Rock Rodeo 2007

Today is the day after the Hueco Rock Rodeo. I competed this year for the first time. My day started well but I burned out after trying some hard new climbs and could not complete enough boulder problems by the end of the day to be competitive. Next time I should stick to things I can do quickly.

The day and night before the event tents were destroyed by gale force winds blowing col, sand filled air. The wind continued throughout the event and made the day cold and exhausting. At night the wind died down and the party began. A twenty foot fire raged and music played all night long. I was amazed at how well the young competitors climbed having never been to Hueco before.

Today I am sore with battered skin and sore muscles.

Full Service was climbed about a week ago. My fifth day on the problem Kevin and I sent the climb within five minutes of each other.

Full Service

Try hard. I have unsuccessfully been trying to climb "Full Service". This climb has eluded me now after four days of serious effort. I cannot reach the last hold without my feet cutting, meaning I have to hold a violent swing which has injured my left shoulder. Despite the pain I managed to climb "Left Martini".

Christy Mader is down here with her friends Justin, and Kristall, from Winnipeg. I have enjoyed showing them around the park and will be sad when they leave in a couple days.

Life at the ranch is low key and we are all excited for the upcomming Rock Rodeo on the 24th of February.

February 4, 2007

Today is sad, as I dropped Rich off at the airport to head home to Vancouver. Rich had an incredible past week, dispaching many double digit boulder problems. Watching Rich send has been a great inspiration to me to try my absolute hardest.

A few days ago we carried our friend Courtney off North Mountain in a stretcher after falling from a boulder with an uneven landing. She showed little pain and was so tough that I could not beleive it when X-rays revealed an ankle broken in three places! I felt so bad for her and hope the recovery goes well.

Our friends Lynn and Chris showed up two days ago from Minnesota and I am motivated to show them around the mountain.

Yesterday I finally started to flow well on the rock and I dispatched some great problems that eluded me last year. Lets hope this signals the start of more good climbing to come.

Last but not least the weather is PERFECT!