El Potreror Chico - Day 6

[dagibbs]

Another early morning -- we went for a route called Supernova that would be in the shade, since the temperatures are getting up there (weather report called for a high of 38C (100F) today). It starts with a 5.11a pitch (which I cheated up), then 7 5.6-5.9 pitches, half of which I led. (I led a 5.8, then a linked pair of 5.6s, Becket linked a 5.9 and 5.6, then I led a 5.9 and Becket finished the last 5.8.) I was quite happy with the leading on this, and also on using and practicing the skills of setting up an anchor, and belaying a 2nd up.

I will have to do more rock climbing trips. (The Alps at the end of July is hinting at being a possibility.)

After dinner, tonight, we plan to go out for a night-climb. Headlamps & moon. :) Should be sweet!

Comments

[boywhocantsayno.livejournal.com]

then 7 5.6-5.9 pitches, half of which I led

How do you lead half of an odd number of climbs? :P

(And yes, I did read the subsequent parenthetical - I'm just being a smartass. :) )

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Rounding. YOu know, as well as I do, that 3.5 rounds off to 4. :)

But, actually, it can happen -- you could set up an anchor mid-pitch, and belay your partner up past you. Though... that would, essentially, split the one pitch into two pitches. (And, by that way of looking at things, since I linked the two 5.6s rather than stopping at the nominal belay point in the middle, maybe I only led 3 pitches.)

But if a pitch is a certain distance -- 20-30m (generally), then a half pitch could also make sense.

It is all quite strange.