Jackson Falls - Oct 26, 2008

posted by Saucisson #3.

Climbers - Sophie, Yusuf, Rob, Calvin, Angie, Little Jon, Tall Tim, Woody and Jared

A large group day. First things first, congrats to Kelly and Cam, who are now engaged. We found out the news - Cam proposed by leaving the ring at the top of Group Therapy .10c, a favorite warmup. Kelly obviously said yes. We didn't get to check out the hardware, as Kelly wisely left it somewhere safe while climbing.

Other notable news: Joey Kreidel and kids are headed to town in a couple weeks. We're excited to hear that and will hopefully be outdoors together when he gets here. There's a few other trips planned to HCR and during Thanksgiving as well.

The group being as large as it was slowed us down during the day, but everyone had a great time. After warming up, we split up along various areas - Yusuf to Emperor of the North .13a, Soph to Galaxy 500 .12a/b and the rest of us to Beaver Wall. I belayed Rob on Who Needs Friends, a favorite and user friendly .12a at Beaver.

Little Jon polished off Frizzle Fry .12b, after last trying it on a trip a couple of weeks ago. Jon is a beast. The guy doesn't climb for the last 2 weeks, then comes and sends Frizzle first try after hanging the draws. If I tried to do that, I wouldn't get very far as my climbing endurance deserts me very quickly during climbing layoffs. The kid is talented; I think he would easily be a hard .13 climber if he devoted a little time to it. But sometimes I think his talent also tones down his motivation. It may come too easily to him.

The rest of us worked on various stuff - Angie sent a 5.9 and .10b that she'd worked on previously (nice job!) and also has become a proficient cleaner. Soph made good progress on Galaxy, and I think her send isn't far off. That climb is very technical and somewhat powerful; it'll be a proud send. I tried it on TR and got beat up.

I've been working on Gobble Juice .12c, and I think I've got it within striking distance. I fell at the second crux, but a few more inches and I think it would have been plausible. We'll see.

Climb on!