BritishRob

Lost a Black Diamond Ice Axe on Shannon Ridge Trail on Labour Day 5th September 2011. Packed it in my bag after coming off the snow slope near Sulphide Glacier. Probably lost it in the woods or put it down in the parking lot at the Shannon Ridge Trailhead near the toilet. I'm offering a small reward (less than the value of the ice axe obviously) if someone returns it to me. Thanks.

Hi Josh, thanks for all that info, I've saved it for later use. Well, I know what you mean about climbing, it's an expensive sport and you need all the kit, and it takes time to build experience where you can feel comfortable climbing with people. When I lived in Boulder I used to take beginners out a lot who were friends from work or house mates and patiently build their skills on climbing trips, which meant I could do all the leading, which I enjoyed, but also was good for them to get into it. Ideally climbers want partners of similar ability to share leads, and push each other, but it's actually hard to find that instantly, and often requires some work, although it is attainable. I've never climbed super-hard, but I know the rope work so to speak, and you don't forget that once you've learnt it. I'd happily lead easy stuff, but on a climbing web forum you mostly expect die-hard climbers who climb 5.11+. I love having a pleasant day in the mountains, doing multi-pitch routes which aren't at my climbing limit. Certainly in the future, with access to a car I would be happy to take you out. I'm not concerned about someone who is less good than me, but I know if I go climbing with someone who wants to climb 5.12 and I'm struggling on a 5.10c or whatever, then that's not going to work for long. Anyway, let me know if you did get access to a vehicle. Cheers, Rob

Hi, thanks for the invite, but I can't do monday, just started work and still not accrued any vacation. Also, saw that you can't make it due to Highway 2 being closed in a later post. Thanks again though!

What are the options for car-less climbers in Seattle? Can you get public transport to any crags or boulders? Were you up for going climbing?

I just moved to Seattle 3 weeks ago. I've climbed for over 10 years, and lived in Boulder, CO 2003-2006. I'd like to go climbing one day this weekend but don't know anyone here yet. I haven't climbed much for about a year because I was writing my PhD thesis, but I'm sure I could 2nd at 5.9 without too many problems. Trad climbing would be preferable, but I also enjoy sport climbing. Ideally, I'd start leading again too, but I've got no idea my lead grade is at the moment, 1st day out it could only be about 5.6-5.7 trad, but I'd hope to increase this again quickly. I haven't got a car yet, but I'll contribute to gas. I'd be keen to go every weekend in the future, and evenings to the climbing walls. Cheers.