Air? Water? What's the Difference?

It was my birthday Friday. Another year ticked - the big 21/my climbing lifetime shortened by yet another year. I was happy to spend the day hanging out with Jo Beth in Knoxville while resting up for a long weekend in Boone.

We were expecting good conditions (70 degrees!). That was dumb! Climbing in Boone was like climbing in a cloud. Every problem had at least one wet hold, and the air was so thick you could drink it. After 3 hours of driving, though, we were sure going to do some climbing!

It turned out to be an alright day. After meeting up at Quiznos we all headed out to M1, a small area on 221 and warmed up on an amazing v5. Jimmy quickly dispatched Instinctual (v10), a problem I did back in March, and we moved around the corner to climb Don Johnson (v11). Soaked! We chalked the shiz out of it and gave some attempts. Neither of us could even do the moves.

Jimmy on Instinctual

So, in an attempt to find some dry rock, we drove over to Blowing Rock. It was only slightly better. After a second warm-up, Jimmy and I both climbed a low roof problem called Room With A View (v10). It was weirdish. Jimmy put together a video:

Clouds were already rolling in as we ate burritos at Black Cat and we unanimously decided to head for home. It was a late night and I'm sure DQ in Johnson City saved my life.

We are heading for the Concave tomorrow and I can't wait for another attempt on Southern Comfort!

Wish me luck,

Brion