2008 Retrospective

Well, today is Christmas Eve. I've spent the last couple weeks in Charlotte, North Carolina working and visiting family. Thursday will be two weeks without climbing. My body needed the rest.

2008 was a great year for me personally, and my climbing. I had two big goals: Do a first ascent, and climb 5.13. I accomplished both goals.

The first ascent came almost by accident. Katie and I were wrapping up a visiting to Red Rocks when we happened upon a small crack, later named Quail's Gamble. This climb was very exciting (read: scary), and was a perfect way to end our trip.

I climbed Challenges of Leisure on the day after Thanksgiving. I wanted it so bad, but I had basically decided it would wait unitl next year. Amy and I got up late, and on a whim decided to go do the climb. I didn't even have my climbing equipment- I borrowed draws and a harness from friends.

The key to the route was using shoes designed for steep terrain (even though the climb is flat), and doing the crux static. The crux felt easy. I was nervous finishing in the waning light, and light snow. We hiked out in the dark.