In On The Killtaker 

Arguably the best route at the wall. Very hard, but some of the best dynamic climbing you will ever do. This route is the epitome of climbing at the thunderhead. When you're ready, strap this brute on and crank it out. I have seen everyone who has redpointed the route and their attempts, and let me tell you this one will take it to your limits. Superior!

Arguably the best route in the Canyon! Unbelievable movement on stellar stone w/ just enough holds to keep it flowing. Bring your sprinting shoes and watch out for the tree on the final headwall. Has this thing seen any ascents other than the first three? With all the strong boys I'd like to think it's a regular send these days.

I don't think anyone has sent it besides me, Dale and you. Again, McNabb was close before the season ran out. I think Scott Hahn was close, but I don't think he did it. You guys can correct me if I'm wrong.

Did Andy Raether get on it? Did he get on anything at the Thunderhead?

I tried this route when I was out there last summer and that mono crux scared me. I thought I would lose my finger if I fell. Maybe I was doin' it the wrong way? I might give it another try this spring/summer.

From what Jason told me, the only other route that Andy got on besides Hopeful was Alice.... and he didn't do it. In fact, Jason said he got pretty frustrated here and vowed never to come back. The guy climbs 14+ in Rifle and southern Utah!

As for the mono, don't yard on it. Set your feet and jump, only use the mono to keep yourself in. The entire steep section is pretty much just grab and go. There's a big drop knee just before the final roof but otherwise save your feet for the finish.

Raether didn't even do Alice! Wow. Well, he's always got Rifle.

From what I understand (Hahn told me about it) it was a number of years ago (5 or more) that Raether visited and got on the routes. I've never really talked to him too much about it. He didn't seem psyched for one reason or another when we did talk about the canyon though. Not sure why, the canyon is hard to beat. I imagine he would take care of business now though. Wendling looked good on all the routes he got on. Fun to climb with him. Miah, when are you coming back next? It would be great to see you up here.

Raether was there five years ago? I'm sure he'd crush now. Matt is the "14a climber from Wtoming"? He's definitely a good guy and strong as hell. I'm not sure when I'll be back, I'm thinking about making a trip out in the spring. The only problem is the weather can be total crap then. If not the spring the fall would be good. I'd like to come throw myself at Hopeful Monsters again. I'm planning on hitting up Charleston to get back in pocket pulling mode and then we'll see what happens. Are you working Hopeful or In on the Killtaker? What's up with you these days? I hear your the new hard man in town. Your going to have to step up and crush a few of the old projects before word gets out and somebody else comes creeping in. It's good to see your name up there give me a ring sometime.

I just realized you can link to youtube videos. What a good Saturday morning activity...