DRep

He was using the NX21, the beefiest model. Naxo must be dealing with alot of waranties this year.

So, last saturday my friends Steve, Ryan, and I decided to take advantage of some perfect conditions for ski mountaineering. A new line had filled in on the north face of Black Mountain that has never been skied before. Alex Lowe and Hans Sarri made an attempt on it but the conditions didn't grant them entry onto the face from above. We were stoked from seeing a recent picture of it and decided to go get it. If the face wasn't in we would ski the awesome 50-60 degree Y-Couloirs. The only thing that we thought could potentially hold us back was this appocalyptic storm that the local weather "experts" were calling for in the afternoon. Due to the seven miles and 6,000 vertical that the peak requires we decided to leave Bozeman at 3:30am and start skinning in at 4:15. On the approach we came upon a pack of wolves (kinda scary, but they wanted nothing to do with us), and tons of recent avy debris. We were six miles in and 4,000 feet up by 8:00am and were in view of the face, IT WAS IN!!! We had to scramble over a rock band so we stepped out of our skis (Steve=Naxo, Ryan=Fritschi, Dave=Dynafit). Upon stepping out, Steve snapped the entire heel piece off of his Naxo! OH S**T!!! After determining that we couldn't go on we tried to find a way to get steve down. Tried duct tape, straps, everything, nothing would hold his boot on given the approach conditions. Ryan and I decided not to go further because the oncoming storm had us concerned about Steve descending safely. we turned around and reached the car in the same amount of time it would have taken us to summit and ski out. This is not the 1st time I have heard of these heal pieces breaking off. It has happened to another friend 3 times this season. I find it ironic that I get made fun of for going Dynafit by the people whose bindings are breaking? Moral of the story is that Naxo's slogan of "Stomp the landing, not the approach" is at least partially true We were just glad that the binding failure didn't happen on the face because Steve would have probably gone over the 1000'+ cliff in the face. NAXO SUCKS!!!!! I have a cool video from the day that I will get on here soon. vMqtRQQHyco

#6 sold!

Montana.

Whoa, sketchy..... So that explains why my rope snapped on its second whipper. Silly Backcountry.com! "Be a Yokle, buy local."

Large jacket.

Wild Country Friend #6 owned for 6 months. Used once, NO FALLS!! minor scratches. - $80.00 OBO The North Face Nuptse 700 fill Down Jacket. Few years old, great condition. Nice and warm, tons of life left in it. - $60.00 OBO Dave.

A good approach shoe such as the La Sportiva B5 will do great for those routes and the approaches. I did the Exum last summer in my running shoes. Hiking boots would be a wise choice if you're going to camp at the base of the climbs, due to the extra weight of the pack. There is alot of talus hopping on your way to the Lower Saddle of the Grand, so extra ankle support would be good.

effin sick. Inspiring.

Beautiful choss. What does that route go at? I don't have any sound on my computer.

Once again, I'm blown away. Thanks for the TR Porter and thank you John!

Good luck with that.

Dain bramage? Me? No!

Thanks Blake, I guess I didn't understand what he meant by "new process". I like your idea, I think it has some potential!

There has been a ton of development in the Sky Valley since Sky Valley Rock was published. I'm not talking about the bouldering below Zekes wall (although that could be included), I'm talking about other large somewhat hidden crags in various locations that have been recieving alot of attention. If beta and topos could be collected this would provide enough to warrant a new edition. I realize that a new edition would take considerable time and energy but I would be more than willing to help out. The new sections and updated info would give many the incentive to buy it! This would provide alot of funding to the WCC.

I saw a Nomic with the head of a Quark Ergo? Yeah, it was pretty sweet. The guy took the pin that holds the shaft and head together and simply switched them. However, I'm not sure exactly how to replace that pin. He also added another thumb rest way up the shaft. As for my favorites; Quark, Cobra, Reactor. -Quark - has such a nice and natural swing. -Cobra - soooo light! -Reactor - leashless, nice swing for wrist flick sticks, amazing on moderate mixed routes, and neon green!

Wow, those pictures are amazing. I know you're looking for some desert climbs, but I hope you don't overlook the Tetons. You're so close, living in SLC and they are so fun!

Can we have a link please? I must be out of the loop.

60 footer huh? How was the hospital? Thanks for shock loading bolted anchors dude. We really appreciate that!

Wow, I'm so glad she's alright! I have always worn one and will forever. It's just dumb not to. Where were you climbing at?

But I thought you climb 5.12???

Sugar Bear, rapping down from Rogers Corner and BOC. a genuinely sandy crack. While leading, I'm not sure if I were to pull out of it.... I mean off of it in midroute if my protection would stay on..... I mean in!

Oh, yeah.... everyone should not make the hike to the Privy and the upper wall. The rock up there just sucks, best to just stay at the lower wall everyone!!! No climbing up there.......

oh, those guys are the worst. They come in gangs and circle around your campsite in the enchantments. My partner and I stood back to back while they launched their violent attacks to try to grab random salty items.

Word Blake.... Word.