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Route aspect. Sun/Shade

Original Post
Tyson Taylor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 70

I was looking for trad routes in my area that would be good in the winter, preferably south facing and thought it would be nice if a routes' aspect were listed in the route description template and the "Best Routes for you in This Area" search feature. Then it would be easier to find great places to climb in the summer/winter or morning/evening.

CareBear M · · Worcester, MA · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 0

I agree!

Also, for the more silly overhanging stuff, whether routes are climbable during rain.

Sir Spanxalot · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 5

Why not go explore said areas when it's too cold to climb but the sun shines. Often guidebooks make mention, and if you're aware of the sun aspect in the area, you can figure time of day.

Look here, in colorado, if it's in the sun it's warm if it ain't windy.

I think this is as easy as N,S,E,W facing and where is the sun... why are people so lazy?

JF M · · NoCo · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 1,823
Senior Wanksalot wrote:Why not go explore said areas when it's too cold to climb but the sun shines. Often guidebooks make mention, and if you're aware of the sun aspect in the area, you can figure time of day. Look here, in colorado, if it's in the sun it's warm if it ain't windy. I think this is as easy as N,S,E,W facing and where is the sun... why are people so lazy?
True, many guidebooks indicate this (eg, D'Antonio's BoCan guide, Gillet's St. Vrain guide, etc), but some don't. The Levin Eldo guide offers something like 4 areas that get good sun in the winter (in the intro-- specific area descriptions make occasional mention of sun/shade).

I also agree that "if you're aware of the sun aspect in the area" you can figure it out, but what if you don't account for another formation or ridgeline being in the way...especially at times of the year when the sun has a much lower arc in the sky? Certainly this would be something one could go scout out; but really, an off-day of climbing probably means dealing with responsibilities at home or following another leisure activity. I know I don't have the time or motivation to camp out all day at a climbing spot and watch how/if the sun hits it. For people who have to drive a long distance to get to their climbing area, what you suggest is a waste of resources.

Perhaps it's not an expression of laziness but rather a desire for convenience / efficiency. Do you ever use Google to look things up? Why not go to the library-- or better yet, do primary research-- every time you want to know something new? I know this analogy is not exact enough to please the MP critics, but it's somewhat in line with the argument. "Reinventing the wheel" or something.

Why not use the data others have gathered to further your own pursuit? We're posting routes on MP-- why not add pertinent information to the entries? It's the purpose of the site (second only to fucking off on the forums).
Sir Spanxalot · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 5
John Marsella wrote: Perhaps it's not an expression of laziness but rather a desire for convenience / efficiency. Do you ever use Google to look things up? Why not go to the library-- or better yet, do primary research-- every time you want to know something new? I know this analogy is not exact enough to please the MP critics, but it's somewhat in line with the argument. "Reinventing the wheel" or something. Why not use the data others have gathered to further your own pursuit? We're posting routes on MP-- why not add pertinent information to the entries? It's the purpose of the site (second only to fucking off on the forums).
I was kinda yanking the MP forum chain w my post, but in all honest, winter crags are kinda variable. Like you said, often, other formations cause issues. Take Red Slab in CCC... definately a winter spot, for a few hours a day at certain time of the year. You'll only know that by checking out the spot.
Alex Bury · · Ojai, CA · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 2,376
Senior Wanksalot wrote: You'll only know that by checking out the spot.
Or if somebody else ''checked out the spot" and posted it here...............
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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