January 25th: The Archway, Cher leads a 6B

Day 104

As our climbing grades slowly get higher so does the temperature. The Archway is a fantastic structure which channels a cool breeze and provides good shade any time of the day. I had the pleasure of onsighting two 6C’s – Tree Surgeon and Grunt Fest and Cher led an overhanging 6B, Crazy Hot. Later to build my case, a young buff American (not me, of course) struggled on a section that Cher cruised up.

We estimate that we’ve climbed over 100 different routes since we started this trip and that in one month we lead outside more than we do in a year. This is the most pleasant way to improve our climbing skills.

I’ve been trying to motivate Cher to lead harder routes. I’m not really sure why, since she’s happy with top roping I’m happy with leading. But I can’t resist a gentle nudge here and there. I’ve witnessed other fellow climbers (mostly men) making ridiculous, insensitive comments towards their climbing partners, such as “I don’t lead anything below 5C’s, they are a waste of time and energy” or “I wish you climbed at the same level as me.” I confess that I too said something similar to Cher. However, if you have a dedicated partner who belays you and loves you so that you can climb safely every day, you are fortunate, a billionaire among paupers! My climbs may be harder and my life shorter if I have to do them free solo, without my trusted belayer.