A Quick Note From Friday Night

My good friend Eric came met me after work for a few hours of climbing last Friday, we wanted to tick a few pitches off, and here's what we did:

1. Easy Overhang (5.4)
2. Brinton's Crack (5.6)
3. Berkeley (5.6)
4. Birch Tree Crack (5.8)
5. Last Gasp (5.8 R)
6. Foreplay (5.5)
7. Northwest Crack/Arete (5.7)
8. Peter's Project (5.7)

Not a bad little Friday night all told... Eric led Foreplay as his first trad lead ever, looking solid the whole way.

I love knocking off pitches like this, it's great fun, and a great workout (mentally, physically and technically). I highly recommend grabbing a partner, a ~40m rope, a light rack and spending a day (or an evening) trying to simply log as many pitches as possible at any grade - it will make you a better climber. Without rushing, Eric and I did 8 pitches in 3-4 hours - we took our time and enjoyed each pitch, sampling a bunch of classics. It really is impressive what can be done with a small shift from the typical top-rope siege mentality that dominates route climbing at DL. Decrease the pack size, increase the climbing and watch the competence and confidence flourish!

Eric, cleaning up on Berkeley (5.6)

If the goal is pitches; bring a headlamp. Eric seconds Peter's Project (5.7) at dusk