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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 19, 2015 - 06:54pm PT
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I am moving there this May and was wondering if any of you live there. What's the local climbing like? ect...ect...
And if there isn't any climbing nearby how far away? I know the Tetons are only a few hours but what else?
Thanks for any info you can provide!!!
And wish me luck, this is a huge step for me....
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:13pm PT
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Good luck.....pretty conservative. Small ski area on Casper Mt. Good climbing not far away in Fremont Canyon. Not too far from Tensleep and Devil's Tower. Mountain Sports used to be the place to go to meet climbers but it's been awhile ince I've been there.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:16pm PT
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Doesn't Dick Cheney live there?
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:21pm PT
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The ahole grew up there but started hanging in Jackson after the money poured in.
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zBrown
Ice climber
Brujò de la Playa
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:22pm PT
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Try the Gladstone. There is dancing right nearby.
Seriously, do you know folks there? When I've contemplated leaving sunny SoCal, I've only considered places where I knew at least a couple of people. On the other hand, it seems to be pretty small. You can probably meet everybody you would want to know in an afternoon.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:52pm PT
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Tons of climbing close to there. If into crowded areas go somewhere else.
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Mar 19, 2015 - 07:55pm PT
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I wish you luck Karen. Seems like kind of a big jump. Last time I was there all I could think was boomtown gone bust. If you didn't like the hang in Mammoth this could be a tough one. Seriously,best of luck and keep us posted.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Mar 19, 2015 - 08:01pm PT
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I went to 1st grade there....probably my info is a bit dated.
Good luck though.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
Washington DC
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Mar 19, 2015 - 08:03pm PT
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Bleak.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado, Nepal & Okinawa
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Mar 19, 2015 - 08:57pm PT
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Get in touch with brokedownclimber, he lives about an hour away and knows all about Fremont canyon climbing. He drives to Casper several times a week.
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John M
climber
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Mar 19, 2015 - 08:59pm PT
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Hey Karen,
What prompted the move? I'm in the middle of a move myself. No more Yosemite for me. time to find a new home. I'm looking at southern colorado. Durango or Pagosa Springs. I don't climb anymore so climbing isn't a issue for me. I would like to try and do some skiing again.
I hope that you have a great move and a fun new adventure.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Mar 19, 2015 - 09:12pm PT
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Almost center of the state, climbing in every direction. Fremont canyon is a local area and I think there is climbing on Casper mtn Somewhere. Vedauwoo, the land of flared cracks is about two hours away. Devils tower maybe three. Four or five to the needles of South Dakota. Alpine and wall climbing in the bighorns. Ten sleep canyon, sport, is up that way as well. Brokedown lives on a ranch near Douglas, maybe an hour away.
For true adventure, contact our own Dingus McGee, and get the tour of more areas than I can name, all of which he developed and all a stones throw from there.
If you get really hard up, I've heard rumors there may actually be climbing in Colorado, some four hours south. I think it's more like prancing, though...
Send me a message at Jaybro fiveonethreeat medotcom and I can give you some phone numbers
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Mar 19, 2015 - 09:23pm PT
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I used to spend 3 or 4 nights a year in Casper while traveling Wyoming as an outdoor gear sales-rep.
As you know: there is local art & culture, & a lot of worthy folks live in Casper. There is also a strong local history of outdoor participation.
Unfortunately, there are also a lot of red-neck low-life hicks, the wind blows hard an incredible number of days yearly, and the weather is typical for eastern Wyoming.
It will be an experience for you!
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Mar 19, 2015 - 10:08pm PT
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OK, Karen-
Jan already mentioned my name & about where I live...
I actually live on a ranch in the foothills SW from Douglas, only an hour drive on I-25 from Casper.
The first place to check out is Mountain Sports, the local gear shop for rock climbing, skiing, and cycling. The season determines what's climbed; Fremont Canyon is the best known area locally, and it's a whole new experience for most visitors. Lots of very stout routes put up by some of the local hard men, notably Arno Ilgner, Kelly Moore, and Steve Petro. The standard fare is rappel into the canyon and climb out; the faint hearted always leave a fixed line as a safety valve for jugging out. Either that or swim out. A few recommended climbs there: Pet Semetary, 5.8; Imjin Scout, 5.10a (usually top roped); Slim Pickins, 5.9-; Easy Day for a Lady. 5.9 (OW-chimney); Bushwacker, 5.9, and a lot of steep cracks and faces too many to name here. Have fun!!
There's also some climbing at what's locally referred to as "The Marina" at Pathfinder Reservoir, but that takes a local to show where it is. Short but hard climbing there. Easiest route is "Clueless," at 5.9.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Mar 19, 2015 - 10:19pm PT
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I spent a week there when I was a smokejumper. They sent one plane load of us there as sort of a spike base for a spree of lightning storms. I Remember some nice running trails by the river (south platte?) and kind of an oil town classic rock / country sort of feel to the place. It is a long, long way from California in more than one way. Best of luck!
