Hi syrius,

I would enjoy going up Shasta with you if it's possible. I'm in a similar
position as Isabelle. I like your perspective. I'm still in the process of
obtaining some gear, but should be ready soon.

Cheers,

Eric

--- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "syrius2010" <syrius2010@...> wrote:
>
> Isabelle,
>
> The way I've learned mountaineering (and believe many others as well) was by
just going to the mountains and doing it. I've met in the mountains other
mountaineers who were showing me techniques or shearing tips. But most skills
and experiences I've gained by pursuing adventurous trips. There is no good or
bad approach to mountaineering as long as you stay intact. Mountaineering is a
dangerous activity and even the best climbers become victims of accidents.
Usually people who become mountaineers don't try it to see if this activity is
for them. They are curious and pursue they curiosity by taking on new
challenges. The mountains call you and there is not much you can do to resist
that call.
>
> As a conclusion, go to Shasta, (Avalanche Gulch) perhaps Adams (South Spur),
you will meet there many people. In popular climbing season, if the weather is
sunny and windless, there may be hundreds of people. For most of them it is just
one time adventure, but there are always some skilled and experienced climbers
(even on routs like these). Check some message boards, also Criagslist, for
"safe routes" trips. I myself take beginners to Shasta and show them basics for
free every year. As long as you have the right drive and proper equipment you
will become a mountaineer.
>
>
> --- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "isa" <isabelle_peyrichoux@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I'm currently exploring options to start out and learn
> > mountaineering and I'm sending this email to see if any of you have
> > any suggestions/ideas.
> >
> > My goals:
> > I'm interested in climbing summits above the snow level, requiring
> > the use of crampons/ice axe. My first objective is to do one or two
> > climbs like that to see if this is something I enjoy and want to
> > pursue. If so, I'm interesting in joining a group of people to do
> > regular climbs with.
> >
> > My background:
> > I've experience hiking summits up to 10 000 feets (mostly in France,
> > Pyrennes, in Summer)and have done a lot of hikes (one to three-day
> > hikes, mainly in Summer) ranging from 2000 to 4000 feet elevation
> > gain. I recently did several snowcamping trainings and trips. I also
> > just did a beginner mountaineering trip to Lassen, where I learned
> > snowcamping, avalanche rescue/awareness and a little bit of
> > crampons/ice axe/rope travel techniques. Since the weather did not
> > allow, we couldn't practice these techniques up-hill and in an
> > actual climb. I've done several snowshoeing hikes.
> >
> >
> > The options I'm currently exploring:
> > -- doing a climb (e.g. Shasta in May or june) with a professional
> > guide
> > -- doing a one or two day seminar (workshops) in ice
> > axe/crampons/rope travel techniques (in March or April) and then go
> > on some trips with experienced people if possible.
> >
> > I've joined several mountaineering groups in the Bay Area (like
> > CMG). But, because of liability issues, I've heard that it's not
> > generally possible to go on trips as a beginner.
> >
> > Is that the case? What options would you recommend to start out? I'd
> > like to get started as soon as possible. Do you see any options to
> > start out before May or June (Shasta climb)?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any idea/suggestion you can provide.
> >
> > Isabelle
> >
>

Hi Isabelle / Eric,

I have requested Susan to lead a trip Mt. Shasta in May. Susan agreed to lead
(Big thanks to Susan for this), I will be assisting her to plan it and take care
of the logistics. I will post this trip on the calendar by tomorrow. To keep it
simple I was thinking about the Avalanche Gulch route this time. If you are
interested do let me know.

Note: The leader of the trip is not your guide. You have to be self sufficient
and responsible for your safety.

