Flashback to July and remember what it was like to only be four months into the pandemic. Plans had been sidelined for an unforeseen amount of time. Travel was difficult, international travel nearly impossible. As a rock climber who travels frequently, my plans were significantly altered with a large objective going completely unrealized.
We sat on the ledge not saying much as we watched the sun set over the city, we both knew that this was going to be one of the most physical days of climbing either of us had ever done. As the sun set we attempted to get some sleep before the alarms went off at 2:00am.
My former housemate and really good friend Spang texted me on Monday asking if I was in Washington because she decided to last-minute drive up from California. I sent her a couple classic route proposals and the next day we were racking up for Liberty Crack! Gotta love friends that are down for last-minute adventures.
During the tail end of his infinity loop push Jason found himself on a more mellow portion of the Wonderland trail but his pace could only hit 14:30. He knew he should be going much faster but his body was absolutely exhausted. The night before he had slept only 90 minutes.
"In climbing there is so much you can control. From training, to the food you eat, the gear you buy, the knowledge you learn, the skills you possess.... but the weather is that almighty being which ultimately controls all."