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Dingus McGee
Social climber
Where Safety trumps Leaving No Trace
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Mar 19, 2015 - 10:25pm PT
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Karen,
you're getting a report from all the old farts on what there was to do there like 35 yers ago. A lot of good folks there.
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Byran
climber
San Jose, CA
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Mar 19, 2015 - 11:17pm PT
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According to Google maps, you're approx
2.5 hrs to Ten Sleep
2.5 hrs to Sinks/Wild Iris
3.0 hrs to Devil's Tower
3.0 hrs to Vedauwoo
3.5 hrs to Needles
4.0 hrs to Boulder, CO
4.5 hrs to Tetons
4.5 hrs to Rocky Mnt NP
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the museum
climber
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:09am PT
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2.5 hrs to Ten Sleep
2.5 hrs to Sinks/Wild Iris
3.0 hrs to Devil's Tower
3.0 hrs to Vedauwoo
3.5 hrs to Needles
4.0 hrs to Boulder, CO
4.5 hrs to Tetons
4.5 hrs to Rocky Mnt NP
Karen, Sounds like a plan.
We'll see you out climbing this summer..
Went climbing at our fav crag on Sunday. We were the only people at the crag.
the museum
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:14am PT
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Karen, is this a Witness Protection Service deal?
You don't have to answer either way, Janice.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:15am PT
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Going from So Cal suburban hell to Casper WY is the right direction, good decision....best wishes.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Kalispell, Montana
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:26am PT
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Hey, the people that live there that I've run into, put their finger up to their lips and go "shhhhhhhh". We don't want anybody to know how beautiful it really is here. They love it and would never live elsewhere.
The river runs right through it. Forget the name right now. The events center for cultural is world class. Perhaps it shines in it's glory in mid summer, admittedly when I've been there for work trips (at the event center)-forget the name of that building too. Hell, maybe my alzheimer's has me confusing Casper with Cody; just kidding.
Arne
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:32am PT
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North Platte. I think they have a kayak park built in the river as well. Don't forget dome rock. Probably as much on climbed rock around there anywhere.
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Cragar
climber
MSLA - MT
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:49am PT
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I always stopped in Casper for the cheap gas between FoCo and MSO. Drove up to the Nordy zone once to check it and it looked coo. The beta from folks in this thread makes it look enticing! As others have said, you are definitely going the right direction!! I prefer red-necks to yuppies. Can't stand the '$$progressive$$ for me and my world views' mentality of the yupster and I doubt that Casper has that? Still seems like a workin' folks place to me. Maybe invest in a nice windbreaker!
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goatboy smellz
climber
लघिमा
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Mar 20, 2015 - 09:57am PT
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Casper is a cool town.
Not much in the way or culture,
arts, or entertainment but hey,
lots of stuff to do outside and Denver
is close enough if you need to go out on the town.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado, Nepal & Okinawa
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Mar 20, 2015 - 10:37am PT
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Here are some other positives. Wyoming has no state income tax and a much lower sales tax so your dollars will go a lot further than California. Because it has a small population, the bureaucracy there is friendly and helpful and you can get things done easily. No more 3 hours stints at a crowded DMV. It's safe which is a relief after California. No more looking over your shoulder and constantly locking things up. Services are a lot cheaper. For example, I drive from eastern Colorado to Wyoming for veterinarian service as it costs about 25% what it would in Colorado. There is a small college in Casper and cultural activities associated with that. You can get satellite internet and phone service out in the country even when you can't get cell service. The air is clear and breathable (there are advantages to that wind).
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wbw
Trad climber
'cross the great divide
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Mar 20, 2015 - 01:23pm PT
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I've always thought Casper might be a decent place to live. Eastern Wyoming is a lot more low-key than the northwest part of the state. The climbing at Fremont and some other less-well-known crags is really good. This is a part of the world where solitude is just a short distance away, and when you're out there on the high plains, and the wind is blowing, it epitomizes the West that I love.
Living in CO is great, but I really miss the wildness of WY.
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hobo_dan
Social climber
Minnesota
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Mar 20, 2015 - 03:59pm PT
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Get some skate skis for Nordic up on Casper Mt.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Mar 20, 2015 - 04:01pm PT
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Of Cultural Events: the Wyoming Symphony performed Beethoven's magnificent 9th Symphony this past season, complete with a 250 voice choir and 4 top name soloists imported from the Right Coast. The performance was magnificent, and would rank with a top drawer German Staatstheater. I have a CD on order.
Food: most of the national chains are represented; Dead Lobster, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, etc.
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 20, 2015 - 09:11am PT
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Hey everyone I am officially moving to Casper! Hit the road this weekend and begin work Tuesday.
Wish me luck,
Brokedown climber would you mind meeting up and you could give me the local beta, it would be much appreciated.
Here is my official email, I never go to the Supertopo email. Mtnclimber59@yahoo.com
Thanks Roger for any help you can give me!!!!!
