Thursday, March 5, 2009

2/28 to 3/1/2009 - Cragging and Snot Girlzzzz

It was another hot night in the tent. It is suppose to cool off soon. I like the heat, but it's been crazy hot here lately! We lounged around then headed over to Homero's for another delicious Milton-made breakfast.

We piddled around a bit more before heading into the canyon. Today's plan is to do some single pitch sport climbs. We ended up at the Virgin Canyon where it was cooler than we expected. It was actually a bit too cool. We did five routes (5.9, .10b, .10c, .10c, and .10c). The .10b was the hardest 5.10b ever!

By then, we were way too cold so we moved across the canyon to the Mini-Super Wall for a couple of pitches in the sun. We did a .10b and .11b then headed back to camp.

The next day, we decided we wanted in the sun. We were tired of being cold. So we walked in to head for the sunny wall - which was still in the shade. To our surprise, Snot Girlz was open so we decided to climb it.

I did this climb ten years ago. I lead the even numbered pitches and recall really enjoying them. I recall the first pitch being awkward and not so fun, but nothing awful. This time was different. The first pitch is as slick as snot. I'd think it was named for that, but it didn't used to be that way! Now, after 70 billion ascents, the limestone has been worn to a glass-like polish. Nasty.

We proceed up, freezing the whole way. What's up with the cold weather?!?!? Got to the top, then rapped down as fast as we could hoping the wall at the base was warmer. And happily it was.

It's kind of sad to see some of these climbs so polished from use. I'm glad everyone gets to climb them, but surely some climbers must wonder why all the fuss about some climbs given how slippery they now are. Once upon a time, there was texture on these routes - so much texture that they actually shredded one's tips. I'm glad I got to climb some of the stuff before they were so glossed over (e.g., Snot Girlz and Pangea).

We walked up the hill. Dave linked two pitches of some climb (Cherry Pie? A 10b+11b). I did the first pitch only. No need killing myself on the second given the style of climbing.

Then we walked back down the hill to two additional climbs. They were 'okay'. I was ready for food and relaxation. We did finally get to see our first Tarantula. Their holes are all around the tent, but before today, they'd been hiding well. It's not a flattering photo of this young one (butt shot). Still, we saw one!

Also, we grabbed a couple of photos of the neighboring camping place - the Pagoda. They advertise a "fitness center." We went in to check it out. It wasn't quite what we had expected!

Happily tomorrow is a rest day!


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