Yesterday was day 7.

Self portrait high up on Middle Cathedral Rock

Does that make my new route on Middle Cathedral a grade VI? The funny thing is the route in probably only half way done as far as total work days go. So maybe it will take 14 days, a grade VI+.  If I was smart I would of spent those 7 days  down on the valley floor pebble wrestling (read: bouldering).  Supposedly that is my weakness as told to me by a well know “Professional Climber.”  When I informed him that I had actually been spending more time sport climbing in the last year than I had in the last 15 years he half joked and half stated that I wouldn’t want to work on both of my weakness at the same time….

Dana Drummond contemplating stepping out of the aiders on ground up 5.12 terrain

But what is a weakness?  I can name a few more than the two weaknesses in myself that “Mr. Professional” kindly pointed out.  I’m not a great writer, I hate doing the dishes, I really dislike not being in control, making the bed is like pulling teeth and I never wash the van.  But I’ve found ways to deal with those weakness, I take photo’s instead of write, I only have one bowl, and one plate so I don’t have many dishes to do.  I became a climbing guide so I was always in control and now I work for myself.  I rarely make the bed, Kate just does it for me.  And well washing the van,  I haven’t really figured that one out.  I am ok with how I deal with my weaknesses, I’ve come to terms with them.  The same way I have with bouldering and sport climbing.

Jeremey Collins hand drilling

Does it bother me that I don’t boulder double digits or climb 5.14 sport routes?  No, not at all.  If that is what I wanted that is what I would be doing.  Currently I am doing exactly what I what to be doing, and that is climbing.  Climbing for adventure, climbing to climb a huge rock wall, to hangout with the birds and bask in the excitement of going ground up on a 2,000 ft wall without another route in sight.   But “Mr. Professional” is probably right I should be down on the valley floor pebble wrestling another 15 foot piece of rock covered in people, chalk and beta spray….

Dana Drummond coming down after a long day of whack and dangling