Karen
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Branscomb
Trad climber
Lander, WY
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May 20, 2015 - 09:20am PT
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It's not my favorite place in Wyo., but it is in the middle and lots of climbing near and within 2-3 hours of driving. Gotta be better than S. Cal and though a lot of people go on about the redneck element and what a rough place it is, still some good people there, like anywhere.
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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May 20, 2015 - 09:32am PT
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A good friend of mine was in Casper on business the weekend of May 9-10. Since we have joked about how we are both "Snow-magnets" when traveling eastern Wyoming, he shared the local weather forecasts with me. I think Casper got about 8" of snow.
Karen: hopefully winter is now gone from Casper for a few months.
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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May 20, 2015 - 09:40am PT
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Hey Karen,best of luck to you.You seem positive.Good deal.Keep us posted.
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 20, 2015 - 09:53am PT
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Will Capt. !
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John M
climber
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May 20, 2015 - 09:59am PT
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Best wishes to you karen on your new adventure!
I know.. I know.. Donini thinks we over use the word adventure.. hahaha.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 20, 2015 - 12:06pm PT
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I'll look for you in Vedauwoo and Devils tower this summer!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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May 20, 2015 - 12:23pm PT
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Karen, enjoy Wyoming! Hope you found a good hangar for yer DC-3.
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storer
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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May 20, 2015 - 12:29pm PT
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Hobo got it about right but the classical tracks are truly outstanding too. I first time I skied up there i couldn't believe that Casper could be that good. 45K of great skiing; nice skate deck and striding tracks too. Very nice warming hut and great snow. If you are not now you will be a nordic skier!
Bonus: Casper is smack dab in the middle of the total solar eclipse next year.
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feralfae
Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery
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May 20, 2015 - 01:36pm PT
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Karen,
I've lived in Lander, Laramie (yes, very windy) and up above Dubois. You are smack in the middle of lots of great places to play. I hope you have lots of fun. You sound as though you are the type of person who can find fun in just about any location. I hope you like your new job and that everything falls into place easily for you.
I love Wyoming (Montana is also super) and I certainly miss the "small town" atmosphere that takes in just about the entire state, except maybe the NW bit.
Have fun!
Best wishes,
feralfae
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storer
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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May 20, 2015 - 01:45pm PT
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Correction cuz you don't to miss it. The total solar eclipse will occur on August 21, 2017. It should be really good with a maximum at about 1 pm under what should be clear skies.
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steve shea
climber
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May 20, 2015 - 02:13pm PT
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Welcome to the Wyoming Wind Festival. Celebrated annually, Jan 1 to Dec 31. Oh, wait a minute, that is Farson. Some of the best fishing on the planet is west of Kaycee. There are two mom and pop ski areas in the Big Horns. loads of climbing. The magnificent Beartooth Highway where you can cram more sports into one day that just about anywhere. Take your skate skis up there for some fantastic crust cruising. It is windy but sailing and windsurfing has quite a following. And everything else said above.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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May 20, 2015 - 03:02pm PT
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Welcome to the Wyoming Wind Festival. Celebrated annually, Jan 1 to Dec 31.
True but funny. That depends if it is a leap year.
edit: and the dudes in 4WD pickups think the 4WD works when they need to stop on snow/ice. Give them LOTS of space.
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storer
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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May 20, 2015 - 06:02pm PT
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Karen, ignore the negativism about the wind. Having ridden most of the Wyo roads I can tell you to start your bike ride into the wind. Turn around and ride right back to the Wonderbar downtown for a burger and beers. Then ride home while you admire the Milky Way which maybe you've never seen.
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the museum
climber
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May 20, 2015 - 08:07pm PT
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Karen good for you. Like Jaybro said - we'll be at the Tower, Vedauwoo, Rushmore and the Needles several times each this summer. Let us know if you care to meet up. We have plans for the Bighorns too.
Have fun!
the museum
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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May 20, 2015 - 08:10pm PT
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4 hours to Boulder? We'll have to have a Boulder-area Happy Hour when you get there! Join us!
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 20, 2015 - 09:46pm PT
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Thanks everyone and appreciate all the beta.
What's the deal with having to plug in your engine when it is really cold, lol, clueless. Does it get so cold your engine won't start?
Crimper, look forward to meeting you along with the rest of you climbers!!!!!!
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John M
climber
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May 20, 2015 - 10:09pm PT
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Hi Karen..
http://www.cars.com/articles/2014/01/tips-to-start-your-car-in-the-cold/
I'm not familiar with Wyoming temps, but cold can make it harder to start your car.
The cold makes the oil thicker, thus making it harder to crank the engine.
It also makes the battery less effective and it can freeze the other fluids in the car, especially if you don't have enough anti freeze in your radiator. Plus you windshield wiper fluids. Thats a different fluid then the radiator.
Some things to check or change..
