Thursday, 13 March 2008 - A bit of lucky weather

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a bit of lucky weather.

Here is a summary of today's crazy weather:
- Morning snow.
- Noontime sun.
- Afternoon gusts.
- Nighttime storm.

The weather. As climbers, S and I are obsessed with the weather. The worst forecasts involve precipitation. You can climb in the cold and wind, but not on wet rock - it's unsafe for obvious reasons and you can damage the route if the sandstone isn't completely dry.

S is usually concerned about the timing of our next climbing adventure, about losing momentum and "sharpness" if we wait too long between climbs. Two days are optimal. He faithfully records the details of our exploits and knows how many times we've climbed here or bouldered there. As a last, last resort, we climb indoors.

Today, as luck would have it (and we really feel lucky), we escape the indoors and enjoy an intense mid-afternoon bouldering adventure and hike (T's reward for behaving while we climb). I don't mind the shortened session - my shoulders and back are still a little stiff (but not sore) from Tuesday's outing. Still, I climb really well and send routes that gave me problems on Tuesday.

As the winds pick up and storm clouds gather, we finish climbing and begin T's hike. We march quickly up the steep grade as the sun begins its slow descent behind the Front Range. Shadows fall across the valley.

I sigh, relieved that we managed to get in one more climbing session this week. Another snowstorm will visit tonight.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.