“High”way Star Humility
Mountain Loral and butterflies! The crag is in the shade. I’ve been here before, twice. The first time Josh had me leave a piece of protection with a long sling so I could pull myself up the crux using an aid, then I finished the route. The second time I came out to this crag with Josh I did the entire route (on top rope) without hanging. Oh I remember how strong I felt.
Today I thought I was visiting an old friend …and I did. Intending a chill time at a crag I could do, I got something else entirely. I got stumped and pumped on the crux my first attempt, and came down. My second attempt I found my breath and with some good beta from Josh I was able to stem my feet up just a toe higher and get a good reach with my right hand while my left hand was jammed high. Walking my feet up I saw blue and purple streaks in the rocks. Oh shit, that mushroom dose I took is hitting me and I am getting so pumped working myself across the horizontal crack system so I can jam. I had to let go. While I was hanging out letting my arms and hands recover my forearms started cramping causing my hands to form claw. I was dehydrated. Okay Catherine. Get your shit together. I found my breath and decided to give it one more go. I was on top rope after all. I had to try. I stretched my forearms out and tried again. Left hand to the back of the flake in the crack, shitty right hand jam high, stand up. Cool. I take my left to jam and start to feel everything so deeply. I feel my sweat, I feel my heart, I feel my emotions (it’s been a crazy day), everything felt so big and I lost my focus and decided to bail.
I am happy with my decision and I don’t judge myself for not completing the route today. I am exhausted from my efforts and for me, that’s the goal. I need activities that challenge me mentally and physically. Climbing does that and Highway Star is a beautiful crag. I’ll be back. The last time we were there I had been climbing a lot more frequently and was probably in better climbing condition even though I’m lighter and stronger now.
Important lessons today:
lower BMI does not necessarily make climbing easier. Climbing makes climbing easier climbing is hard.
Josh has good beta. Listen.
Knot the hitch on the rope coil so it doesn’t come uncoiled.
Maybe no mushrooms while climbing? TBD
~ Catherine
8/9/22
