Dire Straight 

John good work man, the cracks are super fun and no doubt scary, but has been climbed before by many. No one really knows who the FA is of this, maybe Groth and company in the day? Since it was never posted you get naming rights.

John definitely had the first and only ascent of November 29th, 2008 though. With authority! I proposed naming it "50 Words for Choss" but was apparently ignored.

So John sandbagged everyone eh. I like your name Chris, although Dire Straight is a good description of the route.

Well, after watching/spotting John on it I think everyone kind of just left it at that... He was pulling on some pretty wobbly blocks and hollow-sounding flakes... Nice send.

Thx for the info Remo. FA has been changed.

Actually Chris, I thought about your name for a bit, and then decided it needed something....more.

If you avoid the wobbly block in the beginning, and also avoid the flake in the top of the crack to the right (there's and "X" on it in the pic), it's all good.

I gave it a decent scrubbin' before we left for the day.

Just messin' John. I'll save "50 Words for Choss" for my next FA. There is plenty of choss at the Dodge, I am sure I'll find a line to christen. With this snow though it might have to wait until spring...

LOL. So was I.

No need to be afraid of a little snow. Paul and I figured if we bring a large tarp to put the pads down on and keep the area we are in dry, we can boulder all winter long when the temps are right.

I like the way you think. Count me in!

Rockin! PM me your phone number and I will call you when we think about going.

Count me in guys. A little snow never hurt anybody right? The friction is just too good in below freezing temps to pass up.

Just remember to bring your snow brooms!

i think with some rock surfaces you can take blowtorches to them to melt ice ect.? is that not recomended with sandstone or doesnt it matter? or is that not recomended at all?

You got it Remo. Any other takers? I'll be picking up a 20ft x 20ft tarp this week.

sweaty, I have no idea about the blow torch thing.

I've used the blowtorch technique on granite and it has worked well. Not sure about sandstone, however. Exfoliation would be a major concern. As a rule, never blowtorch flakes or other loose-ish holds because they'll break off if heated.

Now if we were talking about DL quartzite, I think you could use a flamethrower and the rock would be fine.

I've used the torch at DL but I'd hold off at dodge. The rock is already soft and sandy and heating it would make it worse. Plus, many of the holds would be soaked through and more likely to break off anyways. I'd vote for saving the winter runs for the lake.

kind of what I figured. word up.