Athlete • Speaker • Guide 
Athlete • Speaker • Guide Date: 14th October 2006
After at least 16 days of work spread over 6 years we finally finished our line right of Balrog on Yam. A big thanks to Raphael Slawinski, who I started the line with, and Cory Richards, who I worked all fall to finish it with (we were up there something like 10 days this fall). Josh Briggs came out for the final day and made it happen also, thanks. It’s been the best fall of rock climbing I’ve ever had, so many amazing blue sky, yellow trees and grey limestone days where, as someone quipped, “It was a tragic day to have a real job!” Kevin Dyck, Kevin Wilson and Sarah Hueniken also put time in on it over the years, thanks. I’ll write some more up and post some photos/topo when I they’re sorted, but I’m just really happy to have finally climbed it bottom to top without falling, it’s been a great project with good friends, so many ups and downs adding up to something special for all of us who put time in to finding the line. Yam rocks! I can’t stop smiling. We’re heading back up early in the morning to get some gear back, just before the weather really locks down for the season.
“Yamabushi” is the name by group decision, Yama means mountain in Japanese, the Yambushi are mountain monks I’ve always admired, Google them and check it out, plus the word starts with my favorite cliff in the Rockies, Yam.
Posted in: Blog
After you sent me a photo from this route I decided to see if you had written something about it. What I have read about your climbing is a truly example to me about what dedication, passion, motivatation, honesty, sensitivity is all about. I will try this permeates through my life more often. Best to you!
Ruben from Madrid- Spain.
rjamoriz@yahoo.es
Congrats, Feels like I’ve been on some of the pitches with you via your blog. Glad you finally got it done.
Congrats Will & company, keep that big grin on your face as long as you can! Maybe some ice climbing will help FREEZE that grin on?!
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog over the last couple of months. Congrats on finishing the project, sounds like it was a very fulfilling experience. Keep the good stuff coming!
Awesome Will, I can only imagine the size of your grin. Well done
I'm more than happy to hear your thoughts on what I've written. Please note that all comments will be moderated before publishing. Thank you for joining the conversation.
