Sherri

Liar, liar, pants on fire. Builder, that first pitch of Roger's Corner is sweet. I wouldn't sandbag a newbie leader(I'm too close to being one myself.) You can always follow it first and decide for yourself. True, Arch hates it. Maybe I just like weird climbs. Arch, I think the short one you're talking about over by Toxic is "Corner Flash," 5.7. You're right, that was fun. I don't remember it well enough to say whether it would make a good lead, but it's one I'd definitely take a shot at next time we're out. "Who Put the Purr in My Pussy" was awesome, too. The approach was the crux, wasn't it? Arch, I only lie to you because you bring out my dark side.

I didn't know either. Schedule's been crazy and weather has been toying with me. I'm hoping to pull something together, though.. I don't know where I'm staying yet, but I'll find you if I'm around.

Down the road I would consider this. I understand that the classes at the wooden boat center are fun and that you can bring your kit to class and get help. Of course, I would bring my kit and my super Sherri to get a leg up on everyone else--but it all sounds pretty darn fun! Me and my tools are at your beck and call, darlin. You bring the paddle.

I'm planning to be around in Leavenworth on Sunday. I lead 5.7-8 there, follow 10's. Haven't been on anything in Snow Creek yet, but have done a handful of the easier moderates on Castle. I'm energetic, but I don't do alpine starts. If you don't get a better offer, give me a shout(I check PMs regularly).

I found Roger's Corner(1st pitch)to be a good newbie lead, also. Get a couple good jams(w/good pro) in that intial crack, and the rest is just some blocky fun. I think guidebook says it's 5.7, and you can rap from anchors at top of 1st pitch.

Cool, Arch! Any sport requiring skirts and paddles is bound to be fun.

Time to cash my dividend check on that new #5 C4 cam. Look out offwidths, here I come!

Nice, CBS! I was in RR last week and the place was alive with color, flowers of blooming faster than the hummbingbirds could get to 'em. It was like walking through a painting. Congrats on your 5.9 onsight.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes.

Funny, I thought the North Pole was bigger than that.

I just picked up an Osprey Daylite and test drove it on a couple RR multi's this weekend. It was light, had comfy mesh shoulder straps that didn't constrict climbing movement, and had pockets on the sides for water bottles. We easily fit in two pairs of shoes, two down vest-type jackets and snacks for two people. Only thing it lacked was external loops for clipping things to the outside, had we wanted to. But it still did the job just fine. I almost got the Bullet--liked its compact profile and light weight-- but it seemed a tad small for what I like to take up a multi(I get cold easily, so I bring lots of insulation) and the fit of the shoulder straps seemed strange.

Are people still using their nalgene bottles after all the hoopla about them releasing evil chemicals into their contents?

That's it. I'm leaving.

You're welcome. I enjoyed the details of the different routes. I've only been to Smith a couple times, and was only leading sport then, so as a new trad leader myself I'm thinking I'll be following in your footsteps next trip down there. Keep up the good work and example.

Beautiful climbers, indeed! Great TR, Saragrace. Congrats on your first gear lead.

I'd need a bigger dog for that.

Were there tornados??!

Are you folks using the Silent Partner with the rope in a backpack, or with the long loops of rope clipped to your harness as shown in the manual? I can see where there'd be pros and cons to each method. Mainly, I was curious as to what you do for "backup" if you're using the backpack feed. Seems like that method precludes any sort of backup system?

I've been using the Yates Rocker (same as the Singing Rock) for 4 years now and never used a chest harness. I wonder if that's a new caution because I don't recall reading that in my docs for the Yates. Not sure if it's a recommendation that was added by Singing Rock as a change to the Yates manual, but now that you mention it, I've seen a quite a few folks using the Yates and none of them with a chest harness. I decided to go w/using it with mine; keeps the device oriented properly, and with it positioned higher up, the catch feel more like a that of a like toprope fall. The folks at Patroller Supply(where I bought it) explained that the harness was especially important if you were doing overhanging or roofy type routes, where you could flip over if you fell. Catching at your chest may help prevent that? Even with the chest harness, I love the way the device runs and catches. It also lets you downclimb, a feature which I really liked. You can also keep it on the rope while you rappell by attaching your gri gri above it and holding it in the "unlocked" position as you rap. Makes it easy to burn lap after lap because you don't have to go through setting it up each time.

Wait til you see the look they give you when you make THEM carry the (full)poop bag.

That's coming off your post count, buddy.

Bummer. Hope they find their way back to you.

What, and miss out on the chance to mope around the house while it rains cats and dogs outside here?

Lucky dog! I'm basically reiterating what's been stated up thread, but here's my .o2: We use the Ruffwear harnesses for our three and have found that the "assistance handle" is invaluable. Helps you guide or stabilize them over all sorts of uneven terrain and obstacles(like fallen logs, steep trail sections, boulders etc). Might not be much of an issue now while Puppy is limber and spry, but as age runs its course you'll find that you are "assisting" them more and more. Even now, though, if you're all at nervous about somthing they're about to "send", you can always grab the handle and give 'em a safe "belay." Have fun out there!

But think of how useful all that good karma will be. Good job doin' somebody right.