After having 2 encounters of moose family in nearly 4 days, I have realized that my animal whispering-skills are none existent and I should learn what these animals tendencies are. While having fun out here in Utah, I wanted to inform myself of how to prevent attacks, how to handle encounters, and finally how to handle getting attacked. This is what I found about the common animals in Utah: mountain lion, bear, and the moose.

When I was a little kid, and maybe too close to being a teenager, my mom always packed my suitcase when going on our annual family summer trip.  She might have over-packed a few times, but it never bothered me because I wasn’t the one putting in the time.  Now putting in the time of packing, I wish I had learned how to pack because I bring a whole bunch of clothes that I never wear while on vacation.  Now into my mid-20s I think I found the perfect formula for how to pack for any warm weather trip.

While in the Adirondacks on The Most Epic Trip we found an awesome campsite with a huge open area right off the road yet secluded from it at the same time.  (It is just around a small bend)  This was the first camp site that we have found in about a month that was just as Epic as the trip.  We decided that we should probably set up our tent to make sure that we will have a camp site.  Apparently it did not matter because we get back to camp after a long day of climbing and it is completely taken over by a group of four guys.  (Now I got to know the guys a bit and they were alright.  Their camping ethics though, were not.) 

After speaking with a close friend about my ever growing knowledge on climbing equipment, she asked a very important question.  When should you retire a dynamic climbing rope?  A VERY important question because if you DO climb on a rope that should be retired you could inflict injury or even death.  These factors/variables that decide the fate of your rope are determined by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA). Yep, the acronym really has nothing to do with the name, but it is correct.  The developed safety standards on all mountaineering and climbing gear from ropes, to belay systems, to accessory cords, to carabiners, to ice tools, to anchors, yada yada yada.

There are some differences (obviously) about the make up of non-dry (aka standard) treated ropes versus the dry treated ropes.  These also have different uses. (obviously)  Here is a nice, simple look on the uses and the make up of thus said ropes.

There are many things to consider when buying a rope.  The first question you want to consider is, what kind of ropes are there out there?  Simply put, there are two kinds, dynamic and static.

The start of climbing season is upon us or has already started for some.  I wanted to bring some entertaining (yet useful) info on the most "helpful" tool in climbing, rope!  No, it's not a picture of Osama's carcass but I wanted to entertain a different crowd today.  Here is how rope is actually made...

After speaking with Laurel the Squirrel and Whitneyio on twitter about climbing for efficiency, it sparked ideas to help you climb more pitches through out a trip.  Besides free soloing these are my best suggestions.  Note: this is for sport climbing not trad.

With all of the recent snow falling here in Utah it got me thinking about the pre-powder and day-of rituals that I perform to get myself into the perfect position to get some of the freshies.  I have been going to many resorts here on Pow Days and none of them seem to make life easy to get fresh lines, mainly because a mass amount of Utah residents take off work simply for the snow.  Yep, it truly is THAT addicting.  To have the

The ultimate dirtbag ride.  Got all the essentials. (Especially the beer.)

I am assuming this title is slightly confusing but I want to clarify that, yes, I am a Dirtbag, and yes, I am very proud.  You are probably wondering what a Dirtbag is exactly.  Simply put, it is another term for a rock climber (not a negative connotation that many of us have used for "dirty" individuals).

After snowboarding today without a mp3 player I have come to realize that I rely on some good music to do some serious shredding.  Also realized that I have preferences to what I am trying to accomplish that day.  And finally, I realized that picking a top song for each activity is insanely tough.  So here we-a go...the songs marked with EXPLICIT have potty language, it's music dudes!



mmmhmmmmm goood


Whether you are rock climbing, backcountry skiing/boarding, or just simply camping, Pasta by Alfredo will warm the soul.

Pasta by Alfredo contains tuna, peas, bowtie pasta, and Alfredo sauce.  This is intended as a camping meal, though I don't suggest it as a regular home meal, I guess I will allow it and you can do it.  Oh and sorry for my lack of measurements.  When you camp measurements go out the window.  What you will need...

This post is inspired after speaking with a friend, who I actually began my rock climbing career with, about helping other beginners trying to get in the sport.  Quick and easy like a band-aid!  Here is some terminology you will need to know to enter the thrilling world of rock climbing! (including my awesome drawn pictures...)

Throughout the post there are links attached to words that may be confusing, click and see what they are.

Out east the running joke is that if you visit New York City or Chicago (big city environment mostly) that it is best not to look like a tourist. Well, same goes for the mountains.

It being the weekend and the weather is crappy in Ohio, well not good enough to go climbing, I've decided
to sit on my porch with some beers and clean my gear.

I'll just focus on cleaning rope here.  Tomorrow I'll post about cleaning your quickdraws, 'biners, and harness.  (You can look at my earlier posts of how to clean your shoes.)