As we settle into our home here in Idaho the climbing season has come full circle. A year ago we were just getting into the swing of our fall and winter climbing spots like Dierkes Lake, The Channel and The Caves. This year we made it a goal to immerse ourselves in Idaho’s tight knit community by attending and supporting the local competitions, festivals and clean-up days. On our list were the Pocatello Pump, The Idaho Mountain Festival, and the Dierkes Clean and Crank
Hitek signage. Pokey Pump this-a-way.
Lots and lots of pre-placed top-ropes all with a point value associated with them. The first day we were given 3 hours to complete as many as we could. The leaders of each category after day 1 advanced to the lead climbing competition the next day.
Jesse and Robyn just prior to the award ceremony in idyllic Ross Park.
Southeast Idaho Climbers Coalition getting people registered for the Access Fund.
The swag table! If your number is called you run up and grab a prize of your choice. Everyone was called at least once!
Handcrafted Pocatello Pump mugs went out to the winners of each category. They are way cool!
Jesse’s son bringing home the bling in one of the most memorable moments of the weekend!
Much unlike the organized sports of my youth, when climbing we were our own coaches, cheerleaders and medics. Aside from ordering a new pair of climbing shoes every now and again we were self-contained – the crags and boulders of the woods were our proving grounds.
Recently, as Robyn and I began to assemble our new group of core climbers I realized that despite our autonomous beginnings, we were and always have been a part of a greater whole; a thriving albeit somewhat underground community of enthusiastic climbers. Without the volunteers, trail builders, pioneers, access advocates, festivals and support of conscientious climbing companies the climbs we have enjoyed would not have been accessible to us. What a thought! Immediately we felt compelled to participate, support the festivals, the kids, and the companies that are the future of climbing.
A big thanks to even MORE volunteer efforts to bring us the Clean and Crank for the 3rd year and many more to come.
A map and legend for the 180 boulder problems to choose from during the Dierkes Clean and Crank.
Ian and Conrad stoked on the day.
Gathering before the horn blew for the start of the afternoon bouldering comp.
Trash, trash, and more trash! You wouldn’t have guessed we could haul this much outta the surroundings of Dierkes Lake in just a few hours! One of our contributions was a traffic pylon left on a ledge mid route at The Prow.
It’s always dangerous to get these two together..
Hanging at the swag giveaway after the Clean and Crank. Again, everyone walked away with cool prizes!
Conrad keeping a lookout over his pile of free chalk. I think there are 6 bags in that shirt.
This family hit the jackpot!
The Results: Lots of competitors and and lots of fun for all levels.
Morning clinics at the Idaho Mountain Festival. A chilly morning but Castle Rocks were GLOWING!
Rob Pizem teaching his entertaining anchor clinic.
A beautiful morning in the mountains of Idaho.
Morning boulder clinic with the Asana crew.
This warms your heart a bit doesn’t it? Sharing the stoke with the next generation.
Paul Robinson hucking some morning moves, although he was much more interested in what the afternoon would bring.
Pads and problems everywhere! Big thanks to the Asana crew, they were mega psyched and super nice.
Beau Stuart hucking for (and sticking) a rad move for a cool variation.
This is why you do yoga folks.
It was cold and a bit crumbly but man it was pretty fun too.
Paul Robinson working War Path (v14). He would later claim the fourth ascent. This is the hardest problem in Idaho.
Beau in the middle of something stanky. Or something about Africa.. Or.. Well it was sick that’s all.
This year has set the bar and we plan to continue to make an effort to participate in these events every year. Through it all we have been inspired to volunteer more, we have been filled with pride after clean-up days and we have broken through to a new level of psych in a whole new climbing arena: bouldering.
Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers, spotters, belayers, and new friends we made along the way. Because of you we now have our own little project to attend to. This afternoon all the replacement gear for The Caves was ordered, an initiative that Robyn and I started along with Tom Smartt back in August. By November this climbing area will be completely overhauled sporting a new trail, landings, belay stances and gear. We couldn’t be more excited for the next few weekends as we make this dream a reality and we couldn’t have done it without the motivation and backing we received from this great community of climbers.
Impressed as always! Love that you guys live here and I love reading all about your adventures. Keep it up!
Thanks, Kelly! We definitely love living here and writing about it, too!