I Have My Shirt On

Since I hadn't seen Leah in ages, I sent her an email to say hi and to let her know that several of us have been climbing on Saturday around 3ish on a somewhat regular basis. As I emerged from the locker room, I saw a child dart past me. That looks like Noah, I say to Patti. I am Noah, he says. And where there’s Noah, there’s Leah and/or Mike…


As I stood next to Leah contemplating the speed route, Drew walked up.

Me: I almost didn’t recognize you.

Drew: One, I have my shirt on. Two,  I haven’t been climbing in a while.

The funniest look passed over Leah’s face. I explained to her that Drew has a significant starburst-looking tattoo between his shoulder blades so he is much easier to recognize with his shirt off and starburst blazing.

Drew said that he didn’t get the speed route. I know that I didn’t get it or very far up it on the auto belay.


The Deceptive Speed Route with Huge Holds



Leah chuckled after we tried the speed route. I see neither one of us is heading over there to write our name on the board...

As it turns out, Leah hadn't been online and, therefore, hadn't read my email but how's that for putting something out in the universe and getting and almost instant response?

The Clipboard...Dane Climbed The Speed Route In Under 16 Seconds

Rendezvoused

Eight of us rendezvoused for rock climbing and it was fun playing musical climbing partners. When Jessica and I climbed together, I asked her if she knew how to do Eagle Pose and she quickly put her arms and legs together. As I tried it, I made a comment about my shoulders and Jessica added, and I'm paraphrasing, that I had something else sticking out that prevented me from doing Eagle. I laughed because I hadn't thought of that.

I also asked Jessica about flip turns because I think it's about time. She suggested that I practice somersaults on land and that I remember to breathe once I actually start practicing in water.

After we've climbed for a while, we usually ask one another how many routes we have left in us.

Me: I'm done.

Patti: I don't see your fork.

Me: It's in my forkarm.

When I repeated this joke to Leah and Mike, it was like someone hit the instant replay button. Their faces slowly crumpled upon hearing the punchline. Patti got in on the joking too.

Jessica: I'm going to change.

Patti (while slipping her arm around Jessica): Don't change. You're lovely the way you are.

Me: Don't go changing...to try to please me...

As we were leaving, we exchanged holiday greetings. Leah was trying to spare me a sweaty shirt when I pulled her in and said Have yourself a sweaty little Christmas.

And, now, I can't get this song out of my head...

You're Taken or Overheard Everywhere

You should be more respectful to your belayer.

Leah to her friend Jessica

Do they sell gloves or something? My fingers hurt.

Newbie rock climber

Excuse me; it's overflowing.

Woman in Trader Joe's new to the coffee grinder. I reached around her and apologized as I shook her can to make room for more coffee.

Cekaj! Cekaj, man!

One horse playing Bosnian to another while in the pool. Cekaj = wait...

You need to get out. Now...

Lifeguard to man who got up a full head of steam and dived into the shallow end.

I'll climb anything from a 5.2 to a 5.12.

Yusuf

Climber: It wasn't pretty.

Her friend: It was beautiful. I'm very proud of you.

I like leeks in everything...

Coworker

The body has an amazing ability to heal itself if given the proper nutrition.

Bryan, acupuncturist

Climber: Take.

Belayer: You're taken.

When the climber has reached the top of a route, he or she usually says "take" or "take it up" and the belayer says "gotcha." The belayer, in this instance, is a native French speaker and I really like the way he turned the phrase after his climber asked for a "take."

Unique Climbing Invitation

I've been waiting for Leah to wax poetic again...


We checked our schedule,
Then checked it twice;
And hope that you'll be nice
To climb with us this yule.

This Sunday Fair
The fun starts at eleven
Will there be all seven?
The question remains where?
Which location
To practice our vocation?


* * *

In addition to poetry, here's a little rock climbing humor.

Losing Track of Time

No wonder Whitney asked how long we usually climb. Glanced at the clock and couldn't believe that we had been at the gym for three hours. Not sure what time was spent yakking and what time was spent climbing. It was probably half and half. Patti and I had not seen Mike and Leah since October so I guess there was catching up to do.

I thought about what I could have been doing but we're all busy and we all have stuff to do. We exercised and enjoyed ourselves -- definitely worthy pursuits.

Whitney getting her stretch on or either showing respect for the wall before ascending. Whitney hadn't climbed in five years but she did great. Climbing must be like bicycling...

