This past week has seen the temps rise from a freeze warning at night to 90 during the day. Within one week, I dropped the crashpad, picked up the paddle and my thoughts went from V3 to Class III. Now that the best days of the spring climbing season seem to be behind us, its time to climb in the early morning or late afternoon/night, climb on rocks over the lake, or switch activities altogether. I try to keep climbing when it heats up, but the allure of rapids and chilly water draws me to the lakes and rivers nearby. I still like to climb on the home wall in the morning or after dark, and hit the occasional spot on cooler days or in the morning...but I usually stop focusing on climbing for the summer and enjoy a lazy day on the lake or surfing a fun wave while paddling down a river.
Since my Spring Break Extravaganza, I've been focusing more on roped climbing and winding the spring season down easy. I've been able to get out to a local spot a few times, and I also had a chance to hit the South Face with one of my long time climbing buddies. But after focusing and training to peak during my break, my muscles were tired and my tendons felt like they were all about to snap. I couldn't believe that I ticked such hard routes, and don't know if I'll ever be able to climb that hard again, but I was happy to grab them when I could! Now that I've started a rest phase before Portugal and the Font, I plan on paddling as much as possible and getting ready for my wedding. Before I leave the Upstate Bouldering site alone for a little while, I plan on adding 2 more Local Spots and another topo this week...a post for a couple of fun deep water bouldering spots on Lake Keowee and a post for Mt Yonah bouldering, with a supplemental topo.
So, I'm looking for some comments on climbing through the summer or switching to something else like kayaking. What do you guys do? Keep climbing at your normal spots? or Change to different spots? or Stop climbing altogether? Who switches to paddling for the summer?
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Head to the high country of NC! Grandmother, Hawksbill, etc are still not bad! Just head for the shady spots at high elevations and it's doable all summer. I saw my buds climb many 12s and a couple of 13s last summer in July! You'll still sweat fer sure, but it won't sap the life outta you either.
ReplyDeleteWe are getting back from Fontainebleau on July 4th and plan on heading up there a few times during July. We're looking forward to finally being able to spend a little time there instead of just a day trip. I'll drop you a line and get you to show us the classic boulder lines, if you're around.
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