Round 2

Ok ok ok ......Here we go with another exciting round of hooks, jabs, and upper cuts.  Folks were bobbing and weaving left and right.  I hope these folks had their footwork skills honed and ready for use as the Stone Fort boulderfield is known for clean smooth faces with few features.  While it was great day to be outside, it wasn't so great for climbing.  Morning temps were 55 and climbed up to 80 that afternoon.  I got sunburnt and broke a sweat.

Preregistration was the night before at Urban Rocks' Boulderave.

Boulderave pics by Brandon Campbell.

However hot, this was by far one of the most unique comp events I have ever experienced.  Here's the story.....For the past 30 years climbers have been sneaking in to this boulderfield from the top as they tried to remain unseen from the clubhouse and golfers.  Access was strictly off limits and remained so until the work of Chad Wykle and Jim Horton turned things around in 2004, when the first Triple Crown comp was held here.  Since that time the SCC has managed a relationship with the folks at Montlake to secure access and keep everyone happy.  What was once off limits had now been opened to the public with a limited number of users per day.  SCORE!!!  And now here we are, almost 8 years later celebrating our sport on the 18th fairway.  I was reminded of this story when a developing climber of the area showed up not to climb, but to play on stage with Slim Pickens.  To think that a decade ago he was sneaking in here to go bouldering and on this visit he was driving his car down the cart path to play a show on the 18th fiarway is pretty cool.

The golf course totally closed down for this event this year and we were able to set up vendor alley in the middle of the fairway.  Also.....golf course boulders were open for climbing!!!  Very cool.  Competitors were encouraged to climb on and establish new problems anywhere they could. No boulders were off limits for the first time EVER!  Many proud lines went up and some were left undone.

The time for awards was marked by a busy vendor alley and a setting sun.  Congrats to all the competitors who fought hard despite the warm temps.  My favorite part of the whole day was experienced during the showing of A Fine Line.  Here we were, all 400 of us sitting quietly under the clear sky streaked with ribbon like clouds that were highlighted by the bright moon.  The faces of everyone in attention were silhouetted by the glowing screen.  The mood was that of total satisfaction....and exhaustion.  The movie was slow and engaging, which was spot on for the time.

Who booked this band?

Snake skin cowboy hats and camo shirts!

I'm heading to the Sterling Rope factory this week for a rep visit.  I am so excited to see the factory and learn as much as I can about this amazing product. 

Till next time!

Cheddar