The Honeymilker

Daniel Woods on the 2nd ascent of "The Honeymilker." Mickey Meadows.

The Visual #22

James Litz. A move through "Beyond Life." V11

The Visual # 21

Scott Neel, aka, "The Master of Mico." A movin' through "The Angler" V2. Joe's Valley.

The Visual # 20

Brain Russell. A move through "Low Tide" V6. Joe's Valley.

The Visual #19

Mike Capizzi. A move through "Maxi Pad." Joe's Valley.

Cedar Wright reflects on our Rocklands trip in Climbing's Photo Annual.

What happens when a crew of top climbers travels halfway around the world to visit the boulders of South Africa’s famed Rocklands?

Welcome to the Rocklands, the internationally famous, world-class bouldering destination that most Americans have heard of, but few have visited. This could very well be the world’s best — and biggest — bouldering area. It is but a miniscule chunk of the greater Cederberg mountain range, which stretches along the western coast of South Africa for nearly 50 miles and is strewn with bullet-hard sandstone blocks for its entire length. It is a land of infinite bouldering possibilities — a land of orange groves, Rooibos tea, and Pinotage vineyards, where you’ll find a grape that grows only in South Africa. When I was invited to spend two months here, in the summer of 2006, with a crew of North America’s best boulderers, I just couldn’t say no.

I arrive solo, a week later than the rest of the crew. In a daze, I navigate my rattly beater of a rental car (the “White Lightning,” or the “Mazdaratti” as one friend comes to call it) through hectic Capetown traffic. I wheeze and putt my way to our converted farmhouse rental and am greeted by the “full two-month commitment” posse: Andy Raether, filmmaker Chuck Fryberger, cook and soundman Andy Mann, and photographer Keith Ladzinski. Lisa Rands (with her husband, Wills Young) and Daniel Woods are to arrive a few weeks later, along with the talented boulderers Sarah Marvez and Steph Foster......

Read the rest of Cedar's account here: http://climbing.com/print/features/globetrotters/

and in the newest issue of Climbing Magazine.

photo by: Keith Ladzinski. Daniel Woods spotted by Cedar and I on a perfect unamed v7 in the Rocklands.

"Anything but Dull"

East Mountain, Hueco Tanks. Pete finishes off an impressive day in the backcountry by putting a just little more air between himself and his friends. I am never more inspired or learn more about the sport than from climbing with Pete Zoller. He is the man.

The Visual #18

Ned Harris. A move though a classic new highball. Eldorado Canyon.