Well its been a few days and they have taken there toll on both me and llion, we have managed to climb everyday, from a few days ago scaling the 1st Flatiron just above boulder, a fantastic 10 pitch 5.8. Followed by a drive across the Rockies to land us in Fruita and set us up to scale Otto’s Route up the Independence Monument.
We woke to find one of llions toes the size of his big toe, he managed to break it stubbing it on the way off the Flatiron. He forged on and we made the long walk (1hr) to the sandstone tower that this legend called Otto. Now think Otto in ‘Fish Called Wanda’ kinda crazy. As in the 1920’s he basically chipped his way up the monument, which is now a fantastic 5.8. My small camera had run out of batteries so no climbing shots, however the top pitch was incredible.
Otto had literally cut steps to the top mushroom, and then cut holds through the overhang. Absolute genius.
Anyway we then had to hike out, about 2 hours in an oven, despite taking on loads of fluids I was basically destroyed by the heat, and nearly collapsed when we reached the car, a short drive to climb the Awesome ancient art, meant I was out in the heat all evening, and got me some heat stroke. llion looked after me well, as I basically slept in the shade.
Anyway its 11.30 am and we have already been up and down ancient art in the the cool shade, before heading to Moab, which is really really hot. Not sure we will be able to climb after 12noon due to the heat. Anyway we hare thinking of having a rest day, as we have climbed about 6-8 pitches a day on average, as well as all the hiking in and out.