New and Experienced climbers over 50 #20

Kristian Solemwrote:

Oh Lori. I have never breathed a word on this thread that could be seen as political. I don’t mean this post to be political either.

We, and NATO, must not get involved in combat in Ukraine. Even a no-fly zone is crazy. What do we do when good pilot in a Mig-29 takes down one of our fighters? Escalate? Back down? What’s it going to be?

I hear people talking about a Berlin Airlift type of operation, to deliver aid and supplies to Kyiv and other cities. They haven’t studied their history. The Berlin airlift worked because we made a deal with the Soviets that our aircraft could come and go via a narrow corridor where they would be safe. The Soviets gambled that we wouldn’t be able to pull it off logistically, and they lost their bet. Flying over Ukraine, we will have no such deal. What do we do when the Russians shoot down one of our C-17’s on a mercy flight? Escalate? Back down?

When you get into that kind of brinksmanship all it takes is one Russki with a happy trigger finger on a SAM, and we’re looking at a much larger conflict.

We all feel for the people of Ukraine. But unless Putin moves on a NATO ally it’s not our fight. The risk of escalation, even to biological or nuclear war (Putin has now threatened both) is unjustifiable. We cannot go to war based on our feelings. Cold as that sounds.

Are Putin’s threats empty? Is he a psychopath? Can we take a gamble on that with the future inhabitability of our planet at stake?

I love that we can talk about it here.  The irony is not lost on me that we can talk about the latest boulder problem, or grousing about shoe size, while also holding the awareness of unspeakable horror happening not that far away.  We are not one-dimensional beings.  

My thoughts were that something has shifted in the last few days in terms of understanding the true intent of Putin (total destruction) and the level of suffering that we are seeing.  We are watching a slaughter.  If it accelerates or doesn't abate we may decide as a world community to step in--even knowing the possible consequences.  What has really changed, imo, is the world has cell phones.  It's one thing to read about it in the Sunday paper.  It's another thing to be talking, in real time, with people huddled in their basements with fire overhead.  

It seems our dilemma is based upon whether an action of ours (or NATO's) might trigger Putin. He seems to be already triggered.  He's not playing by ANY rules--he has no plans to stop, and he's counting on us to restrain ourselves.  Very tough dilemma for all NATO leaders...  

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But just personally... all of that aside, there is something about living here that makes me aware of how underprepared we are for any emergency.  Talking with my whacky neighbor (I say that lovingly, but he does sit on his roof a lot   )... he has 5 200-gallon barrels in his back yard full of water.  He is working on a shortwave tower with another neighbor.  He has a generator.  I don't even want to discuss what he has in his closet, but it would make Rambo proud. 

Two years ago I came to this forum with questions about navigation, self-rescue, plotting hiking courses on maps... we spent a whole summer talking about coordinates and overlaying Google Earth etc onto various maps.  My thoughts today are along that line.  Just basic stuff that most people already know, but I don't.  So... it will be a little project to learn basic, non-hysterical survival skills bit by bit.  Also, on the 'to do' list, is to take the local Wilderness Medicine course... 

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Jan... thanks for your comments.  I am constantly aware of posture relative to a route I'm on but can't always translate it into action.     I assume that to stand up straight on a very steep slab there must be at least a crimp above and an edge below... Yesterday's 'route' wasn't really an established route at all but a fairly blank wall i wanted to try to climb.  Eventually all I had was a rail to the left side that I could use as a sidepull/layback to work my way up a few inches in a smear.  I would LOVE to see someone climb this rock... there was virtually nothing to use as a hand or foot hold.  I'm sure a better climber could do it.  But any time I attempted to straighten up, I slid right off the rock.   This is the most amazing endeavor.... to learn this kind of climbing.  You guys did it so well. 

Kristian Solemwrote:

When you get into that kind of brinksmanship all it takes is one Russki with a happy trigger finger on a SAM, and we’re looking at a much larger conflict.

