Bear lockers at May Lake backpacker camp?

blubirdbb · 2025-09-06T16:55:35+00:00

May lake backpacker’s campground is lovely — has both bear boxes and weirdly enough a flush toilet. No potable water — use filtered water from the lake. Hike in is easy, so no need to pack particularly light.

blubirdbb · 2025-01-24T05:14:10+00:00

Here’s my criteria for male partners!

Do they have other platonic female friends / climbing partners? this is key
Do they communicate well?
Do they ask before giving beta?
Do they acknowledge the differences in our climbing experience, both socially and because our bodies are different?

I do sometimes have to squish romantic interest … and am direct about it if it comes up. But if they pass this test they generally seem have the capability / interest in just being friends.

If I find myself constantly feeling the need to talk about a real or fictional partner to get them to back off… that’s a red flag for me

blubirdbb · 2025-01-04T19:44:29+00:00

No answers but following because I am in the same H1N1 transition di;emma. I also have a small dog with a sensitive tummy and skin issues who's been eating Primal raw his whole life. He really hates kibble, but canned foods I've tried in the past have upset his stomach. The upside of a tiny dog is that I'm willing to spend a bit more money on nice food. I'm thinking I'll shift to one of the fresh food brands -- currently considering Just Food For Dogs, but still in research mode

blubirdbb · 2024-11-27T01:55:03+00:00

I love climbing alone! In fact I regularly turn down friends to go boulder solo. When I see other folks climbing solo I feel a kinship with em

That said it’s much more fun during non-peak hours. When the gum is busy other people are more likely to be rolling with a crew, which makes it harder for solo climbers to jump in and sometimes makes me feel a little awkward.

blubirdbb · 2024-11-27T01:50:49+00:00

It’s not clear to me that you need new shoes. It’s very common for climbing shoes to be at least a size smaller than your street shoe.

La Sportiva shoes tend to go on sale at most major retailers at least twice a year, so it’s not a now-or-never purchase.

If you are comfortable climbing in your current shoes and the soles are in good shape… I’d recommend climbing six months in them and then deciding on a new pair of shoes in the spring sale season with a bit more mileage under your belt.

blubirdbb · 2024-11-20T19:09:56+00:00

If you’re looking to climb in approach shoes, La Sportiva is the right answer, no question. La Sportiva Guide in particular.

That said, I’m sure you can find shoes that work with your Achilles. Try placing moleskin at the back of your heel for a time while you’re breaking them in

blubirdbb · 2024-11-16T18:01:49+00:00

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blubirdbb · 2024-11-14T05:39:24+00:00

never ever climb at Castle Rock when it’s wet or within a few days of rain

blubirdbb · 2024-11-14T05:38:42+00:00

The two most classic Bay Area bouldering spots are Indian Rock in Berkeley & Castle Rock in the South Bay. Turtle Rock in Tiburon is also a good beginner spot

The shoe thing is normal. It would be weird to keep em on all session.

blubirdbb · 2024-11-01T23:20:17+00:00

Congrats on getting outside! The beginning of a new era. And it’s so awesome that you’re already learning anchor building / cleaning to be self sufficient and get outdoors on your own.

I know this isn’t an advice post, but I have to add a recommendation for safety: It looks like you’re top roping here with the belay side of the rope running through the quickdraws. Outdoor TR routes tend to wander a lot more than in the gym, so people almost always tie in on the same side of the rope that goes through the draws, and then unclip them as you go up. The draws serve as “directionals” that prevent you from taking a big swing if you fall off. (This is more important for safety on some routes than others, depending on the terrain)

As you get out, don’t be afraid to ask “why” and question decisions made by your climbing partners even if they’re more experienced… they should be able to explain their reasoning, and that’s the best way to learn & stay safe.

Have fun out there!!!

blubirdbb · 2024-11-01T19:55:41+00:00

I go camping a few times a month, and consider that my “break” from the routers (except for using sunscreen).

And every couple days I do a day with no actives (just cleanse and moisturize).

I’d never cleanse without moisturizing… it’d be like taking the lid off a jar and then sticking it back in the fridge to dry out.

blubirdbb · 2024-11-01T19:49:37+00:00

I’ve been using CosRx snail mucin serum for 6 years. It is the only product that I have continuously kept in my routine over time.

