The first pitch went as expected, I did feel rusty, having lost the "eye" for correct gear placements. It took longer than it should and I didn't have the same confident feel I should have. All went OK though and I pulled up to the belay ledge at the top of the first pitch where I was greeted by the usual problem at this spot -- several popular routes converge here and long delays can result. I'd been in this situation before and climbed onto some ledges up to the right and just waited. Eventually, the other party cleared and I was able to setup my belay and bring Bill up but when he got there it happened all over again so we both waited as another pair climbed on through.
Eventually I was able to do the signature move of the route and step across and begin the second pitch. Again, the lack of climbing this year showed as I was slow and just didn't feel as secure as I should have on this easy terrain. We finished it though, both feeling out of practice and slow, and rested in the shade at the top of the climb enjoying the views of the Valleys to the East and South.
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I've gazed out on this valley and taken this photo many times but the view never becomes old. Even with my point 'n shoot camera I couldn't pass on recording the scene yet again. |
For those of you worried about me -- time will tell whether I aggravated the foot and how much, my butt absorbed the impact without nary a mark (you'll have to take my word here), and the blood you might have seen on my pant leg was from the scrape above my ankle which will heel quickly.
I'll stick to railfanning until ice climbing season begins!
