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tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 10, 2018 - 07:36am PT
She is all loaded up, new tires and shocks, fresh bug screens, new full synthetic oil, just took my last hot shower of the summer, should be rivers, lakes and streams for the next 2 months :) cat / house sitter all squared away. On the road again :) God willing and the tranny don't blow....
rincon

climber
Coarsegold
Jun 10, 2018 - 08:08am PT
Multimeter?
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
Jun 10, 2018 - 08:33am PT
Go go go. Looks comfy!

Hot showers are over rated. You could always get a sun shower or one of those long tube things that hang off the roof (but dang they are pricey).

Have a blast, travel far, wide and safe!

Susan

NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Jun 10, 2018 - 08:56am PT
2 months! A sea of possibilities before you, and spot to come back to when it’s all done. That’s the life :)


Your’re going to miss us, but hopefully you can find WiFi here and there. Try the Mobile Mart below Tuolumne if you make it out west!
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Jun 10, 2018 - 02:05pm PT
Happy Trails!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 10, 2018 - 03:22pm PT
Did my solo laps here on my way out of town. then played music at the Wild fern for 2 hours but forgot to have someone take a pic.. @ Isa's North east kingdom home now , plan to head up to Quebec in the morning and take a left :) For scale. there is a climber at the top of Center Crack a delightfull 5.7
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 10, 2018 - 03:56pm PT
Have at it! Hopefully our paths will cross.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 10, 2018 - 04:05pm PT
that would be awesome. Black hills in a few days. god willing and the tranny holds out.
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 10, 2018 - 04:19pm PT
I’ll be in the City of Rocks from 6/22 until 6/30 with some interesting folks.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 10, 2018 - 05:41pm PT
we might be there by then???
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 10, 2018 - 07:01pm PT
I did not bring the multi meter but I did bring an OBD scanner......
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 11, 2018 - 05:42am PT
Happy trails tradman
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
Jun 11, 2018 - 06:51am PT
Great excitement. Have a blast and post some pics.

BAd
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
Jun 11, 2018 - 07:00am PT
Wishing you safe sends & safer descents [Click to View YouTube Video] Good Luck on the road & off.
hobo_dan

Social climber
Minnesota
Jun 12, 2018 - 05:41am PT
Aces-road tripping is the best
fear

Ice climber
hartford, ct
Jun 12, 2018 - 06:45am PT
What!!!??? No Sprinter??

Have a blast... don't catch the flu.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 12, 2018 - 02:42pm PT
I totally get the multi meter joke. Did not bring mine as those kinds of repairs to involved for myself. The scanner is great as it tells you what the check engine light means. Peace of mind. No transmission codes for us. Just a harmless emission evap leak. Just crossed back into the US and swam in lake Michigan.
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
Jun 12, 2018 - 02:52pm PT
"I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion. Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life."

-Jack Keurac




Have a stellar trip and check in here on the Taco often!

Scott
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 12, 2018 - 02:57pm PT
I still take long trips in my 26 year old sportsmobile...so far, so good.
sween345

climber
back east
Jun 12, 2018 - 04:49pm PT

Nick,

The evap leak code could be from your gas filler cap being a skitter. Take it off and look at the rubber gasket to see if it's dried up and/or has small cracks in it. If it does it's best to just replace it.
Wipe off the gasket and the filler neck where the gasket seals. Then make sure the cap is closed down tight.
It might take several cycles of turning the car on and off for the check engine light to go off.
Was the OBD code P0456?

Jim
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 12, 2018 - 06:19pm PT
You guys have kept a Vanagon running,that Chev is a piece of cake.

I will bet Lake Michigan was cold,was it not?
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
Jun 12, 2018 - 08:30pm PT
Awesome Kerouac quote micro . . . tradman look us up if you make it to SW CO. Monitor the fires though, you may want to stay up North.

Happy trails to you.
skywalker1

Trad climber
co
Jun 12, 2018 - 09:19pm PT
Have fun man! That Astro should find you through. Owned one and miss it. Been hanging at the gliderport now for some time and there are a lot of folks here that are living the van life. A mini camp 4 for paraglider folks. A nice sub culture that changes from time to time. And meeting people from all over.

Cheers!

