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bob

climber

Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 28, 2008 - 10:56am PT

In late Feb early March, before the masses begin multiplying, my two buddies and I took off from Page, AZ in our boats stacked with food and clmbing gear. Not enough climbing gear as it turns out. We spent 13 days out with the plan to paddle up to the San Juan arm of the puddle and search out some Wingate. Due to the waterline we had to follow the River's natural path. Basically it took longer than expected. We drooled as we paddled. Taking notes while we went along as to what we might like to try and climb. The weather was grand for the most part. Only had a couple of days of rain, but without much wind or cold. We couldn't complain. We finally made it to the San Juan arm and just wanted to climb. Next day we hiked over a mesa-ish hill for a few miles to a crag along the main channel. So the climbing began. As we paddled back towards Page we hit up some other buttresses and such. Got shut down due to gear a couple times. Basically needed a chit-ton more wide stuff. Climbed all on Navajo Sandstone and never got to the wingate. Fishing was challenging. It was still winter and one needed to go deep or throw a plastic worm for doinking. WAY too slow for this guys style. We caught a few.
Really this was a recon trip. SO much to do and I love paddling. Its the first time I have really mixed the two.
Yeah, the "lake" is wierd. Funky feel at times, but it really did provide for a wonderful trip. The toilet ring sucks. Its a mixed bag.
I'm totally sold on the Navajo soft stuff as well. It provided with some really quality climbing. I think a climber has to look more for the lines that aren't too death defying. And there are many!
Enjoy the pics if I can manage to post them!
Bob J.

macalpin

climber

Mar 28, 2008 - 11:18am PT

Very nice. Beautiful pics!

climber

If only I could remember....

Mar 28, 2008 - 11:51am PT

Climbing and kayaking--you got the best with the best!

Thanks for a great TR, and the photos were stellar.

TKingsbury

Trad climber

Mar 28, 2008 - 11:58am PT

looks REALLY fun!

Thanks for posting up...

piquaclimber

Trad climber

Durango

Mar 28, 2008 - 12:09pm PT

You actually made me want to go to Lake Powell.

Nice TR!

onyourleft

Social climber

SmogAngeles

Mar 28, 2008 - 12:11pm PT

NICE!!!

Those pix of a snow-covered Navajo Mountain are really pretty.
Great TR. Jealousy-evoking.

bluering

Trad climber

Santa Clara, Ca.

Mar 28, 2008 - 12:14pm PT

Fishing, kayaking, and climbing. That looks fun, man.

Those routes look really cool too!

Toker Villain

Big Wall climber

Toquerville, Utah

Mar 28, 2008 - 01:30pm PT

Looks like the water level is getting back up there so the bath tub ring is covered a bit.

I surveyed 1700+ miles of "shoreline" in a canoe back at full pool, and know where all the good rock is. You should have talked to me for beta.
Good call on the San Juan Arm though, but the easier approach is from Clay Hills crossing.

bob

climber

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 28, 2008 - 01:53pm PT

Ron
A ranger told us that the pool was 100 or so ft low and would go down 5 ft or so upon the big release. Then it was expected to come up 40 to 50 ft after the melt.
That must have been a fun canoe trip you had. Seemed to us that there were many many areas of good rock and part of the fun was adventuring around and looking for ourselves.
I know putting in on the San Juan arm would be quicker,at least to explore that area, but part of the trip was to paddle a good distance.
Also, I did ask for info on a previous post and was told to look for sites that were dedicated to it. Didn't find those. I believe you mentioned the San Juan arm, or someone did. I don't recall you offering any more info so I guess I should say that you should have offered that then when I asked instead of telling me now that I should have talked to you.........................so do you know what that route is all about on west side of Padre Butte? It goes up a corner starting in tips/fingers, goes through munge via bolts then heads out an awsome fistish crack up at the top.

Glad folks are enjoying the pics
Bob J.

Toker Villain

Big Wall climber

Toquerville, Utah

Mar 28, 2008 - 02:02pm PT

Didn't catch the question, but Clay Hills is no secret, just out of the way for some.

All that Navaho is pretty, but way too soft. I don't climb on it any more since I see that as selfish and unethical.

The good rock is the Wingate, but 90% is ,... well lets just say its free-soloable with SCUBA.

Other than that its the aforementioned SJA, the Hite area, and a looooong walk into Escalante.

Erik Sloan

climber

Mar 28, 2008 - 05:11pm PT

Thanks Bob,
Great post. Please consider cross-posting it on bigwalls.net where there is a dedicated 'trip reports' section where it will always be handy and inspiring.
best
e

Gene

climber

Mar 28, 2008 - 06:28pm PT

One of the best climbing pictures I've seen in a long time!

Double D

climber

Mar 28, 2008 - 06:52pm PT

Great picts Bob and sounds like a fun trip.

Thought you might enjoy a slightly different perspective:

Mixing waters on the Colorado

Last light on Lake Powel