CascadeClimber

...and when I asked her for a second date she did something like this... ...and if you do this it's easier to not swallow, I promise... ...really, if you do this it lasts longer... ...no, they never clean the taps at Mugs and Jugs. ...and the dickhead says to me, "No, I didn't see the pack, just a bunch of lit cigarette butts." And I wanted to do this to him. -L

Good point. I was not making a 1:1 comparison between being a citizen of Iraq under Saddam and being a citizen of Washington state under a runaway state legislature, though looking at what I wrote I can see how it could read that way. For the record, I actually agree with removing Saddam from power, I just disagree with the methods, timing, and justification. Ray, you'd be surprised by how right-leaning I am on some issues, fiscal policy and social programs among others. -L

IIRC, it was voted down. But the state legislature taxed us and built it anyway. What's worse: Getting no vote, or having your vote ignored?

I saw the testimony. I think he was just following orders. Doesn't make it right, but I don't think he's the brains behind his actions. There is just so much wrong with this administration that it kind of defies description. Support our troops: Get them a new boss. -L

The images embedded in the email message are uniquely named for each message. When they see that a particular image has been retrieved from the web server, they know the message was viewed. This confirms that the email address is valid and that the user saw the ad as intended. Outlook 2003, by default, does not download such images. It has some nice features for dealing with this kind of thing. -L

I knew that for some that would be a known known, while for others it would be a known unknown. But what about the unknown knowns?? More Rummian Verse

Agreed: There is a fine line between listening and considering, and being overrun. When I choose continue, I factor in my intuition, along with avy conditions, weather, etc. -L

Some thoughts about non-technical skills, IMHO: Stay 'present': Be as aware as you can of your current situation and surroundings. Worry and fear are two common signs of lack of presence. Consider how close to your 'limit' you are, and evaluate the consequences of that relative to the severity of the route: There are times and places to push it, and times and places to be conservative. Be willing to pack and flee. Listen to that little voice in your head. It's wise. I've turned around on otherwise perfect days because of an overwhelming feeling of dread. Talk with and listen to your partner(s). Be aware of what's going on with them, and vice versa. Check, check, and check again. Knots, systems, crampons, rap setups, etc. If your partner doesn't like you double-checking him/her, consider shopping elsewhere. In short, make conscious choices, and this requires awareness. -L

Yup. Climbing is dangerous. The penalty for error is often swift and harsh, regardless of experience. And making no errors is no guarantee of not being penalized. It's a personal thing to weigh risk against reward, and it's a continuous process. Climb safe. -L

Ditto. One correction on the main article: It's Liberty Ridge and Willis Wall. -L

She's pissed off this year. And her bite is worse than her bark. Godspeed to the rescuers and let's all be extra careful out there. -L

Take a helmet. There is rockfall hazard in several places on the route.

Wow with this "Don't attempt the unknown" We'd still be climbing the rocks at stonehenge. I think what NOLSe meant to say is this: I agree with the Emmons talk. The DC is overcrowded, ugly, and overly dangerous, relatively. -L

It is also a jump up in objective danger: There can be significant rock and icefall, avy danger, and more crevasse monkey-business. Climb safe. -L

I'm pretty sure it was two from a party of four or five who intended to climb the headwall also, but were dissuaded after watching us wallowing above them at dawn. If you confirm that it's someone you know I can send over the full-res versions of the two pics I took (one is portrait, one is landscape). -L

Uh, no. That pic (save for the lack of name-taped helmet) belongs in the lower, oval-shaped category. -L

Me neither, but I know the slope just below the col gets icy late season. People slip there and wing down the fall line into that gaper that you have to traverse around late season.

Picky SOBs y'all are today. How's this:

Maybe a certain someone who's taken a winger (or two) on the Roman Wall can answer that...

If I'm afraid that a fall could involve compound fractures, death, and/or severe pain, it's climbing. If a fall will result in nothing more than a bruised ego, it's hiking. If I'm taking a poll about it, it's a Mountaineer's Outing.

Good job! Did you happen to notice if there is accessible running water at the top of the moraine? -L

It would be a mistake to presume that you are seeing the whole of the conversation here. Some people are making these 'polarizing' statements in the open, others are doing their 'mudslinging' behind closed doors. FWIW, I agree that we need to get more organized and I appreciate the energy that Matt and Daryl and others have expended in that direction. I just have misgivings about the tactics and methods which I tried to express here in a somewhat jovial way (hence the Monty Python reference). -Loren

Man, that only sounds like BW2 or 2+ to me!

I have one of those new Mammut slings that is about 5cm shorter than the others (double length).

Killen Creek is the standard approach to the Adams Glacier. It sounds like the road is open the TH. -Loren