Boulder Hunting

I'm going to try to sneak a post with no climbing pictures by Andrew without him noticing. I spent about eight hours one day hiking around near Way Lake trying to find boulders that Google Earth told me were there. I found them, but there wasn't much worth going back for. Anyway, it pretty much turned into me taking a bunch of pictures. Enjoy.

Some kind of purple dandelion looking thing.

photo - Jeff Sillcox

Talus field with a bunch of tiny boulders. If I were ten inches tall, this place would be sick.

photo - Jeff Sillcox

Flowers shaped like a bell... not sure what they're called.

photo - Jeff Sillcox

This one's actually right by Wills' crazy hard seam problem that he still hasn't named. If he doesn't name it soon, Eric and I will come up with something stupid.

photo - Jeff Sillcox

Depth of field practice...

photo - Jeff Sillcox

Some pink flowers above Hammil Lake and more tiny boulders.

photo - Jeff Sillcox

And a couple from the Sherwin Fire a few miles from Mammoth.


photos - Jeff Sillcox

National Geographic or Climber vs Everything Inferior???

We all know that climbers cannot be hurt and can easily escape any dangerous situation with ease and style... but why? To answer this age old question, I going to start a series of blogs (or at least one) listing the strengths and weaknesses of two (or more) mortal enemies: climber vs some sort of natural beastie...

Before I get into the meat and potatoes of this pressing global issue, I must ask the reader: what should I call this series (post)? First (and last rule): you can only pick one of the two titles of this post. Although I may give consideration to very creative titles, I wanted to start a National Geographic post for a while now, and I am very partial (narcissism) to my own ideas...

Today, we have me vs Timmy the Bobcat.

Eric (Climber) on Saturday Night Live, v4 Joshua Tree

Photo by Abbie Mood

Reasons I am superior:

1. As you can see from the picture, Eric has a vertical leap of at least 3 or more inches. This extraordinary feat is exceptionally useful in any situation in which escape would only be possible by jumping over a 3 inch object.
2. Opposable thumbs... yea, yea I know...
3. Rock Climber (get used to that one).
4. Cats suck

Possible Inferiorities (or opponent's luck as I like to say)

1. I have terrible camouflage. My German and Native American heritage has prevented me from being able to hide in the desert, casinos, or in any place where the smell of sour cabbage is unusual.
2. Heavy cocaine use... by the cat.

Bobcat (we'll call him Timmy since I'm pretty sure I could take most Timmy's. Oh and he is in the catergory of Everything Inferior). Joshua Tree

Photo by Eric

Reasons the cat may stay in the fight longer

1. The cat can jump waaaaaaayyyy higher than me. Enabling him to run away from me and hide in high places
2. Good camouflage, except for that whole being out in broad daylight while I stand 30 feet away...
3. Pointy ears that may or may not be sharp, but let's be serious; would you ask the guy mugging you if his gun had bullets???
4. Claws...

Reasons the cat will always be inferior

1. uhhh... he was friggin' dozing off while I was taking pictures of him... maybe he was faking but I doubt it.
2. NOT A CLIMBER
3. I would not make a cool hat... timmy would and will... someday
4. Understands capitalism and investing in mutual funds less than I do. I hear he isn't maxing out his 401k either... we'll see in 30 years...

Verdict: I win

Climbers - 1
Everything Inferior - 0