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WARNING -BEES all over Camelbak

Original Post
AJ Baker · · Grand Rapids, Michigan · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 5

Went climbing today at the head wall and gargoyle wall. Got severely attacked by the bees. I left behind my helmet, GoPro, back pack and rope on the second pitch. I'd you have found my gear please be awesome and return it :D I will buy you beer and fooD .. but over all, just be careful up there. Someone jumped last year as a result of the bee attack and died!

Paul Simmons · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 5
Let it be

It would not be wise for anybody to go try to go retrieve those items in lieu of the bee problem obviously. Sorry about the GoPro, bro.
Robbie Mackley · · Tucson, AZ · Joined May 2010 · Points: 85

That sucks. I'm glad to hear you made it down safely. Hopefully you get your gear back.
-Mackley

Brendan Magee · · Parker, CO · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 0

Tommy Boy Bees Clip

youtube.com/watch?v=mUR14_r…

Robbie Mackley · · Tucson, AZ · Joined May 2010 · Points: 85

AJ,
I just wanted to say again, how glad I am that you made it down alive. 250+ Stings is enough to panic anyone to the point of shutting down. GREAT JOB keeping it together and getting down.
Ignore the ass clowns, haters, trolls, and blatant cunts who try to detract from your advice and/or experience with snide comments or lame 20 year old movie clips. You got yourself (and partner?) down and that's all that matters. WELL DONE!!!!!!! I'd love to buy you a beer sometime. Don't let this experience hold you down.
Lastly, if you don't get your gear back, I will personally be the first person in line to help you replace what I can.
-Mackley
P.S. Id love to read your story, if you ever feel like sharpening it (mine is here on mp, if you feel like reading it).

dahigdon · · phoenix, Az · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 220

I'm new to climbing outdoors (as of 4 months ago)... are the bee's always this bad around this time of year? Or is this just a rogue year?

Maybe it's Obama's fault?

Red · · Tacoma, Toyota · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 1,625

It's been abnormally warm since early February, that might have something to do with it. I'd say expect bees at any desert climbing area you go to.

Some climbers heard a swarm or two of bees flying overhead a couple weekends ago out at Oak Flat. I know of at least five hives out at the Homestead as well.

Bee careful out there. I now carry a very small and light head net on my harness whenever I climb in the desert after all the bee attacks over recent years.

Colin Kubarych · · Phoenix, AZ · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 0

I've been a regular valley climber for the last 4 years and this is all sounds normal. The Hart Route has some of the most notorious bee scares in the valley, so while it's unfortunate that it happened, a bee attack on that route is far from unordinary.

Weaver's is a bit of a concern as a hive in the West Chimney would be a bummer, but it's the Supes so I'm sure there is a hive on that mountain somewhere. Most of the hives near climbs are known and it's just best to avoid these areas. Maybe just for the season...maybe forever

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
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