So. Ill. Boulders.... anybody got any comments?
There is a bouldering photo from Jackson Falls on my profile pic. I don't know the name or grade, but it is on the back of the rock that has the routes "Stinger" and "Venom". It was a pretty cool problem, but it didn't top out.
"Those iron spikes you use have shortened the life expectancy of the Totem Pole by 50,000 years."
--A Navaho elder
--A Navaho elder
Things are warming up in SoIll weather-wise, and a lot of the stuff is fairly friction dependent. Without a local to hook up with, you're going to have a hard time finding many of the boulders - but Ulner's new guide might help with that (I haven't seen it yet*) The Holy Boulders are a really, really access sensitive area with many unposted closures. They are very near the land owner's house and they owners use the property for hunting, so you really need to find out what the status is for any given day before you go there. I ususally call SoIll holds (618-867-3446) - they'll let you know what's going on (and if you're lucky you may be able to hook up with some of the crew for the deep, deep, insider's tour). The other big 'rule' about Holies access is that if the little parking area is anything like full, then the area is too crowded - go somewhere else that day!
All in all, you can skip the Holies and still have a great time at Jackson and Drapers. There are more than enough problems and routes for a good week's visit whatever your level of climbing. The only thing I'd disagree about is that I don't think that there's all that much that stays dry if it's really, really raining.
Have a great time - and be glad that the ticks aren't out yet (I hope!)
(*after hearing that he was working on it for so long, and talking with him about how it was going, I'm not sure I really believe that it exists...)
All in all, you can skip the Holies and still have a great time at Jackson and Drapers. There are more than enough problems and routes for a good week's visit whatever your level of climbing. The only thing I'd disagree about is that I don't think that there's all that much that stays dry if it's really, really raining.
Have a great time - and be glad that the ticks aren't out yet (I hope!)
(*after hearing that he was working on it for so long, and talking with him about how it was going, I'm not sure I really believe that it exists...)
Bacon is meat candy.
the holy boulders are are for everyone, like i said you can camp there. and there are actually two lots to park in, ive never seen both even remotely full. And the land owner doesnt have a huge problem with people bouldering. His house is somewhat close to a small portion of the boulders, but on a different road and getting from his house directly to the boulders. (which arent close together,some are actually in shawnee proper) would prove difficult. Some are miles from his house. As far as jackson...Rainy Day Wall and most climbs near it do in fact stay dry in downpours. Theres even bouldering over there wchich stays dry in downpours, a cool slab, and a 45wall type problem. Theres also giant city which stays bone dry in downpours...with problems up to V8 (gill prob)
Im sending you a PM now with directions to the holy b's
Im sending you a PM now with directions to the holy b's
Chiefin C is in the House!