Splitter Camp Day Two

The day started with a couple of laybacking routes. I think that the problems I’ve had with my elbow are related to laybacking so I took these pretty easily. The first was no problem but the second proved to be more of a challenge. We then climbed the Jolly Rancher, 5.10, a fantastic endurance splitter which required tying two ropes together to top rope. It was varied and epitomised what Indian Creek climbing was all about. We had to concentrate on everything we had previously been told and combine almost all of the techniques as the crack varied from a size where we could barely squeeze our hands in to one where they felt loose within the crack. Two of us (Dennis and I) flashed this and Dave Medara (the instructor) seemed pretty impressed and decided that it was time to put us on something hard - the wildly overhanging route of Spagetti Western (5.11+). The list of routes Short and stupid 5.9 Skidmarks 5.10 Jolly Rancher 5.10 Spagetti Western 5.11+ (1 fall, three rests) Pinjon Pining first pitch 5.7 Chambered Round 5.10

Concentrating on the footwork necessary to climb sustained cracks

Nearing a quarter way of up Jolly Rancher

The unbelievably challenging Spagetti Western. I actually climbed all that is visible in the photo with only one fall. However, I was so completely spent that I needed three rests to complete the route. This is Dennis not me in the photo.