Let Summer Begin

I finished up teaching for the year last week. What a year it was, I didn't think I would enjoy teaching this much, but part of me is already looking forward to September already. That's not to say I'm not going to have fun this summer. I'm in a pretty good mood right now because I just had my last physical therapy appointment for my injury, and I am cleared to climb. My achilles was in really bad shape just a month ago, to the point where I couldn't put any weight on it without a lot of pain. I was really worried that it was going to prevent me from climbing this summer, but its improved hugely in the last couple of weeks much to my relief. I was out climbing the last two days, and I could barely notice it.


Leading Inca Road. I ran out of draws towards the top and bailed to a nearby bolt on the route to the left.

Tyler and I got out to Tieton, we had a bit of a late start driving out there on Monday morning because I had to watch the England vs France game, which was well worth the wait. We headed straight to Royal Columns, because we both were in the mood for some trad. It was really warm in the blazing sun but we still got a few pitches in. I have to say, I didn't really enjoy myself. The climbing wasn't too difficult, I just didn't trust my gear in the rock, and felt pretty sketched out on lead. I think I might just be a sport climber.

The next day we decided to clip some bolts. My plan was to head up to the Astral Wall at South Fork. But I guess its still too early in the season, because there was still snow blocking the road. We ended up getting stuck in a snow drift, and spent a very uncomfortable hour digging the car out with a trowel and pots and pans. We changed our plan and headed to Dream Wall which was a good choice.



I guess its still too early in the season for South Fork.

I'd done a couple of routes at Dream Wall before and wasn't too impressed, the rock is a little sharp and junky in places. But the routes are long, and give you a nice pump. This time we had more fun as we swapped leads making our way through most of the routes down there. I think we did 8 routes in 5 hours or so, which was pretty good considering they are not the shortest. We both did a cool 11a, Tyler didn't tell me it was his first flash of the grade until he was clipping the chains. It turned out to be a really fun day. The best feeling was being able to climb on my ankle without any pain. Now I'm excited to get as much climbing in as I can. I don't really have any commitments this summer until I go to New Zealand and Fiji in August, so let me know if you want to get out!




Tyler on his first 11a flash.