The Tor doesn’t handle rejection well. She knows I was at Joshua Tree two weekends ago then at Pine Mountain last weekend. She doesn’t care where I was, just that I wasn’t with her. After two weeks away I had to deal with her wrath on Saturday. I felt stronger. Honestly, all the moves felt easier. But I guess the Tor was just messin’ with me because the tops of all the routes tired me out bad. It was like she kept luring upward, move to move, route after route, just to spit me off within reach of chains. Just bitter. But I’ve learned something. DON’T SKIP WEEKENDS AT THE TOR. EVER. Because no matter how bad she kicks my ass, like a red-headed step child, the anger she grows in my absence is too painful to come back to. I either show her the devotion she demands or walk away forever. And I’m not leaving yet. Oh no, Tor. I fought off death to be here and there’s no way I’ll let something like ‘life’ get in the way of our romance.
In fact, I’m thinking of spending all weekend with her – from Friday to Sunday, sleeping there both nights, climbing with whoever shows up Saturday and belaying myself Friday and Sunday.
Saturday’s routine:
- Power of Eating (5.11d) – redpoint
- When the Sea Doesn’t Want you (5.12a) – redpoint
- No Skill (5.12c) – 1 fall at second to last draw
- Hell of the Upside Down Sinners (5.12b) – 1 fall at ledge
- Hell of the Upside Down Sinners (5.12b) – 2 falls
- Anchor Punch (5.12a) – 1 fall at crux
- Hell of the Upside Down Sinners (5.12a) – 1 fall
- Power of Eating (5.11d) – 1 fall at second two-finger pocket
Another volume day at the Tor, real boring and real tiring. Totally spent.
Me on Hell of the Upside Down Sinners (5.12b), Phil belaying, and Elhanan (a rare treat) planning.
Me on Hell. Notice the chalk hand print on my back – yeah, the flies were biting.
check it: Owl Tor photos – Saturday June 7, 2008