S...
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 13, 2018 - 04:09pm PT
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2018 - 07:03am PT
Just swam in the Missouri river. Cold and white caps. Cheyenne river Sioux reservation.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2018 - 12:32pm PT
103f in Sturgis...
DanMerrick

Social climber
Mo' Hill, CA
Jun 14, 2018 - 12:53pm PT
My kid and his girlfriend are on a yearlong climbing trip. I have spent many hours helping them modify their van; increasing storage, removing the microwave, remove the shag carpet, remove the toilet, remove the generator, install a solar panel, install a backup camera, install hangboard bipod, etc.

https://lordclimbingtrip.wordpress.com/
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 14, 2018 - 01:12pm PT
Kept your mouth shut I assume. If you want a non climbing diversion Packrat the Missouri down to the Mississippi and go down another 1,000 miles or so until the catfish noodling gets good....pretty expensive shuttle though.
I hope you guys get to the COR while I'm still there.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2018 - 01:53pm PT
We are going to hang in needles a few days and then head twords Wy?? Definitely plan on city of rocks but not sure what days?? Be fun to get the tour from you:)
skywalker1

Trad climber
co
Jun 14, 2018 - 03:07pm PT
Met a guy just recently that canoed the entire stretch of the Mississippi. 6 portages he claimed and that was it. He was pretty stoked about it. Guess I would too. Never thought about that....Fun chat for a while.

S...
mike m

Trad climber
black hills
Jun 14, 2018 - 08:03pm PT
Have fun. So much to do.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2018 - 08:10pm PT
Mike. We will be in Custer state park in th morning. Not sure where In the park though. Won't likely see internet again until evening..
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2018 - 09:11pm PT
We do have a signal at our campsite . Thinking cathedral spires tomorrow ??
mike m

Trad climber
black hills
Jun 15, 2018 - 10:58am PT
I am back in CO so let me know if you make it to the boulder area.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 15, 2018 - 06:14pm PT
Cool. What is Tower 13 like? Did tower 2and the Balcony today. Super fun. No photos until I do laundry.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 15, 2018 - 07:33pm PT
Might rain Sunday.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 17, 2018 - 09:46am PT
Looks like a washout for the next few days... Might head to Tensleep…. We did have one good climbing day. Cathedral spirestop of Tower 2 top pitch of tower 2looking down from the balconyIsa topping out on the Balconyleading the balconytop of Balcony rainy day hike to top of Harney peak camp last night before the real rain
Jim Clipper

climber
from: forests to tree farms
Jun 17, 2018 - 09:50am PT
Dangk!
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 17, 2018 - 10:02am PT
Nice
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 21, 2018 - 09:59am PT
Playing music in a dirt road town in SD a bit of bull rideing trying out my new crampons decending bald mtn sport climbing in Cody The river crossing was not an option with the high waters so we hiked to the canyon rim and decended a steep bowling ball drainage to get to a beautifull 7 pitch 8+Isa leading P2 Isa following P3Isa leading P4 me leading P5Isa leading P6me following me leading P7 Isa topping out now its on to jellystone and then City of Rocks :)
fear

Ice climber
hartford, ct
Jun 21, 2018 - 10:04am PT
Awesome... I'm envious from my LCD plastered burrow...
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
Jun 21, 2018 - 10:13am PT
Yes !
THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ALONG FOR THE RIDE!
Chaz

Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
Jun 21, 2018 - 10:22am PT
Cool stuff! Keep them coming.
WyoRockMan

climber
Grizzlyville, WY
Jun 21, 2018 - 10:32am PT
I've never seen a sad face on that route. Glad you finally got on it!
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 21, 2018 - 01:19pm PT
You two are sucking dry individual fun allocations...leave some for everybody else!
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 21, 2018 - 02:06pm PT
I remember scouting that stuff below buff bill res from a kayak with Tom and Phred years ago,the weather sucked and we never got on it.

Good for you two,awesome spot.
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Jun 21, 2018 - 02:45pm PT
Awesomeness abounds 👍👍
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 21, 2018 - 05:50pm PT
Wow, you must have been real serious kayakers. That river is crazy looking.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 21, 2018 - 05:51pm PT
Dmt. We were parked farther away. That road closed to the public.
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 21, 2018 - 06:07pm PT
It had several 5 rapids and was cranking ,it rained the whole time we were there,twice.

It had some real nice waves downstream,river wide class 3waves.

