Highballs and Stuck Saturns

A highball a day keeps the head game at bay.

This is the Southwest arret of Grandma Peabody [5.9]. Not pictured, the 5.6 downclimb that was almost as difficult.

Credit: Sara McFadden

Credit: Sara McFadden

Credit: Sara McFadden

On another day I went to Owens River Gorge with another Sarah to climb Towering Inferno, a 5-pitch 5.11b. It was a spectacular line. If you squint, you can see Sarah at the end of the first pitch, a massive traverse above the cave.

Then Sara left for Utah. Then I got a really bad cold. Then it rained for 2 days. Then I drove my Saturn on top of a rock such that the front wheels were dangling in the air. The last time I did that I was 16 and driving my Mom's car. She was quite upset. This time I have to be upset with myself. I had no plans for the rest of the day so this proved to be a solid way to pass the time.

Lots of jacking up the wheels, adding rocks, jacks falling, frame slamming back on the rock, cursing and drinking beer. 2 hours later the Saturn was free again and I was ready for bed.

Then the next day the sun came out!

There is a women's climbing festival in town this weekend which means the crags will probably be busy. I think I'll spend some time on my website. And maybe another car cooking video!