Al,
Sorry about your rope, but as Ward said, "It comes with the territory…"
Over the years, I've had a bunch of "new routing" gear/equipment stolen and I completely understand how infuriating it can be.
My advise: suck it up and get over it. It's just what some d!ckhead climbers do…
I think there are two type of "climbers" who pull this kind of shit. The first are truly, totally clueless wankers who see a couple of crappy biners on an anchor or a 5 year old "not even good for top-roping" rope and think, "Booty!"
Personally, for these guys; I hope they use the rope, they fall on it, it breaks and they die…
That'll teach them…
The second group is by far worse… They're not "clueless wankers." They know exactly what they're doing. They know they're stealing from another climber. And, they do it anyway…
Even worse, they think it's funny: "So, Where is this "Arno's Corner" people are talking about? How many pins are in there?" And "Where is this "Farley ledge" folks are talking about? And are those fixed biners in decent condition?"
Maybe I'm wrong and a guy who would say something like this isn't the type to steal from Al and the Perez's, but then again, maybe he is…
But, more importantly, they thinks it's funny…
Oh, I almost forgot: "HA HA…"
The second thing with this group is that they know what they are doing is "peeing" on you.
I hate to tell you this Al, but; the guy who stole your rope, was pissing all over you and everything you were trying to do...
Personally, I find that pretty sad.
They can't produce anything themselves, but they'll piss on anything someone else does...
ed e
ps. Have you ever wondered why there are "secret crags?"