This climb is so popular that we shunned it all last year rather than wait in line to climb it. Today we are there early, but still not the first. We decide to wait for it this time, and get ready at our leisure. It’s worth it. Edward’s, 5.7, is a beautiful hand crack. We climb in two pitches for some multipitch practice. The roof move at the top is as awkward and satifying as I remember. We both enjoy the climb immensely, and the weather is made to order. Despite having to wait our turn for this route, there are very few people out climbing.
Rather than come straight down we walk over to the top of Fall Wall, where we drop a toprope on Neon Cowboy, 5.9, a slabby, flaring seam. You would have to be an artist with the small pro to lead this one. Next to it is Mickey Mantle, 5.10b, a dicey slab with intermittant knobs that are a mixed blessing. These routes are enough to wear us out, just in time to head back home for dinner with my dad. We’re blissed out the whole way.