Mandolin Boulder Topo

Mandolin Boulder Topo

1. INXS, V4 - Sit start with right hand in a small low sidepull and left hand on a large sidepull, climb through some pinches and up the arete. (FA Sean Mcdowall-03)

2. Rock, Chalk and Two Smoking Holds, V4- Start low on two awkward notches, go up and right to a flake then over to a big jug, dyno straight up from the jug to a flat sloper. Very fun. (FA Dan Fost 04)

3. The Mandolin, V9? (unrepeated) - Same start as #2 but from the jug continue right to a large flat hold, then do a big move to a small left hand crimp and top out on bad slopers to the right. (FA Sean McDowall)

4. PROJECT - Sit start on two side pulls then climb straight up to the top out of # 3.

5. Finger Pickin' V5 - Sit start with a good left side pull and right hand on the arete, bump right hand to the good hold on the arete then reach up left to a one finger/thumb pinch from here hop out left to a jug and top out. Or skip the "finger pickin" hold and just dyno to the jug if you have enough hops. (FA Shane Dooley 03)

6. Banjo Chase Music, V1 - Sit start just around the corner from #5 make your way up a series of good holds for a very fun warm up. (FA Sean McDowall 03)

7. Banjo Remix, V0 - Sit start and make your way up the diagonal crack for a considerably less fun warm up. (FA Shane Dooley 03)

Description: A classic example of Newfoundland highway bouldering. The mandolin boulder has some of the best moderate problems around. The high quality V1 and burly test pieces mean there is something for everyone.

Directions: Directions are a bit tricky for this boulder but I will try my best to make it clear. From St. John's head out the TCH west and turn around at the Holyrood access road. Come back east until you come to a large green highway sign for "EXIT 37, Witless bay line, bay bulls, trepassey" There is also a new blue sign next to it. There is a guard rail next to these signs. Park at the end of the guard rail at the base of a small hill.

Walk to the top of the hill crossing over thick bushes and a rocky area. There is a faint moose trail that leads down the far side of the hill, this trail will lead most of the way to the boulder but is very easy to lose even after you find it. Try to follow the trail across a small valley until you go up another incline with some small boulders continue through some small trees keeping some small ponds on your left, once you come to a highpoint you should be able to see the Mandolin Boulder in the distance. The entire walk to the boulder takes about 10-15 minutes. The boulder should be visible in well under 10 minutes.

If you have any questions or if any information provided appears to be incorrect feel free to let me know.