Squid

Don't be dense, Klenke. My real color is more of a eggshell-cream, not a flat white. Otherwise the avatar's dead-on. BTW, I just got a new job...how about you?

Let's have some respect here. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a 190lb female who'll go to the surface with me? Sure, there are other squid in the oceans, but that doesn't ease the pain. Give me some time.

I'll make a point of attending the rope-up if you're going to be there.

Good for you Ryland- were you climbing with those kids who were moving to 11worth from the Arizona/New Mexico?

Hey kids, I'm heading up to the Enchantments tomorrow, and am thinking about doing the traverse, or seeing how far we can get heading east from Prussik. Are rap routes numerous along the ridge, or will we committed to climbing onward at certain points?

me me me. I know nothing! I haul kegs for free!

Mtnguide- Your sister rocks!

I was taught how to rap by a particularly cruel friend. From the very first, after she'd clipped into the rope, she'd look into my eyes and say meaningfully "See you in hell, bitch." Then she'd drop over the edge and leave my gumby self quivering and alone on the belay ledge. Now that I'm wizened and old, I still repeat that mantra to myself and my partners- it always seems to focus the mind and inspires everyone to check the system.

One time, I went on a five-week expedition with some guys I barely knew. After a couple of weeks, I realized I'd made a big mistake. It makes me wonder how many deaths on big expeditions are accidents, and how many are homicides.

The Tooth is my nemesis.

I tried this trick once, and was quickly rechristened "Assfire." Next time I'll shiver through the night.

Nacho- I just got great beta on Stuart- It's totally unclimbable. Stay home and drink beer this weekend. It should be in shape next weekend, when I can short-haul your ass up the thing.

blest is the adze scrape, scrape away the nasty rhime deeper, ice is blue

I was just granted a 3-day weekend, and don't want to spend a damn bit of it indoors. I'm looking for some partners for alpine routes- maybe basecamping in the Enchantments, climbing the surrounding peaks. PM me.

Yep, toiling away for Satan.

Jolly Green Giant or tool of Lucifer?

The best part of climbing Denali was...meeting the Rednecks! These boys rock! Nice TR Norm, I think you waxed beautifully poetic on the part about the sun dictating the day. Sooner or later we have to post the group photos of the CC'ers on Denali- who took those photos, anyway?

Ahh, you make me blush. It was a riot climbing with you and Scott- thanks for a great outing! We wouldn't have had a snowball's chance in hell if we didn't have the two of you showing us the way. By the way, nothing has broken my heart quite so much as watching the two of you sailing away into the sunset while Nacho and I post-holed the long miles back to the car. I'm gonna have to teach Nacho how to ski.

Can I join too? First I lost my courage, then control of my bladder, and now my self-respect. I'm afraid they're scattered all over the Cascades.

There are a bunch of local summer camps designed to expose kids with various challenges to the outdoors. I don't have first-hand knowledge of any of them, but friends who've volunteered for these types of organizations (Camp Goodtimes) say the experience rocks- if you're into that touchy-feely love-and -nurture type of stuff. I considered it, then selfishly decided to pursue my own climbing agenda. Here's a link to some local camps, if you're into that sort of thing.

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I sighed deeply in relief when I realized CC was free from your dancing scrotum. Thank you for changing your avatar. Congratulations on your functional legs.

Not home yet- I'm stuck at Bill's place for the next couple of days with Ash & Ry.