Fitness

It is appropriate that due to my current fitness level, the strongest and lightest I have ever been in my life, I was finally able to do the Pioneer Rock problem "Fitness". It was almost a letdown because it really felt incredibly easy. Mind you, this is problem I have tried a couple of times every year for three years. I'm really surprised it actually took this long to do the last few moves, but I never really spent much time at Pioneer. Problems that used to really necessitate effort are now warm ups. I'm just excited to see some progress from the mindless winter training I've been doing on my hangboard.

There really are only 2 more problems left there that I'd like to do before I leave. A steep, but doable overhanging shorty and a Danno sloper problem . I'm really glad we are moving south this summer, because I think I would be getting very bored in terms of local climbing by the time fall came around. Cooper's Rock is bountiful, but I'm hopeful to send the rest of my projects there and be ready to move on to the New for two years.

Pic: The classic Rhino at Pioneer

Pure Ecstasy

I learned some valuable lessons this weekend.

1. Never climb at Seneca in the winter
2. If you climb multi-pitch the winter, wear comfy shoes and socks underneath.
3. Never climb multi-pitch in the winter.
4. Never climb the south-end of Seneca in the winter.
5. At Seneca PG means G, and G means PG.
6. If you are climbing in the winter, don't ask your friends where they want to climb if they are going to say Seneca.
7. Seneca sucks in the winter.

picture above :Me having anchortastic fun on Ecstasy.
Below : Richard gearing up for Ecstasy Jr.

As ye rip. so shall we sew.

My latest project is "SEW SPECIAL". I made this belay seat for Ricky and my big wall experience at Red Rocks. I used hemp fabric, 1 inched tubular webbing, and my wife's sewing machine. Next project will be a chalk pot that costs less than $5 to make.

Expect more updates after this week's exam.