This time, there was no disaster. This time all clicked. I think it was because of the full moon, but I haven’t even seen the moon lately and I’m not sure if its even full (get that).
Things really have been clicking for Dave Graham as he indicates in a recent blog entry for Five Ten. Since returning to Colorado from a successful stint in Hueco Tanks, Graham has amassed an impressive ticklist of hard repeats and first ascents.
On the new problem front, Graham has done the FA of five V11’s, one V12, five V13’s and one V14 in the past month or so according to his 8a scorecard. The new problems are scattered among a few areas near Estes Park including RMNP, Wild Basin and Elkland. Highlights include the following:
Dave Graham on his new problem The Grey (V14) at Wild Basin by Cameron Maier
One of the best climbs I have done in the untied states. Pure, aesthetic, tall, and in a majestic valley. The line heads out a steep swell of compact stone, starting on crimps, then leading into technical toe hooks and compression moves, utilizing a faint rail. It ends with a very slopey lip encounter, and a sketchy mantel. Big thanks to Chad Greedy for discovering this beast, this boulder is legendary! - Dave Graham on his 8a scorecard
Dave Graham on his new problem Dead Meadow (V13) at Wild Basin by Cameron Maier
this rig starts matched on an amazing crescent crimp feature, then compress's up an arete and face until a sick jump move brings you to the exit. Got lucky on the send, the amazing conditions hooked it up. - Dave Graham on his 8a scorecard
Dave Graham on his new problem Tetris (V13) at Wild Basin by Cameron Maier
Compression climbing out this sick pillar of crazy stone. Resistant, and technical, fun for the whole family, and a little spicy at the finish. Not sure on the grade, I top out moving left, and there may be some variations which finish directly or out right. Climbed it in the heat, an amazing battle! - Dave Graham on his 8a scorecard
Not content, Graham also found time to make the third ascent of Paint It Black, a “phenomenal roof” V15 that was recently put up by Daniel Woods in RMNP. Graham had this to say about the send in the aforementioned blog post for Five Ten:
Now, all I can say about that is: Pure Satisfaction. Like the pepsi add or whatever. But truly, I was content. Wrapping up that problem is a great way to prepare for a trip, and its a rarity for me these days to leave without hundreds of undone rigs looming in my mind. I have 6 more days till I fly to OZ, which will be one of the SICKEST trips I have ever been on, and all I can do at the moment is look forward. For a climber with a lot of projects, its always very hard to do, but somehow, this time around, its my genuine sensation, and I think it will only make me stronger for my journeys ahead.
Graham also sat down for a live version of the ClimbTalk radio show where he sounded off with his opinion on recent developments, Red Bull sponsorship of heli-bouldering, chipping double-standards in Colorado and much more. His part starts around the 1:45 mark.
I really enjoy reading Dave’s blog posts. I wish more people would give them a read.
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Dave “The Indefatigable” Graham. Who else has done as much cutting edge development? I just hope one day I’m actually good enough to give one of the easier DG problems an honest shot.
*puts down cookie*
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Having hiked there extensively, I am glad Wild Basin is getting some love. It always looked as if there was lots of possibility there, but way beyond my ability. Tommy Caldwell has done up to v11 near box lake, maybe more I don’t know about. There is alot of rock up there; unfortunately most of it is a steep 6-10 miles from the trail head.
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