What I remember most where the cliffs you were on ,while scouting rapids we saw a few great looking routes ,slick as hell.

Cool stuff.
WyoRockMan

climber
Grizzlyville, WY
Jun 21, 2018 - 09:48pm PT
Some knucklehead tried to run his Dodge down the Shoshone last night...

(Great job SAR, had him off the roof in under an hour, at 230am)



Climbing content:
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 22, 2018 - 01:42pm PT
Should be at city of rocks in an hour or so.
TWP

Trad climber
Mancos, CO & Bend, OR
Jun 22, 2018 - 01:55pm PT
I am coming to COR right behind in my '85 F-250 with Lance 915 camper. Hope to see U there with the rest of the Fritz/ST party.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 22, 2018 - 02:11pm PT
We know nothing about this place. Will be looking for dispersed camping and swimming as well as what to climb.
Happy Cowboy

Social climber
Boz MT
Jun 22, 2018 - 03:56pm PT
Trad & Isa, you’re gonna...love the city. Safe travels

TWP, remember Penny and I? Visit us in Bozeman sometime.
TWP

Trad climber
Mancos, CO & Bend, OR
Jun 22, 2018 - 05:28pm PT
Directions to "dispersed camping." Best place to camp IMHO because there is lots of room, many spots, free and legal. What more could a bum want?

Directions: from Almo drive to City of Rocks.

At right turn to COR, continue straight. You are still on pavement.

Pavement changes to dirt; continue straight.

On right pass a place where people obviously camp in primitive, unimproved "RV" sites. This is NOT it. Continue straight.

You will pass a nice home/ranch on your left. Continue.

Take first opportunity to turn right on a primitive road that appears to go nowhere in particular but is past the lot boundary of private property that was on your right as you passed the ranch.

Follow this primitive road and spots to camp appear at regular intervals and the only other users are most likely other climbers of a similar ilk.

See U there.

Happy Cowboy & Penny : Will U be there too? Haven't been to Bozeman yet so haven't visited U either.

tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 22, 2018 - 09:03pm PT
Any idea which site Fritz and Donni might be at??
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Jun 22, 2018 - 09:49pm PT
Jim is easy to find, white Sportsmobile with a pop top.

Don't they get a group site?
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jun 23, 2018 - 01:10pm PT
I just got here. Call me at 970 318 1334.
Fritz and others (you are welcome) will be at the Twin Sisters group site beginning Monday.
Until then, I am staying at Kim Miller’s house near Castle Rock.

Try this number to reach me 208 824 5767
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2018 - 05:46pm PT
Arrived at City of rocks a few days before the gang. We climbed Steinfields dome . Nice over bolted 5 pitch 5.8+ then rapped off the back and climbed a 100ft 5.8 pillar then hiked around front to climb a nice over bolted 4 pitch 7 up Jacksons Thumb 1,300ish ft of climbing on the day then back to the van and found a campsite @ 8200ft the next day we did Skylinethen Isa led rasunssensI led some cool dike thing and Isa did a pitch to get us to the top to find the walkoffThe next morning we met the gang. Moose Isa Jim warms upJim, Moose and Vika at the rap anchors Wonderfull pizza party thanks to Kim, Met too many great people to keep everyone straight! Lots more good climbing with the gang today. Picks maybe someday ;)
NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Jun 26, 2018 - 06:15pm PT
Damn, the van life is looking good!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2018 - 06:38am PT
Bunch more photos. Will get some up when we get a rest day.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2018 - 04:28pm PT
More fun with the gang. Donini leads a 9 while the rest of the gang participates isa leads the 9 I lead some wide thing Terry tops out the wide thing while Kevin raps. this was the never ending belay. Each person who topped out handed me a tag line to bring up the next person... obligatory blue camalot belay Isa leads a chimny Isa delicately stays out of the Wide
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 27, 2018 - 04:37pm PT
You are a good photographer,cheers.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2018 - 04:50pm PT
Thanks, Willbeer. Today we ventured out on our own again in castle rock but we will visit the gang for dinner. I led some trad multi thing? then we did a few multi pitch sport things Isa led the best 200ft single pitch 9 of the trip the rope gods played a nasty trick on us when we pulled the last rope so I had to solo up 50ft to fix it we know the buzz worms are spying on the eastern noob climbers
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
Jun 28, 2018 - 08:45am PT
Awesome! My wife and I gotta get out there. Our trip last year was spiked by an early storm. What was that long sport thing you did with the 200 ft. pitch? Looked too good. Thanks for posting, meng.

