Looking to try a new line, after some raving opinions, I went out yesterday to the hinterlands with Thomas and Matt. They had both put a session in on the problem earlier this week, and Thomas had pointedly come out the day before and put it down, dubbing it The Banquet. I managed to put it together second try from the bottom, after I was foiled on my first go by a heart breaking, and literal hold breaking (read the smallest little tooth on the last foot, this is in no way chossy, seriously), punt on the last move. Needless to say, it’s amazing. Potentially one of the best in that region, or Northern Arizona all together. Who knows, but its definitely good. I took some pictures, but had neglected to bring my real camera as the hike was long, and I’m a child. The video is a bit blown out, but ya know, shadows, man.
The Video:
The problem is basically a tensiony haul on good hold (read jugs), to a committing crimper head wall. All in all it’s about 20 moves, on bullet lime stone, and comes in around V9-ish. Matt put the problem down with ease his first go, and I came in with the third ascent a little later.
Some pictures.
Matt making the cruxy cross on The Banquet.
Matt grabbing the small crimp in the midst of the crux.
Eyeing up the glory jug.
Thomas dialing in the lower moves on the arete. It’s also superb, and hard. Have to go back to finish this.
Looking for more things.
Why not?
Matt pulling out some finese on a hard finishing slab towards the end of the day. This will need some more efforts to put together.
Sunset as we walked across the river.
And here are a few photos from a couple of weekends ago, when I brought out my actual camera…
Thomas and Spencer.
Thomas working Wet Dream.
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