True Story
True Story
About a month ago I was up at Roadside and I had been dieing to do Andromeda Strain. I had walked over there at least 5 times and it was always wet at the top. So finally I decided to just try it regardless of the wetness. It went pretty well, after a bunch of thrutching and less than smooth climbing I made it to the top. Cool I did it. Now I have the rest of the day to do some sport-climbing. So I grab my stick clip and head to the 10 wall. Per usual there are a bunch of people there, but I am not shy I will mix right in. So while I am belaying, the other belayers seem to be really friendly. We are just chit chatting away. But the topics all lean towards "man I would love to learn trad" and "I wish I was rich enough to have a rack". I kept thinking, man this is just weird. So a few hours later we are getting ready to leave roadside. I was taking off my harness and to my suprise I had my stoppers on the back of my harness. I had climbed all the 10's and a bunch of falling on Jersey connection with wires bouncing all over the place. I was really embarrased, what a freakin poser. I am usually the guy who is like "why the hell is that dumb-ass climbing with his keys and watch on a biner on the back of his harness. Silly gumby." Now I don't make fun. He might have just forgot they were back there.
Don't feel bad. On my first trip to the red I tried to lead Dragonslayer on gear!
I had a full rack of cams on me. I later found out that all of those routes were originally done on trad pro but later bolted. But I didn't know that at the time. I was just a massive gumby - I could barely climb 5.10 and I thought that since the bolts were "so far apart" that it must be a mixed route.
I had a full rack of cams on me. I later found out that all of those routes were originally done on trad pro but later bolted. But I didn't know that at the time. I was just a massive gumby - I could barely climb 5.10 and I thought that since the bolts were "so far apart" that it must be a mixed route.
I took a bunch gumbies climbing one time last fall, and one of the guys who came with us is a little strange. This was his first time ever climbing outside. I lead the first route and he went next on top rope. He proceded to put on his harness than strap on a couple draws, biners, some ascenders, a rescue eight, an atc, and some cordelette. All which he bought right before we came. I am not sure what he was preparing for, but he obviously looked like he knew what he was doing. 
I was so embarrased to be belaying for him on a 5.8 which he was flailing up with all that crap on him. I told him it was just weighing him down, but he said he might need it. I didn't want to argue but it is obvious that he would go climbing with me ever again.
I was so embarrased to be belaying for him on a 5.8 which he was flailing up with all that crap on him. I told him it was just weighing him down, but he said he might need it. I didn't want to argue but it is obvious that he would go climbing with me ever again.Living the dream
