PDXch1

That's good to know. I have seen glass at the Bend and Royal Columns but always figured the thieves wouldn't be bold enough to steal while you were right there. I thought Tieton was safer than this. I hope someone is caught soon as it really ruins the area knowing some jerk is out there praying on others like this.

I'm not sure where to post this and I rarely sign on so please move as needed... A warning to Tieton areas climbers This past weekend while climbing Sunday July 8th my fiancee's tent was stolen from our route 12 campsite. The tent was not in sight of the road and was clearly "not left behind" as we left our sleeping pads and a few clothes in the tent. Thankfully we had taken our nice sleeping bags with us. Please be careful leaving personal gear unattended as apparently Tieton is now home to a thief. The tent was an older, blue REI tunnel style tent with new, light weight, red tent stakes and a green "Z-rest" pad. Any information regarding this incident would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Given your description it's hard to say but you should consider a posterior lunate. I've seen a bunch and treated a bunch and they have been described in similar terms. If you follow the 3rd MC to its base and can reproduce your pain by pressing on the lunate while flexing/extending your wrist it's a good bet... Any good ortho/chiro/DO should be able to detect and remedy that. As you mention, it doesn't act like a typical lig. sprain though that's the first thing I would have wanted to rule out. Of course all the liability disclaimers apply - this should not be construed as advice, seek the help of a medical professional, blah, blah. Good luck!

I generally have Sun/Mon "weekends" so Sunday could work. I'll keep my eyes on the conditions when I return. Hopefully everything will still be in good shape. Have a great time all if you get out! Climb safe

On the East Coast this w/e or I'd take you up on that! If conditions hold out I'll likely be looking for partners the following w/e.

You gotta agree about the rats though. I've seen the piles of rat crap in the west cave. It's like Hantaville or something

Thanks for the feedback. I had heard the same regarding falls and always use a chest harness. I've never used it to lead through any big roofs but would probably think twice before doing it. That said, I've lead quite a bit on it and find it works well. I just used it today at Stellar Falls on the ice (TR). First time used for ice climbing and I was concerned about the rope icing up. I backed up with figure eights regularly but the device worked well throughout (rope never iced up though either) About the pic. that's a dude but yeah, he's taking a header. They all did. I have a couple pics of them pinwheeling off the line. It was fun to watch.

Nice job on your climbs! The Monkey's west face 5.8 corner also is a good choice for soloing (as is the beer though probably not at the same time). The mouth is reasonably comfy and provided good shelter from a light rain. My Dinner entertainment included watching a group high-line over to the mouth followed by an amazing sunset. Personally I opted for chocolate and cognac. Have you tried the soloist too? I've only used the soloist and have heard the silent partner has a smoother action. I don't do enough rope soloing to switch but was curious if you had experience with both. The Smith Rock vibe is hard to beat. See you out there!

I'd have to agree regarding Trout. After climbing at all the crags mentioned except Index, Trout was the purist crack climbing experience, hands down (or hands in - in this case). But I found the grades hard for beginners. My partner who was new to crack climbing even found Gold Rush a bit challenging. For the new crack leader I'd 2nd Royal Columns at Tieton. It has a great range of fun crack. That partner mentioned earlier even lead a couple easier routes at Royal Columns and she enjoyed them!

I don't have experience with this ledge but, given you're shaving ounces on a wall, I'd listen to the review posted here. This just looks like more ledge than many may need. Of course if you're hanging out putting up a new route for weeks perhaps it's worth it. I've used the old A5 double and it was plenty of comfort given the time/weight factors. Given the option though I'd still look for a natural ledge and leave the weight behind. Getting a good deal on a purchase like this is sweet. I'd just make sure you're not paying for that decision in sweat down the road. Just my 2 cents. SH