Down by the River

Projects excite me! I just love it when something that previously felt impossible turns possible.  I love the anticipation of getting closer and closer on a problem that's at my physical limit.  Then when I finally do send...there aren't too many feelings that compare.  It's refreshing to know that you have the power to accomplish things that are really really REALLY hard for you.   

Near Zion, UT there is a small, STEEP limestone crag next to the Virgin River.  The rock is a little chossy, but the problems are quite spectacular.  I really enjoy the steep, physical, and sustained style.  Lately I've gotten more than a little psyched on a very difficult, very LONG problem put up by pro climber Joe Kinder, called Bovice.  It is far more difficult that anything I've ever done. So we'll see how it goes.  I'm definitely going to have to be patient on this one.

Yesterday we went there with Tommy and Bridget.  Tommy worked on a really cool line named Six Shooter.  Sheralee sent a fun V4 that we've dubbed "The Saw" in about 9.5 tries.  She's getting ready to crush! Go teacher power!!

The Saw

Tommy Six Shooting

Me trying to figure things out on Bovice

Done and done!

Lately I've been getting some really good workouts at the Virgin Cave.

I've been working on my front levers,

(pretty good right? :) )

jumping rope with the many roots lying about,

and taking pictures of Casey actually getting a real workout!

And then last week, HE SENT!!!! It was pretty exciting! I was so glad I got to be there! Way to go Casey! Here's a video we put together with the footage!

Virgin Cave Bouldering: Six Shooter from Sheralee Webb on Vimeo.

Tuesdays at the Cave

We are loving having this cool climbing area so close to home! Casey has Tuesdays off from school so he makes his way out to the Virgin Cave and it's close enough that I can meet him there after I get through teaching. It's powerful, overhanging, endurancy climbing, plus it has really fun movement! Not that I'm strong enough to actually climb any of the really cool stuff out there...but is sure looks like fun! Something to look forward to and keep us motivated to progress! Casey got super close to sending Six Shooter last time, so I'm sure videos of the send are coming just around the corner. Here are some pictures of Casey on Six Shooter and Hector on one that I can't remember the name of right now. I'll edit this post with the name once Casey gets back from his field trip.

Gotta visualize if you're going to send, right?

keepin those fingers dry!

Under the Desert Sun

Here are some pics of another day at Moe's. This time it was fun to have Casey's dad and brother, Corbin and his family, and another Casey from Casey's geology classes! :)

 

Casey has been working hard digging and climbing at the Virgin Cave, which is amazingly only about 15 minutes from our house! It's a cool place. Great rock, fun climbs. Another hard send is in the works! Bryce was also able to make it down this week which was fun of course! We love it when our friends come climb with us.

Bring out the Big Guns!

We have made a great discovery. By we I mean Casey, I was just lucky to be along for the ride! I have the greatest husband. But this is a hard core climbing blog, not a mushy love blog, so I'll stick to the details.

Quick side note... The school district I work for is hosting an exercise competition based on how many minutes each person exercises every day. Apparently one principal in particular exercises a ridiculously large amount of minutes, so we have been busily trying to keep up. Casey is going to win the Wii for us! So on top of climbing, shoveling, and exploring for 3 and 1/2 hours, he came home and worked out for an additional hour or so. Needless to say he is a little tired. He wanted to share his excitement, however, so he dictated and I typed. Here are a few pictures from my phone followed by a quote directly from Mr. Webb himself.

"Can I just say that....I am excited. Nay, super excited. I had seen videos of the Virgin Cave and it had always appeared quite appealing to me. When I found out it was only 15 minutes away from my house I went crazy. I had to go check it out. Today I went and was not disappointed one bit. Actually, that's a lie because I was disappointed to find the that the recent flooding had washed sand right back up below the problem I wanted to try. With a little bit of work I managed to clear away some of the sand (I still have a lot of work to do) and was able to try a few moves on Isaac's problem called Six Shooter. It. Is. AMAZING. I can't wait til I can clear the rest of the sand and try it from the real start. In fact, it's all I can think about! Isn't it great to have a line that inspires you?!" -Casey

MLK weekend was a blast and a movie is on the way! I'm kind of ocd so it might be awhile. The worst part is, I missed the Show of Hands footage. I could probably still cry about it. We're going to make a cool video of it though with our new sweet pads!!! We also got a free beanie and a free chalk bag. Life is good.