(or Just keep swimming, just keep swimming[1])

We spent seven days in Campton, KY, climbing around the Red River Gorge. The weather was less than cooperative, with lots of rain, heat, and humidity (sometimes all at once, sometimes separately). We still managed to climb parts of five days, alternating between the Roadside crag and Military Wall. I had forgotten how entirely awesome the 5.12 Wall Military is–four amazing routes that manage to stay bone dry, and enough dust and dirt to keep the kids happy.

I had a pretty decent trip, repeating Tissue Tiger (5.12b) at Military and sending Strevels Gets in Shape (5.12b) at Roadside in a few tries. I’m certainly not back to where I used to be as far as my fitness is concerned, but I felt good on the routes–relaxed and willing to really go for it–something that has been missing the past few years.

More to come, including pictures.

[1] Finding Nemo was the theme-movie of the week, and this particular song was apropos, given the weather. I made it my goal to not complain about the conditions (as that is my wont) and just have fun climbing.

Posted on 25 September 2009