Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Jumble Gym - Benchlands

The weather didn't look great, the chance of rain was near 50% depending on the forecast...sounded prime for heading into the Benchlands.

Odenbeck and I headed in to further explore this immense area. Even after 5 or so years, I am still getting a handle on this labyrinth. The sheer size of the area in combination with the extreme amount of jumbling makes navigating and exploring a difficult task.  I'm not discouraged, but rather inspired to further grasp this zone...every trip clarifies the area a bit more...

Rail to aframe potential...along with a wicked hard looking overhang on the other side

Thin face

fingers

After a bit of exploring we headed to the upper central area to show Patrick a couple problems and a project I cleaned up awhile back...

Project

working/getting worked

getting closer
Odenbeck came extremely close to sending. Even after a split tip he put in a great effort. Psyched to go back and keep working this.

strange features


highball...and featured

Overall a good day exploring and working a great project...I get a feeling we'll be out in the Benchlands quite a bit this season....

Cheers
Tom


Friday, October 19, 2012

3rd Annual Butte Bouldering Bash - Recap

Well I must say that the 3rd Annual Butte Bouldering Bash was a success!

A new area with a new guide, lots of new and familiar faces, more competitors than ever before, new models  of great shoes to demo, plenty of dogs, a great BBQ, and a huge pile goodness to raffle off; all in the name of fundraising for a great cause, the Southwest Montana Climbers Coalition

Photos from Jeremy Champion & Patrick Odenbeck

Greeting and Meeting

Headed into the Trailers
La Sportiva booth

Padded Posse


The day started off a bit overcast, but the weather held, and sending temps ensued.  It was great to wander about and see so many folks on so many different problems. Many problems were repeated that previously had very few, and sometimes only once ascent. Lots of strong folks eagerly testing there tips against a new set of stones.
Bloodfeather

Beer Goggles Project

Rec Specs

Wide Crack

Prowler

Mid-day came soon enough and the first BBQ was in full action. We wrangled people back up to the parking area for a quick break and some food. Soon enough though they were headed back for more.

Airstream

Blood Feather
The afternoon continued with more problems being explored, climbed, and climbed again. A few even strayed from the comp problems to check out some of the other offerings the trailer boulders has to offer.

Dagmar's Traverse

The day wound down, and folks headed back upto the lot.  There they found the 2nd BBQ in full force, kegs tapped, and a smorgasbord of prizes to ogle.


BBQ!

Tech Organic Digicamo!

The Phoenix 

The competition was tight this year, though friendly as always! Cool to see the win came down to a flash!

Men's 18&up winner: Dominic Speranza 

Women's 18&up winner: Gabrielle Anonioli
More winners coverage in the next post, sufficed to say, alot of strong folks out having a good time for a good cause!

and into the raffle action!






Thanks again for everyone coming out and supporting a great cause! Hope to see you next year, and hopefully sooner out among the stones....

Huge thanks to:






























Thursday, October 18, 2012

Autumn Gulching

A couple of Ladd's latest outings--including his first complete Off-Width send, "First Gulch"...

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Fall in the Trailers

Headed out with Odenbeck to the Trailers for a nice Sunday session and to triple check some final details for the Bash and the upcoming new guide.  Good temps and a great session!

The Bash is this weekend, details here, hope to see ya there!

Lime and Punishment
Last Shadow

Cobble Problem

Lyme Disease

Fresco


Midnight Pivot


Dagmar's Hot Pants

Son of Tricky Dicky


The Hitchhiker


Cheers!