An Evening in the Ewok Forest
It’s a Tuesday night. The air is cool for July but it’s humid and there’s hardly a breeze. I’d love to climb hard but neither my body nor the conditions are up to it. Why do I feel so much weaker in the warmth? As I wander into Boulder Natural with only a small circuit pad, I don’t plan on running into anyone, but I won’t object to sharing the rock. Mosquitos are out in force, the friction is crap. I can barely keep chalk on my hands long enough to finish a problem. Such is bouldering in July, but I’m not alone. It’s a Tuesday in Pawtuckaway after all. After sending 15 problems, I settle in to play tour guide and share some hidden gems. An unnamed problem that I’ve dubbed “NRA” gives everyone a little trouble despite its unassuming appearance and lowly V3 rating. Jugs give way to a balancy and slopey crux mantle that I wish led to more climbing, but it’s fun for what it is and certainly not a gym climb. Kalbro scares the shit out of everyone, including me as I decide to slip on my shoes once more and climb the striking fin of rock. It’s been years since I’ve even touched it, and while it may feel easier, it’s still terrifying. Chalkless slopers and a less-than-pleasant landing have a way of making the topout extremely thrilling. With the light slipping away, I lead the way to the embarrassing Monkey Press and realize that I’ve sandbagged everyone as I slip off the horrible crimp seam. On any given day, it’s harder than the topout of Ride the Lightning and all I can do is shake my head and try again. We all look forward to Autumn, but for now, this is the Tuesday we’re given.
