Gravitas

Spun up to TRC for a little climbing with Eric, Brian, and a new climbing partner Nico, a Canadian with alpine experience under his belt (welcome!). Climbing was tough tonight, and we all worked on different TRs and leads. Nico got back into the climbing groove (and more importantly, a solid belaying groove). Eric methodically worked a 9 and 9+ (yellow) on lead, with focus on getting good clipping stances, Brian attacked the long and steep angling 10 (turquoise) on lead and a tricky 11 (green) right up an arete up front, and I fumbled through a 10, 11, and a wicked new Obe 12 (hearts on white) on the Mad Russian column. The 12 is great climbing - long reaches, open handed pinches, high feet, and balancey clips down low followed by a series of underclings once you reach the steep underside of the arch; a new project perhaps?

Some re-rating updates (especially for you, Guillaume):
Good news: the red Mad Russian 11 is now a 12
Bad news: Pssst's previously unrated hearts on white is an 11 (!)

Score one for subjectivity, eh? They're all hard to me...

Ended the night waiting out on the street in the LES for AAA to come and let me back into my car, which I had locked myself out of with the engine running. Some observations:
- there are many free cabs at 2 in the morning
- drunk people are less funny when you're sober
- hipsters rock some styling outfits on bicycles
- many construction vehicles look like tow-trucks, especially when you've been waiting hours for one
- don't lock your keys in your car