Bouldering the Backwaters- Montana Bouldering: Lunar Phases

Monday, April 22, 2013

Lunar Phases

Lunar Phases - Upper Isos

Saturday, we took Cole on his first tour of the Isos and I do not think he was disappointed. Tom somehow seems to have a pretty good mental picture of where all of the sub-zones are in the Isos. I however still am working on getting my bearings here and am constantly feeling lost while even on the smallest tour- the place is a maze. Even with all of the days we have spent in here surprises keep popping up. We actually discovered a small block literally 50 yds from one of the main parking areas. After some scrubbing we were able to put four new problems on it - all with interesting moves. This little block is a great addition to the area especially for a warm up or late night session.

High Heel Boys - Low Spark Boulder - Lower Isos

Saturday's weather was variable with wind, grapple and snow flurries blowing through throughout the day. Because of the weather we found ourselves walking around more than normal. We made a walking tour through most of the main zones with Cole showing him the vastness that is the Isos. Cole onsighted the classic invert (Tom you are gonna have to help me out with the name of this one). Tom also sent it in one go - and very smoothly I might add.

Ahh the maze of the Batholith

We ambled our way North and found ourselves at the Upper Isos, the undisputed crown jewels of the of the area. On the more eastern block of the two there is an overhanging scoop/crescent feature. I had looked at this feature in the past and quickly decided it was way too hard and way too scary. After some work I figuring out how to do some of the opening moves which include a huge gaston. I then found myself getting above the scoop feature. After that it seemed possible. From a small left crimp I fell going for the final deadpoint. Not really where I wanted to fall- especially only with three pads (thanks Tom and Cole for the stellar spots). On the next go I was somehow able to stick the final heady deadpoint and top it out. I was so psyched to dispatch of such an aesthetic and tall line. I might add that after the send you get on this boulder you get two for the price of one with a 20+ foot 5.10 slab down climb- yeehaw. I certainly consider Lunar Phases one of the best problems I have done so far in the Batholith - it is simply awesome. We then switched our efforts to Tom's Project on the west block and got completely shut down. It will be a day of reckoning when that thing falls...