BAd


Edit: Dood, looks like yer held together with tape on that right hand! I know that game. Me tape too. Heh.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 28, 2018 - 04:05pm PT
Between heaven and earth. soft 9 in Castle rock.
Fritz

Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
Jun 29, 2018 - 03:12pm PT
Our group really liked Tradman & Isa! Great folks & wonderful climbers, not to mention darn-good musicians too.


Full moon rising in the background.



Thanks! It was great getting to know you!
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jun 29, 2018 - 03:41pm PT
Good stuff,one of these days.......
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2018 - 07:18pm PT
Fritz, thank you so much for hosting us all week. We had a wonderful time and the food and company was fabulous.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 30, 2018 - 10:16am PT
Awesome to meet you and the gang as well. Great job with all the night climbing and setting up the camp TR for our entertainment 😁
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 30, 2018 - 01:01pm PT
Our last day of climbing @ the City we missed the gang and ended up on our own. After much thrashing around the desert trying to find friends and or any climb that matched the rack up description, I decided to climb a bolted 10a pillar that just happened to find us. A rather large (French bread size) hold came off trying to get to the first high bolt but somehow I stuck the landing :) Got the bolt clipped on the 2nd try only to find that the climb had a large black and sticky wild honey nest in it accompanied by some rather angry bees who were moveing too fast to show in the photo I should have snagged some of the honey as it is most likely some sort of halucenogenic cactus brew. Eventually we ended up on Brecksies ? SP? Spire. Super cool! I led some 10- thing with some off rt improvised gear to a belay below the Eye Full Tower. Isa started up the Best 5.7+ anywhere :) steep, Juggy and exposed :) I followedthen we both led some 7ish thing to the top of another tower? I missed the 1st 3 bolts but found a good thread so much fun I lowered, pulled the rope and Isa led it On the way down from that summit we discovered a beautifull 2 pitch 10a sport climb that we both led in a very intense gusty wind the grit at the city did a job on our brand new rope and our handsa wonderfull day of climbing Followed by a wonderfull farewell gathering at Fritz and Doritas campsite. one more night of sleeping up high (hideing from our personal ranger) and it's is off to the Tetons. What a shock coming from the dustbowl to the lush damp and cold mountains. We stopped at the top of the pass and hiked up to 10k getting caught in a vicious snow squall followed by a very nice frigid swim in the Snake River. The desert dust is finally gone:) Dinner by the Tetons. Looks nasty up on the Lower saddle!
yanqui

climber
Balcarce, Argentina
Jun 30, 2018 - 01:18pm PT
Nice!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 3, 2018 - 05:03pm PT
having fun in the Tetons. Guides wall with out local friend Steve Steve leads P2 Isa Leads P5 I lead P6 Isa and Steve simo follow P6 setting the raps testing our approach shoe crampon set ups and helping me aclimate
ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Social climber
Wilds of New Mexico
Jul 3, 2018 - 05:09pm PT
Thanks for the updates!! Love Guides Wall!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2018 - 12:54pm PT
Another acclimation hike for me. Isa does not need the practice ;) Jackson Peak with our friends Steve, Martha and Sam the Mountain dog. a snowboarder in a large group of skiers ate it and fell about a 1,000ft down the north face. Isa conversing with SAR end of a good day.
Ben Harland

Gym climber
Kenora, ON
Jul 5, 2018 - 01:57pm PT
I love checking on on this thread. Looking forward to seeing you cross the 49th parallel!
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Jul 5, 2018 - 03:00pm PT
Tradman that looks like an old Forrest axe.
I have one like it (with the reverse curve pick) for chopping ice off my sidewalk.
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jul 5, 2018 - 04:39pm PT
Keep on truckin!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2018 - 07:35pm PT
Chiounard
TWP

Trad climber
Mancos, CO & Bend, OR
Jul 6, 2018 - 09:02am PT
Great to meet you at City of Rocks!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 6, 2018 - 02:35pm PT
You as well. Hope to cross paths again.
SC seagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
Jul 6, 2018 - 02:41pm PT
Love love love the adventures!


