rocketparrotlet

Do you think it's good for business to use the words "hardness" and "penetration" in the same sentence? ...anyway, does anybody know a place where I can practice indoor drytooling/indoor "ice" (foam) climbing besides the Mountaineers Clubhouse and Stone Gardens? -Mark

You're always welcome here, we'd be honored to climb with you! I don't have a passport yet, it should be here soon though. I will be sure to head up to Canada sometime, but if you are in the Washington area anytime, send us a PM and we can definitely work something out. We are heading out this weekend if you're interested, probably McClellan's Butte. -Mark

Hey hey hey don't go knockin' my first lead man!

That looks fun! I'd love to try it out. I've been looking for a chance to try out mixed climbing, that looks like a great opportunity! -Mark

We should plan on this coming weekend. Ice is doubtful, but we could make a steep snow climb work, or possibly Index if weather is good. Who will be available? -Mark

Crap.

I'm looking at McClellan Butte tomorrow (Braydon, want to come? I need a partner.) and I am a little worried about protection opportunities. Is there any possible pro besides pickets? -Mark

Oh well, thanks anyway! Good luck on the sale. -Mark

I'm not going to hitchhike. That is unpredictable and kinda scary. -Mark

I'm Mark Straub on Facebook. Anyway, I was hoping to get out for an alpine trip this weekend, possibly McClellan Butte. Avalanche conditions look decent. Anyone interested? EDIT: Sunday -Mark

Josh, These are the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen you take! Sounds like a fun trip. Bring me along next time you go up to that area, I love the North Cascades, and they look AMAZING in winter! -Mark

Done How is this legal? (The restrictions) -Mark

Sounds sweet! We should seriously get a group together, I'm not kidding. I'm in Everett. I've got no car, but I have a glacier and a rock rope, a trad rack, ice tools (no screws YET, but soon) and other gear. I can lead to 5.7 and follow to 5.9 (maybe 5.10a), follow WI4, lead WI2. I have glacier, rock, alpine, and a little ice experience. My goals for this summer are set at the North Ridge of Mt. Baker, the Nisqually icefall of Rainier, a traverse of the 5 Liberty Bell Group summits, and Forbidden Peak. I like all kinds of climbing! Anyway, we could go to Index or Leavenworth sometime, I would be able to acquire another set of ice tools to lend someone if we go to Leavenworth, and I know some easy water ice I could lead. EDIT: Alpine trips are nice too. We could scramble something in the I-90 or Stevens Pass area maybe. -Mark

Can these mount to a boot without a toe welt or is that necessary? -Mark

Doesn't it get old climbing the same waterfall over and over and keeping it a secret? Seriously, we can't all go in the middle of the week. Please be kind and post a TR or at least a location. Thanks, Mark

I was climbing with Curt and he said, "Don't go Colin Haley on me!" I laughed and said I wouldn't. He said, "No, I'm serious!" It was a very classic moment. -Mark

I've got that song recorded on my phone. For some reason when I skiied the hardest run to date (I'm not a very good skiier, but I'm trying!) that song was running through my head. Here's another, not sure if it's been posted yet: www.getonmyhorse.com -Mark

Sounds great! I'd love to meet up with you sometime. I'm in Everett. Maybe we could start an unofficial high school climbing group or something- between you, Stewie, Josh Lewis, and Michael in Leavenworth, we could really make something happen. -Mark

Well, that misconception just taught me what to do if I am ever climbing this kind of crap...but peeing on it! Now that's a grand idea! I wonder if it would be too brittle? -Mark

Most of the people I climb with are in their 50's. I'm 17. I'll climb with anyone who is safe and treats me decently. You don't think we're gonna go easy on you, do ya? We can't all lead the stuff you can, that's why we're practicing! Soon though! -Mark

Oh be quiet Josh, 2x a month is all I get! Anyway, I have two available weekends before my Canada trip. I would like to use them for ice climbing. We can talk at school. -Mark

A public park like Forest Park works for z-pulley, I've done it there before. There's plenty of room. I just need someone to practice it with. -Mark

That cracked me up how he kept getting hit by monster rocks. 1996? That's been out for a while. -Mark

Me too- I get to head out every couple of weekends. I wish I could climb more, but I do the best I can with only weekends off and waiting out the weather. I sit around and read about climbing when I can't climb, but I climb whenever I have a chance. -Mark

My time is directly proportional- it's how I find my partners. -Mark