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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 24, 2017 - 12:00pm PT
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My launch date for the southwest is coming soon, with an expected 11/10 departure. So, I have been working my fingers off, stitching up new chalkbags for sale.
This year I found some spectacular fabrics, and also got a new sewing machine, which gave me the big surprise of realizing just how beat down my poor old one was. It finally seized up on me and said "Not one more stitch."
As usual, I will use the proceeds from sales to put gas in Penny's tank. But I am also hoping I may be able to find a small Rec Cabin parcel out near JT this year. My jewelry sales have been doing well, and I have saved a little bit. Not enough, but enough to make me want to try harder. So - if you are thinking on a new chalkbag, take a look!
I'll post a few pictures, but you can find the collection at http://www.ClimbAddictDesigns.Etsy.com As usual, I work with swatches of fabric, and most patterns are limited to three pieces or less. In the Big Dipper sizes, there will be just the one shown. (The Little Dipper is still bigger than most commercially available chalkbags).
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Oct 24, 2017 - 01:49pm PT
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I was just thinking about these....mine looks like it went through a wood chipper. Have a great trip!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 25, 2017 - 08:40am PT
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skcreidc - Can you send me a note to let me know if you feel the bag didn't hold up as you would have expected? I am happy to make things right. I have received PM's through the Supertopo, so think it works, but you can also send a message via the Etsy shop linked on the first post.
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Gary
Social climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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Oct 25, 2017 - 09:07am PT
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Those are nice, simple looking bags.
Have you tried selling them to Nomad Ventures?
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Oct 25, 2017 - 10:32am PT
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Still the best bags on the planet.
Susan
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Oct 25, 2017 - 01:10pm PT
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Oh I'm sorry! Sorry for the confusion Happiegrrrl, my old chalk bag was an old hand-me-down and as it was getting really thrashed I was thinking of getting a new one. It was not one of yours. I remembered you make these and that they looked pretty damn nice, so I was waiting for your annual fall post/ chalk bag sale. Well, just the other day I ordered one from you and am looking forward to getting it.
Thanks again,
Christopher Diercks
Again, sorry for the lack of clarity on my original post.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 25, 2017 - 02:09pm PT
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Got it Chris! I think you will be happy with your ClimbAddict chalkbag when it arrives. Thanks for your support.
Have you tried selling them to Nomad Ventures?
I have rejected the idea of selling them in stores, as my markup structure can't take it. They are not made in a production line; it's about two hours time into each one. The materials aren't all "that" costly, but they aren't cheap either, and there is more to them than meets the eye, but the major expense is the labor. I'd have to either eat the markup, or raise prices in my shop to not undercut the retail outlets that buy them wholesale. I did raise prices again this year, and honestly..... I would feel more happy with another fiver on each one, but it's not all about smart business decisions - hahahah. I do like making them, and I like that people like them.
Thank you to the people who have visited my shop, and to those who have made purchases!
I still have 2 or 3 more sewing days available to me before leaving, so there will be a few more patterns in the shop, but I think the best are already posted.
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hb81
climber
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Oct 26, 2017 - 04:09am PT
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Hey,
how much approx would tracked shipping over the pond cost? (EU)
Thinking about ordering a couple of bags, but would rather have the package tracked.
Thanks :)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 26, 2017 - 12:18pm PT
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^ Can you advise what country? Give me some time to research and I will advise.
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hb81
climber
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Oct 26, 2017 - 12:56pm PT
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Sent you a private message on here.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 26, 2017 - 01:23pm PT
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Wow. A rare post from Jody. Happie makes nice chalk bags and is a good person.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 26, 2017 - 01:49pm PT
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hb81 - I didn't get it. Sent one to you about 30 minutes ago, but if you don't get it - send me a note via the shop on Etsy at http://www.ClimbAddictDesigns.Etsy.com Just click the "Contact" button on the web page.
I will also be able to give only an estimate, as I think it will depend on weight. I'll see what I can find out, and if it seems workable for you, then you can let me know the ones you would like, and I will take to the post office and get actual cost. If still acceptable, then I can make a listing that includes the postage cost.
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hb81
climber
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Oct 26, 2017 - 03:03pm PT
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Hey,
just a rough estimate would be fine, don't trouble yourself too much.
Shipment would be to Germany, I'm thinking about 4 bags maybe? Wanna gift some to friends.
I'd guess it would be something like 30-40 bucks?
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Oct 26, 2017 - 06:34pm PT
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I dig the paisley
hippies all of you
: )
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dh
climber
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Oct 29, 2017 - 11:03am PT
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Just got mine in the mail! Love it. Glad to support your business...
Dave.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 30, 2017 - 07:38am PT
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Glad to read it, Dave!
hb81 - I will be taking a sample box to the post office today to get an idea on the cost. Should have an idea for you when I get online this evening(Eastern Standard Time Zone)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 30, 2017 - 12:14pm PT
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hb81 - It looks like the cost would be US$44.30 for Priority International, which takes appx 6-10 business days to a major city.