Susan
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2018 - 02:05pm PT
Reasonable 5am start time for the monster teton approach to Buck Mtn. River crossing interesting finally we find a mountainup high on the East ridge. It gets sporty up heresummit ridgeI made it despite throwing up once at about 11k lots of steep snow on the descent
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jul 8, 2018 - 02:32pm PT
The fun never stops for you two! Remember Vica from Hungary. Introduced her to the Black Canyon....fun there too.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2018 - 02:37pm PT
Cool. What route did you guys do?. I am needing some seletive memory skills after yesterday. Seems like the decent took a long time and was rough on the knees...
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jul 8, 2018 - 04:43pm PT
We combined two routes...Maiden Voyage and King Me which gives you six pitches, all in the shade, up to 10-.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 10, 2018 - 02:07pm PT
15 mile training jaunt being devoured by skeeters and chased by grizzly bears and I am ready for some casual sport climbing.... played @ Dornans last night. View from our campsite in Bridger Teton NF sun night.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2018 - 01:51pm PT
Whisky basin, the Winds, sort of ;) found a sandstone tower that looked, felt and climbed like it was in Utah found the bolted 5.8 thing to the top found the bolted 5.11+ thing that we might have cheated a wee bit on ;) did some trad thing on the downhill side in 3 short pitches that was about 5.8X ish and was possibly and FA variation.. a few miles away in Horse Creek we found perfect mixed and sport Limestone :)
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jul 14, 2018 - 02:22pm PT
Cool stuff tradman. Been awhile but I think I climbed up above Dubois back in the eighties.

The most I remember was skiing the Dinwoody glaciers after climbing near there for a few days.
Again cool stuff TFPU
norm larson

climber
wilson, wyoming
Jul 14, 2018 - 03:33pm PT
That limestone looks interesting, where is Horse Creek?
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2018 - 05:31pm PT
Dubois.
COT

climber
Door Number 3
Jul 14, 2018 - 05:51pm PT
Too bad you weren't there in the winter as there is some decent ice climbing to be had
https://www.climbing.com/places/golden-tears-wi4-dubois-wyoming/
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2018 - 06:42pm PT
I Will have to ask Steve about that one.
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jul 14, 2018 - 09:52pm PT
Played at Dornan’s...eh...boy do I remember some fine nights that originated there!
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Jul 15, 2018 - 06:39am PT
Saw one of these the other day. Way badass! Waaaay more clearance than a Sprinter 4x4 and waaay burlier. Insides are waaay pimped out.


Bimobil Expedition 412 body on Iveco chassis

tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 16, 2018 - 12:09pm PT
Back in the tetons for one last Hurrah. We get to share the 6am trailhead with a nice cuddly bear The Snaz turns out to be a demanding physical route for us old folks I launch into the 5.9 OW pitch Isa leads out the roof after the OW I look down from on top of the death flake me leading the 5.10 rooflooking down from on top of the 5.10 roof 5.7 my ass!more 5.7 my ass! Isa topping out P7 You Teton climbers are Tough ;) that thing totally worked me. I still feel the altitude witch certainly does not help....
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jul 16, 2018 - 02:37pm PT

Thanks for your thread and the memories Tradman.
norm larson

climber
wilson, wyoming
Jul 16, 2018 - 03:16pm PT
Most of us older Teton climbers were tough. Now we go to the Winds or the Sierra.
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jul 16, 2018 - 03:29pm PT
You live in a great place , Norm,cheers.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 17, 2018 - 09:39am PT
Absolutely masacred by mosquitoes last night out in Targehee NF....
Fritz

Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
Jul 17, 2018 - 09:50am PT
My older brother worked for the Forest Service & for years was based at Blackrock Ranger Station, just east of Grand Teton National Park. I thought I'd seen lots of mosquitoes in Idaho's mountains, but on visits with my brother in the 60's & 70's I couldn't believe the mosquito swarms between Jackson & Dubois.