A winter battery
Winter grade oil
New antifreeze in radiator with amounts set for the cold instead of the hot.
Antifreeze for your windshield wiper
All of these things are easy to check and to change.
As for plugging in your car, there are three things that one CAN get for ones car that need plugging in. A block heater, which keeps the engine block warm so easier starting. An oil pan heater, heats the oil, easier starting, and a battery warmer.
Which ones you need sort of depends on how cold it gets. You most likely don't need all three.
Let the experts in cold here guide you, I'm just providing some of the basics.
Welcome to Winter! :-)
Crimpie is a sweetie.. she will help you feel welcome up that way.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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May 21, 2015 - 12:14am PT
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Can't wait to head back to WY this year. Have fun out there!
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
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May 21, 2015 - 12:23am PT
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Read some Annie Proulx stories to psyche yourself up. The times I've been in Wyo (Devil's Tower, Wind Rivers, Tetons, Sinks Canyon, 10 Sleep, Beartooth, Jellystone), normally in June, July and Aug., the horseshit and mosquitos were much more serious than the wind. I've always had a great time there, but I've never been out on the plains in winter...
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 21, 2015 - 06:08am PT
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Diss razor city (Gillette) all you want, but it has the small climbing wall Anywhere!! A simulation of Devils tower, by Eldorado walls, in the two story atrium foyer of the Campbell county rec center. 360° climbing open 5 am - midnight 365 days a year. The catch ( they have a couple of auto belays, btw) is that it costs four bucks!
Ps my main car right now is a Camry that lived in Gillett efor sixteen years, it has plug in block heater, and the drivers door is sprung, from the wind!
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steve shea
climber
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May 21, 2015 - 07:18am PT
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My kids just got back from a typical WY climbing trip. 5 days, Sinks, DETO and Black Hills. Jackson High School Mountaineering Club. You gotta love a state where some of the School Districts offer climbing. They also do a Grand trip, COR, Sweetwater etc.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
Boise, ID
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May 21, 2015 - 07:57am PT
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Stoked for ya, Karen. It's gonna be glorious!
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Casper, WY
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May 21, 2015 - 09:11am PT
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Actually, Casper has made some significant changes over the years. We now have 2 or 3 decent and legit Sushi options! That was unheard of 10 yrs. ago. It's odd though, for a town that has a major river running through it, there is NOT one restaurant built on it! Well, there was one, a hamburger joint on the river, overlooking the man-made whitewater park for kayakers to be exact, but it went out of business last year! Don't ask me how you can make a crappy hamburger, but they mastered it! Which brings up a strange phenomenon...it's hard to find a "good" hamburger or steak in this town! Don't ask me how or why, you'd think in a state that plays up the cowboy myth and free roamin' cattle that they'd know how to...but most restaurants fail at this seemingly easy task!..sigh.
But I digress, we're hear to talk about climbing and not food (although, being older and wiser, I find they go hand and hand). Karen...you'll love the climbing and x-country skiing (downhill not so much, but it ain't bad)! But, I'm not going to divulge ALL our climbing secrets. Half the fun is discovering those special, quiet, out of the way places on your own. Good luck and enjoy!
Btw Karen, what and where will you be working? I work on an oil rig...one of the last ones standing in the state! The depressed oil prices hasn't seem to lead to a mass exodus of "riff-raff" out of Casper though as I was hoping. I think oil field workers are holding out to see if the prices rebound soon. There does seem to be more houses for sell of late, but the prices still seem way overpriced to me. I'd wait a few more months to see if they come down once the reality of oil prices being sub $60 cause more people to flee. But, where will they go? There aren't many other places in the U.S. to go anymore for good paying, blue collar jobs, so I reckon' folks will stay here and find other jobs...just a hunch.
There are more rentals available it seems, and the prices seem to have dropped a bit. My wife and I were paying $1100/mo. for a 2-bedroom w/1 car garage last year thanks to the recent oil boom...outrageous compared to the 90's when I paid $200/mo. for a studio!!...ahhh...those were the days, living off a substitute teacher's salary and climbing at will!! ;)
P.S...My dad went to H.S. with both Dick and Lynn Cheney. According to my dad...he was even a "Dick" back then...no surprise there! lol
P.s.s. Hey Jaybro...that Devil's Tower replica looks sweet! Had no idea it existed...may have to give it a go soon! Cheers.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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May 21, 2015 - 09:21am PT
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Don't forget to visit Yellowstone when you get a chance.
Knot much climbing, but wow, the scenery, wildlife (lions and tigers and bears, oh my)! hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and the best, mudpots!
Have fun up there, Karen!
