July 1-16: Climbing in WV, NC, and TN

I took a two-week road trip with some climbers from Florida (yes they
do exist!) earlier this month. We climbed at the New/Summersville for
five days, most of them flew back home afterwards. I went on to climb
at Seneca with James for five more days, then met up with my ride Joe
in DC. We drove to Looking Class, climbed there for three days, and
onward to climb in Foster Falls for two days. Considering the weather
on the east coast in summer (hot, humid, and often raining), it was a
good trip. It was good to get on some real rock again.

The best part of my trip was probably leading West Pole (5.7+) at
Seneca. I first followed Hung up this route two years ago on my first
trad experience. The overhang on the second pitch was so intimidating,
it took five minutes standing under the roof for me to work up the
courage and commit to the moves. It has been my goal to come back and
lead this climb ever since I started leading trad, and it was a great
feeling to finally have done it.

James is leading really well these days, while we were there he first
led Castor (5.10a), then Sunshine (5.10a). Both were great leads on
his part. I struggled up Sunshine on toprope two years ago after Hung,
this time around it felt much easier, I guess it means I have been
improving as a climber, even though I don't feel it. But it will be a
while before I'm willing to lead this route. I have just started
pushing my lead on sport and falling on bolts, it will be a while
before I'm willing to commit to moves at my limit above microwire
placements.

Maybe next time I'm back in Seneca, I'll be ready to lead some 5.10s.

Joe following on the first pitch of Second Coming (5.7, 2 pitches). Looking Glass, North Carolina