this was our view from the campsite - surrounded on both sides by mountain ranges and cliffs..
we met up with a couple friends to climb. luckily, one of them spent quite a lot of time in bishop before, so he could guide us around the area. that always helps since they will usually the know good, classic climbs of the area - and where to find them.
the main areas we climbed were the Happys, the Sads, the Buttermilks, and Pollen Grains. the Happys and Sads are vocanic rock, and more gymnastic movement. im more comfortable with this style of climbing. the Buttermilks and Pollen Grains are granite, and pretty high-ball (meaning "tall"). im definitely less comfortable with this kind of climbing. "high-ball" is usually what gets to me. ;) whew, scary!
-- the happys --
you hike in along this meadow and then suddenly out of nowhere you step into this canyon of boulders. there are climbs everywhere!
this arete climb looked pretty hard. its kind of hard to see, but wayne, nuno and jason are standing in this "corner hallway" of rock.
this is by far the scariest thing ive ever done in my climbing experience! it was an "easy" and classic boulder problem, which is why we did it - but wow, you are so high! and the holds are smaller at the top so it felt very sketchy. but im glad i climbed it :)
pulling onto the smaller holds..
eek..
such a relief to touch the jugs at the top!
jason did the climb twice!
-- the buttermilks --
i climbed less on this day. like i said before, less comfortable with this style ;) so instead, i took a bunch of photos!
fields and hillsides of rounded granite boulders
look at the size of this boulder! story here: jason discovered a dyno for the first hold..
he must have kicked someone because all the spotters backed off ;)
notice how high the climbers go (this is wayne).. their feet are so high above the spotters' hands!
jason making progress
wayne getting to the top
everyone sent!
alan making moves on steep slopers
jason sticking the heel hook
wayne with key right foot beta
nuno making the dyno. again, everyone sent!
classic traverse on the rail (that gets smaller) from left to right
big move off the small rail
we're about to climb the right side of the block
jason figuring out the opening moves
nuno making the committing move at the top - so high up!
i would like to spend more time in bishop. i think i'd need more than 4 days in the area just to get used to the rock and the style of climbing. in any case, i enjoyed my short time there and i cant wait to go back!
