Vantage Pics

Cortney and I just got back from a two-week trip to Joe's Valley, Zion, and Moe's Valley, and I'm still working through the 1,000-plus photos and videos I took. I plan on making a video short of our highlights, but for now, here are some pictures from Vantage from earlier this month. Vantage is not my favorite place to climb, but boy is it nice to climb on warm, sunny rock when winter's cold dread begins to wear on...

Kyle on King of the RuinsCortney on the M&M WallKyle and KonaFunky Geology at the Sunshine WallJohn Stordahl on the Future MoveWhere's Waldo?The Eastside Sunset

Queen Creek, AZ

Cortney and I took a brief trip to Arizona last week to visit her folks, and we were able to get in one day of climbing at Queen Creek, the site of the famed Phoenix Bouldering Contest. As the area is slated for oil + mineral mining exploration as part of the infamous "land swap" agreement, I was afraid that the boulders would already be closed, or even worse, blown up. We were able to find them after only a moderate bit of effort, thanks in no part to the old Dr. Topo 'guide' I printed out. At first, we were wondering if the goal of the old PBC was limited to simply discovering where the boulders were...

The Open RoadQueen CreekThe RCM Mine

I thoroughly enjoyed climbing at Queen Creek, even though the area has a dire paucity of non-chossy rock. We were only able to find about a half dozen appealing boulders, but the problems on them were quite good. Queen Creek seems to be some of the best pure bouldering in southern Arizona, but it pales in comparison to the state's northern areas like Groom Creek and Priest Draw. I recommend it for anyone traveling through the area, especially because it is such a historic site, and sadly, it won't be around forever.

Desert FaunaOur Borrowed Whip

Leavenworth Pics

Leavenworth has had a nice window of good weather during the past several weeks, and I was able to make it out there two weekends ago. It was such a relief to touch dry, gritty granite! Here are some photos.

Cortney on The PhysicalDrew Straining on the StrainerCortney on NosebleedDrew on the Right Variation to NosebleedRob and Cortney on Random Climbs at Upper ForestlandHoncho Enjoying Some Spring CarrionOh Yeah...

Congrats also to Bryan Smith for his recent ascent of Angelina Jolie! Here is a video that Sam recently posted to the Koan Bouldering blog. Good job Bryan!!

All of the Above

Here is the video of Johnny Goicoechea climbing the first ascent of All of the Above at the Index River Boulders. Enjoy!




It looks like the weather is on the verge of being nice this weekend... think dry thoughts everyone...

River Boulders Pics

The winter of 2011 has been pretty wet thus far, and I haven't done much climbing to speak of. I did get out last weekend to our wonderful local river boulders with Cortney and a gang of monkeys. Despite the snow on the ground, the "closure" of Reiter Road, and the height of the river, we were able to get some frosty climbing in.

Issac and Drew on a New ProblemBlue on an Unnamed ProblemFrosty SceneryRaymond Cole AllenDrew on A Joel C Problem

The real highlight of the weekend was Johnny's first ascent of All of the Above, the spread-eagle compression problem featured after the credits of my fall Leavenworth video. I was able to get footage of the first ascent, which I'll post when I get access to a fast internet connection. With the obvious exception for Hagakure, All of the Above is probably the second most classic boulder problem in Index; in the company of stand-alone five-star problems like Built to Last, the Architect, Frankenstein, and Midnite, that is a proud boast.

Here are some pictures. It looks like a long rainy front will move in this week, so I guess I will see you all in the gym. Ugh...

All of the AboveJohnny Bailing Just Before SendingWalkin' Out

Video - Leavenworth Fall 2010

Here's a 10-minute video I recently finished that showcases some problems from the fall 2010 season in Leavenworth. Enjoy!

SBC Photos

Here are a few photos from this year's Seattle Bouldering Challenge at Stone Gardens. Congrats to all of the competitors and route setters for putting on a nice show!

Johnny Campusing on Men's #4Crazy Moves on Women's #4Jamie Chong On Men's #4Vikki Weldon on Women's #4The Crowd Goes Wild...