For regular international with Customs Number but no Tracking Option it would be around $22.75. The time frame is much more variable, and depends on how quickly it clears Customs. It can be as fast as 6-10 business days, but can take up to three weeks and sometimes longer.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Oct 30, 2017 - 12:27pm PT
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Mine is grrrrreat!!
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Oct 30, 2017 - 01:04pm PT
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Got mine on Saturday...kinda floored on how fast I got it; From NY right? Very sweet workmanship and I am super stoked with it. My wife loves it! (It was for her)
Thank you Terrie!
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hb81
climber
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Oct 30, 2017 - 03:07pm PT
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Hey Happie,
thanks for finding out. I would take the option WITH tracking.
I think the easiest way would be to place a normal order through your shop and I'll just PayPal you the remaining difference for the shipping?
If you're ok with that just let me know and I'll go ahead and order.
Or if any other way would be more convenient for you just advise.
Thanks :)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 30, 2017 - 05:01pm PT
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I agree with your plan, hb81.
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hb81
climber
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Oct 31, 2017 - 03:23am PT
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Placed my order
Just let me know your email for receiving PayPal and how much the remaining difference for the shipping is and I'll send it your way.
Thanks :)
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Oct 31, 2017 - 06:13am PT
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Plug for Terri. My Happi-bag is three years old. Still holding up great.
Overseas with tracking... oy... expensive. ;(
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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Oct 31, 2017 - 10:46am PT
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i'd buy one, but i haven't worn the previous one out yet--terrie's goods last & last.
for everyone's information, she left the glitz of the garment district behind, but continues her lovely designs on her chalkbags. they'll be collector's items someday.
hope your summer was good, happie--will look for you out at josh if i can persuade my pals to get out there.
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Winemaker
Sport climber
Yakima, WA
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Oct 31, 2017 - 11:09am PT
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Nice, just bought one.
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ATS
climber
Mountain Project
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Oct 31, 2017 - 12:39pm PT
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bought one
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 1, 2017 - 08:15am PT
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Thank you all for the kind words, testimonials, and purchases. I will get the ones out today that I can, and send notes(w/tracking info) directly to purchasers through the Etsy system.
I have to admit it absolutely thrills me to have had so many people over the years say just how well the bags have held up. Believe it or not, I had NO idea, when I designed the prototype, that I was doing such a good job. If only I could be ore exacting in matching up the front/back panels where the overlay trim materials meet! But maybe I could say that, like the Amish only God(or for me, The Universe) is perfect, and I can only aspire - hahahah.
BITD when I was a handbag designer, I never had to make the samples. I made a spec sheet, which included a sketch with noted details that I felt the samplemaker would need to "understand" what I was wanting. The specs would detail body/trim matrial, lining type, thread and hardware color and note for whatever patch or focal type element the bag would have.
Most of the other designers would include an original sample that they had purchased, and pretty much say "as sample." But in the early days, I was always the assistant designer, and that meant I didn't have the company credit card to buy samples. I had to pay out of my own pocket and put in for reimbursement, which could take weeks. At times, I had to decide between paying utility bills or buy samples for work. Because my job was at stake, many times the sample-buying came first.
Because I often worked for an insecure boss, they knew I was at this disadvantage, and one in particular loved to give me large projects thinking she was setting me up to fail. Well.....I got sort of good at specing designs by measurement because of that. I had to think the designs through and show every detail on the spec sheet, as there would be no sample to work from. I remember one trip to China and the merchandiser translated for the sample room manager. He wanted to tell me that all the sample makers loved creating the patterns for my bags because they actually "worked," and that they appreciated the detailing I gave them on things where other designers just said "add this" or whatever, without making sure that whatever would actually fit on the bag. This is one of my most satisfying moment when working with people overseas.
So, my chalkbags may be simple in design appearances, and that is partly because I ain't that good at sewing(maybe taking a class would help!). But they are actually designed well, it seems, and that makes me happy. I also have always had my own aesthetic. BITD I would refuse to do certain popular looks for the companies I worked for. I said "Everyone else is going to do that. Let them." Probably that is why I was often fired after the lines were done(but every time I got hired by another company when it was time to work on the next season's lines, and always at an increase in salary!).
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 1, 2017 - 09:08am PT
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Since I have the floor a bit with this thread....
I am putting out a plug for my new-in-law's new shop on Etsy. She makes pendants with pieces of found beach glass from the shores of Lake Michigan, near her home in Wisconsin. Here designs are simple, with the focus being the organic shape and detail within the sea-worn glass pieces. She has only a few pieces on the shop as of yet, but they are quite interesting in their simplicity. She's only open a few days now, but still wondering when that first sale is coming. What a thrill that will be for her.....
Here's the link:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LakeMichiganMakings
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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I agree that your bags are very well designed, Terrie! And beautiful, too.
As you know, I bought several of them, for myself and as gifts. Everyone really likes them and they work very well - stay open when needed, and don't dump chalk when closed.
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Winemaker
Sport climber
Yakima, WA
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Bump. Shipped already!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 2, 2017 - 12:24pm PT
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All caught up with orders!
