November 1st

November 1st - Indian Creek

Wendy: Ow. Owie, ouch, ow ow ow. It was a day of pain, but good pain, the kind that puts a smile on your face. We drove back to Indian Creek for another day of climbing the amazing cracks. Today we went to Supercrack Buttress, named because of the amazing “super” cracks that are in abundance in the area. The cracks that we could do are long (over 100 feet), hand width (1-3 inches), super steep, and the only holds are handjams and footjams in the crack

Andy started the morning leading Incredible Hand Crack, a 100 foot 5.10 with a 30 foot overhanging section in the middle. He was nervous, didn’t sleep well last night because he was worried about how the climb would go, but that was all for naught since he cruised the climb and made it look pretty easy. My confidence level is strongly affected by those around me, and Andy’s easy cruise made me feel like I’d be able to do the crack no problem. Which is where the ow’s came in. The crack was just slightly too large for my hands, making the handjams harder for me than Andy. I wormed my way up it, but not without much pain and very very very swollen hands.

We moved over to 3AM crack, an even longer (120 foot) and harder 5.10 crack, but this time many of the jams were too big for both of us.. It was a struggle, and Andy put in 20 pieces of protection (every 6 feet, just like the guidebook recommends :) as he grunted up it. It was a gruntfest for me as well. But still fun.

When we went back to our packs near Incredible Hand Crack, there was a guy roping up to do the crack without shoes on! And I thought it was painful for me….

Now that's a climbing rack!

Wendy, toproping Incredible Hand Crack. The bright streak to the right of the crack is a wear mark from all the climbers over the years. The crack is actually getting wider over time from use. Wendy is about to start up the 30 foot overhanging crux section.

Andy, high up at the anchors after his battle with 3AM crack.

Someone climbing Incredible Hand Crack barefoot!!!! Ow!

Wendy's (outside) and Andy's (taped, inside) hands after a day at Indian Creek. Notice Wendy's two goose eggs. Impressive!

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