denalidave

Sounds like I hear the casinos a calling, nice and dry and free drinks too. Sorry it's wet but hopefully it will dry out soon. At least your on vacation!

When I started climbing in my late teens, I was young dumb and ... My balls were much bigger than my brains and I broke myself many times figuring out my limits. 20+ years, a wife and 2 small children later I find myself back into climbing after being out of it for almost a decade. Now I really consider my actions before running it out. Or maybe, this idea that I won't commit as much as I used to, because I have a family that depends on me and bills to pay, is just an excuse I use to cover the fact my balls have shrunk and my brain is a bit more cautious. I think I could become a better climber than I was in my 20's if I could just get out a couple times a week but that is not very likely to happen with a 2 and 4 year old. For now, I am happy to be climbing at all. However, I think the big dangerous expeditions will have to wait till the kids are grown, if my body will hold out till then. I do dream of the day when I will have more freedom to pursue my selfish climbing desires and hope my kids will want to join me. That is a whole other topic that has had some discussion here too... Should I want my kids to climb knowing the potential hazards? I guess I am very selfish because I really do hope they will want to climb with the old man someday. But when I think of how I would feel if they had a bad accident while climbing it does make me reconsider. Do I really want them doing what made my mother lose so much sleep when I was doing it? My 4 year old keeps saying, no daddy, I'm not going climbing till I'm 5. She did get on the gym wall for some "bouldering" last week though and seemed to enjoy it for at least 3 minutes, maybe longer. I don't plan on pushing them into any sports/activities but certainly will encourage them to be active and explore all the great things life has to offer.

It's a well-known fact that "nice girls" help you put it in. I'm just sayin'... Otherwise, it mind end up in the wrong one.

I guess I'm sucking hard then... All the way to Smith.

Maybe they could dump one in my back yard?

So true, but if you must go to smith this weekend it will be much warmer and a wee bit less lighting in the shaded areas. Just an FYI.

Wow, nice yardage. Does it really measure up to all the hype?

Trail running is better on the knees and no cars. Much prettier too.

All the crevasse falls I've experience, a dozen or more (some me falling, some my partner(s) falling), the rope cut far enough into the snow to hold the fallen climber without the other climbers even feeling the rope pull. By the time we got a z pully half set up the climber was already out on his own in every single case. Maybe that was just a coincidence but I think it is fairly common for the rope to cut in to the snow like that. With a team of 2, even with a z pully set up, you are going to have to be pretty strong to get someone out but it is possible. Best to keep your pickets easily available on your harness so if you do need to place one you can get it with one free hand, assuming your other hand is holding the fallen climber. Still gonna be a bitch placing it if you have to hold the climber and his gear though.

Sex, best 20 seconds of my day!

Shhh. I think it's gonna be like 50 below and windy, snowy, rainy and maybe even some hurricanes and tornadoes at smith. Everyone should stay home where it is nice and safe next weekend.

LOL You get a better buzz if you use your mouth to suck out the gas though.

Get my 4 year old (5 this summer) her first harness and shoes and get going on some easy stuff. We hit the local tiny rock gym the other day. Anyone got some kids shoes for sale. I think she wears about a kids 12US/30EU size.

For that matter, avoid any snacks at the gas station. It is a costly habit that really adds up. Stock up at Costco, or whatever and you will save a ton of cash in the long run.

Where did this comment come from? Maybe I'm showing my age, it was in a commercial when I was growing up. You know, one of those anti-crime campaigns. Seems it was about the same time as the - this is your brain on drugs commmercials.

Oh my. Now THAT'S a nice rack. damn, sherri, you totally beat me to the punch. The gear looks good too!

Hey moof, nice rack but what I really like is your rack bag/tarp thingy. Did you buy that or make it yourself?

Shoplifting doesn't pay... but neither do I. Just kidding. Along with all the stuff CBS said about the vehicle is make sure to keep your tires properly inflated. Doesn't sound like much but it really help with the gas mileage. Also, try to get in with some of the locals that work the concessions in the park areas. Then, free showers in the staff dorms and meals are usually available if you can work the system.

I think it's all about conditioning. Whatever you environment you condition your kid to nap is what will work best. Once they get used to a certain routine they will be able to stick with it. Within reason of course.

Did you check the valve? Could be a leaky/worn out valve?

Holy gear whore Bill! I'd like to see you rack up w all that shit on at once. You got like a zillion biners alone. I notice that you have multiple big bro's but none of seem used at all. Is there a 12 step program for gearaholics? A good place to start would prolly be to relieve yourself of some of that bondage. I can help you out, just this one time, and take some of that off your hands.

Can I barf now!

That is a great idea Bill, keeping a photo inventory for insurance. I also did it with all my possessions a few years ago and should prolly do it again.

I've got an old rope that was only used on a 35 day Denali trip you can have. Never took any falls but I retired it since we stepped on it a few times with crampons on. I think it's an 8mm/60m but I'd have to dig it up to be sure, might be a 9mm/50m. I'm in the Columbia Gorge near Beacon Rock. Sure it be good for rapping and the like. PM if interested.

Not a single one of those would count in my book. That's THE worst pullup form I've ever seen. I'd call that humping-air.