Springtime!

This last weekend was a bit of a let down. On Sunday, Crystal and I opted not to pack up all of our ice gear and instead decided to take advantage of the 60 degree temps and head up to the Satellite Boulders at the base of the second flatiron for a bouldering session. On our arrival in the parking lot it was sprinkling and it looked as if clouds were building over the flatirons. After much debate, (mostly by me, Crystal was game) we headed up the 20-30 minute approach. Lucky for us a few patchy sprinkles was all we encountered and by the time we walked out the sky was clear. Just goes to show you have to put yourself in a position to get lucky. We climbed several problems including a few long traverses. On our way out I played around on my long-standing project Aerogel V5 and to my amazement stuck the crux and the last move. I was too whipped to give the whole problem a solid try but I am stoked to head back and put this thing to rest. 

Wasn't looking good initially.

Crystal rocking a V1 on the Sputnik boulder.

 
Now for the disappointing part...
 
That night I was packing for a day of sport climbing in Clear Creek the next day.  As part of the deal making process with Crystal I agreed to fill up my jeep with gas in exchange for taking her car.  On the way back from the gas station I noted a weird noise coming from the jeep. On investigation the Jeep's rear drivers side wheel was about 3 inches farther back then it should be. It turns out the U bolts holding the axle to the leaf springs loosened up causing the axle to shear the spring’s center pin.  The result being the axle walking back on the spring. Needless to say the next two days were spent in the garage and driving back and forth to the 4x4 shop. Now it is fixed and I am looking forward to spending some pent up energy this weekend. I have also renewed my interest in my Jeep and will hopefully get it on the trails now that it’s trailready again.
 

'Til next time, 

-Mike