More climbing in Muir Valley
August 14th:
Got to get some more climbing with David’s friend Karsten Delap (http://www.karstendelap.com/) and his fiancee Maggie Allen. We were introduced the night before when David and Rebecca invited them over for dinner and a campfire, and they invited to tag along at Muir the following morning. Led a couple 5.9′s, and didn’t hesitate top rope some stouter routes. Still breaking into being comfortable with leading in the 5.10+ range - it’s been a long time coming and I’m feeling more confident with every trip to the crag. Soon. Soon.
Karsten is on the American Mountain Guides Board of Directors, was the first person in the South East to achieve the AMGA alpine guide certification, and among other accolades in the guiding and technical rescue fields is an all around solid dude and a great teacher. He had a lot to say and I had a lot to listen to. Some very impressive climbing from Karsten as well. Was a blast to watch him attempt a send on the classic 5.12c Muir Valley test piece ‘Cell Block Six’. Thanks for the great day Karsten and Maggie!
