// First Impressions: Joe’s Valley, UT//

        Bridget Enderle working out the crux move on Worst Case Scenerio (V9).

       Since arriving late last week in this bouldering paradise nestled in the hills of central Utah I’ve seen the full gamut of conditions, ranging from bitterly cold blizzard snowstorms to scorching hot desert sun.  Adjusting to the Utah sandstone has been a great challenge, with many of the problems being defined by dynamic, gymnastic moves between long spans, often on non-downpulling holds.  Climbing at full extension has traditionally been one of my greatest weaknesses so it’s been hugely beneficial to spend some time perfecting the craft.  

       I’ve been fortunate to be able to meet up with Ian McIntosh, Bridget Enderle, and Anthony Tarascio on this leg of the trip.  Anthony and Ian are both masters of big move compression climbing so it’s been helpful to see how they navigate body positioning and movement on this type of rock.  I’ve also been impressed watching Bridget adjust her climbing to suit these problems, especially with her small stature which often leaves her searching out alternative, and often more difficult, beta.  

       With a solid four days on, I’ve slowing been refining my technique.  Problems here feel much more difficult than Hueco or Bishop.  Joe’s feels almost like an outdoor climbing gym with it’s physical, full body movement.  I can feel myself becoming more confident on these moves and have started ticking off some of the mid range problems like Resident Evil (V10), Finger Hut (V10) and Nerve Extension (V10).  I’m excited to start feeling more solid on these problems so I can begin trying something harder.  

       So far the top of the list would be Mask of God (V13), although I’m not convinced I’ll be able to make the first move, a large dead-point to a good pocket off an undercling shelf basically at neck level.  Only time will tell if this is a move I can learn or if it’s completely out of range.  I hope that in my month here I can really perfect this style before moving on to the next destination.  Either way, despite the challenging weather conditions and the new style, I’m really excited to finally make it out to this gorgeous area and I’m beside myself with the never ending hillsides of boulders featuring stellar lines.