I haven’t been going this hard in a long time. June was gone before I blinked.

Thankfully, between moving house, playing a lot of cello, and two amazing weddings, I actually got in a lot of great climbing.

Up and away.

The first weekend of June I knew that Blodgett Canyon was dry, and I’ve been eager to get after the big granite crack there since I first moved here. Mel, Simon, and I racked up and had a beautiful day on the Drip Buttress (5p, 5.9+) route. It was a perfect start to crack climbing season, as well as a beautiful day out. Tech notes: do it in 3 pitches instead of 5, and there is a really well set rappel before you cross the death slabs into the descent gully- taking it makes the descent much nicer. Look for the red slings on the second rap station. 2 ropes required.

Changeover with two incredible partners.

Winning.

The next weekend was Simon’s birthday, and the only thing he wanted was Lost Horse… well and BBQ ribs. We did both in good style despite a little rain.

Jack gets the high step.

The first time Simon and I climbed together was in Lost Horse, and we discovered that the bouldering is actually just as good as the route climbing. We rallied a crew and some pads, and made a party of it.

Evan, jamming.

Simon might be one of the most joyful people I know, and being around him always picks me up.

We never did stick this one… but Simon sure looks good, damn!

The third weekend I headed to Moab for the wedding of two dear friends from Alaska. They rented a house in the foothills of the La Sal mountains and filled it with hilarious, wonderful people. While I was honestly most excited to see Drew & Lindzey get hitched, I wasn’t about to drive 800 miles into Red Rock country without a rope and a rack.

Nate puts it up like a BOSS.

Shoving your digits into a sharp sandstone crack a few hours before playing cello for a wedding might not actually be the best idea, but I’m really glad I got to meet Nate and send a few cool pitches on Wall Street before the festivities.

Sand stone stoke.

I also got out for a good bit of mountain running in the La Sals. I was here 3 years ago and promised I would come back to explore. I wasn’t disappointed.

Aspen.

After a healthy party, I headed back to Missoula, jumped into work, and jumped into another wedding for two other wonderful people. Steph and Noah invited everyone to Glacier for their big deal, and I was more than happy to bring a cello again. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate, but we had a grand time anyways. Again on wedding morning I snuck out for a run up Oussle Peak, but instead of beautiful vistas, I quickly found myself in the clouds.

My favorite running conditions.

After more responsible festivities than the previous weekend, I made it home for a few pitches in Lolo with Tess, Michael, Sarah, and my new roommate Cristine.

It’s official, we’re a climber house now. Cristine pulls on the “old school” 5.10…

If you’re climbing at Braxton Rock, know that there are bolts, and a few pieces of gear really go a long way…

Tess pulls the roof bulge.

Well. Dang. That’s a lot of climbing pictures. It was a good month and July already looks just as good. Email me for beta or route specific information. Climb safe.