Day 9 - Monday May 28 - In Memory of Climbing

Let me just begin by saying that I had a wonderful memorial day holiday. I picked up Mike Schultz around 9:30 and we made our way up to the Slips in Big Cottonwood Canyon. CJ and James met us up there and we moved past the dude in his circa 1990's style climbing lycra to get to our climb. We began by climbing a 5.10c as a "warm-up." This proved to be a bit challenging for me, but with a rest here and there I was able to do it. We then went over to Goodrow's Wall in Storm Mountain. There was a group of people just leaving Six Appeal when we got there and the two dudes on Goodrow's Crack were still going to be a while so I led six appeal (a 5.6). This was an interesting climb because there is not much to really hold on to - you really have to just rely on your feet and your balance. As I was coming down, Matt, a co-worker of Mike's from BD, joined us. He then climbed this one and we both watched later as Mike took his turn. At just about this time CJ and James again met up with us (they had been off climbing some 5.9 around the corner) and the dudes on the crack were finishing up. CJ climbed Six Appeal so he could take pictures of Mike leading Goodrow's. Mike led Goodrow's with ease. I then climbed it and I found it necessary to sit on the rope occasionally due to the lack of strength in my arms at this point of the day. I did make it and enjoyed it immensely. Matt then climbed it and then Mike, Matt, and I headed home. We chatted over Barbacoa for lunch and then went our separate ways. If this wasn't already a great day, I was then able to go biking, swimming, biking with Stacy and Ryan and then watch Pan's Labyrinth at home (if you haven't seen it yet, you must! I loved it). This memorial day will remain in my memory for some time.