My nose is raw from running, my scalp hurts from wearing a beanie every waking moment, and my skin is dryer than the state of Utah on the Sabbath. Oh, but aren’t the stars worth it? I dunno, probably. I’d have to get out of the van at night to tell you that. As soon as the sun dips behind the bluffs of Manti-La Sal National Forest, the temperature begins to plunge, down to a biting 18 degrees at its coldest. When we got here, the highs were in the low 50’s, but by now we’re rejoicing when the day hits that whopping 38. We’re the spoiled ones, too, sheltered in our well-insulated van, a propane heater bringing it closer to 65. A few of our friends are in their cars, and a couple crazy kids from Maine sleep outside in hammocks or on top of their crash pads. No thanks. When did our dream of chasing 70 degree weather cower into a shrunken hope for above freezing temps?
Obviously there has to be something that’s keeping us here for ten days, and that’s the amazing bouldering that Joe’s Valley has to offer. It is known as a world-class bouldering destination, drawing climbers from all around the globe to its super fun and frictiony sandstone routes. The climbs are unique, the difficultly ranging from beginner to advanced, throwing a little bit of everything at you and making it a great place to meet friends. When it comes to bouldering, the more the merrier, and the more the safer. Each person has their own style, and sharing beta (info on the moves) may open your eyes to a new way to approach the problem. Each person that adds a crash pad to the pile creates a safer landing zone should the climber fall. And when you feel safe, you try hard. So hard, in fact, that Adam has split open four of his fingertips from wearing his skin thin and continuing to climb everything. What a beast. He impressed even himself on the last day, climbing two V7’s back to back, a grade he hasn’t hit for at least 7 years or so. As for me, a declared scaredy cat of boulders, I took a couple really great long falls that did more for me mentally than I can describe (I didn’t break or die!), and I sent a very unique V3 problem that was not a style I would normally gravitate toward.
As with most places, however, the people make the experience, and we had a great crew. The motivation that others offer is what keeps you trying even when your skin hurts, you can’t feel your toes anymore, and pulling the same moves over and over exhausts and frustrates you. We met different people every day while wandering from boulder to boulder, but the squad that stuck together was Bela, Nate, and Ross from Washington. We endured the cold together, played hacky sack, drank lots of coffee, and crushed boulders.
One of my favorite observations about this place and time has been the development of June. She has been off leash for over a week now, and has come into her own. Climbers are standard issued dogs, it seems, and both Ross and Bela had furry friends. June, Pepper, and Roxy got along well, though after a few days, it became very apparent that June is the elder of the group, unable to play for so long, frequently laying down for naps in the sun. She has free reign and loves to explore each new area we go to. She used to get overly excited and not listen when we called her, but now she sticks close, comes when called, and generally chills, even when one of the many other dogs come by. I think she’s really beginning to understand this whole daily adventure thing. Each afternoon when we arrive back at the van, she eats as much food as we’ll give her, and then passes out in her nook for the night.
We leave Joe’s Valley happy, raw, and ready for some warmer weather. We’ve tentatively mapped out our itinerary for the rest of the trip, so it’s time to move on!