Pilot Mountain

Hey y'all! It's another beautiful day in The South! Have no worries, tomorrow will drop 30 degrees and we will join y'all in the arctic blast. I celebrated today by running outside in shorts and a tshirt and walking home instead of taking the bus! If only every day in winter could be like this...maybe in Guatemala...

Anyways, when it's nice and cold down here I'll have to study for 707. This class is the complete opposite of my expertise :(  So when I say study, I mean trying desperately to understand. But the X-Games are on so I can take study breaks! I can't believe I have exams already - classes just started for some people in Wisconsin.

Last Monday, a group of 8 climbers went to Pilot Mountain! We didn't have class and the weather was nice so we decided to crush some rocks. I learned how to set up an anchor and tried out some new techniques. The first climb I couldn't feel my fingers because the rock was cold. Let's just say it didn't turn out so well. Awhile later, I tried the climb again and was successful! I spent a long time attempting a 5.10 (which didn't turn out so well). 

On top of Cowboys and Heroes!!

I was going to do my first lead climb ever but...that didn't happen. My friend Josh started a lead on a 5.9 but getting to the first and second clips was sketch. As we was downclimbing, his handhold literally broke off. The rock caught my shin as I got yanked towards the wall. It was a beautiful sight. Naturally, I took of a picture of the viscous rock and Josh to show y'all it wasn't a pebble. After that happened, I decided that wasn't a good climb for me to do my first lead on...

Attempting to get over the roof - I really need to work on those!!

Josh and the rock that broke off.

BUT, I did get lead certified at the climbing gym (TRC)!! Now all the climbs I was getting sick of top-roping are now new and exciting for leads! Oh guys I have some wicked news. Remember when I told y'all about the 5.11 I was projecting? Well...let's just say it's no longer a project :D  Now I'm projecting a 5.10 that has a ton of slopers! Bring it Rami! Rami is a route-setter at TRC and I love the routes he sets. I usually seek out his routes first and work on those!! Scott & JP also create awesome routes.

Now I must make myself study before I go to TRC. Here's a little hint for you. If I'm not at home or out running, I'm probably at TRC. It's my second home.

This is why I love climbing - you get awesome views like this!!