"So, what's been going on recently?" some of you might ask. "Are you still in Oregon? Are you still climbing?" The questions keep coming in, but unfortunately, my answers are limited, as we've stumbled across some secrets that people have gone through great lengths to keep secret. You see, just 15 miles south of Smith Rock is the city of Bend, and in the city of Bend, one will find a plethora of breweries, numerous taco stands and, if you run across the right individuals, an abundance of quality boulder problems scattered throughout the area. Who would've know?! Not me, because this place is so damn 'hush, hush' but Joseph and I did find a way in via one of the original Masters of Stone, whom we'll refer to as 'Metalhead'. Thanks to the Metalhead, Joseph and I have been spending the past week exploring the region, climbing on some of the best problems we've encountered in quite sometime!


In the past week, we've been introduced to 4 different areas, with each one providing several challenges and future projects. Although we are shown the problems and told the names, we're still left hanging when it comes to the grading, as everything out here seems to have a v3 rating. I can honestly say that I've never had so many 3's on my project list! Three's that make dynamic moves off of mono pockets, 3's that have absolutely no feet and 3's coming out of blank roofs. It's kind of ridiculous actually, but I'll play along. Yup, Bend, Oregon has some of the best v3/8's I've ever been on, and you can hold me to that! There's definitely something to be said for the amount of amazing boulder problems hidden throughout Bend, but I'm afraid that if I give out anymore information on these hidden gems, I might be silenced for good, so look at the photo's. Enjoy them, but don't come looking for them, and DEFINITELY don't tell anyone you heard about them through me!


That's all the secret's you get for now.

In other news, Oregon has hot springs! Just a short drive through the mountains towards Eugene on the 126 will take you right past the Cougar Reservoir, and it's no secret that this is where you will find the perfect rest day activity for anyone looking to spend some time soothing their aching muscles in one of five toasty hot pools. It would appear that on my journey to seek out the endless climbing season, I have also taken on the delightful burden of finding all the greatest hot springs across the nation. It's a hard job, but someone has to do it! Cougar Hot Springs. Definitely a 'must stop'!

*Shots of me thanks to Joseph*