We all feel for the people of Ukraine. But unless Putin moves on a NATO ally it’s not our fight. The risk of escalation, even to biological or nuclear war (Putin has now threatened both) is unjustifiable. We cannot go to war based on our feelings. Cold as that sounds.

Are Putin’s threats empty? Is he a psychopath? Can we take a gamble on that with the future inhabitability of our planet at stake?

+1.  Sometimes, being cold and calculated is not such a bad thing.

A couple more from yesterday:

Hey Tim, Where is that? I saw a post from you recently mentioning that you live in Delaware, is that one of the mythical DE climbing areas--one of the relatively few states in which I have yet to climb? I will be in Philadelphia for a week next month, but since it is for my daughter's wedding, a road trip to that adjoining state to fill in that 'gap in my resume' is highly unlikely, but there will be future opportunities...

Alan Rubinwrote:

Hey Tim, Where is that? I saw a post from you recently mentioning that you live in Delaware, is that one of the mythical DE climbing areas--one of the relatively few states in which I have yet to climb? I will be in Philadelphia for a week next month, but since it is for my daughter's wedding, a road trip to that adjoining state to fill in that 'gap in my resume' is highly unlikely, but there will be future opportunities...

There is (almost) no climbing in Delaware (and what there is isn't worth the effort).  Those are from Safe Harbor near Lancaster, PA.  If you ever want to go, just let me know.  But it faces south, so summer months are out unless you want to climb really early, before the sun hits.

Thanks. The "(almost) no climbing in Delaware" is why I haven't climbed there, but since it is 'almost' , that means that there is at least a tiny bit (and, I guess, worth the effort if trying to climb in all 50 or most of them--the latter for me at this stage). I climbed in Safe Harbor one day (en route further south) years ago--literally on the day the cops drove up in the afternoon and told everyone that climbing was no longer allowed and 'suggested' that we all leave right away. Actually, found it quite enjoyable climbing for a road cut!!!!

It's fricken beautiful here this time of year. 

How many U.S. flagged ships & U.S. Naval ships did the Germans attack without starting a war with us? 

When anyone threatens to use weapons of mass destruction they need to be dealt with one way or another. If not now it's only going to get worse.

I have no answers, & no ill intent. Just want everyone to be happy & healthy. 

I'm going bouldering at the Milks today, I think.

Are you guys trying to suck me back in to a political discussion?  Not biting!

Well I woke up Monday morning to a miraculous improvement in my knee.  And much to Paula’s chagrin, I am not going to the doctor.  I do wetland delineation for my work and did a small job today.  If you had asked me Saturday if I would be able to do that I would have said “no way.”  Still going to take it easy for a while.

No climbing since last Wednesday, I’m going to wait a while more.  Longest layoff since I can remember. Hangboarding, but that doesn’t count.

Like I said before, when I am injured I always figure that things will get better, and so far it has always worked.  One day it won’t.  But that day is not today.

Alan Rubinwrote:

Thanks. The "(almost) no climbing in Delaware" is why I haven't climbed there, but since it is 'almost' , that means that there is at least a tiny bit (and, I guess, worth the effort if trying to climb in all 50 or most of them--the latter for me at this stage). I climbed in Safe Harbor one day (en route further south) years ago--literally on the day the cops drove up in the afternoon and told everyone that climbing was no longer allowed and 'suggested' that we all leave right away. Actually, found it quite enjoyable climbing for a road cut!!!!

There is one small 30' high face at Alapocas Run State park.  There are about 4 climbs on that wall. TR only and a (free) permit required.  There is more rock there, but no climbing allowed on it.

You would find Safe Harbor quite different now.  Mostly modern drop-in anchors and most climbs have been rebolted.  Safe Harbor North has been legal for a few years now (although temporarily closed on weekdays for some trail work) and there are many new routes in both North and South.  The old railroad bed is now a rail trail with proper parking and legal access.  There is a Porta John which is cleaned regularly. And, of course, there are the weekend crowds, but not quite the Rumney-like mobs.  But we had the place to ourselves yesterday.