Arvind

--- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "ehodges2004" <ehodges2004@...> wrote:
>
> Hi syrius,
>
> I would enjoy going up Shasta with you if it's possible. I'm in a similar
position as Isabelle. I like your perspective. I'm still in the process of
obtaining some gear, but should be ready soon.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Eric
>
> --- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "syrius2010" <syrius2010@> wrote:
> >
> > Isabelle,
> >
> > The way I've learned mountaineering (and believe many others as well) was by
just going to the mountains and doing it. I've met in the mountains other
mountaineers who were showing me techniques or shearing tips. But most skills
and experiences I've gained by pursuing adventurous trips. There is no good or
bad approach to mountaineering as long as you stay intact. Mountaineering is a
dangerous activity and even the best climbers become victims of accidents.
Usually people who become mountaineers don't try it to see if this activity is
for them. They are curious and pursue they curiosity by taking on new
challenges. The mountains call you and there is not much you can do to resist
that call.
> >
> > As a conclusion, go to Shasta, (Avalanche Gulch) perhaps Adams (South Spur),
you will meet there many people. In popular climbing season, if the weather is
sunny and windless, there may be hundreds of people. For most of them it is just
one time adventure, but there are always some skilled and experienced climbers
(even on routs like these). Check some message boards, also Criagslist, for
"safe routes" trips. I myself take beginners to Shasta and show them basics for
free every year. As long as you have the right drive and proper equipment you
will become a mountaineer.
> >
> >
> > --- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "isa" <isabelle_peyrichoux@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > I'm currently exploring options to start out and learn
> > > mountaineering and I'm sending this email to see if any of you have
> > > any suggestions/ideas.
> > >
> > > My goals:
> > > I'm interested in climbing summits above the snow level, requiring
> > > the use of crampons/ice axe. My first objective is to do one or two
> > > climbs like that to see if this is something I enjoy and want to
> > > pursue. If so, I'm interesting in joining a group of people to do
> > > regular climbs with.
> > >
> > > My background:
> > > I've experience hiking summits up to 10 000 feets (mostly in France,
> > > Pyrennes, in Summer)and have done a lot of hikes (one to three-day
> > > hikes, mainly in Summer) ranging from 2000 to 4000 feet elevation
> > > gain. I recently did several snowcamping trainings and trips. I also
> > > just did a beginner mountaineering trip to Lassen, where I learned
> > > snowcamping, avalanche rescue/awareness and a little bit of
> > > crampons/ice axe/rope travel techniques. Since the weather did not
> > > allow, we couldn't practice these techniques up-hill and in an
> > > actual climb. I've done several snowshoeing hikes.
> > >
> > >
> > > The options I'm currently exploring:
> > > -- doing a climb (e.g. Shasta in May or june) with a professional
> > > guide
> > > -- doing a one or two day seminar (workshops) in ice
> > > axe/crampons/rope travel techniques (in March or April) and then go
> > > on some trips with experienced people if possible.
> > >
> > > I've joined several mountaineering groups in the Bay Area (like
> > > CMG). But, because of liability issues, I've heard that it's not
> > > generally possible to go on trips as a beginner.
> > >
> > > Is that the case? What options would you recommend to start out? I'd
> > > like to get started as soon as possible. Do you see any options to
> > > start out before May or June (Shasta climb)?
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any idea/suggestion you can provide.
> > >
> > > Isabelle
> > >
> >
>

Hi!

I am off work for the next 6 months and I am looking for climbing partner/s.  I
have started to climb about a year ago.  I have  experience in outdoor climbing
and I really want to take advantage of my time off to get more experience on the
rock.

Please contact me either by email or phone

Christine Chabot
650-281-3164

grivel ice climbing tools and two mtn tools.

see:  http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/1118014249.html (sporting goods)

A small (Fremont) group intends to make "a long, strenuous day hike":  Coe Ranch
HQ - Mt Sizer - The Narrows - Manzanita Point - HQ.  Decision(s)upon the middle
section (Jackass; Blue Ridge; or Black Oak Spring/Hat Rock will be made on Mt
Sizer, depending upon hoped-for lower temperatures and hoped-for fitness. So it
could be a 16 - 19 miles hike, with a couple of brutal sections.

Invitations to one or a few CMG folk; if you are interested drop me a line
soonest.

Berg Frei!

Roger

A small (Fremont) group intends to make "a long, strenuous day hike": Coe Ranch HQ - Mt Sizer - The Narrows - Manzanita Point - HQ. Decision(s)upon the middle section (Jackass; Blue Ridge; or Black Oak Spring/Hat Rock will be made on Mt Sizer, depending upon hoped-for lower temperatures and hoped-for fitness. So it could be a 16 - 19 miles hike, with a couple of brutal sections.

Invitations to one or a few CMG folk; if you are interested drop me a line soonest.

Berg Frei!

