Last weekend we kicked off the start of our climbing season with a 7 of 9 days climbing hustle of the local crags and gym. This was my first real activity since the big accident back in February.
We started last weekend at Annapolis Rock. We hiked in the 2.25 miles and set up a top rope on Fin Rock. Kristin got a nice surprise at the top of Part Man, Part Monkey when she almost put her hand on a frighteningly large black snake. Frazzled, she lowered and we moved on to the south end of Annapolis rock where we linked up with a PATC group. We climbed White Arete and then I made a sorry stab at Black Crack peeling off twice about halfway up when the going starts to get tough. Disappointing, but it can slide for the first day of climbing this year.
Looking up to the top of Part Man, Part Monkey on Fin Rock.
Photograph by KRMG.
We stayed the night in Gambrill State Park and woke the next morning to clear skies and sore arms, but made for the crags at Sugarloaf anyway. We set up a top rope on the Boy Scout Ledges and climbed a few routes while the lizards, toads, and snakes came out to frighten Kristin. We made it a short morning as our hands were swollen from the day before and headed off to REI for some relaxing gear shopping.
Maybe we should not put our hands in this crack.
Photograph by Chuck Bolte.
Do not tread on me!
Photograph by Chuck Bolte.
Realizing that we were so out of shape for climbing we got a 30 day pass at the climbing gym and started up lunch time climbing sessions. We got in some awesome workouts on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday then we were back outside on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday we had a split day; morning climbing at Rocks State Park and family fun with Kristin's family in the afternoon. We got an early start to Rocks and were on our favorite route, Vertical, on the Breakaway wall before the sun was too unbearable. When the sun did become unbearable we scrambled up and over to the north face of the Strawberry Jam Pillar and climbed Peanut Butter to gain the ever-awesome view from the top. Then it was off to the swimming pool.
The classic King and Queen's Seat view.
Photograph by O.V.
O.V. near the top of Vertical.
Photograph by KRMG.
Plugging in gear on Peanut Butter.
Photograph by O.V.
Sunday we were tired and sore. Very tired and sore. We hustled over the Carderock, MD for slabby top roping on Jane's Face at Jungle Cliffs. It was our first time there for the year and it was humid and damp as usual. And mosquitos too!
After capping off a sprint start to our first days climbing this year we welcome a day or two off to relax and heal up.