Questions Anyone?

I thought it might be good to address of few of life's essentials while on the side of the big stone.  There are a lot of things to think about.  Food, water, shelter, closest latrine, etc.

If you have questions feel free to ask, you never know, I might actually answer them.

So, without further adieu, here is a little Q & A.

Q: If this adventure lasts over a night, how do you sleep?

A: You get to sleep on the side of the cliff, on a ledge (if available), or you have to bring something along with you. It could be a hammock, a piece of plywood rigged up with some webbing or rope, or it could be an overpriced portaledge.  Found this picture online and thought it showed how crazy things can get with multiple people camping on the side of a cliff.

Q: How do you carry all that gear, do you wear a backpack while climbing?

A: Heavens no... there are much more efficient ways to get stuff up the side of the rock then carrying it all the way. First, option is to rent a sherpa who would pack it instead (common in Alpine climbing - say in the Himalayas). If you don't have money to do that, find an unemployed lawyer (thanks D)!

In all seriousness you use a method called hauling and it is a ton of work.

Here is one possible variation of hauling.

You have to haul multiple bags up and they can get snagged up on ledges. Sometimes you have to repel down to the snag and get things straightened up, which then leads to you needing to ascend or jumar the line.

I read a story of one guy who was one pitch from the top and his haul bag got snagged. He was tired and exhausted, so instead of taking the time to repelling down to unsnag it he just pulled with all his might. Well let's just say all the contents of the bag poured out into space, over half of which were never seen again in the wreckage at the bottom of the climb.

Q:  What about food and water?

A:  Food is typical backpacking food.  Light weight and non-perishable.  Water is a precious,but heavy commodity.  Here are some water bottles I have crafted for this epic adventure. Duct tape and webbing and old 2 Liter bottles. Learned it from a climbing book!

Q: So since this adventure will last more than a day... how does one take care of business up there when nature calls?

A: Answer... a poop tube. I just made this a week ago or so. Sorry, I don't think it would be appropriate showing pictures of it in action, so this is all you get.