Even though Leah (lead) and I (top rope) started out ascending together and joked about synchronized climbing, I think she was surprised when I called her name or maybe she was surprised that I had my camera in my hand.

Mike tackled this 5.10 route and is at the crux.

Patti, who is in orange and belaying for me, wanted to know if I was showing off since I paused to play photographer. For some reason, I like to take pictures when I'm perched near the top of the route; guess I like the view.

I Knew It...or More Stuff People Say to Me

Me: I strain to hear the teacher.

Opal: Honey, I don't even try that anymore. I just look at Dana and follow her; she's been doing yoga for a long time.

Me to Lifeguard: So, what are your tips for front crawling breathing?

Lifeguard demonstrates then: I think you just need to make a goofy face.

You're running kind of late, aren't you?

Lifeguard to me as I arrived at the pool at 8:30 p.m.

You still have time to get your workout in.

Gentlemen to me. I got to the pool at about 7:15; it closed at 8

I knew it.

A response from a friend at work who asked me if I was going to have Papa John's pizza -- provided by work during preparations for a special event. I said no.

What's your name? That's my sister.

Someone would climb then belay then someone would hold Keri's baby. When it was my turn, Celeste's big sister approached me -- probably wondering who the stranger was holding her infant sister.

I like how when she's taking it easy, she does routes that we find challenging.

Leah's Mike on how Leah was taking it easy by top rope climbing but still rocking 5.9's and 5.10's while nursing her shoulder.

Gratuitous Picture of Leah When She Wasn't Nursing Anything

No one wants to be up front...Even the instructor falls and he tells us not to base our practice on someone else's.

Dana re: her crowded Sunday yoga class and how everyone wants to be in the back of the class.

Lisa: You make interesting moves when you climb. I just hop to the next hold. Hop like a bunny.

Me: What's your Chinese zodiac sign?

Lisa: I don't know: Bunny. Asshole...

Me: (Lots of laughing)...

Interesting First Move or Interesting Composition -- You Decide

I did a century both days.

An Upper Limits staff member who was having a conversation with Patti and me after spotting Patti's MS T-shirt

Tackling the East Side of the Ranch

Two and a half years ago, I didn't know that Patti existed and, up until six months ago, I didn't know that Leah was around either but there I was around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday preparing to rendezvous with Patti, Leah, et al. before heading to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch.

Once we hit Arkansas, we didn't waste much time before heading out to climb and after climbing, we set up camp, ate dinner, sat around, chatted and read. At seven something, I crawled into the tent and listened to my peeps talk about satellites and shooting stars.

Patti wanted me to take a look but I told her that I could see the stars from a crack in the tent but she wasn't satisfied and harassed me until I came out to witness the beautifulness of it all. She pointed out The Milky Way and a satellite while Mike told us about the A-Train satellite constellation.

Around 10, it started to rain and Patti abandoned the tent. I, in all honesty, was too sore to move. I took a look around and didn't see any rain coming in and continued with my tossing and turning.

The next day, we made our way to the Cliffs of Insanity, a trek that is definitely a reminder that no one needs a gym.

On our way back to The Lou, Patti said: I can't wait to get home to...

Me: ....slip into something fresh???

Patti: To slip into a shower.

As I walked toward my house, I felt a stinging sensation. I knew, without a doubt, that it was a tick. Ewww, ewww, and ewww. I no longer had to wonder what a tick looked like. My knee crease still stung after that sucker was removed...

Mike Making His Way Up --From the 'Drea Skycam


The Crowd Goes Wild for A.J. -- Also from the Skycam

Hobo, One Cool Little Dog

Diamond Falls for Patti and Vice Versa

Leah Stops To Smell The Roses

Morning at the Campsite

Patti Salutes The Sun


'Drea Embracing the Cliff...Special Thanks to Noah for the Camera Work

Find Leah --in a Lime Green Shirt


The Horses of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Additional Notes:

Thanks to Patti for letting me know that I had to let the wet tent air out. The prospect of setting up the tent by myself was a bit daunting but I did it. Patti and I actually talked about how amazing equipment, from rope bags to tents, is made. And as always, thanks to YouTube.

I Ate Your Chips or Stuff People Say to Me, VIII

I ate your chips. I knew you wouldn't mind.

Leanne (next door work neighbor) brought back a veggie burger for me from Local Harvest; they usually serve burgers with Billy Goat chips which I usually don't eat.

You look good. Your skin is so clear and you look like you've been dipped in chocolate.

