Exploring out by Dain’s World

This followed by trail cameras ended the trip early..

Bobby on Carnivore 

Anthony sending R God

Richard with foot first exit on Direct

Years End

Been recently spending more time at Puzzle Box Roof with Richard, Bobby, and Anthony. I have personally never been of fan of this roof. For starters, the foot traffic it receives drives me nuts, and secondly it’s just a bunch of link up lines that are mediocre. (I’m sure I’ll piss some people off with that hot take) 

With my tendons still hating me, R God looked appealing. Weird movement on good holds. Had trouble placing the toe cam, a stiffer shoe being the “solution.”

After the send, I’m realizing that this roof should be taking with a grain of salt. It more or less helps people discover knee bars, awkward toe cams, body tension. There is a little bit of everything so I see the appeal…Still not something that is on my priority list. Too cold to pull on this shit right now anyway. Maybe I’m just crusty.

I have been reinvigorated with the carnivore direct spark. Been finishing up sessions at anorexic with the fellas. The crux move on direct for me is the throw to the banana (rodeo move). Getting the heel placed right, locked in sideways isn’t very fun when your full spread eagle. I have hopes of it going soon. Maybe not this season, but soon. 

What I’m thankful for most this season is just the sheer amount of time I’ve been able to spend outside with my hectic schedule. I’ll continue the search for my own stone when time permits, I think that’s what I’ll strive for most this upcoming season. My goal is not to be the strongest climber, not to be grade chaser. Just out to discover and try what most won’t (At least what the phoenix climbing crowd won’t lol)

Good Times

 

📸  taken by Mr. Fu

 

Numbing out

Snow has officially settled in. As we enter the cooler months, fingers get numb, pads get pulled, and projects are put on hold. Harvesting pads from the project was a bitter sweet moment. Could have realistically just left them there but with my short supply of only 10, they are needed elsewhere. Hitting some moderates for the winter is what I require in order to heal my tendon.

 Much hasn’t been sent within the past month. Just sampling a bunch of stuff to see what draws me in. Trying to spend as much time outside, as gym climbing just doesn’t do it for me.

  Got done with my daily task early mid week and ended up meeting the homie at the local dump that is South Mountain for a grand ol time. We ventured over to Mini Slash Face. A 7c board style problem with a punchy first move, followed by lackluster v4 movement. Starting crossed on a left hand credit card crimp and firing out right hand to a decent in-cut finger bucket is pretty much where the grade comes from. One of those “party trick” climbs. Linked every move in a session but don’t feel the need to return to it anytime soon. All and all, a good time just hanging out and being in the canyon.

 

Josh trying Mini Slash Face

Other than that did some exploring around Tom’s Thumb boulder field out in the Mcdowells, coming up empty handed. The weather and hike were nice though.  Also went out to the Watchtower with Bobby and Richard. Ballista is refreshing. Haven’t been back to this roof in over a year. Calling it stellar would be an understatement. Made it all the way out to the headwall first go. I’m pretty harsh when it comes to rating problems but this is up there as one of the best I’ve done so far. I’m sure it will go next sesh (if it isn’t too cold…)  Feels good to pull on something new that fits my box so well.

Hiking out the canyon looking for goodies 

If the height doesn’t get ya, the choss will

A whole lotta choss

A promising side quest :)