A lot has happened since my last post. First, I have found out how much
endurance I do not have. Second, I
figured out how to battle through some of the infamous Red River Gorge
pump! My second day climbing, I put
some solid effort on a climb I have tried a year ago, called Dirty Smelly
Hippy. The climb weighs in the
soft side of 5.13b. I was able to
pull through the higher crux with a solid knee bar, using a borrowed
kneepad. This was my first kneepad
experience and a glorious one at that!
A kneepad will be purchased in the future.
After two days of climbing the crew decided to climb three
days on. With a very early start
we made it out to the Solarium in Muir Valley and after hanging the draws on
Banshee, 5.11c, I decided a rest day was in order. I ended up resting two days in a row.
During our rest day Zach and Nicole competed in a friendly
food competition. The rules were
simple both would make a delectable bowl of guacamole and the rest of us were
the judges.
The Competitors
To be fair ... Blind taste test
The right dish was the victor! Both delicious!
Tuesday, fully rested some climbing was in order, so I
rekindled a fire that I once sat very close to. This “fire” is the climb Convicted. Convicted and I have quite a history
together, which involves me falling at the last bolt of the climb … multiple
times … over ten times. While
climbing I found I remembered the moves very well and hung draws quite
easily. Then I proceeded to fall
near the top on four attempts.
Earlier in the day I also gave Snooker two runs, both climbs being 5.13a. With a total of eight pitches during
the day, I planned on returning the next day.
I thought a lot about Convicted at night. My biggest concern was that I was not
reaching the high point I had two or three years ago. I was really wondering if I had enough fitness to finish the
climb.
After a difficult warm up and an inspiring belay, Pablo
sending Snooker first try of the day, I got on Convicted. Feeling better than Tuesday I cruised
past my most recent high point, I locked into place and took a heartbreaking
fall off the redpoint crux. After
resting for 30 minutes I tied back in and in a very smooth fashion, I styled
the climb. The most satisfying
send this trip!
After our early sends Pablo and I headed over to Drive-By
and while I was in a no hands rest I got a phone call. The call was from Moosejaw and I have
an interview on Friday. Super
psyched for the next few days!
Hopefully, after the interview I will be able to return to the RRG on
Friday, with Julia, and finish some unfinished business! :D
