This year we were celebrating Emma’s birthday with a trip to Joshua Tree. Staying in the cute adobe cabin near the West Entrance. Of course Luna had to come over and visit us when we arrived, and every morning.
On our first day in the park we headed over to The Old Woman – it was finally time to tackle the infamous and popular Double Cross. After waiting for other parties ahead of us and making new friends, we got to it. It felt easy to us, and true to grade, but it highlighted our current fitness level, as we felt out of breath climbing it. An easy rappel took us to the ground for some lunch.
For our afternoon adventure we chose Heart and Sole over on Echo. This climb was really intriguing to both of us, and despite feeling a bit intimidated, we went for it. A committing move led to the first bolt, and then I flailed a whole bunch, which I suspect was from being off route. I became fixated on little foot-dishes to the right and below the first bolt, and fell off about seven or eight times attempting to gently traverse over to the easy terrain that led up to the second bolt. Once through this section it was a really fun climb. Delicate face to a lieback flake that took whatever gear you threw at it. I doubled back and built an anchor inline with the crux for communication. Emma struggled as much as me through the crux, but finally got it! She did back off of the ledge walk over to the third bolt, but she did unlock her first 10a crux (–edit: not the actual crux, possibly HARDER than actual route–).
We returned to Playhouse the following day, to get some mellower climbing. Dress Rehearsal is one of our favorites and a great warmup. It’s a fun romp, and this time I sailed up with fewer placements.
To wrap up the weekend we top roped Kline’s Incline. A forgettable 10a slab climb sandwiched between Dress Rehearsal and Stucca by a Yucca. Balancey and crimpy. Emma gave it a go, but didn’t finish. I climbed it but probably wouldn’t repeat, just not that compelling.
Double Cross
5.7 – 95′
with Emma
Wow, we’re out of shape!
#4 in pod protects the opening move over to crack.
Smaller gear to protect transition.
Plenty of #2 and #3 placements up the crack, but options abound.
Easy anchor.
Heart and Sole
5.10a – 70′
with Emma
Heckin’ hard! Probably off route, try going UP after first bolt next time.
Upper section is really fun.
Used C3 and #2 stopper to get to first bolt.
Can clean on rappel after back cleaning some high pro on flake.
Dress Rehearsal
5.7 – 100′
Always fun. Doesn’t need much pro on arete, easy climbing.
Kline’s Incline
5.10a – 80′
Hard, thin, not memorable.
