Rock Climbing --- 9/16/2006 - 9/17/2006 --- Gunks

Drove down late Saturday night. Checked out camp slime, but it was full, so we spent the night in Keith's 4-person tent at the DEC.

Sunday morning Keith and Amanda got an annual pass at the visitor's center. It was the same guy who doubted that Kristin and I were married. I stood next to Kristin and we bantered the whole time, just so he would realize that we were still together after two whole weeks. Anyhow, eventually we started climbing. Kristin and I started the day on Maria. Always a fun climb. Then Kristin led the first pitch of Ribless. Her second ever trad lead, and she danced up a 5.6 -- pretty impressive! We then went up to the top with my lead of a long, random section of the cliff above Ribless. We weren't on any particular route, but the climbing was fun.

Ran into Supa Steve on the carriage road. We hadn't seen each other for about a year. He is moving to NYC soon and will probably be at the Gunks all the time. Final climb for the day was Grim-Ace Face with Keith (while Kristin and Amanda went to climb Three Pines). I led p1 which was straightforward 5.8 climbing. Gear was sufficient for a PG rating. Keith led p2. He started to pull through the overhang, but backed off. He stayed low and moved about 12 feet right, then up. Done this way the pitch is not R-rated. It was fun and the rock was decent. There was plenty of chalk along this route. I led p3 which is an impressive roof. I had to hang at the pin. Actually, I didn't have to hang, I could have onsighted the climb, but I'm a coward. Keith followed the pitch cleanly, even though he had to clean a tricam I stuffed next to the pin while hanging. Big roof on big holds. Lots of fun. This is what gives the climb three stars.

With Grim-Ace Face I have now climbed every three star route in William's Gunks Select rated below 5.10! Woo Hoo!

Amanda, Keith and Kristin at the DEC. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Amanda, Keith and Kristin at the DEC.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Mmmmm... breakfast (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Mmmmm... breakfast    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

I'm squishing your head! (Category:  Rock Climbing)

I'm squishing your head!    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

We saw Jeanine at the DEC. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

We saw Jeanine at the DEC.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin following the first pitch of Maria. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin following the first pitch of Maria.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin following the first pitch of Maria. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin following the first pitch of Maria.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin at the first belay on Maria. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin at the first belay on Maria.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin leading Ribless. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin leading Ribless.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006

Kristin leading Ribless. (Category:  Rock Climbing)

Kristin leading Ribless.    Gunks -- 9/17/2006