Ryan Hoover

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Hubba Hubba Looks like Jayhawks photo, not sure why this photo's not working. Rainbow Falls

Thanks! Black Orpheus is prime, and the pitch is excellent, although I don't think I've seen a pitch with such a gear graveyard, I think I counted three cams and a nut. Sorry for most likely waking you up a few times pulling in and out. We somehow managed to pop a tire somewhere in that pull out.

I thought it was great. I enjoyed the spice, which came as a bonus surprise. Added a little extra spice by on sighting an alt pitch for the final, which followed a crack under a roof past a piton. I'd recommend this, as the actual finish isn't as exciting. Felt 5.9 ish. At Matt, again on Smith Rock, have you climbed any of the towers at the near the lower gorge side of the park? They look great.

I've heard about the Lower Gorge area, been meaning to check it out. Ouray's so easy it feels like a sin, the fingers are doing surprisingly good, the shoes didn't take it so well. As far as Zebra to Zion, we were the only ones on route all day, although if opting for the original start as we did, you may have to wait for others to finish their climb to traverse on through. Fun start and warm up, but I'd definitely start up one of the alt routes, unless it's bone dry of climbers. Oh, and Smith had the warmest rock of anywhere, even with some of the lowest temps.

Trip: Colorado, California, Oregon. - Road Trip Date: 1/6/2013 Trip Report: 3400 miles, 97 pitches, and a whole lot of salami. For the holiday season, we decided to make a trip down south. For a more in depth report http://www.summitpost.org/christmas-craging-2012/832861 First off, I'd like to thank the rickety old 4runner for making it there and back. First stop: Ouray, Colorado Some of the Camp Bird Road Ice. All the easy stuff was unfortunately not in, but the 5 leader would have a hay day. Second Stop: Red Rocks, Nevada Windy Peak - Jubilant Song Oak Creek Canyon - Black Orpheus Next trip's must do, Eagle Wall, hopefully sooner then later. Third Stop: Joshua Tree, California Last Stop: Smith Rock, Oregon Zebra to Zion, if you haven't done it, do it. Gear Notes: 4Runner

Trip: Mt Thielsen - West Ridge Date: 12/10/2012 Trip Report: Made our way down to Oregon Saturday to climb Thielsen, and experienced some beautiful weather. The final summit pinnacle was covered in your standard Oregon rime, which took more time to clear off then climb. On Sunday, we made it out to Trout Creek for the first time, and enjoyed some great climbing at an empty crag, but forgot the camera. Base of the Pinnacle Summit views. What happend to those blue skies! Gear Notes: A functioning car stereo.

Sounds good Brandon. I make a lot of weekday Erie trips (usually leave Smokey Pt around 3:30 ish), and sometimes cram in a couple Darrington pitches if time allows. I'll shoot you a call next time I'm heading that way.

We made it up the first couple pitches, until a t storm forced us off, and up to that point it wasn't bad. The hardest part was trying to work around some of the bad rock. It may be tougher ahead though. I'll keep you posted.

Hey Ian, I'm looking for some more partners myself. I'm comfortable leading 10's and have only led a couple 11- routes, those being sport. I've been mainly focusing on 5.9 and under on all gear routes due to not usually having a partner who is comfortable switching leads. I also have some glacier knowledge I could pass on. Ryan

That it is, I'm looking forward to another chance to get out there again. Great work on developing a new area close to home!

Looking to climb Burgundy this weekend, either day works. Wouldn't mind adding in the Paisano link up. I don't mind driving, and live in Smokey Point. Go ahead and shoot me an email if your interested. Ryan.m.hoover@comcast.net

Trip: Spring Mountain - Other Side of the Tracks Date: 9/8/2012 Trip Report: On Saturday, we decided to climb "Other Side of the Tracks" out at Spring Mountain. I've been surprised that the two times I've visited Spring it has been empty. Great climbs, though dirty in spots, the area deserves some attention. [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/503/medium/IMG_03256.JPG[/img] Starting up the first pitch, already regretting the, "it feels like a good day to not where a shirt" idea. One tricky spot by the small overhang, but overall pretty easy going. Joey leading the second pitch, fully bolted, although a piece of gear may be useful near the top. P3 is full of tough slopin' knobby chicken heads with no feet. Requires 14 draws, great pitch! [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/503/IMG_03033.jpg[/img] Nice spot for a break at the top of P4. The 5th and final pitch is the dirtiest pitch, but a lot of fun. [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/503/medium/IMG_03063.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/503/medium/IMG_03192.jpg[/img] Testing 70 meter rap from the top of P2 to the bottom. Gear Notes: Rack to 2", slings, 14 draws, and 2 50 meter ropes. Pitch 1/2 can be rappelled (barely) with 2 70's, and 3/4 seems like it could reach under the same circumstances, although the 3/4 rappel is untested. Approach Notes: From Darrington, drive Mountain Loop Highway to North Fork Sauk River Road 49. Follow 2.5 miles to a turnout with a camp spot, the trail is on the left. Follow the trail until you reach a group of large boulders and the trail branches right. Follow until some cairns appear, the trail will y. Follow the left y to the base of the wall and the route is left of the small spring.