fishburneiv

"However if the climbing corridors amount to a few crumbs like Meadows gives, it's not so good." Steven's Pass (Hwy 2) has apparently adopted a similar policy. I was turned around last weekend by patrol - and other options / offerings were not mentioned. A friend of mine who "hosts" on the mountain was unaware of the change; however, he opined that, while on the surface it would be couched as a safety issue, the real reasons are likely related to overcrowding and money. Apparently there has been complaints that the resort has too much traffic as it is (hence the cont. rate increases). Also, he noted that the chair on the backside of the mountain is unregulated. Therefore, if you skin the front side you could ride for free all day on the back. I don't know. I skin for the exercise. If I wanted to do laps on the hill I'd buy a lift ticket. I proposed an "AT pass" for a nominal fee (>$20) to let us hike the hill.

I hope you and your partner had a killer time Buckaroo. The "full meal deal," as you say, was a good deal of stupidity. Maybe I'll TR next time. By the way, did you happen to find a camera (or camera pieces) half way up the route? Best,

If you put those raps in place kurthics, I hope you didn't take offense at my description. Next time I'm up I'll probably add a biner or two, but they seemed solid, well-placed, and did the trick!

I don't neccessarily want to get into the specifics of this climb in order to avoid the common assumptions, comments, and criticisms that would likely follow. Needless to say, we made some mistakes and had some shit happen. I will say, however, that if you travel (with caution) skiers left after the first rap, you will find a second rap station at the far end of a slightly lower ledge. It must be used as it had plenty of (albeit older) slings and rope peices. This rap ends 30m down on a sheer hanging rap (as described above) that takes another full 30m to the bottom. Next time I'll walk off! Best.

Long story short. A series of events resulted in rapping off the South side of Dragontail after climbing the Serpentine Arete on Friday. I haven't seen any beta on this descent, so I thought I would just mention that the second rap station is way to the left (east) of where you touch down from the first, and the third is hanging (two nuts and a sketchy wedged rock as "backup"). Moreover, the last two (of three) are very nearly 30m, so make sure you're on a 60m rope and watch the ends. Best.

Perfect! Just what I needed. Thanks darstog.

Dear CCers, I'm looking for some rock shoes for a 9 yo with approx size 35.5 - 36 UK sized feet. Also, anybody want to have a kid's climbing day in Leavenworth in a month or two? I've got two awesome boys (7.5 & 9 yo) who are ready to learn the ropes now that were back in the NW. (Sorry if this post should go elsewhere, and feel free to move it as appropriate.)

Dear CCers, I'm looking for some rock shoes for a 9 yo with approx size 35.5 - 36 UK sized feet. Also, anybody want to have a kid's climbing day in Leavenworth in a month or two?

From Foxnews: "Investigators determined that there is a widespread pattern and practice of the (YFZ) Ranch in which young, minor female residents are conditioned to expect and accept sexual activity with adult men at the ranch upon being spiritually married to them," read the affidavit signed by Lynn McFadden, a Department of Family and Protective Services investigative supervisor. McFadden said the girls were spiritually married to the men as soon as they reached puberty and were required to bear children. A spiritual marriage is one recognized by the FLDS church, but lacking a state marriage license. Texas law prohibits polygamy and the marriage of girls under 16." Kev, I don't get it, first you denounce the physical abuse of children and then you minimize the sexual exploitation of underage girls? How so?

Olympic Flame Reaches Peak of Mount Everest Wow. They really had to divert to get away from the protesters. Free Tibet! (and the pussies had to use O2).

Dear Muffy, I find thay laying down best distributes my weight. Does anyone have any thoughts on covering your poles with rubber tips to limit the damage?

Nope. These were young, athletic-types, jogging along and using their poles just to keep rythm. On that same trip I did see an 70+ year old man sloging up Asgard with a giant Gregory pack, a huge, heavy wooden ice axe with a metal head, and Sorels (snow boots). He was alternately gasping and exhaling "shit" and "fuck". I was seriously worried at the noises he was making so I casually asked him how he was doing. He smiled and opened up his pack - there was 30 pounds of live golden trout fingerlings in two big bags! He volunteers to restock to avoid having to get a permit. It was beautiful! Therefore, apparently, real cascade hardmen don't use trekking poles; they use full length wooden axes circa 1950. (I'm unworthy)

Awesome! Great shots.

