Brief Flings

 Took a one day advantage of the short three day winter last weekend:

All gone by mid-week. Was enough precip and thaw to get creeks a bit up and runnin'. Always like the contrast between the white froth of the creeks and the various shades of brown throughout the woods:

The (seldom mentioned) short run along the final one mile of this Yough feeder stream ain't bad at higher level, just to experience two small drops as it winds through a local park. Is a bit of a narrow flume ride after that. Bit of an amusement ride through two tunnels - the second of which is a several hundred foot stretch of box culvert (under the railroad) before it dumps ya' into the Yough. Was worth a (long ago) one-time experience. The box culvert definitely warrants a pre-inspection, though. 

Disclaimer: Mentioned here for historical purposes only. Could be considered a not very bright thing ta' do. And the box culvert is posted railroad property. 

Western Pennsylvania Ice III (Cinema Part 13)

 "Have a groovy Sunday!"
                                                   - Doyle Tarwater

Sure did! A return to the "Ultima Thule" of SWPA climbing. As we recall, the 2005-2006 ice season was pretty lean to non-existent. Think that all of the climbing and photography was done during the month of February. May be wrong, but ain't goin' back and checkin'. 

Highlights the first productive visit to the cliff - Tim Anderson's FFA of 'Final Obligation', partnered with Tom Kopler and Doyle Tarwater. Tim forced to bail on what would have been the FFA of 'The Beast' because of sketchy conditions. FA on TR of 'Son of Beast'. FA on TR of mixed 'Monsta' - one heck of a photographic line. Also remember that the 300ft of Bluewater static line got froze in on that route and couldn't be retrieved until springtime. Dorky dialog as usual - but we could never find a narrator who would work for the cheap rate of a six-pack of PBR's and two hot dogs that we were payin':

Western Pennsylvania Ice III (2006)

Running Time: 15min (Approx.)

They didn't come more motivated to climb big, steep ice than Tim.

Disclaimer: We aren't condoning anyone venturing into that place. As we understand it has long been posted 'No Trespassing'. Wasn't back during our visits. Encountered a security guard for the lower quarry back in the day who had no problem with us being there. Posting this video for historical purposes only.

This post dedicated to Doyle. If we already did, then now he's got two.

Sons of Hercules

Breaking news, as they say - we were just informed that Strongman Matt and Good-man Rob were newly inducted into the prodigious ranks of the Sons of Hercules! Quite impressive!!.

The boys were whisked up to the heights of Mt. Olympus by none other than the big man, Zeus himself. There a lavish induction ceremony was held, attended by all the gods and goddesses of rank. Above the boys pose for a few photos and share a few laughs with the invitees. That's Zeus and goddess Hera front and seated. Amongst the crowd can be spotted Apollo, Ares, Poseidon, Athena - to name a few. Aphrodite lookin' good as usual.

(Internet Images)

Herc himself bestowed the award and later exhibited a few feats of strength - literally bringing down the temple. 

A short four minute video presentation accompanied the ceremony:

Congratulations guys - we couldn't be prouder!

Disclaimer: Not responsible for content going right over the heads of all but the stoutest of 3%'s.

Thanks: A bit of content and format borrowed from YouTube/G. Coker - nice work.