ARob

Go to the Mt. Hood area, start at Ramona Falls, and head all the way up to the Yocum Ridge Trail. Good mileage, elevation, awesome scenery, a variety of eco-systems, glacial views, water falls, creek crossings, some scrambling. There's the technical climb, but then there is also a scrambler's trail where you can just go as high as you want until you reach your comfort limit. That's my advice but I am interested in hearing what others suggest.

In a poll conducted by me while flipping through the channels, 97% of Americans are fucking idiots.

Hello Fellow Northwest Climbers, My partner and I run a non-profit here in Portland called Roots Ranch Eco-Camp. For the past several years we have taken hundreds of urban kids camping, climbing, sledding, caving, rafting, etc. We accumulated a very nice gear library of jackets, snow pants, hats, gloves, etc. Last night, it pretty much all got stolen out of the back of my car (along with other expensive items.) Since autumn and winter are around the corner and we will be leading many trips into the northwest elements with kids who are totally unprepared, we are scrambling to replace the clothing. If you have old jackets, coats, pants, hats, climbing shoes, boots, trail shoes, pretty much anything, we would love any donation. We can make cash donations go a very long way as well to outfit our kids. We will give you a generous tax-deduction for anything you can donate. Please either PM me so I can pick it up or you can mail items to: 2935 SE 65th Portland, OR 97206

So I have yet to make a trip up to Jefferson yet. I was thinking about heading up there early tomorrow and I am wondering if anyone has been up there lately, and if there is anything worth dragging skis up there for? I am training for an Olympus Climb for a month from now so I don't mind carrying the extra weight, I am also trying to get some turns in every month of the year, so I am not looking for any stellar snow (since there isn't any to be found), but I wanted to get some opinions on or for someone to point me in the right direction. I was thinking either TLine or Adams as possible options as well. Thanks for any input.

Nice filming Juan. I am looking forward to our video shoot of me flailing up classic crack on top rope!

This is a cool site with some interesting history. I liked this cuff, but not gonna cough up the dough. http://www.bradleyalpinist.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=465

How heavy are the Kaukulators? When did La Sportiva stop making them?

Do you think the TC Pro is the perfect shoe? Aside from the price, do you think there are some things that could be improved?

If you were to design an alpine rock shoe, what would you construct? Do you believe a synthetic shoe is better for the alpine environs or a leather? High top? Mid top? Would you do something different with the leather? Laces? Not laces? Just want to hear some creative thoughts. And for further fun, what would you call it?

Just wanted to say thank you for all of the great advice. I can't wait to ditch work and hit the road.

So we are spending a day around La Grande on the way to Missoula. Thinking about climbing Sacajawea because I have never spent any time in the Wallowas and really want to head there for some turns next spring. I was also thinking Spring Mountain. But we are heading north on 82 from La Grande so I don't want to head further east on 84. I just want to do something fun and interesting in the area and I haven't really spent any time out there so I am looking for suggestions. Maybe a fun scramble. Maybe some mt. biking. Thanks for insights and suggestions.

Wow! Looks like a great adventure, I have been looking to do the Owyhee for a while now. Great sunset and canyon pics!

Isn't the 56 gram carabiner an HMS locker. I think the super tech one that Rocket is talking about is a regular keylock so it's probably comprable to the superfly.

The Climb X site just got launched. They have some awesome deals on their shoes, nothing is over $100. www.climbxgear.com Sweet prices on the crash pads too. beats the hell out of buying a BD pad.

Do these guys also have a store or are they just an online store?

I was heading up that direction just before this slide with a couple of my dogs to go ski around and one of them tore a claw and started bleeding everywhere so I had to abort. I was pissed at the time, but now it seems it may have been a blessing in disguise. Everything happens for a reason I guess.

Looks like the weather was pretty nice up there last weekend. I am heading up this weekend so thanks for the stoke!

I appreciate it, thanks. I think I am just going to head up there and play around depending on conditions. I will probably bring some climbing gear in case things crap out and I will just head over to Smith. Will be a good weekend either way.

JoeMack, that's a great pic - looks epic!

NOAA is saying it should be a nice weekend in the sisters range. I am considering attempting a ski traverse this weekend. Does anyone know how much snow has dropped there recently? I am thinking of starting with North and Middle Sister because I have already done South Sister. Any ideas or advice is appreciated. If anyone wants to come with, you are more than welcome. I am budgeting Fri-Sun for the trip. I read some trip reports and other info on the site. Good stuff. But current beta on snow conditions is always appreciated. Thanks

My 2 cents: I have a bad back too and I used Gregory for a bit. They do have a stiff suspension system, but I found them way too heavy. I really like my Cilo Gear 30 liter. It just hold weight really well, it's really light, and it just sucks to my back. I have never had a pack that holds weight as well and moves with me so well. Pretty good price too.

Thanks for the advert Alpkid.

I am toying with the idea of heading out the Wallowas and do some backcountry skiing. I have never been out there before, but I know the climate is drier and is colder this time of year than out west here. But the weather still does not look that great with possible T Storms on Wed., so I am keeping my eye on NOAA as well, hoping a window develops over the weekend. The mild day they were calling for yesterday on Hood never showed up though, it was actually nicer on Sat. I still have windburn from being up there yesterday. Let me know if you are interested in heading to the Wallowas this coming weekend though (Thurs eve. thru Sun).

I know someone who uses the Asylums for gnarly crack climbing. Not sure about edging, but he said they smear pretty well. I know these things are typically a gym shoe, but they are all rubber, so they are like armor for your feet. They are like $100 cheaper than the TC Pro too.

Thanks for the inspiration