Blodgett Intro

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Summary

Blodgett Canyon

Blodgett Canyon.

Shitty Labor Day in CO completed our trifecta of being weathered out on long summer weekends – a trend that started with Memorial Day. Should’ve consolidated all those 1- or 2- day weekend extensions into a week off and gone somewhere that we’re really excited about… A week after Labor Day, Shirley’s job took her to Spokane and I joined for a day climbing. We drove out to Hamilton, MT and climbed the South Face route (5P 5.8+/5.9) on Shoshone Spire in Blodget Canyon (best cragging by Spokane). Easy, fun and frankly with so many failures as of late we really wanted to go for a sure bet. Some of the other “spires” that line the canyon look amazing (& a bit intimidating) – we’d go back.

Photo Essay

Blodgett Canyon

The Drip Buttress (left) and The Prow (Sept. 2015).


Blodgett Canyon

Flathead Buttress (Sept. 2015).


Blodgett Canyon

On the hike up to Shoshone Buttress (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Starting up the first pitch of South Face on Shoshone Spire. It took us 2 longish pitches (this here 5.7-5.8 & one low 5th class) to reach the Lunch Ledge (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Pitch 3 (or first one off the Lunch Ledge) of South Face. Easy cracks to a 5.8 roof pull (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Shirley on pitch 3.


South Face

Shirley at the pitch 3 belay (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Starting up pitch 4 (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Views up canyon from South Face on Shoshone. Flathead Buttress is on the left (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Leading pitch 4 of South Face – probably the crux with many (flaring crack) options. Just keep aiming for the notch in the left arete (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Unknown climber on the final pitch above us (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Shirley on the fun pitch 4.


South Face

Views down canyon towards the town of Hamilton (Sept. 2015).


South Face

More pitch 4.


South Face

Shirley starting the 5th and final pitch (Sept. 2015).


South Face

Pitch 5.


South Face

More pitch 5.


South Face

Top of Shoshone (Sept. 2015).


Blodgett Canyon

Shirley hiking down with the amazing looking Nez Perce spire looming above (Sept. 2015).


Blodgett Canyon

One more of Flathead Buttress (south face) – looks great!


Blodgett Canyon

Fall cometh early to Montana (Sept. 2015).


Blodgett Canyon

Hiking out after a fun day in Blodgett Canyon (Sept. 2015).


Montana

Are we in Montana or Utah??


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