And yes, the climbing is actually quite nice.  Plus, nice views of the Susquehanna River and the resident bald eagle population.  Even saw a turkey there last visit.

A week is the longest layoff you'd remember, Ward?  Since your avalanche mishap?  That's nuts.
I take two weeks off regularly just to rest my joints and get that energy/mojo back. I guess that is all wrong in your book. ")

It looks like the approach isn't too bad. i think I see a road in one of those shots ;) 

Lori Milaswrote:

I believe the United States is going to feel it has no choice but to go into Ukraine soon, and I think we need to be prepared as much as possible for whatever happens after that.

Lori, your fear is not justified.
You need to relax This war is a great success of the US foreign policy.
It hit Europe pretty hard. At the same time there is only limited impact on the US economy because the US is a net exporter of gas and oil.
There is nothing wrong with Russians and Ukrainians killing each other for the right to deploy American troops to Ukraine.
Americans troops will be there only after/if US wins this war.

Here in New England it's been sugaring season.  Maple, that is.  Just wrapped up my six week season of making maple syrup.  Had a good season, made 5.5 gallons which is a new high for me.  

I made six batches, each one was progressively darker, especially shifting fast around mid-March when it got quite warm for a while.  Here is a sample bottle from each batch:

Yum!

My elbow is still doing okay.  Hope to get outside soon. Maybe Crow Hill...

Gabe

GabeOwrote:

Here in New England it's been sugaring season.  Maple, that is.  Just wrapped up my six week season of making maple syrup.  Had a good season, made 5.5 gallons which is a new high for me.  

I made six batches, each one was progressively darker, especially shifting fast around mid-March when it got quite warm for a while.  Here is a sample bottle from each batch:

Yum!

My elbow is still doing okay.  Hope to get outside soon. Maybe Crow Hill...

Gabe

Did someone say pancakes?

Nice sports climbing today on lovely rock. Led a 15, 17, 18, 19 all pink point with first bolt stick clipped.  Dogged my way up trying to lead a 22.

S. Neohwrote:

A week is the longest layoff you'd remember, Ward?  Since your avalanche mishap?  That's nuts.
I take two weeks off regularly just to rest my joints and get that energy/mojo back. I guess that is all wrong in your book. ")

No, I used to always take at least a week or two off around Christmas, I just haven’t done it in a few years.  I think it makes a lot of sense for a bunch of reasons, I just get too antsy to not climb sometimes.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this injury is just the result of overtraining without any time off.  Now I’m being forced to take time off.

GabeOwrote:

Here in New England it's been sugaring season.  Maple, that is.  Just wrapped up my six week season of making maple syrup.  Had a good season, made 5.5 gallons which is a new high for me.  

I made six batches, each one was progressively darker, especially shifting fast around mid-March when it got quite warm for a while.  Here is a sample bottle from each batch:

Yum!

My elbow is still doing okay.  Hope to get outside soon. Maybe Crow Hill...

Gabe

Oh this is beautiful, Gabe!  Wish I was there to help... I would take one the darkest bottles home with me.  

Carl, sounds like you are having a great time and cranking!

GaboO, we love real maple syrup. That's so cool

GabeOwrote:

Here in New England it's been sugaring season.  Maple, that is.  Just wrapped up my six week season of making maple syrup.  Had a good season, made 5.5 gallons which is a new high for me.  

I made six batches, each one was progressively darker, especially shifting fast around mid-March when it got quite warm for a while.  Here is a sample bottle from each batch:

Yum!

My elbow is still doing okay.  Hope to get outside soon. Maybe Crow Hill...

Gabe

When I lived in Vermont, sugar season was kind of special.  Friend had a sugar shack, details classified.

Carl, What crag is that? It doesn’t look like Arapiles and other than Summersday Valley I don’t recall too many crags in the Grampians with a concentration of routes in those grades.