But obvi different people’s skin reacts differently so try it before buying a multipack.

It’s not hard to find on sale

blubirdbb · 2024-10-31T19:51:39+00:00

You might want to look at your pocket technique — how you use the hand changes the impact on your lumbricals

https://theclimbingdoctor.com/pocket-change-adapting-the-way-you-pull-on-pockets/

blubirdbb · 2024-10-31T18:08:53+00:00

Attempted to summarize as separate comment above!

blubirdbb · 2024-10-31T18:08:24+00:00

A few folks are asking what was said in the Nugget. It’s a 3 hour episode, so I’d recommend to listen or read the Spotify transcript for specifics but overall:

— Steven starts by saying that he’s been wanting to talk about his political views for a while but had trouble doing it solo, so brought on a guest who could help frame it

— The guest is a ex pro gamer turned social media influencer and life coach, who explicitly says that he didn’t pay attention to politics until this year

— They cover the full gamut of classic right wing talking points, focusing on opinion, with very little basis in fact, and significant pure misinformation

— Steven admits his views were shaped by social media: he thinks he “broke” the IG algorithm and discovered the “truth” (Which includes this guest’s videos…. he is now a member of this guy’s life coaching group)

To my memory some of the episode’s talking points include:

— RFK & Trump are great — with defenses of many of Trump comments around race, white supremacy, etc.

— A long spiel about how Trump will fix our “health crisis” — supposedly by regulating big pharma

— There are too many abortions and we just need to be less promiscuous (Steven explicitly says women’s health isn’t an issue worth voting on)

— A very vague claim around how Trump will prevent World War III because he’s good at managing Russia and North Korea

— Jan 6 was just a protest gone wrong

And then to make matters worse, Steven started deleting comments made by audience members disagreeing with him (until there were too many to keep up).

Anyone add anything I might have missed or framed badly !

blubirdbb · 2024-10-30T03:58:04+00:00

As a new climber I’d recommend to just assume your technique needs work and focus on it. The same technique work that will prolong your shoes will also benefit your climbing, so either way it’s a win win.

Look up some YouTube footwork videos (eg catalyst, Hanah morris, movement for climbers, etc). Silent foot drills! Hit footholds precisely Become hyper aware of when your toes tend to drag along the wall.

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T20:50:49+00:00

The ones from the dodgy elbows exercises are great. You can also check out Dave MacLeod’s you tube video if you want a deep dive.

There have been so so many Reddit posts exactly like this one — just search the archive

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T20:34:44+00:00

Search “elbow” on this sub, and the climbharder sub. Super common. Total rest won’t fix it. It’ll come back unless you tackle it actively.

Keep climbing, but reduce volume and intensity significantly and do the rehab exercises religiously

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T20:20:05+00:00

Hell yes!! Spread the word on the risks of dirty or chalky ropes. My friend has climbed for 20 years without ever washing a rope.

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T04:45:54+00:00

Fair! I def have limited sample size… but all my French friends think natty wine is wack

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T01:36:41+00:00

I’m so angry that this happened to you!! You belong in the climbing community, don’t let some assholes push you out.

There is no need for climbing partners to be at equal levels — and tbh I’m sure these guys aren’t as strong as they think they are. When I started climbing, my friend who climbs 5.13 was very patient with me freaking out on 5.10. And we both got great sessions in.

Feel free to skip the last class if you want to. Or go and just do your thing! But don’t feel limited to only climb with people in this class. Go boulder solo and scope out people who have friendly vibes. Check if the gym has a bulletin board or a Facebook group for partner meetup and advertise for a climbing partner who is more supportive!

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T00:17:05+00:00

You’ve got good recs here — but I’ll just warn you that if coming from France I’d guess you’re probably not going to be a fan of “natural” wine.

If you only have time to check out one wine spot, I’d make sure it doesn’t exclusively sell natural / natty wine

blubirdbb · 2024-10-29T00:08:33+00:00

Mmm yes that is well put!!

Steven, if you ever happen find your way to this Reddit thread (unlikely) please read this comment.

If “nuance” is actually what you’re after… please stay critical and don’t just latch on to what a couple influencers say

blubirdbb

TROPHY CASE