rob

I disagree. This year, I have only summited about 50% of my alpine climbs (3/6). The first was because I ran into my turn-around time, the second because the rope got stuck and we had to cut it out of the crack, and the third was because we didn't like the look of the last pitch. Yeah, sure I'm a newbie and all, but when I tell people that I retreated, I never get any disrespect from people, nor feel any embarrasment or shame. In fact, I've always found that retreats are generally respected, when well-considered. Likewise, I've never had a parnter try to talk me out of my decision to retreat. Or vice versa. It's unfortunate that the climbers you hang out with don't seem to understanding. You should find new partners.

Better yet, what if they called in for help on Thursday, before they started the climb? Then SAR could have been waiting for them when they arrived. Dipshit.

Ah, so that's the trick.

I wouldn't worry though, climbers are known for being extremely well-mannered.

Dunno, but I heard once about a guy who lived for 7 years on twinkies and cutty sark.

Christmas was awesome when my son believed. But he discovered the truth when he was 5 -- 1 week before christmas. Now, he knows the truth and just expects presents anyway. Fucked myself there.

My wife says I'm not supposed to show anyone my giant squid.

I spent one x-mas in Australia. X-mas in 80 degree weather is just wrong.

BTW, I don't know where you live but the Pro Club in Redmond has two hand-cycle machines. I saw them this morning -- they look pretty cool, actually, and the resistance adjusts really nicely.

I knew a guy who once tried using pancake mix as an impromptu baby powder. Yeah.

Cardiovascular responses in paraplegic subjects during arm exercise.

How can you go kayaking if you cannot get outside? Seriously, though, I would think wheeling a chair around would be pretty good excercise. I remember hearing once about a wheelchair-bound guy who did some sort of arm-pedaling bike thingy...I'll see if I can find the link.

I quite literally had nightmares after that climb. Whose bright idea was that anyway? Does that mean you're not up for a rematch next summer? I'll bring the weedwhacker if you bring a really long extension cord.

What was your toughest climb? I don't mean the most technically challenging, but the most psychologically and physically demanding -- the kind that leaves you weary, beaten and stumbling back to the trailhead tired and dehydrated. Index, North Peak was mine, back in October -- short days and thick brush. Slept in a harness and bailed the next day, just short of the summit -- covered in bleeding welts and scratches. I'd never pulled 4th and 5th class moves while stumbling through bushes before. Yeah, I'm a noob. The descent was complete with a stuck rope, and a butt-puckering moment when the tree/shrub I was anchored to snapped. The trailhead never looked so good, and it took me a full week before I wanted to go back. Good times!

Bibler makes some good sacks.

Sometimes I think we're all really the same person.

What if the lost climbers liked tacos? Should we avoid taco jokes too? Hey, I don't mind if people come on and pour their faith over my head, as long as they don't mind if I spit it out. Turnabout is fair-play, isn't it? Being contrary or skeptical is not the same thing as being disrespectful, btw. If you voice your faith in a public forum, you can't then demand protection from non-believers.

This forum needs some post-Hood cleansing. Dr. Flush, can't you help?

Dubious assumption.

That doesn't sound like a suicide pact to me. I thought a suicide pact was when two or more people all agree to kill themselves, or something.

Is this aid?

That will look good as I batman up the rope. Let me know when they're in stock.

Perhaps if she had marked the location of her car with a Y....

No, no -- you gotta save yourself for Friday. Didn't you get the memo?

Fuck that, the first one is just a warm up. That's why they sell socks in pairs.