Gotta love the Taco. I got an email from Dave (Brassnuts) asking me if I'd like to climb today as the weather looked good. Turns out our new apartment my wife & I just moved into is two good golf shots from Dave's home (maybe 3; I suck at golf), so in the neighborly spirit I had to skip work and join him for the day. It took me 5 minutes to walk over this morning; it would have been quicker but I stopped to admire the S Boulder wildlife.


We decided on Lumpy Ridge as I had only climbed there twice before, both times in the early 80's. Unfortunately the roadwork on the drive in delayed us 45 minutes, setting the stage for a leisurely pace. A stroll in the park, really.



We started on FEMP, and Dave drew the incredible 5.9 fingers & hand crack.


Team 106 (combined ages)


This also put Dave in line to lead the impeccable finger crack finish of Cheap Date for P4.


The walk off was painful in our climbing shoes.


One of the two climbs I had done 32 years ago was J Crack. John Rosholt had lead all the pitches, and I recall it being scary and hard. Dave suggests we go for it, and asks if I want the long 5.9 pitch or the crux pitch. Dammit, I have to redeem myself, I'll take the crux.



We finished via the Cave Exit, probably the most awkward and difficult 5.7 I've ever done. It was the closest to falling I came all day. At least it deposited us on the descent trail.


Brassnuts was trying to get used to his new helmet.


Another painful descent in TC Pros and we were back at the packs. 9 pitches was enough, we leave to go home.


"For every step you take into the forest, you must make as many to return."


Thanks to Brassnuts for the inspiration and invitation! Cheers.