Dry Winter

Winter, or not? 

Where has winter gone, why is it so dry? Secretly, we all want the normal snowfall in the beautiful buttermilks that allow for amazing backdrops and perfect climbing temperatures. However, for many, this unfortunately dry winter has been quite the blessing in disguise. 

Californians and residents in neighboring states continue to pile into their cars to enjoy the amazing climbing Bishop has to offer. As the years pass by, it's obviously apparent the sport is progressing. All climbers alike continue to pour into Bishop, CA week after week in hopes of sending projects and creating new memories. 

Bishop, CA: January 2013 in the Buttermilks

Mind Over Matter

Beautiful highball boulders line the landscape in the Buttermilks. For most, looking up at the boulders imagining topping them out is bewildering at best. Mental peace when climbing highballs is only attained by a low confident percentage of climbers.  Highball climbing has proven to be a tangible, yet spiritual experience for all climbers. Aside from crash pads and spotters, highball bouldering requires you to trust your instincts, abilities, and most importantly, yourself. Keeping calm while moving through the crux moves is one of the most raw mental challenges for all climbers. Finding the "off" switch in your mind is a must.

Sophia Lampi keeping calm on the crux of Jedi Mind Tricks, v4

Sophia Lampi topping out Jedi Mind Tricks, v4

Weekend Warriors Climbing To Live 

Unfortunately, in most modern day communities, if you don't own a house with pets and a family, you have not succeeded nor can you possibly be happy. What? Most climbers wish to live out of their van year round climbing whenever and wherever they wish. Making the daunting drive every weekend to your favorite crag is the brutal reality for most climbers. But who's to say its brutal? It's living to climb and climbing to live. Pure "brutal" happiness. Day dreaming about the next climbing trip is what gets us through each shift. Without climbing, what would we look forward to? It certainly isn't sleeping in to get rest for the upcoming work week. Waking up as early as possible and driving 10-14 hours every weekend has proven to be gratifying. At the very least, it's living. It's what we should all be doing as young adults, enjoying life and taking risks.

Weekend Warrior Charles Padilla flashing He Got Game, v12

Weekend Warrior Jacob Padilla working to put away Swanky Sit, v9

Masochism

-A willingness or tendency to subject oneself to unpleasant or trying experiences.

Each new year brings fresh goals, new opportunities, pain, and great adventures. Some strive to climb their first v2 while others try to tick off their super v-project. Whether its single or double digit climbing, we are all after the same goal. But why? Why do we throw ourselves at these rocks? Why do we constantly put our health and safety at risk? 

Personal and spiritual progression in the sport we've grown to love and care for so much. Witnessing yourself and others progress as climbers is a unique and gratifying experience. Watching hard work pay off is truly motivating and inspirational. 

Tabitha Enanoria atop her first v5, Fly Boy Arete'.

Joe Nguyen going after his first v7, Acid Wash Stand Start

Photos:

_jklpadilla - Instagram

Bishop, CA

January 2014