UKC

We're coming over to Bishop at the very end of December leaving early Jan, could you give me an indication of what the weather will be doing? I'm a bit concerned that it will be freezing but don't have much idea.

Thanks

Jo

Jo,

Perfect time. The Owens Valley (4,000ft) is a wide valley
bordered by 14,000ft peaks. Most of the bouldering areas are in
the valley and the storm systems rarely reach down to us -
maybe three times a year.

So it may be snowing in the mountains but will be perfect at the
bouldering areas. Yesterday that happened and I was
bouldering in short sleeves and shorts in the sun.

If you are coming for two weeks you should be able to boulder
95% of the time. Some days may be cold - 40 degrees F, but
usually it will be 50 degrees plus and sunny.

It will be cold (near freezing) at night - and at that time of year
(Dec-Jan) it will be dark at about 5pm. So bring a good sleeping
bag and a warm jacket.

And don't miss the hot springs after bouldering.

all the best,

Mick
Rockfaz USA
Bishop, CA

Timing is crucial at the hot springs - when we went, the geezer upstream had diverted the hot water (he runs a commercial hot spring thing), and we had to sher the remaining warm dribble with a fat hairy bloke who wouldn't go away till Soph took her keks off.

Bishop is great though. You'll ALWAYS be able to find somewhere to climb, either in the Gorge or at the blodders, and the town is a top place to hang out. Good spot for cheap Carhartts too. If you're really lucky, you might even be granted an audience by Jabba the Fish!

You're a lucky man, Mick...

See ya,

al

Fate Al - not much luck I'm afraid.

The Keough Hot Springs have settled down and are regularly hot
after 8pm. However the commercial facility just upstream is very
worthwhile. Its $6 to get in, it has a full size swimming pool (95
deg.F) with a heavy mister at one end - I go in the mister and
dream of the UK, plus there is a really hot, hot pool (110 deg F.)
to get rid of those aches ande pains. There are some good
boulders up the hill as well.

Other alternatives include the several hot springs near Mammoth
(very scenic and snowy in the winter), and the Eagle Resort at
June Lake which at $10 for a day pass offers pool, sauna, and
weights, plus a good selection of reasonably priced food.

After all you can't boulder 24/7.

See Ya,

Mick
Rockfax USA
Bishop, CA

Thanks Mick for the reply. After booking the flight I had a little panic about the weather. We went to J'Tree and Red Rocks in Feb this year and it was a bit cold and quite windy. So now I feel reassure that we will be in for some great bouldering.

If you are around and have the time it would be great to meet up. Also if there is anything you miss or require from the uk just let me know and I'll bring it for you.

Cheers

Jo

PS. I'm glad there are hot springs all over the place. When we snowboarded in Colorado last year it was my saviour, especially after landing flat on my bum getting off a lift and failing dismally ! We have also booked 4 nights in Mammouth over new year.

Thanks Al, I'll make sure I have my shopping head on for the trouser bargains! But who is Jabba the Fish?

Anything exciting happening on uk arsey of any interest?

Jo

Jo wrote:


Fish Products

The Walrus of Rock! Russ Walling, who sits in his high tower above the Owens Valley, and surveys all climbing in the area. Supplier of climbing gear, bouldering mats, curries, tall tales, and opinions on *anything*! Top geezer.


Not since I last looked. In depth comparisons of altimiter watches, and social calendar for climbing wall chums.

Tea Jo, PG Tips.

cheers,

Mick

No Problem, will bring plenty. I'll bring my own supply too, sad isn't it! When ever I travel I always take my own supply of tea, nowhere else seems to do it the same.

Thanks I'll have a look at the site.

I gave up contributing, to arsey, and used to look in every once in a while and then somebody did something to my pc at work which meant I couldn't get on with my normal connection, it didn't seem worth going through the hassle of connecting via web pages.

Maybe I'll try again.

>Maybe I'll try again.

Wouldn't bother. There's more climbing talk on u.r.wa*king at the moment than on urc.

to mick ont other side oft pond.
GREETINGS couple of sites for uk food if youwant.
ex-pat.co.uk withlinks to :-brits abroad. tea ,marmite , jam etc. Just thought you might like it BYEEE

Cheers Sutty....I'm there. There is a growing population of
climbing Brits in Bishop and we do need the comforts of Home.

Kevin Thaw and Wills Young recently moved here....and who
knows who will be next.

Maybe I should open a corner shop, a pub, and a curry
house....that's right already got a curry house!

atb,

Mick