New Problem in Socorro

I was lucky enough to meet up with Bob again on a day trip down to Box Canyon.  A cold cloudy day soon turned into a warm and sunny one.  Bob soon showed me to some quality problems which I had overlooked for the last two years, despite being 200 yards from the Unbeatable boulder.  One alcove over he showed me a project of his since the '80s, on which I was lucky enough to nab the first ascent.  After checking my pulse to see how well rested I was before the ascent, the group decided it should be called "Resting Heart Rate".

Bob B. on the bullet stone of "Cactus C--t"

Hueco Tanksgiving

A long overdue photo dump from our Hueco Tanksgiving weekend.  It was fantastic meeting up with old friends, making new ones, and watching projects being sent.  Despite a lack of notable ascents on the trip, it was very motivating to see the progress I've made since I last tried Choir Boys, Diaphanous Sea, and Power of Silence in January 2012.  Though I am physically weaker, my gains in technique have brought me to the cusp of climbing all three classics.  I see big things happening in 2015!

The almost send of Power of Silence

Exactly the face you want your spotter to have.
Matt M. working Sarah

Project Sent! (sorry I missed your name)

Chelsea M. on Sign of the Choss

Kyle H. starting Diaphanous Sea

The picturesque Memento

Posos Weekend

Spent a beautiful fall weekend with the wife at Posos.  This place continues to amaze.  More than anywhere else at the moment, I am inspired by the multiple highball projects.  Anyone have some spare time and pads?

Trying to repeat a hard-ish problem

Topping out this amazing wall for my first time.

Megan working through hail on a v4

Re-enacting my FA on the pure quartz of Pulling Teeth

Gorgeous Highball Arete Project Climb

Rememberance

As every new piece of gear and gym waiver will tell you, climbing is a dangerous sport.  On Sunday I joined the ranks of many climbers who have lost a friend to our common endeavor.  Veteran climber and all-around good person, Ross Halverson, died Sunday in a climbing accident.  As an instructor, I can only assume that Ross would like others to learn from his accident, so I would like to share a few thoughts here.

That my experience is far from unique is a sharp reminder of the dangers we face.  First, I ask that all climbers be aware of their limits and accept the risks as we push them.  Second, I ask that all climbers understand that many dangers faced in climbing can be unpredictable.  Though details of Ross's accident are yet unknown, his experience suggests to me that the unforeseen struck.  Even on the most routine climbs, holds can break, feet can slip, and the unexpected can arise.  Above all, we must always remember not to take climbing for granted.  Be safe out there, and go climb a rock for Ross.

Ross in Index, Wa 2012.  Photo By Alex Fritz

While I did not know him well, Ross was one of the most genuine and supportive climber's I have ever had the fortune to share a pad with.  Though much too early, I take solace in knowing Ross left us pursuing his passion.  His memory will undoubtedly live on in the many of us lucky enough to have had him as a friend and mentor.

Las Conchas

Jensen and Trevor on a fun slab

Another La Madera Weekend

We took a day off La Madera and flew over to Rocklands for the afternoon

Ayo!

Jensen spotting Scott for the obligatory TGTBA Photo

La Madera

I've been told rumors of La Madera's quality for some time, and finally got to experience it for myself last weekend.  Simply put, I'm stunned.

Masumi on a slab/arete project

Eric Bissell on the same project

Paolo on the aptly named Too Good to be American