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Subject: Talon
Rating: V10
Quality: 2 stars
Location: Joshua Tree
Notes: First new problem to be added to Pumping Monzonite
boulder in 20 years!
This was the first new testpiece to be added to the Pumping
Monzonite circuit in quite a while. The problem was probably
never climbed before due to a park bench that was cemented
to the base of the problem (there because a nature trail
passes through). The bench had been there for ever and
a day. Then, late one summer afternoon, yours truly came
strolling through, and stood with astonishment, gazing
at the clear landing area around the base of the arete.
I worked and First Ascented that problem within a week
of that bench being gone! Maybe not the finest problem
in the Park, but to be on that well trodden circuit...what
a find!
Talon starts at a head high sloper that hangs out over
the trail. From there, a series of absurdly thin edges
leads to balancy moves on the vertical wall above. Move
left to a jug system, then top out 16 ft. above the trail
on jugs.
-R. Miramontes
Climber: Dan Mills
Photos: R. Miramontes
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