Rope, reading, elevation.

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Gotta keep the leg up, for a while, at least more often.  The book about climbing and rope management is what is on the menu for when reclining.  You would think that the e-book would be easier, but it's not.  Even at it's size, it is so light that it gives me troubles trying to read it in that way.  A big, hardcover, book, however, seems to fit my muscle and bone structure better.  Sitting up the kindle does fine, reclining it is only good for a short time, like when trying to go to sleep... other than the fact that the light (so I have heard) actually disturbs sleep.

So far I have just hit parts about the types of rope, materials used in making rope, a bit of the history of rope... not exactly what I wanted to hit, and yet not without merit.  To be honest, even though I know some of this, and have some idea about some rope, I also don't have this all down exactly.  Some new implementations and material combinations have probably occurred since this book was written, though I won't swear that new materials have been found or implemented.  Not for climbing, or not much.  Perhaps new braiding techniques, though I doubt that as well.  It's not even that they aren't looking.  The truth is the search for perfection will continue.  And while they might combine or weave differently, and better, for a very exact purpose, the general purpose improvements have become very rare.  Not for lack of effort, but for abundance of effort to point.  Even so, while I have a general knowledge, I wouldn't always be able to, with certainty, separate similars.  And a book won't teach that.  Only experience.  Experience I may actually never reach, as I am not attempting to become kung fu, or even just a climbing or rope master.  I am merely beginning to figure out how to do what I want to do, what it takes, and go from there.  I don't care if I know what ropes do well for acid or base rescue environments, so long as I can identify the type of rope I need or want for ascending a tree or descending a rock face if needed.

I won't ever have the best.  The best is great, but often negotiates away longevity, or greater strength, or more, for a very defined thing.  The best, for a general climber, are more general tools.  Maybe a few special items, for broader specialities... something that'll fit three though not say ten applications.  It isn't just cost, it's the limits imposed by the things which are the absolute best for any one application but often useless for almost any other application.  It's just the way it goes.

I just finished two units.  The next unit is on belaying.  Though I hurried through a section on knots, which I will attend when I have some rope cut, and am ready to do hands on.  I am familiar with most of the knots, have used all save one or two... though memory simply may not be serving.  Then again, some of the knots they offer seem suboptimal.  Good to know, I suppose, for when all else has failed and time she is a ticking though.  If you have to tie something because all else has been lost or failed, and you are hanging up while hung up... maybe.

Swelling is easing.  Skin on that leg is still a bit rough.  I'll try to keep on top of that.  Oh, right, and to get something out to begin thawing.  Several packs of meat... chops, a steak, burger... might get the grill into play.  While it has been warm, I've gotten used to it.  And, the last few days, it almost seems cool?  Whatever, maybe that's just me, maybe I have acclimated, maybe I am ill.  Haven't needed to do my cooking outside.  Even so, I would like to, just because grilling adds great flavor.  Hmm, and I ought to get back on track with the sweet and sour sort of home-made barbecue sauce.  I'd like to try that on chops, chicken, ribs of various sorts...  Yeah, sounds good.

Later.