Where do climbers go when they only have a rope, a few quickdraws, a few slings, and a few caribiners (and about a 5.9 climbing ability)? To santee boulders of course. I am pretty excited about this day because not only did alex finally gain some confidence by climbing the 5.8/5.9 at dogpile, but we got to climb over at lonesome boulder, which is something I have NEVER done before. Its amazing that there were such perfect climbs in this small climbing park that I've never been on before.
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I bet you are a bit tired looking at dogpile, but it was a trip that we really had to make again. Alex was too worn out last sunday and I these are really great climbs for learning how to repel, edge, and friction climb. Those are skills that you really can't pick up in the gym.
I am sort of wondering if I making a huge mistake trying to get Alex to love the sport the same way I do. His attitude is just so different from the way mine was when I was learning how to climb outdoors. Its worrying. He complains about his weak toes and soft hands, the heat and even the shortest of approaches. I don't know how to communicate that its not the right attitude without sounding like I am nagging. I don't know how to tell him that maybe he shouldn't try to climb if he doesn't like it without sounding like I am giving up on him. If I were anyone else, someone further away from him, I would be able to say those things and be heard. My only plan is to endear his suffering (which he is very eager to share), and wait until his hands, feet, and skin grow strong enough to not be complained about.
Or else he will forever just be belay boy and I'll be climbing single pitch 5.9s for the rest of my life.
I was really excited to find lonesome boulder, which had a really easy walk up, bolts, and quite a few routes to choose from. I was even able to climb the 5.9 and even an alleged 5.10a. (I think I may have been about a foot from the real 5.10a). I think the most important thing about this project is having the right length cordlet to keep the rope from dragging. There was just a little bit too much rope drag when I setup the route and it was nerve-racking and frustrating all at the same time.
I am planning on going to Woodsen tomorrow to give Sunday Afternoon one more try. Next weekend I plan to go climbing with some old climbing pals, which should be a trip. THEN I am planning on buying a cam the following week. That should open up a ton more routes up.
More posts later this week.
Maria