Seriously though, I'm all for poles on the steeps, but when I saw that many people flicking them into flat, damp terrain, it made me wonder if they have become more of an accessory or habit than a truely useful aid to be used as necessary. Honestly, it made me want to be more mindful regarding my own use of poles; and challenged me to put them away when I really don't need them.

From Hugh: "sorry, try again - noticeable widening of trails has been observed post poles." That's certainly one of the affects that we noted. Maybe hafilax or porter can tell us which one of the THREE (count them, 3) comprehensive instructional videos offered by Jayah Faye Paley addresses how to correctly use the poles without damage to the trail?

1) don't get me wrong: I like 'em (poles and women) and I use 'em (poles, not women). I just wonder about the cost/benefit to the hiker, and to the trail, on flat, spongy, terrain like around Snow Lakes. 2) you have an instructional SERIES (the only comprehensive curriculum by the way) on how to use trekking poles?!

here's another combination Muffy...

After years away my wife and I were hiking through the Enchantments last fall when we noticed what seems to be a new vogue of running straight through. We counted around 30 people running through in groups of 2-10. We were both a little disgruntled by experience, but for different reasons. I interpreted every one of these light, fit, happily chatting people as a purposefully skipping past my bulk just to insult my fatness. My wife, however, was more concerned about what she perceived as a careless and thoughtless overuse of trekking poles - not just as an aid on the steeps, but a constant "flik-fliking" of poles (and earth) throughout. The evidence seemed especially apparent (and unnecessary) around the marshy flats of the snow lakes. What are your thoughts? A google search revealed some discussions that merely gave a passing nod to the possible damage created by poles. Most reasoned that the impact is so slight compared to other factors (i.e., heavy boots - also unnecessary?) as to be negligible, while others even argued that the holes are good for aerating and starting new growth, thereby further anchoring the trail. The first sounds like a justification by comparison, while the latter seems like an unfounded rationalization. Understand, I don’t mind poles – it just seems like they could/should be used more judiciously.

The CC community may have already seen this, but I think it's classic! I LOVE this guy! His look. His daring. His bad-ass smirk at the camera as he dangles precariously over a rack of ancient and rusty 10-speeds while chalking for the crux! (Apparently you need to be well chalked for latching on to a railing.) Awesome. Makes me smile every time.

thanks sobo.

what's the deal with the smiley face by my name? That's unnecessary, and not entirely accurate.

and speaking of... did you catch this one? http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN0736682420080307

Compared the general US population, where a few months after 9/11 we were annoyed with how this "interruption" had impacted our daily routine and wanted to be bothered with nothing more than watching American Idol and discussing Britney's tragic attempt at motherhood. Cripes! On the other hand, if we could get the terrorists to buy into our superficial, consumer-driven, attention deficit mentality ("Is that a Louis Vitton shoulder strap on your AK?" "What... this old thing?"), the world may be a better? (no. that's not the right word) place. Sorry for the rant. Here's to safe travels for your mom.

Tragic. Beer cans, cigarette butts, bolt wars, Donny Baker?! Spotly, please tell me that Spokane has just been getting negative press (like Bush? ) here on CC, and that there are tons of cool, non-feuding, non-polluting, tolerant climber out there.

Oly, A possible Leavenworth trip sounds great! My boys are 5 1/2 and almotst 7. Unfortunately, I have been seriously remiss about teaching my boys to climb (other than the wall I made while in school to keep myself sane ). They are stronger than I am (the oldest was making moves on my 45 overhang at 5), but they don't know jack about real rock. I will be looking for some clubs/classes for them (and refresher/more advanced stuff for me) when we get to Spokane in September. We've also have family in Leavenworth, so that would be my vote for a location. In short, I'd love to meet some like-minded people and show the boys what they've been missing, but if you want the kids to have some intermediate skills before hand, we may have to do some catch-up work first.