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10b4me
Social climber
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May 21, 2015 - 09:40am PT
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^^^^+1
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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May 21, 2015 - 10:40am PT
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Karen-
There are always nay-sayers here on Super Topo, so just be prepared to form your own opinion of the City. There is definitely much to do in the area, and the climbing is pretty much related as to how far you consider driving. There's a Climbing Gym in town that I've visited on rare occasions. Some sandstone outcrops and a bit of granite are available on the Casper Mountain Road, although there have been access issues in the past. The pride of place is Fremont Canyon, with literally hundreds of routes available; a possible downside is a dearth of easier routes, but a myriad of good 5.10-5.12 climbs. Allow around 45 minutes to get there from Casper.I haven't kept up with Fremont route development since I actually live 65 miles from town on a ranch now. Branching out from there, Vedauwoo is about a 3-3 1/2 hour drive depending on the route taken. There's also climbing on Dome Rock. Vedauwoo is justifiably well known for OW climbs these days, but there are some tough face/friction routes as well. Not much is written about the Sweetwater Rocks area, maybe an hour and a half on Wyoming 220/U.S. 287, but there are some possibilities there. Jaybro has already mentioned the DT, which is ALWAYS worth the drive; allow 5 hours from Casper. Wild Iris, near Lander is a sport climbing area. Three and a half hours--maybe less. Boulder and Eldorado is a 4 1/2 hour drive. City of Rocks is a more lengthy trip of 8-8 1/2 hours. I haven't mentioned several of the smaller and less well known spots that offer decent rock.
Food and Culture:
Most national chains of fast food are represented (McD, Wendy's, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Taco John, etc.) More upscale eateries are Olive Garden, Red Lobster, On the Border, Village Inn, Outback, etc. Better local places include Poor Boy's Steak House, and Armour's, but there are quite a few others.
For a real cowboy style "dive" with live music, don't miss The Beacon in Mills.
Casper College has a decent drama program with plays, and the Wyoming Symphony is a decent small city orchestra with frequent guest performers.
Medical care in the community is actually first rate, and there are more lawyers per capita than can be imagined.
Thus endith the Epistle...
BDC. Now I'll go back to lurking...
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feralfae
Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery
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May 21, 2015 - 11:23am PT
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Karen,
Yes, if you are going to Billings (which is in Montana) on the interstate, you will go right past the place of the Battle of Greasy Grass, which is also in Montana. And as long as you are coming up this way.
Definitely go play in the Big Horns, check out Ten Sleep Canyon, the Sinks of course and all of the Winds.
If you are over around Laramie, it is worth the scenery to check out the Snowys. Of course, between Laramie and Cheyenne is that preferred playground for many. :)
Wyoming is just a great place to live, all over the state, and I even like Gillette, but not as well as Buffalo, Laramie, Lander or Dubois.
Gillette has a super restaurant, the Prime Rib, just off the interstate, which has great steaks and prime rib. :) Laramie has the Cavalryman out south of town, and Buffalo has a nice restaurant with a "weather rock" out front, but I don't remember the name of the place. The weather info is that if the rock is wet, it's raining. :)
And at some time, you'll get over to the other side of the Winds. There is a restaurant in Pinedale that has the BEST rhubarb/strawberry pie, made right there.
If you are coming up to the Helena Montana area, PM me and although I am not that much in the mountains these days, or even climbing, I can hook you up with some of the young climbers around here, all very super people.
I hope you have too much fun, and keep us posted on your adventures.
Climb on!
feralfae
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 21, 2015 - 01:18pm PT
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Thanks guys & gals for all the info, it is really appreciated. Tomorrow I begin my drive and doing it over a three day span to somewhat enjoy the drive.
I will keep you'll updated!!!!
Karen
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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May 21, 2015 - 05:17pm PT
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Wyoming:
No State income tax
Highest per capita gun ownership
Lowest population density in lower 48
Most Pronghorn Antelope
Second in average height above sea level
Least likely State (along with Idaho and Utah) to vote for a democrat for president
Home of Dick Cheney!!!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 21, 2015 - 06:05pm PT
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But I bet it legalizes Weed before Utah does!
And, Hot of the presses, well a couple months back...
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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May 22, 2015 - 11:03am PT
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Only a couple of things on that list don't look attractive. Off to the Beartooths!!!!
Put this in the + column close to the Beartooths.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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May 22, 2015 - 02:32pm PT
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Most Wyomingites detest Dick Cheney.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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May 22, 2015 - 02:34pm PT
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Antelope is some tasty food.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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May 22, 2015 - 02:49pm PT
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And don't under estimate the the intensity of the sun. Have fun, you will luv it.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 22, 2015 - 03:11pm PT
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What Brokedown said! Put my family squarely in that camp!
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feralfae
Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery
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May 22, 2015 - 04:30pm PT
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^
What Jaybro said about what Brokedown said!
feralfae
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feralfae
Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery
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May 22, 2015 - 04:32pm PT
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JohnTP (I assume he did that on purpose. Horrid play on words) :) And don't under estimate the the intensity of the sun. Have fun, you will luv it.
