spotly

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.

Hey - thanks for the comments about my website. Glad to hear someone's actually looking at it! My wife was the catalyst for putting it up - she wanted some way of grabbing some desktop shots at her work place.

Perfect. Thanks.

SEWS, Liberty Bell and maybe Kangaroo should make for a nice relaxing weekend. Did Black Peak last weekend and it was fun. Felt nice to get out alone for a scramble for the day. Might also check out that Goat Wall area - I hear there's an ok 5.8 bolted multipitch. Been kinda tired from all the trips lately so just looking for some place to mellow out (if plan 'A' doesn't go). Thanks for the suggestions.

We were thinking of Washington Pass as a plan 'B' destination for next weekend. Not being familiar with the area, any suggestions for a Friday thru Sunday trip? I want to stick to something in the 5.6 or below range - SEWS and Liberty Bell for sure. Anything else? Suggestions for good bivy spots along the way? Permit requirements? Thanks

Sorry - didn't see this till it was too late. As you probably already saw, no ice ax or crampons needed. There was a negotiable moat on the right side. Assuming of course that you came down the ridge at the same spot we did. Looked like higher up would have sucked.

Except for the approach and the section of the route from the bottom of LJT on up and then the descent, this sounds exactly like the way we went Heading up there again on the 15th and the sad thing is that now I have no excuses - LOL. Thanks for the beta.

From Aug 26th

All great points and it was a difficult decision. I like the twins idea (probably prefer the doubles better I'd guess) but then I got to thinking that it might be better to climb with some first to see what kind of problems I'd run into (coiling two instead of one, using my ATC Guide, blah, blah) and if I was willing to deal with that to get the benefits. Having doubles or twins would be nice for bailing and maybe when I start getting up (or trying to) some more difficult routes, I'll see more benefit to getting a set. Thanks for all of the great advice!

I got tired of my old heavy, sweaty helmet this year too and opted to go with something lighter and with more ventilation. I opted for the Meteor III. As advertised, it is so light and so well ventilated that even on hot days, I hardly notice it's on. Can't speak to it's protective value yet. As far as the dork factor, it's there but not sure I can blame that on the helmet as much as heredity.

Ok, definitely fickled but...I cancelled my order for the twins and picked up the Mammut Serenity instead. I've heard it won't stand up to alot of abuse but for what I'm doing, it should be fine...I hope.

Oh great, so you caught all that wimpering then! LOL Thanks for the compliment on the website.

Yes I did! Small (and strange) world. So, were you one of the guys that we swapped routes with?

The Infinity was my first choice but after doing a bit of reading here and there and talking to a few more people, I opted to go with twins. Ok - I'm fickled! But the Mummut Twilight 7.5mm looks real nice on paper (weight, falls, blah blah). Seems like a good choice?! For the money, I can only hope at this point since I just pressed the "Process Order" button at JustRopes. I don't get the benefits you mentioned regarding the doubles but they're a fraction lighter and being the slog-wuss I am...Oh no, I've got twins! LOL. Thanks for the advice and the PMs.

I don't think I'm up for taking a fall on any ole 8.5 actually Thanks though. I'm looking for recommendations for a single. I've read various reports on some of the newer ultralight singles but was wondering if anyone here had a preference....in a single.

I'm looking to get a light weight single for alpine use only. Weight is a concern of course, but I don't want some POS that'll fall apart after just a few climbs either. Any recommendations? Thanks

Found near Love Bulge.

Went out there to check em out today. The big roof looks intimidating. Left when I saw the naked guy draped over a rock like he had been skewered by it. WTF.

I feel your pain. Be sure to post on NWHikers.net too.

Just picked up a pair of Motorola FV200s. Very light, small and uses 3 triple A batteries. Claim is they'll get 5 miles so should be good to at least 60 meters

I've used a front-loader and about half the amount of Woolite as recommended...with cold water. I also ran the machine through on an empty hot cycle first, just to make sure there was nothing left over from the previous load. Maybe a waste of $2 but just my preference. So, how did it happen? Got sketched out on lead? I can relate

2.9 ounces - pretty light.

Climb: Banks Lake-Several Date of Climb: 8/20/2006 Trip Report: Went to Highway Rock at Banks Lake over the weekend and climbed Downtown, Bono, The Edge, Unknown Name, Suprehension and Creamsicle Buttress. Downtown is an excellent climb. Second time on it and I'll probably do it every trip. Bono was good - it's got a nice crack at the top that took some grunting on lead last time there. This time it was actually kinda pleasant...following Supprehension (lake side) is a must-do. It's short but has some great features. Above Supprehension, Creamsicle Buttress was given 3 stars in the new guide book - good view from the top anyway. Geesh, it was HOT! Anyhoo, did I mention that Downtown was a great climb?! Rated at 5.6 "with a short 5.10 traverse at the bottom." LOL. Brian F. lead it this time and took a low, stretchy move - I did a tension traverse with a double-length runner and my best Tarzan yell to get that piece (shame). Brian on Downtown On the lake side - Supprehension Preparing to rap off of Supprehension Top of Creamsicle Buttress Gear Notes: 14 quickdraws 2 ropes Poison ivy soap Approach Notes: Right off the highway near Electric City.

If it's yours and you want it back, let me know.

Based on previous years and the weather this year, what are the odds of running into ice or snow problems on the west ridge in early September? Sure, always a possibility but..the odds. I'm thinking of heading back again but I'd think bailing off that 3rd/4th class gully with thin snow or ice would be a pain at least.