ARob

Something tells me you won't find them hanging at the Snow Creek Wall.

I second that.

Out of curiosity, what ridge in the 'Roots were you on? I only got on St. Mary's and Lolo while I lived there and it wasn't really until I was moving from Missoula that I realized how amazing that range is. Go Griz

Thanks brotha! Are you sure, I don't want to cramp your guys' style and I am totally fine with cuddling with a nalgene of hot water. I am pretty sure I am going to make it, I still need final approval for the boss man. But I did line up a ton of meetings throughout the region to justify being on the ro-ad. What you doing tonight Phil? We're making and grub and bottling beer. Come on over. When you off work? We're going dry tooling at 3:00 and we need a 4th!

Thanks duck. I moved out to Portland in 2007 and have only been back a couple times. I couldn't believe that Pipestone was closing last time I rolled through town. I went and checked out their 'closing sale' and I felt like a fly picking on a carcass. That once was such an awesome shop, even the cool kids over at the Trailhead were bummed. But it makes sense really. There aren't too many climbers in Missoula outside of the college kids, so it's gotta be tough running a gym. Anyways, thanks for the info, I hope the weather isn't turning too bitter out there. Go Griz!

Come climb with us and I will show you. Why to bolt a retaining wall that goes at 5.0 and as a traverse at that? We aren't talking about the same place.

I don't mind sharing. What time works for you tomorrow? Mid afternoon would be good with me.

So I bolted a couple of anchors away from the actual crag specifically for dry tooling. The sun just broke out and I am wondering if anyone wants to head out there this afternoon (4:00?) and do some toolin'. Let me know and I will PM you the directions. I know it's crazy short notice. If I don't get any takers I'd be down to head out tomorrow too.

I am heading over to the Ice Fest for my first time. It'll be my first time in Hyalite, first time to an ice fest, and was looking for some friendly advice. I checked out the Ice Fest page to get some info, but it appears that the forum where folks post questions is down so I am appealing to you all. Specifically, I am wondering where to bivy and looking for knowledge from those who have been and have learned from experience of what can make this event even more fun. I am going to sign up for the 101 clinic as I am pretty much a n00b to the whole ice thing. Thanks in advance.

I know this is totally pointless, but if it was all solid, what areas do you think it would rival. It wouldn't be no Yosemite and I've never been to the Red. But the aesthetics and easy access to big walls would be pretty compelling to people from around the world. Since we are going down this road of "what could be lane" I wish we had freezes like last year every year. I should probably stop now because I drive myself crazy wishing things like geologic epocs turned out differently rather than being thankful for what we do have. On that note, Hood is getting fucking feet of snow and I will be patrolling both days this weekend, so I am thankful for that. 2 points if you read that whole thing.

I drive through the Gorge quite often and have come close to causing a few accidents because I am gaping at the huge rock buttresses or waterfalls It always exasperates me a little that the Missoula Flood couldn't have torn off a couple more layers of chossy bassalt to get to the solid stuff. I drive and think of what might have been. I'm wondering if anyone else day dreams like this and also if it was all solid and places like Crown Point and Table Mountain had awesome face lines going up it, where the Gorge would stack up among other world class climbing spots. Just thoughts from a wandering climber bored at work.

I am planning my trip through Montana on my way to Bozeman and wanted to stop and say hey to the folks at Missoula Rock Gardens. I used to live in there in Zoo Town and climbed at the Rock Gardens and when I looked up their phone number online I saw that they have closed. I was wondering if anyone knew anything like if they were moving or if there's another gym opening or anything like that. It was a sweet gym with some tall walls.

Sorry I didn't post back sooner. Did a little recon earlier this weekend and saw that Hubba Hubba did not look solid enough. Needs a little more thawing and freezing. Drury and the Pencil look like they will be coming in soon though, at least the view from the road made it look so. But if you are planning on heading to Leavenworth now for ice, my amatuer perspective would not recommend it. I very much welcome second opinions. Had a fun day of poaching Steven's though, pretty decent coverage for opening soon hopefully. Was snowing pretty hard when we left too.

xtranormal.com

Plus the really cold temps are keeping the new layer of fresh from consolidating all that quickly.

Right on, glad to hear some others are interested in heading out. Thanks for the heads up Sol. We are driving up this afternoon, then we'll do a little scout mission tomorrow before gorging ourselves upon the bounty of ma's cooking. I'll report back what I find here. Everyone drive safe this weekend.

My girlfriend and I are heading up to Leavenworth for Thanksgiving and will be up there Thurs - Sun. I am wondering if A) Is anything looking like it's going to be in. It looks like good temps through the weekend. B) If anyone is going to be around who would like to venture out with us. Upfront: We have minimal WI experience, but a good deal of alpine experience. We got all the gear and plenty of stoke though!

What kind of lock is on there? Just wanted to know what kind of bolt cutters to bring down. Er... I mean, tell my friend to bring... or something.

Thanks again for bringing this to the climbing community's attention. I run an adventure / eco-education non-profit that will be setting up programs in Leavenworth next year and Peshastin was out go-to spot for taking kids climbing. Even as a low-key education focused program, the jungle of red tape to take kids anywhere is worse than 'shwaking through dense slide alder. Forget about ever setting up some ropes in the Icicle for a half dozen under served at-risk youth a few times a year. Peshastin was our go to place because it was $50 for the year and it's pretty easy to stay out of people's way out there. This is just sad that we have to fight so hard to enjoy the natural beauties of places we love so much. Programs like ours focus on LNT, responsible recreation, and positive impact. It would be great to get the WCC in the fight as an organizational leader, but letters and phone calls from individuals under their own volition goes far. Here's some contact info below. If you were planning on just looking at Trip Reports for another few minutes, consider giving them a call. Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 1111 Israel Road S.W. Olympia, WA 98504-2650 pao@parks.wa.gov 360-902-8561

This Friday and Saturday Only! Friday, October 8th, 5pm - 9pm Saturday, October 9th, 9am - 9pm Drop off gear: Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday 8am - 10am Pick up unsold gear: Sunday 10am - 2pm West Linn High School 5464 West A Street West Linn, Oregon 97068 Map The Mt. Hood Snosport Swap is the region's best winter sports equipment and clothing event featuring thousands of new and used winter sports items being sold by both individuals and area sports stores. Equipment, clothing and accessories for all winter sports are available, including nordic and alpine skiing, and snowboarding for beginners and experts. Sporting Goods shops from around the northwest will be there to sell thousands of new and demo’d equipment items at steep discounts! Admission is $3 at the door, kids under 12 get in free, or bring the whole family for just $6. Come early to beat the crowd! Cash or credit cards accepted. No checks. ATM on site.

Great pics. I'm pissed that this climb is remaining at the top of my to do list for another year. Nice work catching a last window of weather though.

I'll only come if Graham is MCing again

Way to go! Great route, great description, great pics. Thanks much.

Nice name - very original. Even better prices though. A bunch of shoes for under $50. But what the hell is up with that floating face on the screen that talks to me and watches my mouse? What is that?

I like my Scarpa Summits. I got wide feet and they fit me well.