Well, I teased this morning about the weather in New England. And I clearly should not have teased. 
Today cooler temps came in early morning, a few snow flakes here and there, and it felt like a cold New England spring day. Of course, we didn’t get any real precipitation here. But the skies threatened like it off and on.
While I was walking downtown I received a call. My neighbor Bob. He wanted to let me know 3 packages had arrived for me at the office. My old climbing gear. It didn’t travel with me over the past year. Last Spring it took enough effort just to drive around to new places. Climbing was not an option or consideration for that matter.
I’m happy to say, I’m trying new things again every day. Building back up from the disaster of 05′ and part of 06′. Very nice indeed.
I returned to Point of Rocks Campground and opened my packages quickly. Bob came over to see what came in, and moments after taking a look at the mess he suggested we take a walk into the Dells. There were a few easy lead climbs he’d been wanting to try. We set off around 2:00, and didn’t return until after 5:00.
We first set up on a nice little 5.6 climb. It was a lead climb, so Bob did the leading. 4 bolts in total spaced less than 10 feet apart I’d say. The start though was very unprotected, and the first 15 feet it was up to Bob not to fall. He did well! Great climber actually.
After playing around on the first route we moved on to a 5.7, then a 5.8. I wasn’t sure if I’d be up to it. Been a long time, and let’s face it, I’ve gotten “squishy” the past few years. Fortunately though, each climb was very easy to do. I’ve always relied more on where I put my feet. Never been much on brute forcing up a rock with my arms. And today it was all foot work.
As you might guess, it was still very cold. Jacket and pants! Wow, pretty abnormal. Usually I like just a T-shirt or long sleeve top when playing on the rock. But the cold persisted today. My toes got really cold in those thin shoes too.
So, today I really got back on the rock. And yes, we’ll be out again tomorrow. Bob has a fun multi-pitch in mind over near Granite Mountain. Should be fun!
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