I am stronger than I've ever been. The other day at Jeff and Sam's I did 10 pullups in a row and it wasn't that hard. I don't think I've ever been able to say that. And I don't really know how this happened, I think it's just from climbing quite a bit outdoors lately. And maybe eating more?
I've also been doing pushups, the other day I did 80 for example and then yesterday I did a set till failure right before work. What I'm trying to say is that this has contributed to me being stronger than ever, and combine that with having better tactics than ever means I'm climbing the best I've ever climbed.
Of course, I still get shut down by V3's. But that's fine. Some V3's are hard.
BABY FUCKING ELEPHANT.
That's what I'm here to talk about today, my new project. My new obsession. Baby Elephant V5 in The Treasury, followed hopefully by Baby Elephant Sit V7. I really think Baby Elephant Sit could be my first V7, though maybe I should try the first move before saying that.
Anyway the reason I want to talk about Baby Elephant is because I couldn't find anything written about it.
First, a very quick overview of The Treasury.
If you're coming from Leavenworth, take a right on Tye Road just after cresting Stevens Pass. Then follow Tye Road for 2.3 miles and park on the left just before a big switchback. Or park wherever you want, just off the road. I am not your mother (but I also might be).
To get to the boulders, follow the trail that starts on the north side of the street across from where I said to park. You should see a sign shortly after starting that says "Wellington Trailhead." This is because you have passed through a portal that transports you to Wellington, New Zealand. You are now a kiwi farmer. You say "fish" like "fush."
ANYWAY, follow the trail. Cross a big ass log with hash marks knifed into it. Turn right. Keep following the trail. Eventually on the right, in a clearing by a creek, fairies buzzing all around it and guarded by a grumpy bear named Ovid, you will see the River Boulder. This is home of Baby Elephant, my new proj.
You start on a big ledge, make a "big" move out right, figure out how to get your left heel up (actually quite hard for me), make a really cool move to a sloping edge, and then continue up the arete. It's a classic "big moves between good holds" boulder, AKA my style. So far I've only had one session on it, but I think I've done the crux? Or maybe crux is getting your left heel up and then making the move. Either way I think it will go in the next few sessions, which would be fast and satisfying for a V5 for me. The rock is incredible on this line. The moves are sick. And I can't wait to try the sit after sending the stand. Now, while I'm tempted to say this climb is soft, I think it's just exactly my style. Like I think it's very possible this would be easier for me than say an anti-style V3.
So that's Baby Elephant, for now. More to come after my next mission, which will probably be tomorrow or Sunday.
Happy 4th, y'all.
