After a nice night along forest road 280, Ann and I make our way to the Las Conchas trailhead for some climbing. This is a lush, forested area along the East Fork Jemez River, whose headwaters flow from the caldera of a long-since-blown volcano. We cling to the remaining volcanic walls here, while hikers, fishers, campers, and volunteer bridge builders busy themselves along the river. It’s a nice, slow-paced day to get a few routes in and hang out with friends who join us during the day.

Cow Flop Crack 5.8

My first trad lead in a while, this is a good route to ease back into it, with good face holds to supplement the meandering crack.

Bovine Inspiration 5.9

A very nice sport route with a good variety of moves over a series of bulges.

Hollywood Tim 5.9+

Ann gets her lead head on with this somewhat intimidating route with spaced-out buckets on an arete.

Pumping Huecos 5.10d

A great overhanging jug that I give my best shot, but can’t quite get past the final overhang. Ann finishes it for me, swearing that I was done with all the hard moves…