Wakaranai

For those who have done this route... I really want to do the Balanced rock this summer but want to make sure Im not getting in over my head. Upon reading some of the old trip reports I get sort of a mixed message. I feel comfortable leading all pitches on somthing like the Grand Wall (up to Bellygood) or Red Dihedral (Sierras) and feel like by July I should be ready to go. Im not really game for big runouts on chimneys though. Can you protect these reasonably? Does it require big bro's or will #'s 4 and 5 camalots do? Any beta would help- Thanks- Brandon Oh yeah, Im also looking for a partner to swap pitches on this with if any one is interested. I have permits for July22nd-24th.

Hey spyder- Ill be down in smith friday-monday. Im meeting one or two people down there. Your welcome to join us if youd like. My computer freezes when I try to send pm's. -Brandon

Is it usually too hot here mid to late August???

On sunkist, the clip before the little crux clip it and then tork on (the hanger) and watch it flex. Will it hold a good fall? Of course. Will it hold many falls??? I like the orange wall especially in Feb. in a t-shirt but just think the bolts suck. This goes for other areas at Erie. Powerline wall 5.8, have seen a sideways hanger cause the biner to open up on a couple different beginning climbers. Makes for an fun first lead I guess.. Im too lazy to re-bolt, but just thought a turn of a wrench might help. -Brandon

If you were at the cirque just keep going along that same trail and youll hit it. These bolts really need replacing, especially on sunkist, half of them are turned sideways and with a good fall could snap. I tried to turn them with a biner but it didnt help much. If your heading down there bring a wrench and see if you can get em straight, Ill do the same next time. -Brandon.

Gettin outta heear, 4 days of climbing Smith and Trout Creek. Meeting a couple of peeps down there but was hoping to find one more to make four and pitch in for gas. I could probably fit 2 but thats about all the little buggy can carry. Driving from Mount Vermin -Brandon

So far L-worth forecast looks best. Im free on Sunday and have gear, wheels, etc. -Brandon wagesofskin@hotmail.com

Depends on type of music, Fusion jazz- Al Dimeola Rock- Jeff Beck, Mark Knoffler, Jimi, too many The most notes/bar -Joe Satriani Blues- Old Johnny Winter!, Albert King Blue Grass??? Frank Zappa is underrated cause his music is so out there but I think hes a great guitarist

Trying to stay busy. What time on you want to meet on sat. Reid? -B

Looks nice. Squamish, Index, Erie? before the April showers come back!! -Brandon

Me and a buddy will be heading out there on Monday. Your welcome to join if youd like. Im leaving from Mount Vernon. -B

Cant send pm's for some reason. I just got called off work and would like to head out there tomorrow as well. Brandon. wagesofskin@hotmail.com

Four day weekend, gotta hit Smith. Some sport, some crack, you got rope?, I got rack. -Brandon

Had to work today, looks like it was t-shirts again. Whats up with the ticks this year I got one in January.

Potential partner bailed, lets go climb at erie the weather is nice. Brandon

Dont know why I cant send pm's either. Where are you located triggerhappy? I have wheels but I live in Mount Vernon. Send me an email if you still want to go. 3 is ok too. wagesofskin@hotmail.com

Anyone have the day off Monday? Should be pretty nice out there. -Brandon

Nice T-shirt weather in Leavenworth on Sunday. Hope I can get down that way in early April. Well see you up here in about 2 weeks eh? Maddy, uncle Brandon says Hi!

Anyone want to try to get out sunday? Erie might be dry. If not Ive got a small bouldering wall that could use some new problems. Brandon

Id be down for Erie if its dry, otherwise I'll be climbing the ol carport again. Brandon.

Thanks for the beta. I think we will wait till June for the snow to melt off. Thunderstorms can be really unpredictable in the Sierras. Last year we found that out on Russell with our hair standing straight up and our ears buzzing. I cant wait to finally check out the needles!

Im dying to check out some of those classic crack lines. Does anyone know if Mid to late may is a good time to go? Seems like from what I read that it can get pretty hot in the summer time. Plan is to fly from B-ham to LALA land and then drive up. I know its a ways off yet but would like to make it a four pack to cut car rental costs if anyone is interested.

Ticks or not, this time of year there is no better place to be on a sunny day in WA state. Yes better climbing, but for the complete package, make the drive.

I couldnt believe it. Last sat. it was about 31 degrees F and I still found a tick on my shoulder. Those dirty little bastards.

Burrrrr! it was cold up there. Oh well we tried.