So after that stress of the insurance debacle Kate and I went to "Split Rock" at Ring Mountain Recreation Area on the border between Corte Madera and Tiburon. The outcrop is southwest-facing and presents ample opportunities for learning what promises to be an inexpensive, physical, and enjoyable activity. I think I'm into this.
We were "top roping", meaning that the rope is fixed to a point above prior to the start of climbing. This is opposed to "lead climbing", where the first climber places mechanical fasteners of various types in the rock and then clips the rope into that protection. Lead climbing is the technique used to climb very tall rock faces and when it is not possible to reach the top of the rock face at the start of the climb. At Split Rock you can simply walk around the rock and climb onto the top of it, setting up protection at the top. Easy and safe.
We had sun, wind (!), and fun climbing, but Kate is so patient with me... she worked at rowing camp from 9-6 and then met me at the rock to set up the anchors and belay ("hold the other end of the rope when you climb"). I spent the day in front of the computer, running a computer model and editing code. It was not physically demanding and I was able to get up an go to the post office in the middle of the day, where Kate was not able to be OFF for even a little bit. The rock is empty on some weeknights, but perhaps if I can learn how to set thigns up safely I can get it ready for her and then she can just show up and climb, rather than doing everything. Join me in shouting "KATE ROCKS!". Glad I married her before she knew what she was in for.
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