Yes, take your best zinc oxide, and remember to use it on your ears. But you probably already know that.
feralfae
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Daphne
Trad climber
Northern California
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May 22, 2015 - 07:28pm PT
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Have a wonderful time exploring and settling into your new home. I bet good things await you there.
But if you see dick cheney run away fast. I can tell just by looking that he exudes a poisonous vibe. I hate despise loathe and abhor him, if you were wondering about my opinion. ;)
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 22, 2015 - 08:10pm PT
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Sometimes I wish Daphne would just speak her mind :)
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WindRiverWildman
Trad climber
N. Colorado
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May 22, 2015 - 08:39pm PT
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Hi Karen:
The most pleasant thing will be getting away from all the urban hassles - and the vitriol like you have seen in a few of the posts here from people who don't know what they are talking about. If you love big cities then you will have a hard time. If you don't like any snow sports then you will have a hard time. The climate is harsher than California but the air is way cleaner than Southern California.
If you love nature, four seasons, mountains, deserts, crystal clear rivers, climbing, camping, stars, geology, deer, elk, bear, wolves, pronghorns, fishing, and people who are helpful then you will enjoy your time there.
Wyoming is the least populated state per square mile - the best advice I can give you is to take advantage of thousands of square miles of absolutely beautiful nature - it's very easy to have a beautiful place all to yourself. The people who thrive there take advantage of this!
Here's a few more climbing areas to add to the list - several which are closer than some on the list:
Big Horn Mountains - 1 - 1.5 hours (Cloud Peak, etc.) Trad climbing
Fremont Canyon - 1 hour Trad climbing
Laramie Range - 0.5 - 3.0 hours Trad and sport climbing
Lankin Dome 1.5 - 2.0 hours Trad
Sinks Canyon 1.5 hours Sport (By Lander)
Wind Rivers - 1.5 - 4.0 hours (East or west side)
There is a brand new guidebook (2015) for the Laramie Range (a prior post has a picture of it). The Laramie range stretches from Casper down between Laramie and Cheyenne. Vedauwoo is located in this range, but has a separate guidebook.
As with all places, there will be things that are wonderful and things that are hassles - how much of each depends on your choice of what you concentrate on.
Wyoming is the home of Todd Skinner and Paul Piana.
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the museum
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 07:50pm PT
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Kayaking at N Platte River and Alcova Reservoir 2010
the museum
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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May 23, 2015 - 07:55pm PT
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You're getting lots of good advice here on nearby climbing areas. What hasn't been mentioned is that people associated with the junior college in Casper have been climbing since at least the 1950s. Check there to see if you can get some historical perspective. I can't recall the names now.
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the museum
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 08:18pm PT
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the museum
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the museum
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 09:21pm PT
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not far from Casper
the museum
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the museum
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 09:22pm PT
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Haystack
the museum
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 24, 2015 - 04:56am PT
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May 8th Gillette Buddha cam photo.
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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May 25, 2015 - 06:15am PT
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Unfrickin' believable! Another washed out Memorial Day weekend in Wyoming!!...I'm tellin' ya, it NEVER fails! It's rained days straight and clouding up again today...the prairie grass and all the prairie critters will appreciate it though. The grass would normally grow several feet high out here in Thunder Basin Grasslands if not for the overgrazing of sheep, cattle and buffalo...but I digress. But back in the 90's, I'd always put together a Memorial Day Weekend climbing outing out at the canyon or dome rock and it would usually snow on us...good times!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 25, 2015 - 06:40am PT
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Haha, sounds like the Wyo I know, Frank!
Lifted from the guidebook I shared the photo of, a little bit about your new neighbor and fellow supertopian, Dingus McGee;
(I understand it's okay to quote copywriter material like this in a review- this is my review-cool book, buy it!)
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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May 25, 2015 - 06:53am PT
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Yup Jaybro...the legend (or engima?;) of DM is still going strong eh!?? Last I saw him he was recovering from fractured neck vertebrae from attempting his comeback as a professional wrestler! Sounds like he is all healed up from that slight bump in the road?!
I got back on the rock last summer at the canyon for the first time in 7 years after moving back from Indiana! It was ugly...I almost died from rapping...missed a tail of the rope in my ATC, but luckily caught it before stepping off! I did have a prusik as a back-up...I wonder if it'd held my weight? Then my friends 9yr. daughter decided to venture out onto the boulders (in flip flops) on the river at VERY high flow while I was belaying her dad! She was one slip away from instant drowning! My 7 yr old was just behind her a few rocks back, but in an eddie, safe from the rapids...I don't know how you dad's survived climbing with kids or how THEY survived! lol...very nerve wracking to say the least!!!
Any trips planned out east to Wy this summer, J??
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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May 25, 2015 - 11:56am PT
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Here you go. Walt and his gang started the climbing club at the junior college mid-20th century. They climbed in the nearby Needles where they bolted up the Sore Thumb, and much to the consternation of the Conns, left an orange barrel with a cross embedded on the summit. Herb tried to ensnare the abomination with bow and arrow, but failed. Years later Dave Rearick and Bob Kamps free climbed a crack next to the bolt ladder and pushed the barrel off the top.