Lori, my friend

Lori With One of Many Animals She Has Befriended

She has been dipped in chocolate.

Michael, a yoga teacher sitting nearby in a coffee shop*

So, tell me, what's up with you? Yaddayaddayadda...You look cute. Yaddayaddayadda

Lisa, fellow climber

One route at a time.

Patti to me after I voiced my frustration with getting off to a rocky climbing start.

Patti Standing On Top of the Bouldering World

Nubian Princess...

Jackie, a climber, to me. She had a hard time remembering my name and said that she would just call me Nubian Princess. I had no objections.

I'll tell ya, one mistake that I see people make a lot is being too far away from the wall.

Brent's friend's comment on lead belaying after Brent asked me about the lead climbing class.

Leah: Are you still doing yoga?

Me: Yeah, I'll probably try Bikram next.

Leah: That's not good for your body. Pause... You can go outside (it was around 100 degrees this day) and do yoga.

Leah Lead Climbing Some 5.11b Situation

You're totally ready for lead climbing. Later...Your technique is good.

Jessica

Jessica Showing Her Usual Tenacity On A Route

If I had a choice between jumping out of a plane and rock climbing then, maybe, I would choose rocking climbing.

Janine

*Sitting at a middle table with Michael on the left and an older couple on the right, I was fully embarrassed at this point. I guess exercise and cleaner eating are agreeing with me???

The Lowdown and The Poet Laureate of Rock Climbing

My rock climbing gym opened a new location. There's:

The Old Crappy Gym and
The Monstrosity

Mike, Patti and I hit The Old Crappy Gym first since the new one wasn't slated to open until noon for the grand opening celebration. Mike and Patti started lead climbing and, since the gym was pretty empty, I wondered if I should attempt the lead climbing test again. As soon as I started thinking about it, my heart starting beating faster despite Patti telling me to stay calm.

I went and got a short rope to practice on one route and I knew that I needed to take the test while I still had something in the tank. I went to the front desk to announce my intention.

Dude comes over and gives me the lowdown:

No back clipping

No z-clipping

No missed clips

No rest

The only time I will be allowed to rest is after the fall

Sure, no problem, and thanks for reminding me to relax.

I thought the whole "no rest" thing was a bit much because I see lead climbers resting all the time. Does taking a rest mean that you're not a safe climber?

I take a deep breath and, as my mother likes to say, there's no experience like bought experience. I do not miss the second clip this time and there's a certain amount of relief knowing that I'm on belay after the second clip.

I'm told that when I get to the hold with a split in it -- above the fifth clip, I need to fall and I don't hesitate because I just want to get it over with. I let go and I'm so pleased when I stop falling. I get my rest and I chalk up and I hear Patti from below shouting out encouragement but I'll be damned if a rock that I've been able to step up on (from the side) gives me problems and, that's it, the test is over because I can't step up on that one rock.

After the fall, I thought about how close I was to the top and I kept thinking no mistakes; don't blow it. Even though I didn't get my lead certification, I feel much better about this test than the last one and I don't think that I should have been "failed" because of one misstep. I don't think that I've ever seen a lead climber ascend a route flawlessly or without a hiccup but the staff member said that he was "failed" for a similar misstep. Whatever...

We head out to The Monstrosity and I'm glad that we went to The Old Crappy Gym first because the new gym was jam packed since there was free climbing for everyone.


Leah wrote this Macbeth inspired poem after my first attempt at the lead climbing test.

Clipping, and clipping, and clipping,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last attempt of leaded climb,
And all our yesterdays have lighted there
The way to dusty falls. Out, out, brief misclip!
The test but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets its hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by our eventual victor, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

And Leah was so in love with the new gym that I told her I felt an How Do I Love Thee? inspired piece was surely on the horizon and it was:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the new breadth and height
My limbs can reach, when climbing out of sight
For the endless routes to flash and onsight.
I love thee to the level of frictions'
Most quiet help, by sun and fluorescent light.
I love thee sorely, as Crossfit women Might;
I love thee elegantly, to backstep on the crag.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old gym, and with my harness tight.
I love thee with crimps I seemed to use
With my heel hooks,–I love thee short of breath,
Smiles, smears, of step throughs!–and, if routes choose,
I shall love thee better after the arete

.

I've enjoyed all of Leah's poems but felt that she really nailed the last line in "How Do I Love Thee?." I've officially dubbed her The Poet Laureate of rock climbing...

What's Hamlet Got To Do With It?

I got a notion to take my lead climbing test because I've been worried that they will take down the route that I've gotten familiar with. Plus, I just wanted to do it already.

Met Jessica and Patti then warmed up and announced my intention at the front desk so that a staff member would come over.

I did my little self-talking and breathing but I also knew there was no way to totally get rid of the nervousness.

Patti and I did safety checks then I announced that I was climbing.

It's almost impressive the way I fumble the first clip.

I totally blow past the second clip which I didn't even realize until I was told.

I forget that a climber is bouldering i.e. unprotected until you get the rope in the second precious clip. I go back to clip in the second one, don't realize that I've misstepped and slam into the rubbery floor before I know it.

Jessica, Patti and Trisha want to know if I'm okay -- if I need water etc. Patti, who was shaken up, asked me how my head felt. It happened so fast that I couldn't really assess the impact but I feel like my back took the brunt of it.

I took a few minutes to gather myself and got back up on the wall but, by then, the adrenaline was overflowing and not in my favor. Paranoid Troglodyte, which I've climbed numerous time, became foreign to me. I think I got out of sequence too. Let's just say that I didn't get my lead climbing tag.

Everyone was very supportive including Trisha, a staff member at the gym. She said I did well on my clipping and that's one of the hardest things to get down.

I just wanted to walk away so that I could cry. Since I've started CrossFit training, I've been emotional as all get out so it doesn't take much to turn on the waterworks right now. I checked my body and wondered why my arm was stinging. I got a little two inch rope burn as a souvenir...

Jessica, Patti and I packed up and headed out to the new gym to meet Leah and Mike for more climbing. I thought about taking a detour to go home and lick my wound but felt it was important to get right back on the wall. Otherwise...

Top Rope Climbing Is A Beautiful Thing


When Leah read Mind Over...Paranoid Troglodyte, she sent me this poem:

To backclip or not to backclip: That is the question
Whether 'tis nobler in mind to suffer
The slings and verbal arrows of Patti
Or to take slings and ropes against a sea of clips
And by clipping in to end the teasing....

To grunt and sweat under weary arms
The pangs of leading cleanly
That she herself might succeed
To wear a yellow tag named "Lead"

I think Leah was inspired to write more poetry today...

Leah a.k.a Frogger a.k.a. Leahspeare


Wearing new shoes for my test might not have been the best idea.



Like this picture of Jessica in the bouldering area. Looks like she has her hand in a cookie jar.


r

Nowhere to Hide

Got to the gym and locked eyes with my Lead Climbing 101 teacher who had a bright smile on his face. Are you going to practice lead climbing?

Spokeswoman Patti: Yes.

I practice clipping and it's not so bad seeing that I'm less nervous outside the parameters of class.

I'm on my second route when Leah enters the gym and she asks Jessica and Patti if they're torturing me.

Patti: That's our job.

When I get down from my second practice route, Jessica wants to know if they talked to us about when to clip in and I assure her that they did tell us to clip in between the waist and shoulders although I didn't demonstrate that on the route. She goes on to tell me that it's one thing when you're backed up by a top rope but when you're lead climbing without a back-up system, the falls are, well, not very nice.

Leah: Have you practiced lead belaying today?

Me: No.

Leah: Why don't you practice lead belaying me?

In all honesty, I hadn't see anyone practicing lead belaying in the gym and didn't realize that it was allowed. Don't know why I thought that and, before I can say no...

Leah: There'll be no harm. I'll be on top rope...

So, I practice lead belaying. I'm nervous and put the belay device on wrong. The good thing is that I realize the set-up is wrong.

Jessica points out when I forgot to lock off and Leah reminds me to stand closer to the wall. Likewise, Jessica reminds me that by stepping to the wall, I can instantly give someone slack. Leah also lets me know that if a lead climber falls before the second clip, they're pretty much going to hit the ground.

Did I mention that lead belaying feels awkward?

Later on in the program, Patti asks me if I want to practice lead belaying again.

Me: I think I'm done for the day before I completely squash the idea of lead climbing.

Patti: It's all new -- just like when you first started climbing. You'll get the hang of it...

Other than the practice lead belaying, I actually had a good climbing day. I felt calm and I had stamina.

Route Tally:

Baby Steps, 5.7

Best Flavor, 5.8

Pinkerton, 5.8

Buena Vista, 5.9

Dig In, 5.9

Ghost, 5.9

Paranoid Troglodyte, 5.9 (2 x's)

The Tandem "Yes"

Leah, Patti and I were climbing yesterday when one of the lifeguards approached me with a yellow piece of paper. I searched through my mind to figure out what I had done.