Although some Idaho skeeters get bigger!

donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Jul 17, 2018 - 11:15am PT
Try the boundary waters in Minnesota for mosquitos. There is documentation there of a sighting of a mosquito mating with a wild turkey. The mosquito was so big it was standing flat footed.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Jul 17, 2018 - 11:32am PT
You need these guys if you have mosquitos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZvT3MHpffk
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 17, 2018 - 02:36pm PT
They infested the van the moment I opened the back doors.. now they keep getting us despite killing hundreds of them. The inside of the van has hundreds of kill spots on the ceiling...m
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 18, 2018 - 08:58am PT
Camped up high and deep last night. No skeeters this morning. Just swam in an alpine lake at 9,500ft
Flip Flop

climber
Earth Planet, Universe
Jul 18, 2018 - 01:36pm PT
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 19, 2018 - 04:56pm PT
Camped deep and high climbed an 11,000+ footer yesterday. No idea if it even has a name but it looked cool from the road hiked up to a stunning lake today. It was crazy cold. the fly fisherman we met on the way down said the water is 34f :)
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Jul 19, 2018 - 05:00pm PT
So I used to have a 1982 camperized Vandura 3/4 ton van. There were lots of 8-10 week desert trips when the girls were small plus many weekends in Alta and BC.
I take it in to my mechanic for some work. He says "I think you got a mouse living in there"
stevep

Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
Jul 19, 2018 - 05:11pm PT
Donini
Try the boundary waters in Minnesota for mosquitos. There is documentation there of a sighting of a mosquito mating with a wild turkey. The mosquito was so big it was standing flat footed.

That should be obvious, given the mosquito is the Minnesota State Bird.

Contractor

Boulder climber
CA
Jul 21, 2018 - 05:29pm PT
New Van project. She will be making many future voyages.
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
Jul 22, 2018 - 01:58pm PT
Wow, Contractor, that's some bitchin' work right there.

Came across this on the Interweb. This looks like maybe the perfect camper setup. Must be crazy expensive--but 25mpg AND 4X4 with snorkel. Amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBDPRYjGZi4

BAd
Contractor

Boulder climber
CA
Jul 22, 2018 - 02:25pm PT
Oh yeah, that's nice!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 05:46am PT
Curtains and bug screens mandatory. Had a grand caravan and 2 town and country's rigged in similar fashion. Good enough size to get it done and drive like a car instead of a van..
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 05:50am PT
Climbed in the East Rosebud MT for or farewell to the Rockies. Now in the black hills. Photos may come on laundry day.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 05:45pm PT
So stoked to lead Station 13 in one long pitch today 😊
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 07:06pm PT
Said goodby to the rocky mountains with a super cool 5 pitch climb in East Rosebud Montana.it got steep at the top We are in the black hills now :)
Norton

climber
The Wastelands
Jul 23, 2018 - 07:14pm PT
That should be obvious, given the mosquito is the Minnesota State Bird.

true, it replaced the Northern Loon back in 1952 when three skeetos carried a deer away
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 23, 2018 - 07:43pm PT
No skeeters in the Black hills. Hardly any in East fork of the Rosebud either. All in the Winds and Yellowstone....
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2018 - 03:36pm PT
Busking in Hill City SD with my friend Steve Thourp and then the classic 4hr Sunday jam with Isa at Moonshine Gulch Saloon in Rochford SD
wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Jul 25, 2018 - 03:49pm PT
You are getting the “vanlife”down,tradman.

Cheers
divad

Trad climber
wmass
Jul 25, 2018 - 04:01pm PT
Inspiring..
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2018 - 04:21pm PT
Isa flipping Frajitas
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2018 - 04:57pm PT
Station 13 amazeing and intimidateing climb that I have wanted to lead for 2 years now. Not bad once you have done it :)
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2018 - 05:18pm PT
Spire 1. So cool! Isa hikes the spicy Reppy varriation
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2018 - 05:24pm PT
Spire 4. we had not done the Conn rt on this one so yesterday (I think?) was the day. the worm hole kind of sucks but I am happy to get my shoulders through without tearing anything... needles belay climbed Spire 3 today. the dive into the chimny on P3 was memorable :) got lightninged off the sickle. have not loaded the photos yet...
Fritz

Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
Jul 25, 2018 - 05:41pm PT
Your reports are so fun!

I have to share my SUV selfie, while sheltering from the mosquito swarm in deepest Idaho on Monday night. After two days of biting flies working me during daylight, & one evening of thousands of mosquitoes, I'm back in the Idaho desert.


NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Jul 25, 2018 - 07:53pm PT
Dang, I never looked at pictures of the Needles before and now I want to go there!

And thanks Bad Climber for the link to that badass camper-van. That looks like the camper van I might aim for a few decades from now.

