It struck me as odd because why would I rap a route that you were going to second?

Anyways. when you clip into the quickdraw, the rope runs up behind the beaner (the side that faces the rock), through the beaner and then right to your harness. If it was the other way around that would be back-clipping. With back-clipping the quickdraw has more of a chance to get alittle twisted. and possibly unclip itself.

But yet you climbed the route? Sounds like you made some mistakes here as well.

Your point is pointless. You have never climbed with me and if any of your partners have climbed with me, it was back when I 1st started climbing. The people who mentioned my name in conversation, they have no point either if they’re slamming me like you constantly do. Can’t say I’ve ever been on a rope with Hill, haven’t climbed with Amber in a couple of years and I just met Mary and she’s the one person who I hope to climb more with.

My “close calls” are not a result of my skill level. Having 2 partners take me off belay, one on All Mixed UP and the one who prompted me to write this thread, weather close calls, rock fall close calls and the rappel issue on Powell Peak have nothing to do with my skill level. It was my skill level that got me out of a bad situation unharmed. I’ve only been climbing for 3 years. Every time I go out, it’s a learning experience. This is one of the reasons that I LOVE climbing with people who are more experienced than I am. So yeah, my skill level does need work. It will need work even after I’ve been climbing for 6 years, 10 years etc. . . As long as I’m climbing, I intend to keep learning because in the grand scheme of things in climbing, I’m still very, very new at it and I know I have a lot to learn.

With that being said, keep up with all the condescending things you say about me, here and in private. I don’t care. I know that I’m 1 topic that you don’t really know s--- about and you lack the facts about my ability and skill and history, aside from what you’ve read here, to properly judge.

When I look back on my first days climbing I realize that I was concerned in all of the wrong things. I was asking questions about techniques, gear, different kinds of climbing, was 5.7 good, and yes, shoes.

While I was asking these questions I didn't realize that I was missing what was really important about our sport. Climbing is not about shoes, ratings, gear, and hype. What makes it the most incredible sport in the world is our community, our ethics, and our spirit.

I wish that I had been given answers to the questions I wasn't asking. And in my reflections here's just a few of the things I wish I would have been told 5 years ago.


Take a road trip as soon as possible to a climbing destination. Camp at the campsite the most crowded with climbers, sit around the campfire, and listen.

Find the old guys in your area, and listen to everything they have to say. Ignore the young guys with too much to say.

Get experience in all possible facets of climbing. Go trad climbing, sport climbing, top roping, and bouldering. Learn about aid climbing. Get on a multipitch climb as soon as you can safely. The real adventure begins more than one ropelength off the ground.

Climb with as many different partners as you can. You will learn what to do, and what not to do in half the time. You will learn what you respect in a climber, and what you hate as well. Emulate the good, and don't let yourself become that asshole that we all see occasionally.

It is no coincidence that the Best climbers in the world, do the least talking about their accomplishments. Nor is a coincidence that some of the worst talk even if no one is listening.

Become involved in the community. Join your local climbers group. Donate money if you like, but it is far better to participate. Seeing the fruits of your labor, and knowing you have helped make some of the best climbing memories. Don't complain unless you have an alternative. Don't ask for anything until you have contributed.

Karma is real. No matter what anyone says.

Learn all you can about the history and ethics of your area. You should be on a first name basis with some of the old guys who developed the crags. They will be around the campfire. Respect them and their wishes as your own. They were in your shoes at one time, and they can probably still outclimb you.

Don't buy a Drill or a Bolt for at least 5 years, and even then you had better be on a first name basis with all of the old guys around the campfire. Don't be that asshole that we all see occasionally. If you want a first ascent before 5 years, make a trad ascent, it will mean more to you later. Trust me.

Never belittle someone for climbing in the fashion they love.

Find your own personal ethics early, and stand behind them. Always strive for a higher ethical standard, never let yourself be pulled down. Don't hesitate to argue your ethics around that campfire.

Do everything you can to help other climbers. They are your family while you pursue this sport, and this family can seem suprisingly small at times. Karma is real.

Don't trespass. If the area is worth climbing, rest assured that a climber somewhere is working his ass off trying to get it reopened. By jumping that fence you are damning our cause. Always be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Enjoy every second of being outdoors doing something you love. You may very well be having the best time of your life. Share the experience with as many people as you can. Give as much as you receive.

Tracy,

For being a relative n00b, your utter arrogance and disregard for those who know what they are talking about is amazing. When someone who knows a thousand times more than you do about climbing tells you something, perhaps you ought to listen--instead of acting like a gumby and arguing with them. I don't know anything about your particular skill level in climbing--and I don't have to, in order to see that your attitude is indeed problematic.

Curt

With that being said, keep up with all the condescending things you say about me, here and in private. I don’t care. I know that I’m 1 topic that you don’t really know shit about and you lack the facts about my ability and skill and history, aside from what you’ve read here, to properly judge.

^^Your cyber whipped.

The facts are from your many posts on this site that you have had a number of close calls in the last year.

The fact is you are a somewhat new climber who feels the need to tell people on this about almost every time she does a route.

You are a internet wanken.

Most good climbers don't toot there own horn...others do that for them.

Fact is... your ambition is far ahead your climbing ability and that is what gets you in trouble.

Fact is... climbers will alway talk about each other. Keep posting s---...and I (and others) will keep on talking.

Fact is... in my opinion from your post you are climbing for a lot of the wrong reasons.

Fact is... I have never climbed with you.

Fact is... I never wanted to and have no reason to.

Fact is... from my 35 years of experience climbers like you come and go.

Doing it. Trying not to be the asshole but it becomes hard when others are the asshole to you.

Many people been asshole to you? Excluding internet, of course.

Actually no. In reality it's never an issue. I've met the greatest people in climbing. Seems to be limited to this thread.

Well how about some common sense then? Discussion forums are good for killing time, spraying and trolling. Other than that they are a big waste of time.

Go back to Front Range climbing thread and I beg to differ. Phone conversations between you and I as well. You're a liar too! Neat! Such commendable behavoir.

And you’re like Napoleon in drag, only shorter.

The phone conservation was about a climbing area or something of that matter. Not about climbing with you. It is hard to remember because it wasn't that important.

I have not problem telling you anything to your face.

You are a newbie and acting like one. You haven't done s--- for climbing...so let's move on.