sample some more I thought I heard Marty had put in a bunch of that new stuff? Maybe he has more details on how to get in there.

FYI: Someone posted a found camera in the "photo" section on NWHikers.net. Found on the climbers path.

Here's some interesting rock in the Methow Valley south of Twisp. Looks like it's on private property though. Anyone found similar rock near there that's on public property?

I don't really think it matters. If there's a real reason to have em one way or another, I'm all ears. As far as my climbing partner changing my biners from how I have them, I don't think I'd like that. We can come to a mutual agreement on the rack and draws before the climb though. TP...now that DOES matter!