spotly

The "clueless wit" thing, while arguably juvenile is kind of funny. Not that I agree with it, just...well, it's amusing. I'm sure I'll earn a special name some day too.

I did. There's been others before me???

Stuart West Ridge - Good company, great granite. I learned alot about my own abilities and about team dynamics. The trip really helped solidify a good climbing partnership too. The climb was so relaxing you could just enjoy being there instead of worrying about having to be somewhere else. Which is why we also learned a bit about how to plan better for an....unplanned bivy LOL.

Rain? In the NW? Actually, I should clarify - I can usually only get out on the weekends. Naturally, the icy season would be preferred

January 1st thru December 31st except July 1st (anniversary).

Thanks. Johnny Vegas looks very fun. Any suggestions for the descent. I hear the gully kinda sucks but in order to avoid the rap/downclimb/rap mess, you have to use the anchors short of the top - true? So far, two friends "somewhat" interested but not holding my breath - the slackers!

I'd like to fly down next month for a day of climbing, temps permitting. Maybe Feb if not. Thought I'd fly in Friday night, climb Saturday then fly out either Saturday night or Sunday morning. Could maybe take a Friday off and head out Thursday night instead. Of course, all depends on convincing one of my lazy, hibernating climbing partners that too much plastic is bad for them. Not having much luck with that so far. Just wanna get out of snowville and enjoy some rock. Sooo, was looking for something long, south facing, 5.6ish to 5.7ish and not run out/easy pro. Could do up to 5.10 if my partner is willing to lead the stiffer pitches though. Solar Slab looks about right but with an early start, should be able to get something else in too? Something nearby? For those who've been there, what's the cost of a rental car? How far is the drive from the airport? Any recommendations for eats and camping? Thanks.

Nice TR.

I haven't climbed ice yet but would like to see what all the fuss is about on an easier route. I have no ice gear and not even sure if by boots are stiff enough (3/4 shank) but would love to give it a shot if someone's willing to let me borrow some gear. I'll buy Mexican after and drive from Spokane

I'm pretty confused on this one as well. I've read news blurbs saying it's put off till 08 then I read one recently that said the US requires them starting in 06 so...Either way, we're getting ours ASAP just-in-case and to avoid any hassles.

You can also get $5 tickets from the college. At least Eastern was selling them anyhoo. Not sure where but a friend of mine used them last year. A big savings over the monthly rate if you're only coming in once or twice a week. I'll look forward to seeing you next weekend then. We'll be the rowdy group of 6 or so - throw something at us when you get there I have extra shoes (size 8.5) and harnesses so if you wanna climb too, just let me know.

The gym is an outlet till the snow and ice melts from the cracks (unless you climb ice of course). It's a good place to keep in climbing shape. I'm in there 3 or 4 days per week with a big and happy group around 4ish (2:30 on Saturdays). Stop in an say hi or join us for sushi and beer after.

My favorite (from a relatively limited list) is Highway Rock at Banks - yummy.

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.

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