Did I take my brake hand off the rope?

I was totally confused and could barely hear Matt when he said, You're on the waiting list for the lead climbing class. Do you want to sign up?

Before I could open my mouth, there's a tandem Yes from Leah and Patti.

What they said, I tell Matt and, before I lose my nerve, I sign up for the July 13th class instead of the one deeper in the month.

Really, how do I get myself into these things? I know what you're thinking -- Leah and Patti...

Self-doubt crept into my mind and I followed the feeling and figured out that I still feel clumsy on the wall. Never mind that I climb 5.9's these days and that July 6th was one of the best outings that I've had in a while since my climbing felt more controlled and relaxed and I felt more secure.

There is anxiety around not doing well in the class. I finally told myself that it's a class and classes are to provide instruction.

The other issue? I continue to compare myself to others. Didn't my yoga teacher just advise against that the other day?

In addition, what probably got my heart rate pumping was actually watching a part of the class the last time they had it AND having to sign an additional waiver to say that lead climbing is inherently more dangerous than top roping...

Route Tally for July 6th:

Spring Cleaning, 5.6

Spring Cleaning, 5.6

Spring Cleaning, 5.6 (Down Climbed)

Baby Steps, 5.8

Best Flavor, 5.8

Buena Vista, 5.9

Dig In, 5.9

Ghost, 5.9

Paranoid Troglodyte, 5.9

Static Report, 5.9

Leah leading climbing -- figures out the crux


Patti takes on the route that Leah lead

Or Something

Headed to the pool at 7:45 last night. As Hazira and I were walking, she said that it didn't look to promising because we didn't see anyone. I told her that the pool is supposed to be open until 9 and I finally spotted someone who turned out to be the lifeguard and who got back on duty as we entered.

I think everyone else went to get dinner or either got heat exhaustion because, to put it mildly, it was a scorcher yesterday.

The water was perfect and it was so cool to do the elementary back stroke and watch the orange mix in with the blue as the sun went down. I also like the lights around the pool at night...

Went climbing today and just about everyone was there. The gym will be closed tomorrow so I guess people didn't want to miss out.

Mike said that he wasn't feeling the whole climbing thing of late. I completely know where he's coming from. I told him that sometimes it's good to take a week off.

Leah asked me why I wasn't keen on joining Jessica and Patti for this 40 mile bicycle situation. I'm just curious since you like cycling. I thought it was a good question especially since it easy to just say no.

I'm not really digging events right now -- especially the fundraising portion of the program. I know it's for a good cause and I love it that the American Lung Association came up with the Master the Met stairclimb. I totally appreciated my lungs after climbing over 1,000 stairs but, for the moment, I'm not feeling the bike event.

As a matter of fact, I'm not feeling like cooking, washing dishes or even lifting a finger right now and it has nothing to do with the soreness in my fingertips. I feel like I should be in a more satisfied state or something.

Stepped out of the rock climbing gym and caught a bit of the air show. It was a nice finale to climbing.

The Making of Smiles

My response to This Emotional Life's tweet:

Re: what made me smile ths weekend: pool time, a woman's hat & umbrlla at Race for Cure, my climbing partners' camaraderie.

Other things that made me smile: Hazira's How did you like the movie? after I fell asleep on My Wife's An Actress and J.J. Barea's mismatch against LeBron James which resulted in a offensive foul against James.

Patti's encouragement on Sunday definitely made me smile on the inside. It took me five attempts to get over the arête on a route. Finally, after pulling my hips into the wall (Patti's suggestion) and abs in, I was able to elevate myself, grab this one hold and get over the hump.

Patti's observation on my arête work: Nothing's wrong with your technique. Later on, she gave me a compliment on my burgeoning technique in general. Leah said that I was ready for lead climbing and jokingly put her money where her mouth is by saying that she was going to put a down payment on the class for me.

The lead climbing class, as it turns out, is full so Mike (Leah's husband) and I, are on the waiting list.


Route Tally for Sunday, June 11th:

Baby Steps, 5.7

Dig In, (Fifth Time Is The Charm), 5.9

Duchess of Cambridge, 5.7

Paranoid Troglodyte , 5.9

Paranoid Troglodyte (Halfway), 5.9

Pinkerton , 5.8

Static Report, 5.9

Summertime, 5.9

Leah said that any day that one is able to climb is a good day. I'm going to say that I had a very good day since I spent almost four hours at the gym. Half of it was climbing and half of it was yakking. It was enough climbing, though, that my abs, armpits, calves, forearms, sidewalls and triceps are feeling the love.