Americans seem to pride ourselves on liking to have choices, but camping vans really highlight how we are not part of the first world. We can't buy base vehicles like this, and even if we could get it, the finishing work one could purchase for the same price is so much crappier quality.

That said, I'm going to extract some ideas from this as I build out my 4x4 Sprinter. Finally receiving the bench/bed with crash-tested 3-point seatbelts for 2nd row seat (bought it from Europe because after months of searching in USA I couldn't find even one!), and now I've got no excuses for delaying the build.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 26, 2018 - 12:22pm PT
Spire 3 had us a bit intimidated by the description of P3 in the guide calling for a #6 camalot. I have never owned anything bigger than the #4. Chyeane convinced us that its fine without so yesterday was the dayIsa Hiked P1 I managed the 5.9 squeeze on P3 and another summit was in the bag :)
Flip Flop

climber
Earth Planet, Universe
Jul 26, 2018 - 10:19pm PT
You guys rule the universe
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 27, 2018 - 10:47am PT
Our last day in the Black Hills. The Sickel was calling. We had been lightning off the day before and I had retreated from a slung horn. An early start to beat the storms Amazing Conn route. Fairly spicy to another awesome summit we rapped just in time for the massive hail, rain and lightning storms it comes in very fast here..
NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Jul 27, 2018 - 11:44am PT
This thread has become a daily check-in for me :)

If anyone in America should be winning so much they are tired, it should be you!
Fritz

Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
Jul 27, 2018 - 03:40pm PT
More please!

Thank you for taking the time to share your great vacation!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 27, 2018 - 03:46pm PT
North Dakota now. Headded to Thunder bay Onterio..
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
Jul 27, 2018 - 03:56pm PT
oh man, I just got onto this thread again.

What's in Chunder Bay that can't be had at the Needles? c'mon man! More needles pics!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 27, 2018 - 04:17pm PT
Have to go home and go back to work.... Thunder bay Onterio seems like a most interesting climbing to investigate on the way home..
divad

Trad climber
wmass
Jul 27, 2018 - 04:21pm PT
Deer Leap will seem a little mundane after this trip.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 28, 2018 - 07:22am PT
We left rt 94 behind and have been crossing ND on secondary roads. Super cool.
Ben Harland

Gym climber
Kenora, ON
Jul 28, 2018 - 02:03pm PT
I'm not sure how you're getting to TBay, but this is the time of year (and especially given the weather in the next few days) that I recommend the drive up HWY 71 from Emo to the trans-Canada (#17).

Not all parts of the Canadian Shield are created equal and this is god's country.
rgold

Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
Jul 28, 2018 - 08:23pm PT
Missed this while it was happening. Over a perhaps fifteen-year period I spent a week or two in the Needles every summer, typically after getting blasted by hail and lightning in the Tetons, Winds, and/or Bugaboos. It's a magical place.

Looks like you had a good time there. Sure stirred up some nostalgia for me.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 29, 2018 - 02:55pm PT
Rich, We thought of you while in the Tetons and the needles.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 29, 2018 - 05:22pm PT
Sports climbing at Pass Lake Ontario today.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 31, 2018 - 05:58pm PT
Sports climbing at Pass Lake Ontario a fee days ago it was steep. Yesterday multi pitch spurt at annother really clean lake
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 1, 2018 - 05:43pm PT
In a bit of a state of shock that it is all over. we are home safe. the astro van did us well. 199,507 miles on the odometer and still humming along :) Sunset on lake Superior.
Fritz

Social climber
Choss Creek, ID
Aug 1, 2018 - 06:18pm PT
Big congrats on one hellava road trip! It was great to meet & interact with you folks at COR. We'll hope to see you again.

wilbeer

Mountain climber
Terence Wilson greeneck alleghenys,ny,
Aug 1, 2018 - 06:29pm PT
It is never over.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 1, 2018 - 06:38pm PT
Thanks Fritz. awesome meeting you and the gang. Hope to be able to do it again!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 1, 2018 - 07:25pm PT
First hot shower since june 11th....
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 1, 2018 - 07:39pm PT
Go longer in a modern high top van with more storeage that would allow bringing more gear for different objectives. Real Mtn boots and camping gear for winds etc. Maybe even a full size guitar and definatly a solar powered fridge. In the Astro we were super conscious of space. we did not bring mtn boots and did the snow climbs in approach shoes which certainly worked but also limited what we tackled. not having camping gear ruled out the winds and places in Idaho that were on the radar. even takeing a shot at the Grand was a no go without a sleeping bag and pad as I have accepted that I will not be strong enough to do it CTC. longer trip would have included glacier, banf, jasper etc...
Flip Flop

climber
Earth Planet, Universe
Aug 1, 2018 - 08:13pm PT
This makes me happy
John M

climber
Aug 1, 2018 - 08:35pm PT
One of my favorite threads of the summer.

