Had a fabulous day out with Maria yesterday. Despite the super unsettled weather, and cold temps, we persevered on the original plan to do Raptor. I hadn’t climbed this in probably 8 years, so it felt totally new to me again! I forgot how challenging the 5.10 pitches were and how slippery things have become!
We moved quickly though, and managed to say warm with little pokes of sun popping out at us and giving us brief moments of warmth! The top out was super wind. This was a good mini training day for doing Sysiphus Summit on Ha Ling later this summer…a 21 pitch 10d climb.
After we walked back to the car, we had a bite to eat and a drink and headed down to Grassi. Last year after climbing True Grit, we did the same thing as Maria wanted to try a climb called Bucket City 5.10b. So, we headed back toward Bucket City, to work on the Redpoint. The first go on top rope went clean, and despite freezing cold hands Maria figured out the moves and the clips for her future lead.
We pulled the rope and with nervous anticipation Maria went for the lead! She climbed it clean and with great form…I was soooo happy for her! Time for a new “project” Maria…Meathooks is calling your name!!:)