Colin bravely joins us as Ann practices driving the BAT up twisty Poudre Canyon. The river is pretty high, enough to make someone on a raft going by scream audibly every few minutes. Which is also high enough to keep us away from the Palace. Crystal Wall is the place to be today anyway, a big shady wall. It’s even a little bit hot in the shade, but not enough to stop us from enjoying some fine climbing. The shady belay also attracts bees to pollinate the berries, and a baby King Snake. More photos on Flickr.

Inyerbuttkwa 5.10c Someone has posted some beta on this route since I got on it sans info last time. This time I pulled a small sidepull off. It went flying and so did I. Colin flashed the route nicely, though, and even convinced me that the thin move on the top of the arete is easier than it looks.

Pitch 1 of Fahrenheit 5.11, 5.10c The highlight of this route is the deadpoint crux about 50 feet up. A real rush if you can make yourself do it, especially after the somewhat pumpy moves below. Fun, fun, fun. A foothold comes off of this one – these routes get their spring cleaning in the summer I think.

Unknown 5.8 – We finish on pitch 1 of the far left route. It’s covered with lichen, but I love the fluid moves on it. Nice and long too, 100 feet of vertical plus some wandering. By the time we finish the sun has arrived – time to head for the river for an icy cool splash.