Barbecue

Last season Alex loaded a grill, food, and beer into his Sprinter and called all his friends to meet him for a late-in-the-day Mill D ride followed by brew and brats in the parking lot. Today he made it an annual event. Last year, Toni set what I can only hope is a personal record by flatting four times, including rolling into the parking lot without any air. This year he one-upped himself by clipping his bars and sending it superman-style for 15-feet running head first into another tree. Despite wearing a full-face, he still managed a pretty good gash on his nose. There were a few other offs, but Toni definitely took the win.

Flash

Alex, Ceci, Jordan, Carla, Toni, Misty, Mary, Triple X, and PJ all ended up at the PC dirt jumps for a short afternoon sesh. Pretty chill day, but it was my first time trying remote-flash photography. There was some amateur-hours stuff going on from my end for sure, but I'm pretty happy with the results for the first time out. The lightning storm on the way home was pretty damn cool too.

Strong

In search of cool temperatures, Andy and I headed to Maple and found our way to the Pipeline. I had never been here before, and I was stoked on it. The routes were pretty short by Maple standards, but they were still very pumpy and had harder cruxes than the average Maple line. Andy got what I believe is his first one-day send of a 12b, and I set my personal best get-shit-done crag day by redpointing seven pitches including an 11d, 12a, 12b, and a 12c. I guess this crag really fits my style, because I usually get my ass handed to me in Maple. About halfway through our sesh we were feeling pretty worn out, but Luke and Cerre showed up, crushed some hard shit really fast, and got us fired up again. Thanks you two for throwing some gasoline on the fire.

Running From the Sun

It's hot as all hell in the valley right now, so Andy, Kipp, Ashley, and myself went back to American Fork and ended up at the Lower Membrane for the third time this season. It's in the shade and there's water about 10 feet from the base. Good times, good people, fun routes, and did I mention shady with water? We left relatively early due to encroaching heat and general lazyness. I thought we'd move to the upper wall and I'd have more chances to shoot other photos, but it wasn't the case. As a result, I came home with over 200 frames of Andy on his two 5.12s for the day and not a single shot of anyone else. I feel a little weird to be honest.

Solo Mission

I did a piss poor job of lining up a partner for climbing this afternoon, and by the time I got my act together everyone had either called it a day or was already out climbing somewhere else. So I went to the pile and put up a TR on the 5.11d, so I could run a few solo laps and get a good pump. I've certainly had worse afternoons.

Big and Bigger

Sometimes having two sports that you enjoy can be a serious detriment. And sometimes, it can work out really well. Andy and I started the afternoon with a quick sesh at the not-so-majestic Speedtrap crag in Big Cottonwood. We finished climbing, I dropped him off, and was on the phone with Alex before I was even out of Andy's driveway. I went home, switched kits, and met Alex and Toni back in Big Cottonwood to do a lap on the Crest trail ending with Mill D. All in all, this day was pretty damn nice.

Twilight Buttress

I know. "The what buttress? Where the hell is that thing?" Well, it turns out that there's a pretty damn cool hunk of rock a short way up the canyon below Big Willow Cirque. Andy and I got in three pitches after work, two of which were among the best I've climbed around the Wasatch. The rock is very City of Rocks style with solid granite and lots of patina features. I can't believe I've never been here before.

Lone Peak Cirque

In an effort to do something that wasn't cragging (read: I need to get in better shape), Ben and I decided to day trip to Lone Peak Cirque. We did the 5600ft approach in just under three hours without really trying too hard, and the temps were even a little chilly while we geared up. After a quick snack we went to the base of Center Thumb (II 5.9), scrambled a few feet up the first pitch to get off the snow, geared up, and started climbing. We did the five pitch route in three pitches by stretching out the 60m rope twice and throwing in a little simal climbing. Then we came down to the meadow for another snack, rested a bit, and hiked out. I was doing fine until we started the steep descent down Jacob's Ladder, at which time it became clear that I've been slacking on the knee-stabilization exercises and stretches, and by the time we were half way down I was moving nearly as slow as I was on the way up. Damnit Riser! You lazy asshole! Big thanks to Ben for patiently waiting for me.