Have you considered a storage box for the top of the van? Or one that you attach to a hitch?
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 1, 2018 - 08:39pm PT
The Astro has a box on the roof. It is awesome. Never would use the rear hitch box. Check out our kitchen set up. Also rear hitch box totally blows for jeeping.
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Aug 1, 2018 - 09:13pm PT
It’s like this thread is a week old or something, but it’s from June 10.

Yea, minivan is great for 1 person, or short focused trips for 2. A 144 Sprinter, IMO, as large as it is, if it’s been fitted out with sleeping kitchen and storage - is about right for 2 + a few activities worth of gear for a long haul trip. 3 or more or if you’re a jack of like 4 different gear intensive sports, probably a 170 or larger.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 05:33am PT
Worried that the longer sprinter would be a limiting factor in getting in to camp sites. We just finished 7.5 weeks without a single payed campsite or stay at Wal-Mart. Not even a truck stop. Of course we did go through canada to escape the eastern US. Pretty tough getting from vt to western Minnesota without either paying for a site or hitting wall Mart or a truck stop
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 06:19am PT
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Aug 2, 2018 - 06:42am PT
A positively delightful thread!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 07:01am PT
already miss seeing these fuzz butts in the morning
Gunkie

Trad climber
Valles Marineris
Aug 2, 2018 - 07:15am PT
I can't reconcile in my mind whether those things are nice or evil.
fear

Ice climber
hartford, ct
Aug 2, 2018 - 08:02am PT
Goats are all good man... all good. Anything that can eat poison ivy is good.
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Aug 2, 2018 - 12:30pm PT
A larger van gives far more stealth and bandit camping options because you can close them up. A minivan is generally open and exposed.

As for offroad exploring, I can see the attraction if you're from the E coast. However, living here, I got a motorcycle some years back and basically saw every last road I'll ever want to see anywhere in the region in just a few short years. I'm totally over it. I lost fitness with every mile sitting on my butt. I don't need to go bumping back there to camp either - too slow, too destructive to both vehicle and nature, takes too much time away from other activities. YMMV, everyone has their thing.
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 12:47pm PT
just trying to find a decent site in the evening. many times the roads get rough. longer = more likely to bottom out in dips and harder to maneuver into and get turned around. mostly interested in 136 or 144" base for those reasons.
divad

Trad climber
wmass
Aug 2, 2018 - 01:01pm PT
What a trip. Thanks for bringing us along..
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 02:02pm PT
8,877 miles. 461 gal fuel used . av 19.2 mpg
Jaybro

Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
Aug 2, 2018 - 06:38pm PT
Bravo!
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 2, 2018 - 07:24pm PT
dinner two days ago on the Ottowa river
tradmanclimbs

Ice climber
Pomfert VT
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 3, 2018 - 07:17am PT
A plug for mobility. this is a super chill campsite that we spent a week in. road is a bit washed out. but the Astro made short work out of it. a short sprinter likely would have been fine. who knows about the really long ones??? its not about the jeeping, its about getting to that good crash spot. Shadow Mtn in the tetons is a good example. it gets booked really fast. the rougher road weeds out some of the riff raff and the farther lot often has a free space or two. I have seen the long sprinters in this spot so they certainly are not helpless. don't recall seeing a promaster back here???
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Aug 3, 2018 - 07:48am PT
My approach more recently is stealth camping at a place where I can wake up and don’t have to drive anywhere. It adds a lot of efficiency to a day - no waking up and rearranging things, no commute. A large van that you can close up and doesn’t totally look like an RV helps. Lots of Sprinter type vans now, though, with lots of others doing the same.
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Aug 3, 2018 - 07:55am PT
Sort of a van - we had a cooler!


Plus we camped at AirBnbs!
fear

Ice climber
hartford, ct
Aug 3, 2018 - 10:02am PT
adventure bump
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