The first climbing experience I had at Devil's Lake was with Tommy D when I took a climbing course through Adventure Rock in Pewaukee. They had hired Tommy and featured him in their brochure, saying "Climb with Devil's Lake Legend Tommy D" or something like that.
It was a cool experience. I only wish I'd known more about who he was when I was climbing with him.
He rolled his cigarettes, climbed barefoot, and wrapped the rope around his waist "swami-belt style" while climbing. Lots of laughs and smiles from Tommy the whole day. It was clear that being out on the rocks, even with first-time climbers, is what Tommy thrives on. I hope to meet him again some day.

As a recent emigrant away from The Lake it's great to hear all the emotional and amusing posts re: my favorite climbing area on earth. Sandbagged, slippery as hell and full of old guys drinking beer and smoking joints-how could it get any better. I came along too late to witness the DLFA in it's heyday but salute it's long history of hardness and debauchery. I love the fact that you can still watch someone over 50 slam a beer and then lead something on hexes that i can't even toprope. I look forward to reading more posts that allow me to vicariously experience the lake until i can return.
p.s. if anyone makes it to Sweden and wants to climb let me know.