Day 3 of the IMF is noted in my notes as being the "BEST DAY EVER." Since I have not looked at these notes, or this blog, in a couple weeks I had to peruse my notes to understand why Day 3 was so great. And now the memories are rushing back.
Day 3 opened with a lead climbing clinic with Johnathan "J-Star" Seigriest. J-Star is an internationally renowned climber with many 5.14 sends to his name. He also recently established a handful of 5.14 climbs in Idaho: http://www.climbing.com/photo/roadtripping-the-northwest/ J-Star fits the mold of the elite climber: he is small, lean, and excited about life. I didn't learn much from the clinic as it was geared towards sport climbing newbies, but it was still fun to hear what he had to say.
In the afternoon we wrangled up a group of about 10 climbers and drove to the City of Rocks, and the Morning Glory Spire. As the name would imply this formation is a tall, proud point of rock boasting large craggy features. I led a cool, beta intensive climb called Fall Line, but opted for a 10a variations. The sequences are cryptic but the climb never leaves you without holds. I definitely want to return to send the 10c variation. After that was an interesting 5.9 climb called Scream Cheese that began as pockets and transitioned into low angle friction climbing.
The real highlight of Day 3 was the party and the swag giveaway. Travis and I played tug of war, which ended with me being dragged through the grass after 45 seconds of frantic pulling. The MC compared it to a Cummins diesel dragging a Prius around... I won some swag, a Reverso, and that made me pretty happy since I needed to buy one in the near future anyhow.
Day 3 opened with a lead climbing clinic with Johnathan "J-Star" Seigriest. J-Star is an internationally renowned climber with many 5.14 sends to his name. He also recently established a handful of 5.14 climbs in Idaho: http://www.climbing.com/photo/roadtripping-the-northwest/ J-Star fits the mold of the elite climber: he is small, lean, and excited about life. I didn't learn much from the clinic as it was geared towards sport climbing newbies, but it was still fun to hear what he had to say.
In the afternoon we wrangled up a group of about 10 climbers and drove to the City of Rocks, and the Morning Glory Spire. As the name would imply this formation is a tall, proud point of rock boasting large craggy features. I led a cool, beta intensive climb called Fall Line, but opted for a 10a variations. The sequences are cryptic but the climb never leaves you without holds. I definitely want to return to send the 10c variation. After that was an interesting 5.9 climb called Scream Cheese that began as pockets and transitioned into low angle friction climbing.
The real highlight of Day 3 was the party and the swag giveaway. Travis and I played tug of war, which ended with me being dragged through the grass after 45 seconds of frantic pulling. The MC compared it to a Cummins diesel dragging a Prius around... I won some swag, a Reverso, and that made me pretty happy since I needed to buy one in the near future anyhow.
On Day 4 we packed up, then our 10-man group ventured back to the City and to an area called Site 18. Everyone got in some lead climbing practice, and our cameraman Jason got some great shots!
The climbing wasn't especially noteworthy, but the after-climb pizza at Rock City was! I think it is requisite for all famous climbing areas to have a pizza and beer shop nearby. Honestly, I would put up Rock City against Pies and Pints in Fayetteville anyday!
The climbing wasn't especially noteworthy, but the after-climb pizza at Rock City was! I think it is requisite for all famous climbing areas to have a pizza and beer shop nearby. Honestly, I would put up Rock City against Pies and Pints in Fayetteville anyday!
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