We drive up the South St. Vrain creek despite heavy cloud cover, hoping for the best. I retain my optimism, but we set up our tents before starting the hike, just in case. About five minutes into the hike a steady drizzle convinces us to have a beer in the tent before climbing. This works like a charm, for clearing up the weather, and for putting Ann to sleep. Sean and I hike to Punk Rock and Mount Boner, while the weather clears up nicely.

We climb Thieving Bitch 5.8 to start, then Sean cranks out his first ever lead on the excellent Shaking the Pope’s Hand 5.7. I love watching someone experience the thrill of leading for the first time, and Sean is totally stoked. I manage to redpoint Confession 5.11b, starting over after falling off once. My confession on that one is that I probably reached through the one-move crux. It allows me to toprope Smack the Cold Booty 5.11b, a much more sustained, pumpy, and rewarding roof climb, and Side Effects 5.10c, a nice steep face. Ann shows up, well rested, and we climb Five Finger Discount 5.9, a fun, puzzling little route. At this point the drizzle starts in again, but we leave feeling pretty good.