OK, I thought I would chime in here after lurking around this debate
for a couple days. First off, I took the draws (and the leaver oval
biner just below them). I did not think they were project draws; why
would someone leave two brand new draws on just the anchor of a
vertical sport climb? I assumed that they had been forgotten or left
by gumbies. Second, I bootied them three weekends ago, in mid-Oct;
does that mean that you left them for TWO full weekends, and expected
to find them when you returned?
When I first saw this thread, I almost was going to give them back.
Honestly, I would have, if you had indicated that it was a mistake and
you had forgotten them, or it got dark and you had to leave, or even
if you had exhibited the slightest hint of apology or deference, and
admitted that it makes no sense whatsoever to leave "project draws"
hanging on anchors only. But instead I decided to see where the
debate went, and gauged your response, toadguy.
I'm sorry if I am seeming a jerk, or if I have violated some unspoken
bro-code amongst fellow lazy-ass climbers. But seriously, if you knew
any climbing history about the vulgarians or the stonemasters, you
would damn well know that picking off the remains left by gumbies and
grommets is a time-honored tradition amongst climbers. I have climbed
quite a bit around the continent, and am pretty familiar with a
variety of regional ethics and styles, but I have NEVER known of a
consensus that two brand new draws left on only anchors were anything
but booty.
If you had left a draw at the crux, if you had left the whole route
fixed, if it had been steep enough to warrant a safety cleaning draw,
or if it was ultra cruxy to clip the anchors, I would have left the
draws out of respect. It was none of those. All I saw was that
someone was lazy and sloppy enough to leave two draws on the anchor so
he wouldn't have to go to the terrible hassle of untying and threading
the chains. I now see that my assessment was spot on.
So, congrats, you lose, deadbeat! Ive included a photo of your dear
draws for your personal records. Have a nice day, and clean up your
goddamned gear on public land; this isn't the cooking area at
Miguel's, slob. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
p.s. I intend to refix the draws on an established, commonly projected route, OFF of Forest Service land.
