Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 16, 2018 - 04:15pm PT
I just have to fess up. A 5.11 climber is someone who can on-sight 5.11 more often than not. I am no longer he or she. I haven't given up on getting back there. I'm not far off. Fifteen percent more intestinal fortitude would probably get me there. On the other hand, I realistically haven't been there for several years (I'm 61).
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been several years' since my last confession. These are my sins. -- For the life of me, Father, 5.11 seems hard as shit!
For my entire adult life, I have identified with being a 5.11 climber. I know that the grades continue to advance, but I would have to think that the majority of climbers still respect 5.11. It made me feel special when other parts of my life were not going so well. I just always thought that I would be able to climb 5.11. Alas!
That’s funny, I was just pointing out some hard OW climbs yesterday and yapping about watching you swim up some scary stuff at Indian creek in a flash. Is it possible our OW heros are mortal??? Nooooooo!!!!
A 5.11 climber is someone who can on-sight 5.11 more often than not
It's refreshing to here some people still believe that. To me it's to onsight 90% or better, regardless of type of climbing, to be a climber of any given grade.
I can't count the number of 5.whatever climbers I've watched bolt to bolt and hang on that same grade over the last few years. It's insane.
Maybe it's an old school thing but it's an old school thing a believe in firmly. Don't call yourself a 5.whatever climber unless you very rarely fall at that grade.
Eeyonkee, I do respect 5.11 climbers and I certainly respect you. Somehow your name came up yesterday and Daphne and I were saying to each other what a nice person you are.
You may or may not ever consistently be a 5.11 climber again but nobody who knows you will ever give a s$&t. They just want you to be the partner and friend you always were and always will be.
But I think you’ll get back there.
Phyl (posting from a rest day in Las Vegas)
You're right, Tami. I'm not saying that I am somehow how stuck on this. I'm just noting a realization of mine. I'm trying to put it in perspective based on my personal history. My thought in posting this was that I'll bet there are many like me.
Think of it as a flying license. Yer license is gud for life, but ya needs a current medical to use it.
Oh, and ‘current medical’ means yer head, too. 🤪
Let us know!