A Better Climbing Day

I led the sport climbs, a 5.8, 9+, and 10b, then set-up an 11.a on top rope. The warm-up 5.8 is called Jigsaw. Following is a sequence from just above the first bolt to the third bolt. She was cruising this section.

I led the 5.9+ next.

Yes, even though the rope is above me, it is still a lead, because I stick clipped the first bolt. The first moves were plenty doable, but if I slipped the landing involved numerous jagged boulders, and someone would have to carry me out.

I know that the photographer was shutter happy, but if you look closely, you get a full picture of how many moves and some of the body positioning and tension, foot and handholds that are involved.

The photographer then took a break, so that you don't see me placing or clipping the next bolt. Rather, here I am above the roof.

Different photographer, different perspective

While I was doing that, others were working the 5.8.

The other photographer caught some of the intermediate moves.

I'm reaching for a quickdraw.

I am starting the overhung part while my compatriot tops out.

It is probably no more than a V2 (maybe V3 in a gym) problem at the end, but you are nearly gassed by the time you make here.

"Off belay." "Belay is off."

Other end of the rope so that he gets an opportunity

She tries.

"What do I do next?"

I like the wide-angle effect on several of these shots.

It is a bit reachy for her.

Check out this sequence topping the roof on the 9+.

top out

Ground Crew

I stepped aside and saw this curious formation in the rock where a piece had broken out. The metamorphic process frequently separates out differing crystal structures based on temperature, pressure, and directional nature of the forces. Here you can see some quartzite in a backdrop of probably amphibolite.

He is a powerful boulderer. He is learning the difference in rope climbing: endurance, sustainability, figuring out the holds. Here he begins the 9+. You can see my painter's pole/walking stick/stick clip.

Where to begin? It is thinner on up, but there are big moves down low.

Working around that little roof is probably the crux. The holds are all there, but the body position is awkward.

Since we had two ropes, I set-up two climbs at a time, so that everyone was busy climbing, belaying, taking pictures, or beta observing/yelling encouragement. Following is another sequence on the 5.8.

A tree to lean against is always comfortable for a belayer. When you have never been on a climb, and the holds are not color-coded like in the gym, it takes some figuring both in where they are and body position to utilize them.

Belaying and snacking, no one sat idol.

Big move

Dancing her way up

Overcoming the roof in the background. Any difficulty done in the foreground.

Hanging out and posing.

So much blue sky

Another one fights the roof.

...and succeeds.

The overhanging finish has large jugs but powerful moves.

Compare this amount of water to before ("Soggy Bottom Creek").

It was dry enough to scramble up the face and step across the water to get back on the trail.

Many of the pictures in this blog entry were taken by others. I am thankful that they share them with us all and that I can put them up here. Following are a few playful moments and group shots.

Did something crawl into her chalk bag?

I often concentrate on the camera and forget to smile, but there are plenty of young smiles to go around and plenty of fun, Christian fellowship, challenge, and natural beauty for real smiles.

Silly picture they said, so silly we did.

I think they found a salamander and a balding head.

Onsite, belay, and beta spray sums up much of the climbing part of the day.

It was an exceptionally good day that God prepared for us. When we think the day is not so good, we should both ask what profitable lesson is to be learned and remember more pleasant days like this one. And chill on your way to the next destination.