JasonG

I've always been too timid to try it. Seems like it wouldn't end well in firm snow. On two-tool steep routes I've not thought self-arrest was really a good option, but interested to hear if someone has been successful.

I hope nobody is taking our comments as judgement. I think we were just providing some info that was asked for about the TC and the range of terrain/conditions he may have experienced before the fall. Climbing is dangerous, roped or not. This has been driven home to me by several close calls over the years (some roped, some un-roped). I have also lost several friends to the mountains that were stronger and better climbers than I. However, climbing is still something that many of us can't seem to quit, much to the chagrin of our loved ones. Climb on Dr. Thurmer......

Absolutely incredible! Damn, thanks for all the great photos, overlays, and general beauty. I am at a loss for superlatives, but I will at least elevate this to "best of cc.com"! And yes, major congratulations are in order to @Priti! @JeffreyW, you're pretty OK too.

Yep, that looks worth skiing:

So, the desert was great and all, but I hear that I missed some powder??!

Agree with @kmfoerster....I think in anything but the best conditions there are several insecure sections (i.e. what I found when I climbed it years ago). Also agree that it is unlikely that the runnels were in very good shape and he likely had to use the bypass (which we also did like @kmfoerster). Even in good conditions, when the ice is solid and fat, the route is a funnel, so any falling debris could knock off a soloist pretty easily. I too am sorry for your loss @Norman_Clyde, it sounds like a terrible situation all around.

Wow, thanks @Slab Mistress. This is what I still love about the site, there are folks here who can answer obscure questions with authority!

Come on, it's only 5.6:

That does look lonesome @dberdinka!

Anybody else headed to Joshua Tree for Spring Break?

Sorry @Bronco, nobody is going to be doing this around these parts this weekend:

Fine @Bronco, have it your way. Is this better??

Anybody getting psyched for summer yet? The view east from the summit of Bear Mountain in about 2002:

More from the slide archives....North face of Vesper looking frosty!

Dorado col sunset, back in August of 2007:

A scan from a 2003 slide. You know, back when you could walk up the White Chuck to Dakobed in a few hours.

Chisos Basin night views in Big Bend National Park:

Thanks for the report! Like @AJScott, I need to get back in there....was just looking at the west ridge today coming back from the ski area....

Cool! But I want a photo of the cornice failure, that sounds....uhhhh.....exciting. Oh Boy, have those killed a few really skilled people over the years. Glad it wasn't you guys!

Anybody climbed Shiprock? I understand that you aren't supposed to now, more wondering who did it a long time ago.... looks compelling!

That would mean going over to the dark side @genepires. I have been trying to hold onto the mystery of the 90's for as long as I can.

Dreaming of the Spearhead....

A very good point. Do you know of other names for those other than the couple (Clean Slate, Sweet Sweet Death) @dberdinka came up with? It seems like everything up there has a least a few names depending on which generation you are talking to.

This run probably has a name, but I refuse to download the app: