Just Ropes

YO! New apartment finally has some internet so I'm back in action! With unseasonably cool weather round here I've climbed a bunch, and had a blast. If you're not already, get out there!
Today I wanted to tell ya'll about the homies at www.justropes.com and there new site, www.justbackpackonline.com These guys are awesome, and their sites, justropes in particular, are amongst the most comprehensive I've seen. Seriously, they have any rope in any size, color, etc. you could want, single, twin, and half; also, the search options make it simple to find a specific type of product from a range of brands.
So when you start shopping for a new rope or pack check these guys first, great selection, good sales, and since you were so kind as to read about them here, here is a code for a 15% off discount on any purchase you make: XAN2011 Just punch it in when you check out and save a little dough!

So from all your friends here at Verticali, stay crackin' and keep the mind state Golden, peace!

Bishop Pictures

 There has been a rash of inactivity on this here blog and I aims to rectify that ish. The good thing is I have been out climbing in glorious locations a lot, and I have lots of new material with which to inundate thee. Here are a few pictures from day 1 of a trip to the fabulous boulders of Bishop, California (of course); as usual credit for many of the pictures goes to Chris Ramirez, see more of his fine work at flickr.com/ventures23. A more complete trip report is soon to follow but I figured I ought to whet the appetite of my avid fanbase (thanks mom and dad!).





This is Chris O. warming up on the Green Wall, a rad looking boulder with deceptively small holds.

Chris R. works on Flyboy, a burly V6 from which there is no escape. . .

Here I am on the Prow.

Sunset on the Sierra, sigh. . .

This is our campsite and one epic shot by Chris, enlarge it for full glory.














Rise and shine boys, the mountains are calling. . . Ah yes, but we're bouldering, the sport which makes mountains out of pebbles.














And here is the campsite in it's full morning glory. cozy, eh?

Get Stoney

We are having absurdly nice weather again in LA and a Stoney sesh was in order.
















Here is Nick starting Rodeo Style (v3)

Chris shows you how to use your heel topping out the same problem

Now for the business. This is a sequence of Chris on Frequent Flyer (v6?) up in the summit area. These problems are near Umma Gumma (v6/7), a Bachar first ascent and another Stoney classic. The summit area is probably the least developed at Stoney, with a decent amount of new lines. If you feel like exploring or just doing something other than the Boulder 1 to Turlock shuffle check it out up top, you'll probably be alone and the views on a clear day are delightful.

This slopey crimp is pretty terrible looking. Chris is strong.

Putting it all out there while throwing for the sweet sigh o' relief hold











Heading up to the Bay Area this weekend for a bit of a different look. Hopefully we'll make it out to Castle Rock and sample some of that Northern sandstone. Thanks for stopping by and remember, keep the mind state Golden. Peace!

A Day With the Jack and the Rainy Queen

Its raining in LA today, but Chris and I are working on a semi-secret project (more on this in the hopefully near future) and we figured today would be a good day to get some photos:

burn baby burn. a car fire on Topanga across from Stoney 9AM

Chris feels things out while Jack keeps watch

Working out the moves on one of many Crankie Queenie variations

 This is Chris working out another start to the graffiti-ridden Queenie, a cluster of problems that with slightly different conditions would be far more classic. An unfortunate thing about urban bouldering is areas being robbed of many classics.

           

 

It was my first day back at Stoney since I fell and it felt nice being out there, rain and all. Thinking over possible sequences on Crankie Queenie with Chris reminded me of what I love about climbing.

On Stoney and rain:
Like any sandstone/conglomerate type stone, the rock at Stoney is highly vulnerable to rain and as such should be avoided for at least 3-4 days after a good soaking. This is the disclaimer but as a mad climbing addict I know that asking this is nigh impossible. While I wholeheartedly sympathize with those that simply cannot wait to get back on the rock it is frustrating watching classic problems rapidly erode. The wet season thus far has been particularly brutal on Stoney, with classic problems like Crowd Pleaser v2 losing key holds, and it is irritating because it can be easily avoided. Stoney offers many options for rainy-day climbing so you can avoid the gym and the destruction of classic problems. Tuna is the obvious choice, but the backside of jamrock stays dry too and for those willing to explore many other options exist. So help Stoney stay strong and keep off the plastic this winter!