Living in California has its perks. In-N-Out Burger, ten lane freeways and a strong nurses union being a few of them. Yosemite National Park is okay too. Since starting med school down here a few months ago, I have climbed outside a total of zero times, so my expectations for a fall climbing trip involved reconnecting with friends in a beautiful place and climbing some pebbles, rather than projecting hard boulders.
Luke, Anya and Jason flew in for a four day dash to the valley of giant walls and highballs, a place where bouldering feels somewhat ridiculous until you realize that it's perfect. Yosemite is also home to the biggest sandbags I've ever tried, which is awesome because it forces you to forget about grades and focus on the rock you're barely holding on to. We had epics on V0 just as much as on V9, saw fewer groups bouldering than you'd see in Leavenworth, drank Maker's by a roaring fire each night, wallowed in the freedom of having zero obligations for a few days.
If it weren't for the dog restrictions, I'd be in the Valley at every opportunity. The setting is unmatched in beauty and highly spiritual despite the hordes of tourists. After all, we were tourists too. But almost nobody strays beyond the paved walkways and popular hikes. I know there is a great deal of bouldering development taking place here, but it seems the potential for even more is overwhelming. The classics though are enough to keep most of us occupied for many years.
There IS a great deal of development happening there, for about the last 3-4 years or so, check it out:
ReplyDeletewww.betabase.blogspot.com
Some rad stuff to be found and many lines to be FA'ed still I think!
BetaBase is an excellent blog and I was reading it excitedly long before moving down here. Those guys are definitely putting up some beautiful lines and I only wish I had more time to find them and try them. It's probably a good thing I don't because I'd be burning tanks of gas left and right driving to Tahoe and the Valley every weekend!
ReplyDeleteColor me jealous though. I was just in the Bay officiating my friend's wedding. I need to 'introduce' you to my gang in Berkeley too (some of the guys responsible for Betabase), really good people, and super fun to climb with (whenever you get the time, even if it's only the gym!).
ReplyDeleteThat'd be great dude. Maybe if I meet more psyched locals, I will "find time" to get out here and there.
ReplyDeleteit was a great trip adam! already wished myself back there with you all several times over. hope the mini mid term went well today!
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