So, you see, the youngsters of the 1960s and 1970s were preceded by some interesting characters.
Just a bit of climbing history.
Walt Bailey
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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May 25, 2015 - 12:30pm PT
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Walt has s nice memorial at Devils Tower.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 25, 2015 - 12:38pm PT
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Yep Lugar, I don't know how any of us survive the day to day mishaps of our lives, let alone climbing. My own daughter has grown into a beautiful, wee adjusted 25 yr old young woman who just last night texted me to be sure not to miss the new mad max movie.
Guys with plates in their heads wrestling it out in mtn
shops with young bucks half their age, might be lucky to come away with broken necks.....
But yeah, he's still going strong! Did you see the photos he posted here of his homemade electric bike?
Thanks for the history John! I knew that Walt Bailey had met a tragic end, but I don't think I appreciated how young he was!
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado, Nepal & Okinawa
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May 25, 2015 - 04:30pm PT
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Where's Karen? I'm anticipating a progress report.
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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May 25, 2015 - 08:07pm PT
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Walt Bailey amassed an impressive collection of climbing books at the Casper College library during his tenure there as a prof. I was always grateful to him for having access to them...for free! It gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity, at an impressionable age, to read so many great, classic climbing and mountaineering books.
Good idea for ya Karen, to get up to the CC library and check out some of those books for those long Wyoming winter months! Doug's Scott "Big Wall Climbing" and "Freedom of the Hills, 1st or 2nd ed." come to mind. I need to get back up there and see what is still left up there on the shelves. I'm afraid that some of those classics may not be there anymore though for various reasons...
LOL Jay!
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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May 25, 2015 - 08:16pm PT
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Progress report from my ranch: I'm laying in lumber for the construction of an Ark. It's a deluge outside as this is written...
The Little Laramie River near Wheatland is flooding out the bottomlands, but I haven't checked the North Platte since last week.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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May 25, 2015 - 08:42pm PT
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Re: Walt Bailey; he certainly "got around," due to lots of climbs named after him: Walt's Wall, at Vedauwoo; Bailey's Overhang on Castle Rock, Boulder Canyon.
He perished from High Altitude Pulmonary Edema in the Andes.
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 26, 2015 - 05:59am PT
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All of your replay's are awesome, thanks! Begin my new job today, wish me luck!!!!!
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the museum
climber
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May 26, 2015 - 06:27am PT
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You got it! Good luck Karen!
the musuem
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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May 26, 2015 - 07:19am PT
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Just curious Karen, what type of work will you be doing in Casper? Is it a long term or short term contract/project? I don't need a name of the company, for obvious security and safety reasons, just curious as to what brought you to Casper.
BTW, I AM NOT a stalker, but I can't speak for the rest of these guys posting on here! :) LOL. Cheers and good luck with the new job. PM me if you want to rope up at the canyon soon! I'm getting that 'ol familiar climbing itch that begins about this time of year!!
Regards,
Frank
EDIT: Sorry, can't help myself. Slow day at work and the sun is out, the sky is blue...so I gotz to post pics!
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 26, 2015 - 07:29am PT
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Congrats and go get 'em Karen! I'm excited for you, and I don't even know what you do!
And yeah, that Frank guy is on the level, and so's the other one!
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - May 28, 2015 - 07:02pm PT
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Hi guys, I've just been too pooped from working and getting used to the time change to post up. At my job it is all computer driven now so having to learn their program but I work with people, am a mental health therapist and the job is long term. Soooooo.....want to learn this area as much as possible, it will take time due to working full time.
Plan on going for a hike this weekend, not sure where, any suggestions? Some place close by?
I quite like it here so far, I've never seen so many trucks in my life, my little Cali car is lost amidst the sea of trucks but it's cool, culture change for sure. People are super nice and I have no complaints so far.
Did I interpret correctly that Dingus lives here?
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 28, 2015 - 07:49pm PT
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Near there, Laramie actually. But he has projects closer and is know to frequent the area.
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the museum
climber
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May 28, 2015 - 08:37pm PT
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Karen, check out something at Casper Mtn, or go out to Independence Rock and hike around it and over it and find the H P Bemis 1850 carving, and see if the Swainson's hawks are there.. Juss take CY Avenue out past the Walmart. Oh and get mexican bfast at the 24/7 stop on CY.
