MN Crimp

The forecast called for rain today but as what it appears normally happens here when rain is forecasted, it didn’t rain. Instead it was perfect weather in the mid 60s so I headed back up to Queen Creek to boulder more at Oak Flats. A few other groups of two were out there and we all ended up hanging out together — unfortunately, since I’d been here before, I ended up being the expert of the area since all of them either hadn’t been here in years or were first timers — so I didn’t learn any new areas. I didn’t climb very well today as I stayed out pretty late last night but it was good to get back up there and breathe the fresh air and hang out in the rocks.

Last weekends rain really changed the look of the area. Because it hadn’t rained in 5 months, everything was really dry and I guess all the trees got covered in ice and snow which they just couldn’t handle so large broken branches were everywhere. The creek bed was also flowing with lots of water and the base of my DJL Project #2 is under 2 feet of water now. So, I worked on DJL Project #1 and again did better but still didn’t send it. Not in good enough physical shape today is my excuse .

I cut my wrist on it as well today and while it’s not that bad, it does look it. It looks like I tried to slit my wrists — I’ll probably have someone do an intervention for me at work if anyone sees it.

No pictures today – forgot my camera.

 
I made it out to Oak Flats for the second time this trip today (3rd time ever — I went back in January as well when I was down). Had a fun time again, but man, this rock is brutal on my fingers. Here’s a picture of me on my new Davy Jones’ Locker project (DJL Project #2). Not the best picture b/c of the sun creeping over the top of the boulder and I had to do it w/ the timer but it’s a crimp climb up an overhanging bulge. Took me about 10 tries to do the first move. It demanded pretty precise footwork for me to stick the second hold. I got close to sticking the second move — would hit it for a second and bust off.

I made good progress on DJL Project #1 which I posted a picture of last week. Made it two moves further so I know I can do the problem. It’s kind of freakin’ me out doing this one by myself, though. It’s overhanging and there’s a big rock right behind it so the higher you go the more likely it feels like you’ll hit the rock on the way down. It would be nice to have a spotter sitting on it.

I also walked around alot more after I was done climbing and am getting a better feel for the lay of the land. Found another one of the climbing areas. I forgot the guide today so don’t know yet what that area was called. 

Here’s another picture of the new project:

And a shot of the area: