Hi Daisy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As per risks taken: Nope I would say that I took more risks when I was younger and smarter but less experienced. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I find it hard sometimes to understand the questions and fear as related by a lot of inexperienced people. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />I take so much for granted that I don't even know what it is that modern newbies need to know. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I Respect your vast experience in mountaineering and alpine travel. Oh and I DO have a nice rack of cams, which are mostly useful in Yosemite. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Now I live 25 miles from Smith Rock and when my climbing partner returns from a one year hitch hike around the Pacific we'll climb there.

My skill level is such that now I will free solo anything but exposed smooth friction up to around 5.7 or 5.8 while solo BPing in backcountry where basically no one knows where I am. Now is that risky? Not to my way of thinking, not with my experience level. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Now when I was 24 and I went out for a day of soloing wearing Lowa Kletterboots and went up a steep 5.9 I was in a far worse place with a lot less experience, but I had the strength and flexability of youth, so I came home. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

My pack weight is far less than when I was young, OTOH on these BP under 5 miles I like to carry real gourmet food and wine in bottles. I still don't mind carrying 30 or 40 pounds for a few miles. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Everything beyond about 20 pounds is food.

Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />