beecher

Unfortunately, it only takes a few people to give an organization a bad reputation. Once hiking out from an easy alpine outing we caught up to a mtrs scramble group who we had listened to yelling "rock rock rock rock rock" all afternoon long on the peak next to us. Their leader made some comment about the 3 of us sharing a rope, then asked what took us so long hiking out. It was apparent to me that she hadn't been laid in quite some time. Her companions looked a little embarassed to be with their irritating 'leader', who was killing the buzz of a great afternoon. I responded that we had "stopped to take big long shits" (which we had, well, at least two of us), and we continued merrily along. Perhaps a rude reply, but I was so taken aback and instantaneously irked that I just blurted it out. That was years ago, but those little memories stick with you. I know a lot of great people who are in the mounties, it's the stupid little run-ins and condescending comments that give them a bad rap in my book.

pm'd you John

I am imagining the terror I would feel if someone who posts here were to do something at work or home that is illegal or doesn't hold up to professional standards of moral conduct. I can only imagine <shudder>. My world would fall apart. Only the power of the cc.com support group could hold me together.

I agree, going back and searching this guy's posts is wacked. This thread is garbage. In no way do I support this individual's actions, but titling this thread "Sex Predator Revealed on Supertaco!" is pure hyperbole. Nice hook for another cc.com time suck, you got me Winter.

Same circle jerk, different thread. I'm beginning to understand why there are always "12 viewing" when I log on to CC.com I will be sure to climb this route so I can comment intelligently on this important topic. If I am feeling lazy and want to do something really dangerous, I might even.... rappel. whoa No, wait, this climb has been RUINED by some cowardly and lazy bastard who placed a bolt on what may be a variation to the start! I shouldn't climb it. If I climb without chopping, I'm contributing to the problem. If I climb and don't clip, will I deck?! Am I a 5.10 sport climber climbing 5.7 trad or a 5.4 trad leader climbing 5.7 trad? that bolt is causing an identity crisis! chop it!

did you come up from olympia to go to UW rock!? if I knew how to insert a rolling laughy-head eating a well-packed sausage with tied-off casing, you would see one here. turning a practice rock into a destination is not something I would like to see happen. I think UW rock is a really neat place to ride yer bike to on a summer evening, great for practicing just about everything, I would hate to see it go.

I am one of those hated climbers who doesn't climb all that much and will probably never be all that good at it, but who gets a lot out of climbing and enjoys improving a smidge every year. Last Saturday I went to Index for the first time in several years. My first visit to Index was as a complete and utter beginner 6 or 7 years ago - I didn't go back until last Saturday. All the short anchors I saw seemed out of context to me. If I were a stronger climber I would probably outright object to them. But they are ALREADY THERE. As it is, I think most people understand it is poor style to camp out on toprope at the bottom of a longer climb. I would be careful not to abuse the privelege of using the anchors by delaying other climbers who are looking to 'play through'. This courtesy may need to be explained to some climbers, which isn't too difficult to do in a nonconfrontational way. All that said, from my perspective and observations of climbing ethics, chopping long-established anchors anonymously and without discussion probably exhibits a greater lack of respect for the local climbing community than having some fun on a short pitch. This discussion should have been resolved when the anchors were first installed.

those crafty everett mountaineers, so progressive. i remember a 'light & fast, speed is safety' seminar as part of their basic class a number of years ago. now stepping up to help offer 'beyond MOFA', good show!

Wow harsh on the judgements there. Maybe they're a bunch of fat cat investment bankers who used the word 'basecamp' when they walked up Whitney. Maybe they're telemarking dairy farmers from VT. Whatever. Sounds like they're willing to take the time, and make the effort it will take to get them there, and are probably wise enough not to let posters on this site raise their blood pressure.

there's a forest service campground a few exits east of Exit 38 at Denny creek. There is a ranger station in North Bend that you could also get info at, especially convenient to exit 32 climbing area (you might want to check that out too). I think there is also a state park with camping at Lake Sammamish, but that is a pretty suburban area, lots of houses & motorboats. haven't scouted free camping options myself besides sleeping in a van at snoqualmie pass.. but there may be somewhere

Couloir's has great advice - if you want a ski that's going to 'do everything', and you don't already know what you want, go the cheap route for now, and take the time to rent or demo different setups. just get out there and improve your skiing. my first bc setup was $25 skis from play it again, drilled on the floor of my apt. second pair was $15. both were as fun to ski as the $400 boards I upgraded to. some more specific advice for what it's worth: if you're going to lift ski more than a few times a season, get step-in bindings, maybe even with brakes (ie: fritschis). you can ski these with AT or alpine boots. garmont mega-ride is a popular boot, good balance of performance & weight. i'm guessing you'd be happy on fairly short skis, like 180 or less, since as a beginner maybe you're not going to go super fast. Shorter boards can be nice in BC since it's easier to switchback & kick-turn on ascent, you can turn quicker, negotiate tighter spaces & they're simply lighter. if you have to pack them, shorter boards are less likely to hit your ankles or catch branches.

All balls itch

it sucks to pay one membership fee and have 3 or 4 gyms available, and that everett still has a climbing gym. i always forget how to use an ATC because of those damn grigris - i keep dropping my partner, darn that vertical world. mostly i wish the boulder problems were as hard as they are at SG! and that I could breathe more chalk dust at VW. i would also feel much better if my partner had a belay card on their harness and maybe if I could take my shirt off I could score a sweet college girl to take up the tooth. would you please get on that s%#t VW!

WTF must've hit enter or something... got the name wrong too. Anyway, I can recommend Rescue SPECIALISTS in Leavenworth. They are WMA affiliated. My instructors were Lucca Criminale and Tom Clausing. Both are or were ski patrolers at Stevens, and also river guides. Tom is a paramedic in Wenatchee. Smart people, great teachers with lots of real experience, it was a memorable class. Have taken other outdoor first aid courses (OEC, MOFA), and WFR was way better. Enjoy.

I was very pleased with Rescue Professionals

Looks nice, John. thought I recognized you from the picture. You musta left the boys back home in the lobster kettle. Nate

Anyone know if the approach to Le Petit Cheval is snow-covered at the moment? If it 'tis, would an ice axe be recommended for competent travelers? Would it be worth skiing the approach? Sorry I don't have a map in front of me. Thanks!

yep it's the light(s) they put in a few years ago.

Thx ketch. Any recommendations for short tours off the hwgy before the pass?

Heading to Winthrop Friday-Monday. Want to get up to WA pass. Never been over there in winter. Looking to ski and see some good scenery. How long is the tour up the road from the gate? I hear snow removal starts monday, will that ruin our good time? Any recommendations for day tours from the road closure?