Escape from Rossville

So we couldn't really wait any longer for the snow to melt.  On Friday, I traveled with Holly and Drolet to Alabama in search of climbable boulders.  Our first efforts were thwarted by road closings and front wheel drive.  We simply kept going south until we found the perfect spot.  Holly got the car stuck as soon as we arrived, but Drolet and myself were able to save the day by lifting the car off of the snow and placing it on dry pavement (more or less).  The topouts were still covered in snow, but we managed to clear off just enough to top out several boulders.  Conditions were perfect!  Holly and I warmed up quickly and started real rock climbing while Drolet took his sweet time playing on jugs.  I hopped on Dog Laudanum (7c+) and managed to fire it off after a handful of goes!  This was really cool for me because I had never stuck the crux move before and it was one of my weaknesses.  Holly was trying a really great problem called Unlocked (7c).  She worked out all of the moves on a previous trip and just had to put it all together.  Her shoe kept slipping off, so she socked up and taped her shoe to her leg (looked really cool).  She gave it several really good attempts but kept falling on the same move from the start. 

Holly McMullen setting up for the crux on Unlocked

Drolet finished warming up and started trying Unlocked Low (7c).  It adds about 9 moves to the problem and looks like it flows really well.  He was getting really close each time, but couldn't quite finish it out.  We all decided to take a break from the boulder and head over to a problem called JH (7c+).  Drolet made some good progress and I was able to repeat.  We also heard about a little roof climb called Green Smile (7b+) and we decided to check it out.  Nate and I sent with considerable help from Holly (the designated anit-dabbing assistant).  She was not psyched that the crux was getting on the wall (height dependent, seriously), so she saved her energy for Unlocked.  Drolet managed to send Unlocked Low and said it didn't quite merit an extra grade.  Holly got super close and definitely could have sent, but it was getting dark.  The Darkness is something to be feared in this boulder field.  We found 2 deer legs, heard scary noises, stories of ghosts and crazies, and decided to leave while we could.