Monday, April 24, 2017

Larch Bouldering: Flowers and snakes.

Spring up on Larch Mt Washington brings flowers and cool temps for climbing. On this trip we had found a new wall and a tall slab to climb on. There are also multiple boulders at the base of this wall so sending some of those was a must as well.
There is about a 15 minute hike in to these and on the way the flowers just keep on coming.


Once there a nice wall about 14 to 18 feet high with some slight overhang is waiting with good rock.
This next set of photos is from a nice line in the middle of the wall. The line is about 15 feet tall and overhangs about 10 degrees.
A couple of quick moves sets you up for an entry dino
Dino time
Big move to a good edge
Almost there
Nailed it.


To this point it is fun and not to hard. The tricky part gets started when you stick the dino.
Undercling time
Looking to set up feet
Super high feet is the key
Really high!
Lock off and bump to a small side pull.
Got it.
Dead point with the left hand now.
Stuck it time for a power climp.
Got it.
Left hand to slopy edge.
From hear it is just stand up tall and jugs to the top.


This problem is super fun and I did it twice just because. After this I had a few salmon berries and then cleaned a problem below this one that looked like it might be a classic.
This climbs up at about a 50 degree overhang on big holds all the way to the top.


So much fun multiple laps were done for sure. Just past this wall is a large slab that is about 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide. The climbing is from VB to maybe V1 but all good with lots of air under the feet.
The Slab
After lots of laps on the multiple problems on the slab this beautiful creature was discovered at the base. I hope he found lots of food. Hopping spring drys out soon keep climbing.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Deep Forest Bouldering: Send day new problems.

Cleaning boulders is just part of the process when it comes to new areas and this is even more true in the deep forest of the pacific north west. The great thing about cleaning new boulders means new problems. In this case several new problems on three new boulders. Some of these are projects and some became sends. This first problem consists of starting low on corner and following it to its top.
It starts left hand sloper right hand crimp

Lots of cross overs on this one so the movement is awesome
Stay low and use the friction.
Small seam for left and set up the nest cross.
Pinch and feet up.
Lets do this face.
Dead point to small crimp.
Big toss for the lip.
Stuck it!
Easy to the end... um no.
High step mantel finish is the solution.





































Reach for a seam.
High step mantel for the send of Waterloo V3 FA


Enjoy the animation of the send of the problem. This one is a super fun problem.
Waterloo FA V3
The next problem is much easier but super fun. It will be a great on for beginners to work on with a nice flat landing.
Nice big holds up a blunt arete.
Heal hooks and jugs!
An the send is done. V1


Now that the warm ups are done it is time for some hard projecting. This one is just barley there but I did stick the moves. It will be some time before they are put together though. Strong climbers welcome.
Small holds is an understatement.
Bump to a very smooth hold. If I could get my foot up this would go. Could conditions required.


Spring last year came early and dry and I hope the dry weather comes more this year.

Have a great day and get outside soon.