Roger

Looking to go do some long alpine rock routes ridge traverses etc.. I have two
friends coming up for just 4 days and then they're taking off and I'm looking
for someone to stay 2 weeks and climb a bunch of routes with.  Would require
getting on some stuff beforehand just to make sure we work as partners.  Only
requirements are dont be sketchy, be a solid climber (i dont care if you have
experience in the alpine or not).

510 209 0117
zeth.kinnett@...

Fun in the sun in the volcanic tablelands...

http://androhanwillanswer.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/20090415/

~Rick

1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - $575 (oakland piedmont / montclair)

-------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR dual suspension small frame (I am 5'2") with
brand new SPD pedals. The bike retailed in 1999 for $1,600 and it was purchased
new for $1,460. I used it recreationally on fire roads around Redwood State Park
and Mt. Tam. I switched to a hardtail, as I now primarily ride on fire roads.
Everything on the bike is stock, except for the saddle. The bike is in good
condition with normal wear and tear. The bike has been regularly serviced and I
have all receipts and manuals. I would like to find a good home for the bike.
Price is firm.

Specifications:
Full suspension, cross-country rig
Frame- Welded Aluminum
Front Shock - Fox Float 100, w/ Lockout and adjustable rebound damping. 100mm
travel
Rear Shock: Fox Float Triad, w/ Lockout / ProPedal and Full plush as well as
rebound adjustment dial, 100mm travel
Mavic 225 rims. Specialized F hub, radial laced, Shimano R hub
Avid SD 5 levers and V brakes
LX shifters, F Derailleur, XTR R derailleur
LX 11-34 cassette, Shimano chain
Shimano 515 SPD pedals
Panaracer Dirt and Smoke tires, replacing the stock replacing the stock
Specialized tires
Specialized brand Strongarm crank, h-bar, headset, stem, seatpost, tires
Color: Cricket Green

My friend, a kiwi guide traveling the states is looking for a ride and or a
partner for this weekend for Yosemite.
I will be joining him in about a week.
His number is 503-333-2184 or you can email me at
harrison@hoodmountainadventures.

We're planning an extended backpack down to the Middle Fork of Kings R.
  where it goes thru Tehipeti Valley.  Starting June 7
Any suggestions for our Commisary?

If you're having trouble viewing the daisy chain video on the BD website, you can see it here on YouTube.

Cheers,

Rich


-- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, "Rich Graziano" <grazianews@...> wrote:
>
> *NOTE: in my first attempt at posting the video links, I miswrote the
> URLs. They are now corrected. Sorry for any confusion.
>
> Original message:
>
> Hey all,
>
> In case you haven't seen either, here are links to two great videos
> having to do with potential sling failures in climbing applications.
> The first, by Kolin Powick & Brett Keyes of Black Diamond, shows a
> potentially serious problem with anchoring to a belay via a daisy chain:
> click here <http://www.bdel.com/videos/daisy.html> . The second, by
> Streaky Desroy of DMM, shows a potentially serious problem with "open
> sling" draws: click here <http://vimeo.com/4138205> .
>
> Here's to managing the risk well.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Rich
>

We're planning an extended backpack down to the Middle Fork of Kings R.
where it goes thru Tehipeti Valley. Starting June 7
Any suggestions for our Commisary?

This is a totally awesome group effort to do a benefit climb to raise funds for
liver disease research.  Liver disease affects 30 million Americans (more than
all those affected by diabetes and all forms of cancer in the USA) and research
is surprisingly and disproportionately underfunded.

This specific climb is in memory of a 30-year old avid female climber who died
suddenly of liver failure after previously having no apparent symptoms.

It's probably too late to sign up for the climb, but you can always try...
meanwhile, it's definitely not to late to donate to this excellent cause. 
Please see my page at:

<http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeChallenge/LiverLifeChallenge?px=\
1176244&pg=personal&fr_id=1210>



Thank You!

Nick Meyler

P.S. I summitted Whitney's Mountaineer's Route on April 21 at 9:30 am and it was
totally awesome, perfect conditions for the climb.  The descent was slippery,
sloshy with lots of post-holing, but that's another story...

Hey everyone!

I'm taking five of my kids for about 10 days for a camping road trip in July. 
They range from 10 to 19 and the only man on the trip is my 19 yo, sooo...  Any
suggestions or things I should know?  Do I need reservations?  Are there secret
wonderful places I should take them?