What made you smile this weekend?

There's Nothing To Fear But...

As Hazira's niece, Arabela, showed me her new high tech camera, Hazira said, That's an unkind camera; it shows everything.

Right before heading into Jasper, AR, we pulled into a gas station and I cracked up when Leah pulled out her camera. I'm a shutterbug but I seldom take gas station photos. I had forgotten about the pic until Leah sent a link to her pictures.

I was apprehensive about clicking on the link because Leah has one of those unkind cameras that shows everything.

See for yourself -- the camera.





Shooting Back at Leah

What I Feared...The Thunder Everything Thighs Up Close

The Gas Station Shot of Patti & Me

Campground

Part of the Climbing Posse

In the end I accept, if not fully, that my ability to be active trumps this epic plateau that I'm experiencing.

Taking on The North Forty

I survived camping but I probably wouldn't make a good Survivor contestant. It rained and hailed on the way but the rain stopped and the campground was not that muddy and the breeze was amazing. Jasper, AR is beautiful.

The tent parts baffled me but, luckily, Patti knows her way around stakes and bendy things. It was incredibly windy Saturday night and if the tent had not been set up right, it would have blown away.

After setting up camp, we didn't waste time heading out to climb. Afterwards, we ate around the not-fire, enjoyed the beautiful scenery and watched people cook and do yoga. Being unplugged is both shocking and refreshing.

At night I heard car doors closing, dogs howling and what I thought was a jam session. Kristin said the music probably came from her cell phone at 4 a.m. which she slept right through. I usually sleep like that but...

The second day we got up, ate breakfast and headed back for more climbing. We were out scoping routes and climbing from just about 9 to 5. Camping was not as bad as I thought it would be. And the climbing? Definitely worth the journey.

The Way to The North Forty

'Drea on Cotton Candy, a 5.6 -- 65 foot route

Patti Doing Her Thing

Playin' Chameleon

Patti Lead Climbing

I paused mid-route to snap a photo of Patti and Leah; Leah snapped back.

Kristin Braces Herself and Chalks Up Before Ascending

Noah's Turn

Leah said I'm totally going to lead climb this route (Sour Girl, a 5.10b route). I told her to have fun. This guy sitting behind us said, You said that like she's going on a roller coaster ride or something...



Leah's First Attempt at Roof of Sour Girl



L's Last Attempt of the Day, Sour Girl


After returning from Arkansas, I said goodbye to Patti and she asked, When are we climbing again? I started chuckling about her one-track mind.

The Natural

This picture of my nephew, Dylan, is one of my favorites. Dylan's visiting for a spell and he's definitely not the infant swaddled in a quilt, the chunky two-year old or the petulant pre-schooler who used to position himself on the opposite of everything: no to bathing, food, sleeping et al.

Dylan went climbing with me and he's a natural -- climbing routes that took me a year to ascend. Of course, he also has unfair advantages like height and muscles.

Yesterday was an interesting climbing day. There were plenty of people around but not my ace boon coon, Patti, and I missed her.

I paired up with Leah who met Patti about two weeks ago somewhere near the water fountain.

I introduced Leah to every climber that I knew which made her think that I was social. Leah, better luck with your assessment next time.

At one point, I suggested to Leah that she could climb with David of David and Helga fame or that she could probably climb with Michael and Sophie -- all lead climbers. I thought Leah would have a better time scaling more challenging routes since I don't lead belay yet.

I ended up climbing with Helga while David and Leah climbed together. Then, I saw Lisa (fist bumper, kisser and posse member) and another Michael introduced himself to me. He's like the sixth climber named Michael that I've met. I belayed for Michael and watched him mold his foot around this protuberance on a route. The way he molded his foot was beautiful...

Response of The Day

Leah to her son who had used the autobelay: Put the other carabiner back on there.

Her son: That's the way I found it.

Leah: We don't have to leave things the way other people do...

It's been interesting having my nephew around. Normally his brothers, my brother and other people are also around but he made this trek solo.

There are some people that you like less the more that you know about them but that's not true about my nephew.

Dylan on "I Think We've Met Before," 5.9


D On Auto Belay


Helpful To See Pictures of Myself (Belaying -- Pink Shirt); Otherwise, My Imagination Goes Wild