Mike Morley on lower section of Continuum. Photo: ...
Description
My first 5.8+ in J-Tree. Yes, I stick with the cracks! Very nice start, solid, and nice moves to the top of an "arrow head" where nice climbing encounters the crack. Jam, and enjoy good gear to an awkward right bending crack. Negotiate the crack with no foot holds the right with balance, and walk the ledge. Jam through the rest of the tough climbing and finish up near a wide horizontal crack, great for anchoring. Give a weird look to your partner when they come up the climb, and complain about the awkward right bending crack. It was totaly comfortable, right? ha ha.
Good pro from the start. The start involves face climbing on big holds to gain the right angling crack. The crack is hand size and varies a bit. It's a bit awkward to climb and reminds me of Illusion Dweller only easier. This route get shade in the afternoon.
My son and I did an interesting (At least to us) alternative on this route. On a top rope we did the first few moves up to and above the turn to the right, then went straight up where it thins out quite a bit. Using an undercling on the flake left of the crack and planting feet on small edges, do another move on the flake area then ease over to the left crack and work your way up. It was fun after doing the route as was originally set.
The book says that Future Games Rock is 1 mile from the parking lot. Not true, it is .4 miles. Oh, and the climb is great but quite a bit harder than Invisibility Lessons and I would agree that reversing these two climbs for warm-up practices would be wise.
Rating is accurate IMO, as long as you asssume the "+" means awkward. The anchor will take #3 camalots (a 3.5 would be better), as well as a small TCU (yellow or blue) and a hand sized cam. Route takes good gear at just about any spot. Small/med stoppers and a few 1.5"-3" cams should be plenty. People say this is harder than Invisibility Lessons, I disagree...it is more awkward but less strenous. BPJ is right, this is nowhere near a mile from the parking, it's about a 3 minute easy stroll.
By susan peplow From: what day is this? Feb 23, 2007
This route might actually be harder than Invisibility Lessons. Leany and a bit awkward but a must do for the area.
By Adam Catalano From: Albany, New York Apr 16, 2007 rating: 5.9-
Had no problem with other 5.8s and 5.9s in the park this week, but WHAT THE HECK. This thing was such an awkward lead for me. I admit, I'm not proficient at angling crack climbs. Ate quite a bit of humble pie, as it took me about four or five hangs to get up this. Felt like I was just draging my legs up through that right hand turn. Led Invisibility Lessons next...easily. Huh?
Not sure whether it's harder than Invisibility Lessons or not, but it is most definitely better. Continuum is a great line with fun moves.
By mschlocker From: San Diego, CA Mar 24, 2008 rating: 5.8+
I led this after following Invisibility Lessons. I felt this climb was easier as opposed to other posters and also my partner. It was an awesome way to end a great trip. This climb met my expectations of being challenging yet comfortable for my level. The protection is great and the angle allows for less strenuous climbing than its neighbor. Each move was enjoyable bottom to top and I will be back for more.