[Duma]

What's Snowblind Mice?

Left hand start to Three Blind Mice, Dan varian did the FA last time there was loads of snow (2010?). It's a brilliant mantel.

The idea that the snowballers were on the whole boulderers encroaching on the route climbers domain hadn't really occurred to me, fair point.

I'd certainly fall into this camp.

[Fiend]

Good question, good replies, this sort of non-inflammatory ethical exploration is what makes UKB a good place to discuss it 

[205Chris]

Hi Chris

sorry to be a nuisance. Can you enable youtube for mobile viewing.

Thanks

Adge

Hi Adge,

Try this, it works on my phone. I've removed the offending tracks so soundwise it might be a bit boring:

[Fiend]

13:20 is genius 

[Bubba]

Fucking brilliant, its not often I get through a vid without fast-forwarding most of it.

[crimp]

 

Chris

thanks for taking trouble to put it on youtube.

It's fecking brilliant. Really gives a sense of what it was like for a southern softie snow dodger.

Loved the scenic shots as well. Sundown outro was good, gave the distinct impression that snowballing is temporary, and over again for now.

Some of those were beyond highball, full on solos.

13:28 weather report fall/crashpad sledging combo brilliant.

Thanks

[Will Hunt]

I'd agree that a lot of them still look incredibly high! I.e Weather Report!

I wouldn't say snowballers were all softie boulderers either. BB did a load of platforming and he could hardly be described as a mere "highballer". I would say the snowballers are "climbers" who enjoy climbing first and worry about what grade something should get later. Does it really matter if 3BM is an E7 or a 6C+? Obviously they will be different experiences but if the opportunity is given to climb these routes safely, in a non-dull headpoint environment (going back to JB's comment that headpointing generally ends up in a cold belayer), then why not? I'm sure there where a load of people who stayed in Sheffielf and tutted. This video clearly demonstrates who was having the most fun.

[B-Bird]

This video clearly demonstrates who was having the most fun.

Yep, definitely all about fun the snowballin. Great vid Chris, you have my first ever wad point.

[205Chris]

Thanks for all the positive comments everyone 

As a sort of random footnote to Nik's question I remember going to the plantation one Friday afternoon when there were two young guys and a slightly older guy trying problems on the mental block. As I stepped up to try Big Air I made an off hand comment to the two younger guys along the lines of "I wonder if the first ascensionist is annoyed that loads of people are now turning up and flashing Big Air" after which the older guy says "the first ascensionist is stood behind you". It was Martin Veale!

After chatting to him for a short while it seemed to me like he was genuinely excited to see people out trying / repeating his problem regardless of the fact the landing was greatly improved.

[jonjon]

Is that a marmot at 4.20?

[SamT]

"I wonder if the first ascensionist is annoyed that loads of people are now turning up and flashing Big Air" after which the older guy says "the first ascensionist is stood behind you". It was Martin Veale!

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