BreezyD Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 I might only be able to attend one of these events in October and I need help deciding which one. 'Twas wondering if those of you who have attended one or both could chime in. How do they differ with respect to climbing, attendance, and general vibe? Thanks in advance for your opinions ... I know you all have one. Quote
whirlwind Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 didn't go to 11worth last year but smith was a good time, Quote
Dru Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 It's worth going to both, the main difference will be in the type and nature of the rock: basalt column jammin' and tuff mud pullin vs. granite crack bliss! Quote
rbw1966 Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 They both have their virtues for sure. In your case, you are surrounded by that which we Oregonians crave after months of climbing choss. Therefore Smith might be better for you since its more convenient for you to get on granite whenever you like. I didn't go to the 11worth gig but was at the Smithfest '03 and had a good time. Probably too good a time as the climbing was a bit shakier than the norm. Tough decision you have to make there. Quote
specialed Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 Hmmm... Central Cascades in mid-October or the Oregon desert? Logic might point to the conclusion that the weather in the desert might be a tad more predictable that time of year. Since last year at the Smiff party it was in the high 70s and sunny, and the 11worth beckfest was rained out and cold. Quote
selkirk Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 Of course if you looking to learn to lead Trad, the Icicle has a lot of good areas and easy first trad leads. You might be able to con someone into setting up a top rope at Mountaineers dome or somewhere else where you can climb on top rope but practice placing pro as well. Granted i've only been to smith once but it didn't seem quite as convienent for learning to lead trad. Quote
Dru Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 beckfest last year was like late october and this month 11fest is early or something though right? Quote
EWolfe Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Sack up and get to both of them. Sheesh. Pardon his gender disorientation! Smiffy for something different, IMO. Quote
fern Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 11worth has a less "urban" vibe than Smith. Camping in the trees, more options to get away from crowds but still climb quality rock Smith is redneck dirtpatch camping and busy crags in a compact park. 11worth has more options if you are setting your own TRs but not leading. Most routes at smith require someone to gun the rop to the anchors before you can TR. Smith has more easy sport routes (these are usually crowded). 11worth has easy gear routes. 11worth is jinxed for me - rain, injuries, food poisoning - I have not had a drama free trip there since 1997. Quote
EWolfe Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 I hope this year is different for you, then! Quote
ken4ord Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Here's my break down of the two last year. Pyramid vs. TG goodness Cold rain vs.Warm sun 2.5 hour drive vs. 5 hour drive Camping in Icicle Creek w/rain vs. Camping among sagebrush Ltown cragging vs. Smiffy bolt clippin The Oregonia desert in the fall is so shweet. Either place has good beginer stuff sport or trad. Quote
BreezyD Posted August 27, 2004 Author Posted August 27, 2004 Tough call ... strong arguments for both. Maybe I just need to "sack up" (can a chick do that?) and get to both of em like MisterE suggested. Quote
layton Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 you can shack up with me in smith, but it's gonna be crowded in back and there are no 2nd dates Quote
BreezyD Posted August 27, 2004 Author Posted August 27, 2004 Wow Layton ... you must be pullin' em' down with lines like those. Quote
AlpineK Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Here's my break down of the two last year. Pyramid vs. TG goodness Cold rain vs.Warm sun 2.5 hour drive vs. 5 hour drive Camping in Icicle Creek w/rain vs. Camping among sagebrush Ltown cragging vs. Smiffy bolt clippin The Oregonia desert in the fall is so shweet. Either place has good beginer stuff sport or trad. Way to live in the past. That was last year. This year the 11worth event is in early October not late. I recommend going to both events, but if you have to choose don't base your decision on what happened last year. Quote
E-rock Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Wow Layton ... you must be pullin' em' down with lines like those. He's autistic. Quote
mattp Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 If, living in Seattle, you have to choose between one or the other: choose Smith. You can go to Leavenworth as a day trip. (This assumes, however, that you are up for the 5 hour drive to Smiff, and that your objective here is climbing at some place where you haven't or won't climb otherwise.) Quote
Dave_Schuldt Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Wow Layton ... you must be pullin' em' down with lines like those. He's autistic. He's legendary! Quote
Szyjakowski Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 (edited) ML gay. go to neither and hit the road down south..much warmer. hey lance- you gonna have that vegas shindig? Edited August 27, 2004 by Szyjakowski Quote
dryad Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 If you have to pick one, go to Smith. You'll get to met some new and different people. You can hang with us Seattle dorks at Pub Club or Exit 38 or whatever any time. And go to Leavenworth any time too. Quote
SnowByrd Posted August 27, 2004 Posted August 27, 2004 Tough call ... strong arguments for both. Maybe I just need to "sack up" (can a chick do that?) and get to both of em like MisterE suggested. let's take 1 car you can guard the keg! Quote
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