I was considering Tuolumne, down through Mono Lake, Devil's Postpile, Mammoth
Lakes, Kings Canyon and Sequoia, then finish with the other side of Yosemite and
maybe some time in the Valley.  Seemed two days camping in the same spots each
time so there's some time for hiking and exploring.

Will also need places to restock on food.  Are there showers anywhere?

I'm familiar with the Valley, but have only been to Tuolumne once and never to
any of the Eastern Sierras.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Susan P.

> The guy I learned to climb with insisted that you were either on belay or had
the rope clove
> hitched to the belay.  No exceptions.

I tend to be leery of adamant statements (I almost wrote "I'm always leery of
adamant statements" :-) )

Like so many things in climbing, and in life, "it depends". I learned to use a
daisy at belays from
a guide who was an avid big-wall climber - I think that's the environment where
the practice
originated, and where it excels. But part of the lesson was making a loop at the
'biner, so this
kind of failure could not happen.

I agree that being clove-hitched into the belay is the right answer. I like to
be in with two
pieces, but I appreciate the argument that "the rope should be enough", since
you're trusting your
life to it during the rest of the climb.

My counter to that is when you're climbing with three, or not swinging leads, or
have a lot of
hanging belays, or have two teams going up together, or a lot of ... complicated
belays. It's
*really* nice to clip into the anchor with the daisy and then figure just where
it is that you can
stand, or lean, or put your knees, or "gee, it would be better if you climbed
over this and under
that..." and *then* get a solid locker into the anchor with a clove hitch.

Try it, you might like it.

Best,
chris

I like to tie the rope in twice, once to the master point, and a second hitch to
a piece of the anchor.. The rope is strong enough, but not if you accidently
untie it.. that can happen at "complicated belays" .. It's protection against
brain failure, not rope failure..

bill


--- In CMG@yahoogroups.com, Chris Kantarjiev <cak@...> wrote:
>
>
> > The guy I learned to climb with insisted that you were either on belay or
had the rope clove
> > hitched to the belay.  No exceptions.
>
> I tend to be leery of adamant statements (I almost wrote "I'm always leery of
adamant statements" :-) )
>
> Like so many things in climbing, and in life, "it depends". I learned to use a
daisy at belays from
> a guide who was an avid big-wall climber - I think that's the environment
where the practice
> originated, and where it excels. But part of the lesson was making a loop at
the 'biner, so this
> kind of failure could not happen.
>
> I agree that being clove-hitched into the belay is the right answer. I like to
be in with two
> pieces, but I appreciate the argument that "the rope should be enough", since
you're trusting your
> life to it during the rest of the climb.
>
> My counter to that is when you're climbing with three, or not swinging leads,
or have a lot of
> hanging belays, or have two teams going up together, or a lot of ...
complicated belays. It's
> *really* nice to clip into the anchor with the daisy and then figure just
where it is that you can
> stand, or lean, or put your knees, or "gee, it would be better if you climbed
over this and under
> that..." and *then* get a solid locker into the anchor with a clove hitch.
>
> Try it, you might like it.
>
> Best,
> chris
>

I like to tie the rope in twice, once to the master point, and a second hitch to a piece of the anchor.. The rope is strong enough, but not if you accidently untie it.. that can happen at "complicated belays" .. It's protection against brain failure, not rope failure..

bill

Pick up a copy of "California Camping" by Tom Stienstra and Ann Brown. All your
questions will be answered.  Two publishers: Moon or Foghorn both accurate. PS
get a large road atlas.

> And so on until the end, when even if all teh llops fail you the
> biner is still clipped into the loop of the webbing that made up
> the daisy chain itself. 

That's really the point of the video - you're not. The topology of the loops
is such that, in the case of catastrophic failure of the stitching (yes,
it seems rare), you are not clipped into anything.

Watch the video again.

The point of the video was that when shock loaded the Daisy Chain loops will
fail and if not twisted properly, you will die.  Use a second locking biner, was
the second point to prevent death, from this easily made mistake.  That is from
the manufacturer.

You may look at the video long enough and come up with an alternate theory for
the origin of species, solving global cooling, prevent famine or anything else
your imagination could conjure.  But you could do that from the safety of your
couch where ignoring the obvious is less deadly.

Sent from my iPhone so seemingly inexplicable spelling and syntax errors are
probable.