A day in the Red River Gorge

When I got an invitation to attend a NIH grant writing workshop at the University of Kentucky in Lexington-- I thought to myself, isn't that near the RED? Sure enough, its only an hour drive away.

I managed to fly in a day early so I could check out the climbing. I kept my fingers crossed for good weather. When I arrived on Saturday, it was a level-9 rainstorm, but Sunday was beautiful, sunny and warm. Some of the routes were wet, but I got a good day of climbing. 

Things were occasionally desperate on lead!

Wet rock -- that route is a 5.14c put up by JStar.

 I met up with a couple local guys from Louisville and they showed me around. Super friendly and chill guys. The rock as steep and required some powerful climbing. I was tired from flying, and eating crap food for the past while so I can't day I performed my finest, but it was fun.

One of my guides for the day - Juffrey- nice guy, good climber!

I found the climbing quite stiff, and very pumpy. I hung a fair amount on mid 5.10s, but still had a great time. I think a few days climbing that stuff and I would start to feel at home. I can also see how this area would produce really strong climbers. The routes are long and require both power and endurance.

Some kids on a 5.11b - look how steep up there!

Me on-sighting some steep 5.10

I would love to come back some time, bay for 10-12 days, that way I could actually redpoint and send some things! Maybe one of these years~