Went to Yosemite this past weekend with two guys, one my regular climbing partner and a 25 year old. We had a really nice time and did some great climbs. The 25yo hasn't really done much trad climbing so he was in the middle the whole time, whilst my friend and I led. It was kind of scary though because the 25yo doesn't know how to belay from above. He's used to using a Grigri, with which it's not so important to hang on to the rope 100% of the time. I watched and couldn't believe it, and then finally said something. But he still forgot to hang on. I think a bigger intervention is needed. Obviously very dangerous.
Speaking of dangerous, on the last climb (Super Slide), I did two difficult long pitches together. And so was tired and felt bad for going slowly. The next party came up to join me on the ledge, and I wanted to move over for him, and I took myself completely off. As I was doing it I knew it was wrong, but I was standing on a ledge and not thinking clearly... Thankfully obviously I did not fall. Very stupid me.
I mention that the one guy is 25yo because it's another world. Not too out there, as he was born in Russia and thus has a wider perspective on the world, but still rides his motorcycle fast and is interested in different things (like young women... :-) ) We had a discussion about women at one point, and apparently if he does not find a marriageable woman by 30, he'll go back to Russia for a couple months and find a wife. Really! Odd odd...
OK, I hope everyone is well. I'll go look ...
6 comments:
Yosemite is so gorgeous! But I do prefer it from ground level. =;]
Maybe 25yo is a thrill junkie and the lack of safety is what gets him happy. Fine for him, but not cool if he can endanger his partners.
Funny how attitudes about things like marriage are different across the globe. I don't see how you can just find a spouse in a few months, but maybe that works out well depending on your idea of what a wife should be and her idea matches.
Wow....what a gorgeous photo! Excellent capture.
That 25 year old will do fine--he's got five years to cruise the available and find himself a keeper. If he keeps up with the decision making he's now using, he won't have to worry about finding a wife by thirty! Geeze.......
When I read those rock climbing stories the bottom of my feet tingle...I am that afraid of heights.
That photo...wow, that is gorgeous.
That picture is awesome!
I saw a cool web vid of a free climber using no ropes at all and doing very difficult climbs. Maked my palms sweat just watching it.
SR - no, I think he wants to be safe... he just needs to learn new ways. It's that way for anyone who's used a grigri - it starts bad habits.
Mel, thanks!
Laura, thanks! and sorry about your feet. :-)
3GK, those videos make my palms sweat too, though I also think, well, he's made his decision and he will live or die someday.
I miss Yosemite, but I don't miss 25 year old boys. Talking to them generally makes me crabby and tired. No Cougar, this one...
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