Recently, GWPC manager Jeremy Yee headed to one of the world’s best bouldering destinations with a crew of Touchstone members and employees. Located on the East side of the Sierra, Bishop hosts an amazing collection of granite and volcanic bouldering.
Photo by Darrel Cheung
Yee’s first trip to the bouldering mecca occurred almost exactly two years ago in the fall of 2011.”Although I regret not being able to go more often, it was really fun to see some progression (albeit modest) in my personal climbing level,” said Yee. Perhaps when my daughter is a little older I’ll be able to make these trips a more regular thing, but for now I’ll just enjoy the fact that I’m able to do them at all.”
Photo by Darrel Cheung
Part of Bishop’s appeal stems from the multitude of different types of climbing there. “There’s pretty much something for every style of boulderer, from tiny & sharp crimps, to crystalline packed slopers, to pockets, jugs and super-technical slabs. Being that I don’t have a ton of outdoor experience, it’s also fun to test myself on taller & more exposed stuff (I like to think I enjoy highballs… until I’m up there).”
Another large part of the Bishop appeal is the gorgeous landscape. From the Buttermilk egg shaped boulders to the tiered climbing of the tablelands, Bishop boulering has an excellent setting and incredible weather.
Jeremy Yee tops out the classic Atari V6 Photo by Darrel Cheung
Perhaps the best part of any climbing trip is the company. Teen Team Coach Sam Schwartz, Routesetting Foreman Anthony Vicino, GWPC Desk Staffer Jon Kennedy, and a host of other climbers joined Yee. “Definitely my favorite part of the trip, including the climbing, was just being around an all-around good group of people. From sharing & working out beta to sharing food & beers around the campfire, it was pretty great to take a small part of our little “gym community” and experience the beauty of the outdoors together.”