If I don't get any new ones before Monday, I may get to finish the last ones machine sewn and list them Monday. Tomorrow is probably the last day to use sewing machine before I leave 11/10, but someone gave me some awesome materials and asked if I could make them some cosmetics bags. Who would have known they are so complicated? Just when I think I have the materials for lining and such, I realize - nope.
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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just snagged that last gorgeous paisley deal. thank you!
will try and cross paths with you when JT time comes around again.
hit me up if you pass through Fort Collins or Grand Junction.
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kaholatingtong
Trad climber
The real McCoy from the inside of my van.
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I have two; one was a gift several years ago which I love. I won the other at a facelift a few years back and was super excited. I thrash all my gear, always. So, I figured I would hang onto the extra for when i invariably love my first one to death, however, now after four years of very frequent climbing... I am still using the same awesome chalkbag with an extra in mint condition on deck...
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
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Wow, you've really upped your game here, Happie. These are great.
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Winemaker
Sport climber
Yakima, WA
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Happie, bag just arrived. Very nice! Thanks.
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Tony Bird
climber
Northridge, CA
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maybe i'll get one of those pendants for M. we've been doing a lot of sailing this year.
speaking of matters sartorial, i recently came across this. komonos are traditionally all hand-sewn. a beautiful bit of the cross-cultural:
http://mymodernmet.com/handmade-kimono-maya-caulfield/
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 5, 2017 - 02:49pm PT
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Thanks again, all.
As usual, I have procrastinated on getting my van and cabin ready for "the transition." I was intending to leav from the Gunks about noon on Friday, but looks like rain tomorrow, which will put me out of "cleaning" business. Maybe I'll get lucky on Tuesday and breeze right through but....well, that has never happened before. It is a sloggggg......
 Take whatever is in the van and needs to go to cabin up there(I have to haul it up a trail through the woods- no driveway to the cabin)Go to the car vaccuuum place and remove ALL items in the van and vaccuum, and then ut all back inside
Go through everything in the cabin and either take to trash, place in storage bins or haul down to the van.
Put it all in the van in an rganized way that allows the easiest access I can manage. That's pretty much impossible, due to having inventory for three businesses, and supplies for the jewelry one. And then of course, food bins, cooking stuff, climbing and hiking stuff.
Sigh - this is the part of transition time that I hate to deal with.
Anyway - I am thinking I may be able to get on the road Saturday, but when I think that, I hear "the little voice" in my mind scoff, and say 'Don't you mean Monday? If you're luckY?"
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2017 - 04:06pm PT
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Looks like I will be heading out tomorrow(Sunday). Just have to get myself motivated right away in the morning, to get the final organizing, pack n hauling done.
Thanks to everyone who purchased chalkbags over the last few weeks. It has been nice seeing the choices and sending them off. I went climbing Thursday and realized mine is ready for replacement itself! I know which one I want, but it is not finished yet. It was a small bit of fabric, so just one got made. Red-Brown ground with oversized paisley. The fabric has a sort of chamois hand.
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hb81
climber
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Nov 18, 2017 - 03:38am PT
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They've made it. Had to pick them up from the customs office and pay import tax though...not sure if there was something wrong with the declaration.
Anyway, they are pretty fking awesome :D
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 8, 2017 - 07:11pm PT
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Chalkbag Bump - still plenty of nice patterns left, and still time to get to you to use for a xmas stocking gift basket type thingie!
I do have some that I didn't complete a piece to photograph. Will try to get some images of those and post here.
I'm in Socorro, New Mexico tonight. I decided to come from Roswell to Phoenix on a more northern route than last year when I dipped down to Las Cruces, NM. Boy, what a surprise, to come across the historic town of Lincoln.
Still only doing less than 200 miles driving in a day. Even that has me exhausted at night, but I have to get to JT at some point! If things go as I think, I will come in to JTNP from the south on Wednesday late afternoon and camp.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 14, 2017 - 06:55am PT
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Made it to Joshua Tree without a single van trouble incident! Thank you, Penny!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Dec 15, 2017 - 12:23am PT
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hey there say, happiegrrrl!!! wow, wonderful to hear this!!!
and the fun, from DMT
:)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 15, 2017 - 07:23am PT
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Well....I suppose I could have made up a strange sound and asked for help, just to may a slow-drip ST day brew faster, but even having that thought puts the voice in my head into a kerfuffle. "SHHHH! Don't THINK that!!!" it hisses, worried that my "other mind" is powerful enough to manifest car troubles.
As an aside - there were 10 vans/rv's overnighting at Casa del Walmart last night and not a one of them was one of those hefty grandparents type of rig. Some idiot was blasting music for an hour or so. I am thinking it's only a matter of time before there becomes a crankdown on the sit-chee-a-shun.
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Russ Walling
Social climber
from Poofters Froth, Wyoming
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Dec 15, 2017 - 09:15am PT
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As an aside - there were 10 vans/rv's overnighting at Casa del Walmart last night and not a one of them was one of those hefty grandparents type of rig. Some idiot was blasting music for an hour or so. I am thinking it's only a matter of time before there becomes a crankdown on the sit-chee-a-shun.
The cream rises to the top...
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