No Name Ridge The Balls

[mike a]

Thanks for sharing the over view pix of the balls dan it looks great, was up at the balls yesterday and the lion fire is still going but all the smoke is cleared out great temp up there, the cows are back in the meadow but no campers yet but I am sure people will start to show up the next couple weekends for the 4th, oakhurst is super busy today with vacation people!!! If any one is climbing at fresno dome area on a hot day and wants to beat the heat there is a fun swimming hole just below the parking area at the willow creek wall, it is a super chill spot on a hot day, happy climbing mike a.

[susan]

Thanks Mike!

[susan]

That view is worth a trip to the top of JB!

[NateD]

Hey awesome peeps! Haven't been on the forum in some time.
Cool Balls panorama Dan.
On the topo, what you have noted as The Iguana is actually the Sphinx. The Iguana sits up and right, just inside the wilderness boundary, with a longish approach.

The Iguana IS labeled correctly on the photo, however, peeking above the trees. Also on the photo, the little bulge just right of JLT Dome (Jackass Lake Trailhead Dome) is Bowler Crag.

[susan]

Hey Nate! Its been too long. Great points!

[daniel banquo merrick]

Hi Nate! We haven't seen you in a long time.

I'll have to fix the images and repost them to keep the universe balanced.

Unless the fires get out of hand, I think Bob and I will be poking around the Balls this weekend. We are taking his oldest boy on a camping/climbing trip.

I haven't climbed anything since 2016 so it will be interesting for me to see how the new plumbing holds up.

[mike a]

thanks for the up date, i was at the Balls yesterday bouldering finally did this problem i have been trying for a couple weeks! the only climbers i have been seeing there is matt and grahm's cars parking below the sphinx on saturday's busy bolting everything in sight! grahm build a wooden bridge at the bottom of the sphinx on the trail, i am sure when they are done bolting everything they are going to put out a guide book to the area, i am not psyched on those guy's i think they are a bit over the top and reckless with such a beautiful and fragile area! but what ever, those kind of people will never change and i think they rock climb for all the wrong reasons!, not for the love of climbing but for the love of their ego!!! I know I know complaint department is on the 4th floor Lol quit whining and just climb arechiga :-),

[NateD]

Hey all! Have fun up there Dan. I hope to make it up in the hills for my first time this summer in 2 weeks.
Your updates make me sad, Mike. Love the Balls.

[larsj]

Interesting to see the amount of activity in this area.  I'll health has forced my retirement from climbing but still have found memories of many days climbing at the Balls in the past.  I may be able to get up there for a car camping trip this summer. Best to all-lars

[mungeclimber]

cheers Lars!  The rock isn't going anywhere, visit anytime.

[DaveyTree]

Lars, schedule your trip for Sept 13-15. Should have a good group for Lunesta Fiesta.

[John]

I replaced the first bolt on a unknown route on No Name Ridge a year or two ago and had to share it. Frankly, I think it is probably the most bomber improvised hanger I have seen in a long time! I even considered putting it back for its conversational value.

[daniel banquo merrick]

Sometimes when I have come across an old anchor that I thought was interesting, unique or perhaps historic, I have left it in place and put a new bolt next to it.

[John]

On the subject of this route with the giant hanger, if anyone recognizes it or knows its history I would like to know the name. It is immediately left of Woodstock and we found it to be about 10b. One bolt, pro to 2" anchor at 75'.

[mike a]

Morning all, did that route yesterday thanks to Paul and Dave for letting me join them, this a really fun route!👍