This is a picture of the Headache, a three pitch 5.9/10 crack climb in Zion. It solidified this belief: I hate desert splitters!
Climbers in the desert talk about desert splitters like they are the sexiest thing they have ever laid eyes and hands on. These people...they are dillusional.
After two pitches of my moaning and groaning, Anthony and I rapped down and rented bikes. It was ridiculously fun, and proved to be the perfect fix for my demoralized soul. And then, I bought a bike!!
Diversifying
I bought a bike!!!
Dad
Dad has been in my thoughts and dreams more often than usual lately. Maybe it’s because of the recent Easter holiday or working with a student who lost her father and brother in a tragic plane crash. My mom recently went to an awards ceremony in Citronelle, AL where they gave a scholarship in Dad’s name. A lady approached her and told her a story about her sister who was a cheerleader when mom and dad were there. Her sister decided to drop out her junior year. My dad went to her house and simply told her that she wasn’t going to drop out. She was going to come back to school and finish high school. She went on to become a guidance counselor and now repeatedly tells the story about how a teacher/coach (not even hers) cared enough to come to her house to keep her in school. I knew my dad did such things with his football players all the time. It has been touching to hear such stories about him having such an impact on those with whom his outcome or winning or losing was not attached.
Running
Running and I are like star crossed lovers. There is something about it that settles my soul and heart and brings peace to my racing mind. However, it proved to be an incongruent activity with my body.
In college I was as obsessed with running as I am now with climbing. I have described my break from running like the end of a very serious and involved relationship (pre-climbing). There was grieving involved and I tried to make it work for several years. After being medically separated from the Peace Corps, due to my back, I decided it was time to really give it up. I started climbing and haven’t looked back for the past 2+ years.
There are beautiful trails here. I decided it wouldn’t be so bad to try running out again. I have run 3 times for no more than 20 to 30 minutes. It’s amazing and I still love it. However, now I can peacefully accept that my relationship with running will not be as it was.
Hanging out and gila monsters ....the things you do and see around St. George.
Katie, don't give up on cracks yet! They are the sexiest thing ever!!! The thing is the difficulty is totally dependent on your hand size. Cruiser crack for some is killer for others. I'm guessing the two inch crack on pitch one may have been a tiny bit big for your hands, and that the 1 inch, or .75 camalot crack is just an awkward size. Off fingers. Yuck. Crack climbing is like dating someone with a very strong personality, you need a slow introduction before you truly appreciate them. A three pitch 5.10b, maybe a bit quick for the first date. Give em a second chance! I looked at pictures of the route, whew man that crack was hott.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the beta Bryce. I have my heart set on Yosemite this fall so I hope I have the patience to give cracks another second, third, and fourth chance.
ReplyDeleteSharing happy thoughts of your dad with you. He was indeed a fine man. Glad you've found a new "obsession!" Miss and love you.
ReplyDeleteKatie! I love reading your blog-so inspiring. Congrats on your new position. Let me know if you end up coming to CA...I'm doing a backcountry camping trip in Yosemite a this summer and will be thinking of you.
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