Full Flanders Report

Yesterday was the finest day I've had all season with exception to that other day when I went to... Oh wait, never mind. My long time partner, Casey Grom and I went into Flanders with the intention of climbing whatever looked good which, sent us up, The Big Sleep, Killer Piller, the small two pitch climb inbetween those two and Champage Sherbert. Everyting was in great shape. I would bet my partner's right arm that The Big Sleep could be considered the finest climb either Hylite or Flanders has to offer. A fat starting pitch leads to the not so fat rock pitch but with a piton on the upper right side of the first steep step off the belay and a new shiny bolt in the middle of the pitch about head level in a small solid piece of rock, the pitch protects like any crappy rock pitch would but the chances of meeting your maker seem a little less likely. The next pitch is the true Gem. A 150 foot beautifully featured, chunky and dry pitch of WI 5+ ice is unmatched anywhere else. Once over the lip you get a glimpse of the last gully pitch which is fatter than John Tester on Turkey Day. Might I just say that if you miss this climb right now you must be sleep'en. Next was Killer Pillar. A fine steep pitch which can be climbed and top roped with one 60 meter rope. It is still looking very "pillareaque" but climbs and protects quite well. A little wet but don't let that deter you. Last was the Sherbert. Again, a great pitch, doable with twin 60 meter ropes. The climb is in great shape but the upper fifty feet is very hollow and difficult to protect. Easy but not for Elvis. I hope this gets ya'll into Flanders. Happy T-Day.