Ropes in the Hourglass

[paully]

While I admit that I did use the fixed ropes to sort of hand rappel myself down (mainly due to very wet rock), it wasn't necessary, and I felt like the mess of ropes detracted from the route overall. I think you did a good thing cutting them down, or at least did something that was harmless... I mean are we here to climb mountains or are we here to climb gigantic jungle gyms???

[CO Native]

Because you decided on your own that they needed to come down. And you took it on yourself to change the mountain for everybody. I don't think that is right.

David

This just doesn't pan out logically, because the same statement could be made about the people who left them there in the first place.

[CO Native]

Absolutely agree about minimizing the time, though--with which previously fixed ropes can help. $.02.

The problem here is you are referring to them as "fixed ropes" as if they were placed with the intent of providing a solid rope for many future climbers to use. The ropes left in the hourglass are not "fixed ropes" but are just ropes left behind. They likely are old junky ropes that someone figured was good for one more use but in bad enough shape to leave behind.

[B[3]]

When we descended Little Bear via the Hourglass yesterday there was still a large mess of old ropes (the ones that had been cut out) near the bottom. We couldn't separate the mess or carry it all out, so we cut the ropes into individual "bite-sized" bundles and butterflied them to make them easy to carry out. They are right next to the trail and should be easy to spot. We took the largest lump of them, but there are still plenty, so if you climb the Hourglass and could cart one out, that would be great.

[mattpayne11]

Thanks B3 - the rope that is currently in place was great for the descent yesterday. It was great meeting you!