Dome Rock NEXT weekend!!!
the museum
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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May 28, 2015 - 09:54pm PT
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Oh, yeah...BIG TRUCKS! That is a rude awakening isn't it?? Make sure you roll your window up at stop lights. The guys with diesel trucks like to blast everybody next to them with their black smoke. I arrived in a '82 Subura Sedan from S. Cal myself...felt very inadequate, but I refused to have "big truck" envy. Mental Health profession...Awesome! Casper (as most anywhere) can use more and good MH specialists! As far as hiking goes, from closest to farthest from town:
1. Great hike, great elevation gain from base of Casper Mtn up most of the mtn, the water fall should be in full swing and beautiful this time of year, 100 mi. views to the Big Horns and mins drive from town: (Hiking/Driving time: 1-2 hrs.)
http://www.casperwybridletrail.com/
2. Muddy Mtn. behind Casper, Mtn...probably too muddy (this time of year without a BIG truck!lol), but great day hiking option for future reference: (Hiking/Driving time: 2-4 hrs).
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGR082-020
3. Do you like lakes? Geology? Fossils? Try Cottonwood beach's fossil interpret trail at Alcova Lake, then continue driving to Fremont Canyon and Pathfinder Dam overlook...one of my favorite drives and sightseeing trip. (Hiking/Driving Time: 4-6 hrs. give or take).
http://www.caspercollege.edu/tate/virtual_fieldtrips/edres_virtual_alcova.pdf
Beware and be on the lookout for the usual critters. If it's warm, rattlesnakes will be out, especially at Alcova/Pathfinder. I ran into a bull elk on Casper, Mtn. one time, scared the bejeevus out of me and saw mtn. lion tracks. Muddy Mtn. has more of the same...be sure to stop by the "Flour Bin" on 1st St./N. Ash St. for some carbo loading before your hike!...they have some of the best chocolate croissants I've ever had! Unheard of and unavailable in Casper until last year..so lucky you! Enjoy.
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patrick compton
Trad climber
van
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May 29, 2015 - 06:40am PT
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spent a year there
2 seasons:
windy and cold, windy and hot
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Just now on my. Fb feed...
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miwuksurfer
climber
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A teaser for Karen...scanned from the 90's...this place still looks much the same...except for the 100 room hotel built to the left in the old parking lot and 4 or 5 corkscrew slides down to the river!! Gets a bit crazy during tourist season! ;)
Credit: Dick_Lugar_II
Is this a joke? Is there really a hotel and water slide there now? I lived in Casper for a year about ten years ago. If I recall, there are some climbs right next to the parking lot too.
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feralfae
Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery
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Karen,
I am so excited for you and your new Wyoming adventure! I am just back from the Chugwater formation north of Lander, where I scattered some of Doug's ashes in the North Fork of the Popo Agie, beneath some cliffs he liked to scramble when in his 60s. I scattered red ochre there and on some graves on the Wind River Reservation.
When you get free time, you MUST go start your climbing log for the Winds. I envy your joyful sense of wonder in that expansive place of great beauty. Truly the Alps of North America. And, if you wish, I hope you start a log of your new adventures here on ST for us, so we can all keep up with your fun.
I am delighted that you are working in the mental health field. We are treating many, many returning military men and women at the VA here for PTSD and head injuries, especially. I sometimes think the entire Earth and all living things are in trauma. But I also think we are learning better stewardship and slowly learning better ways to resolve our problems. I think climbing is healing.
All best wishes to you in your career. It sounds as though you are going to be "settled in" there in Wyoming for quite a while, and probably in Casper. You are going to have a fantastic time exploring your new country. :)
Welcome to the Wonderland of the Basin and Range. :)
feralfae
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 2, 2015 - 06:36pm PT
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Thanks once more for all your suggestions and beta. I'd like to get up Casper mtn and do some exploring, will have to put that on this coming weekend's to do list.
I want to climb but must get in shape. The local gym should suffice! Just need to find it.
Happily I did meet Broke Down Climber and he gave me a very nice tour of one of the climbing areas. Thanks again BDC!!!!!
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the museum
climber
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Vedauwoo in a couple weeks.. you'll have to contact us if you wanna meet up! Our GF from Denver will be there, too!
the museum
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Dick_Lugar_II
Trad climber
Center of My Universe...
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Is this a joke? Is there really a hotel and water slide there now? I lived in Casper for a year about ten years ago. If I recall, there are some climbs right next to the parking lot too.
HOOK...LINE...AND SINKER! That's what ya call a Platte River Special! Dress up a marshmallow like a mayfly and land a lunker and reel 'em in! lol No...there's no hotel or corkscrew slides to the river...if it ever comes to that, we'll be doing some monkey wrenching on their arses for sure!
BUT, just found out that the granite choss on Casper Mtn. just past the lookout is pretty much shut down due to private property issues...more specifically, liability with their insurance policies. Such a bummer as it is the closest climbing to Casper that one can do in under an hour! There are some good, stout 30' 10+ problems on the granite as well as as some good 80-100' practice lead climbing. Glad there is a climbing gym for a quick workouts, although there is no substitute for being outside on granite, i.m.h.o...
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the museum
climber
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Jun 27, 2015 - 08:11pm PT
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Hey, Karen!
Will there be any trip reports? Updates, etc?!!!
Hot and dry in Casper finally??!
Hope you are having a happy summer!
the museum
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