Sherri

I love a happy ending. What did you get on? Any new and exciting leads??

If she's single, give her my number.

Horizontal stripes are so unflattering.

Interesting. I came down a sunburn last night. Must be contagious.

Whatever.

Thanks, Selkirk. I'll be sure to pack that pro when I'm ready to try that one on the sharp end.

Lately I've been doing the traverse with hands for most of the way across, then manteling up near the corner. First time, I tried it by manteling up at the beginning and walking it, but that felt less secure to me--like my center of gravity was being pushed out from the wall.

Do I get to watch you shower?

Here you go, Rob: From http://www.climb.co.nz/Places/Australia/MtArapiles/Mt-Arapiles-Rock-Climbing.htm: Seasons Spring (September to November) is generally fine, however it can rain with little warning. Summer (December to February) is dry and hot, with climbing often restricted to the shady gullies Autumn (March to May) is generally fine with cooler nights Winter (June to August) while it can be wet and cooler, you can get some near perfect days. I've not climbed there, but my understanding is that when it's too hot at Arap, Mt. Buffalo or Tassie are good warm-weather alternatives. You may want to check out this site, also-- great for local beta/partners. http://www.chockstone.org/ (I'm on there under my Aussie nomer, "Shez") I'll be heading Down Under next year to catch up with some old friends there, and to climb(of course). If your trip pans out, maybe we could rendevous.

Were you at Aries when the girl was squeeeeezing a #4 into that fist crack at the start? I was curious if that cam ever made it back out of there.

Where are the bubbles?

You've got a way with words, Rad. I can see why Blake was hiding his girlfriend from you. I haven't been to Yos yet, but it's encouraging to know that there might be some routes in my league when I do make it down there. Thanks for mentioning that. (I'll bring my headlamp for the moonlight send.) Watching and reading about you guys pulling on the hard stuff out there at Index is good inspiration for us up-and-comers.

Thanks, Bug. Good to know. I'll scope it out next time.

Thanks, Rad, but homey's not quite ready to lead da Buttlips. 2nd pitch of Princely is neat and worth doing, IMHO. It's certainly not in the "classic" category, but interesting enough(and different in character from the 1st pitch)so you get a little more bang for your buck while you're already up there.

Well said. Thanks for the great, TR, Rad. Looks like you guys racked up some exciting mileage that day. As any of us who have been humbled by even the "easy" routes there can attest to, Index doesn't give away its goods. She makes you work for it. So, well done, guys! I added a new lead to my meager Index repetoire last trip--the 5.8 second pitch of Princely Ambitions--and it put a smile on my face the whole way home. The first pitch of Princely is still a bit out of my league(pyschologically, at least, as I'm a little spooked by that blank-face side-step move and the thin pro on the hand-traverse), but the second pitch was ripe for the picking. Started with a couple rattly hand jams and skittery feet, but once I got into the flared section with the solid hand jams I was stoked for the O/W moves awaiting. Fun stuff up there.

Mmmmmmm...bubbles...

You're welcome, and I'm glad you found some good reading. Some good lessons in there, especially when it comes to listening to our gut instincts when climbing with new partners. (and thanks for the kisses. )

Thank you! That's better. Here's another one by a neat girl I climbed with last time in Red Rocks. Climbing Blog :kisss:

What? No kiss?

Don't forget yer goggles.

Hey M, Have you checked out "Saragrace's"(she posts here)? It's a good one: http://www.rockclimbergirl.com/

This guy's a top-notch partner, folks. Good luck, Ted. Have a great time.

Here's one of the view from the 3rd pitch. (note the brand new shoes...this was my second day of learning to climb )

HTF did I miss this razor-sharp exchange (b/w Mark and Dru) of witty banter? Hilarious, yet informative (sorta). They lotht me at "mafic batholiths."