Climbing Aint Easy, Kids.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take photos of one of Missoula's climbing power couples, Michelle Felix and Mackenzie Moore. They each attempted their respective projects in Kootenai Canyon, and although neither sent, they both walked away with more beta and more stoke.

It was chili, there was snow on the ground, and they were prepared to send. Michelle's stoke even seemed to wear off on to the police officer that pulled her over. Going 86 in a 70 and let off with a warning... she must be contagious.

Michelle's project is Venus Fly Trap, a 5.12d/5.13a sport line on the second buttress. It's gently overhanging and the holds are small; many are sloping, making them even more difficult to grab and hold on to. It's a good looking climb on beautiful Bitterroot granite/mylonite. She finished it after taking a few falls, but thinks that she can get it next time around.

Mackenzie's project is Sick Man, a very overhanging 5.12d/5.13a sport line in the Sick Bay cave. It's long, sends the climber horizontal on a couple occasions, and relentless. It climbs near the right side of the cave and slowly traverses left towards the center where it tops out on the crest of the cave. Mackenzie hurt his finger while climbing and wanted to rest for a competition he plans to climb in over the weekend.

Here are some of the photos taken during the climbs.

Remember kids, climbing ain't easy.






All Photos copyrighted. ©Elliott Natz