Yes, we’re in California. Travel was fine. I, however, didn’t feel terribly well on the flights, and the final leg was downright painful (silly sinuses). But here we are. We spent the night in Vegas (technically Summerlin), then drove through the mountains to Bishop. We spent a few hours at the Buttermilks on Saturday, spending most of our time at the Roadside Boulder, then moving up to Soul Slinger (which, at V9, is beyond most of us for this trip).

Sunday was spent at the Buttermilks as well, this time warming up at the Tut Boulder (where I sent V6–this is a good indication of my fitness (or lack thereof), since just a few years this would have hardly been noteworthy). From there, we moved the Drifter Boulder, where everyone worked on High Plains Drifter (V7). I took two burns, then wandered off to go “buttermilking” with Seb and Oren. Both have been very enthusiastic about climbing up the numerous small boulders that little the landscape here, which is at once both cool and tiring. From here, we stopped at Soul Slinger, then moved over to the Bowling Pin. I begged off doing this highball, but I’m regretting it a bit now.

Today we went to the Happy Boulders. Hot. Sunny. Hot. Too hot, really, to even climb in the sun. We warmed up near More Power, Less Water, then moved over the Happy Boulder to work on the Hulk. I felt creaky from the climbing yesterday, and after a few burns on the Hulk, I was done. The boys were also tired, so I offered to take them back to the hotel for naps, so here we are. Right now, we’re likely missing the best conditions of the day, but, oh well. Jen is still out with Paul and April, hopefully taking advantage of the good conditions on Morning Dove White (V7).

Tomorrow is a rest day. I can’t wait.

And sorry, no pictures. We have them, but I forgot to bring the USB cable for the camera.

Posted on 20 October 2008