First 10a lead!

I am too good at procrastination. It is a skill that school has taught me well.

So yesterday, in the midst of ominous winds and increasingly darkening clouds, a couple of us went to the Dump (a small, local crag) to get some climbing in. We warmed up on a 5.6; a climb that Melise first taught me how to lead on and a pretty fun warm-up. Andrew lead Homegrown, a 10a and a climb I've only top roped twice before.

As he climbed I contemplated leading it, or keeping it safe to just top rope it again. I have never been able to climb it without falling and the idea of falling above my last draw was pretty scary.

<---this is me on toprope on Homegrown back in the late fall. It was mildly chilly that day.

So I was convinced eventually to lead it, without having to clip the first draw because I would have been really sketched out by it and would have just turned my back to the entire idea. But I did it! And was completely shocked by it. I mean, I knew I could finish the climb but part of me always wonders how much of toproping is me climbing and how much is the person belaying me keeping me too tight and therefore basically aiding me up the wall. What a perfect first hard lead! Slabby at points, balancy, tiny little rare crystal crimpers (which for some reason I love). I did take a baby whipper. But it actually wasn't bad.

I am ready for the Gunks, which is next weekend ahhhhh!! It may rain, but hopefully it will hold off in New York. I am excited to have an awesome travel/climbing partner plus the promise of staying with Katie and Dustin, who are super strong climbers themselves.

Stoked.